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Chrysocolla

Posted by Laura Greenshields on

Chrysocolla

Composition   The composition of the Chrysocolla has been identified by mineral research as a combination of copper hydroxide and chalcedony developed by the oxidation of copper sulfides in copper ore bodies. Related minerals include granite, limonite, azurite, malachite and copper-bearing minerals such as cuprite. Since it is a light-colored stone, it has been often been misidentified turquoise.     History   Chrysocolla derives its name from the Greek chrysos and kolla, meaning "gold" and "glue," in reference to its use as solder for gold. It was used to make pigments used in the painting of mural tapestries during the Renaissance period.     Healing properties  ...

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Chrysophrase

Posted by Laura Greenshields on

Chrysophrase

Composition   Chrysoprase is a form of chalcedony in which a small amount of nickel is present. Its colour ranges from light green to dark green. The material is made of tiny crystals so tiny they cannot be seen distinctly under standard magnification. Chryso in Greek means 'gold' and prasinon in Russian means 'green.'     History   In medieval times, chrysoprase was etched with the image of a bull in order to shield the wearer and to grant courage. Venus's stone, chrysoprase, was used in Greco-Roman religious rites and was the favored gemstone of Alexander the Great.     Healing properties...

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Citrine

Posted by Laura Greenshields on

Citrine

Composition   Citrine is a type of quartz that varies in colour from light yellow to brown owing to the existence of iron impurities.  Brazil is the top citrine producer, generating a the majority from the state of Rio Grande do Sul.   History   The name citrine derives from the Greek word meaning citron, since many of the oldest crystal findings had a hue identical to the citrus fruit. Citrine was used as jewelry in Greek and Roman cultures going back to the first century A.D. Citrine was used in a brooch made for theDuchess of Windsor, and in her Bulgari Cerchi earrings.  ...

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Coral

Posted by Laura Greenshields on

Coral

Composition   Fossil coral is a natural gemstone that develops over a period of gradual fossilization.  Corals are aquatic mammals, and the fossilized remains of their bones have been preserved for millions of years. A more appropriate term for fossil coral is agatized coral or agatized fossil coral. Agate is a particular category of microcrystalline quartz rather than a kind of coral. Fossil coral  should not be confused for coral that is endangered or protected. Fossil marine coral is more resilient than reef corals. Many agatized fossils show a dull to waxy gloss and fascinating skeletal-like ancient reef designs.   History   The fossilized remnants of...

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Crinoid Fossil

Posted by Laura Greenshields on

Crinoid Fossil

Composition   Crinoids are aquatic organisms that make up the class Crinoidea, which also includes starfish, sea urchins and sea cucumbers.  Some crinoids are connected to the sea floor or to floating driftwood. Often they will get waterlogged and fall to the floor, bringing the attached crinoids with them where they become fossilized. The largest fossil crinoid is more than 50 m tall.   History   Crinodian groups existed as early as the Ordovician period, 480 million years ago. Crinoids that were contained in limestone quarries or washed up on the coast were woven into necklaces, which became popularly known as St. Cuthbert's beads throughout the Middle Ages.    ...

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