My Favorite Gemstones
Welcome to my website on my favorite gemstones. The word gemstone has many definitions depending on the reference you use. To me a gemstone is simply a rock, mineral, or organic material (pearls, amber, or corral) that is used to make jewelry or other ornamentation.
On this website you will find descriptions and pictures of some beautiful stones. You will also find links to other resources and reference information. If your interested in local events, please join my mailing list.
Featured Stones
Amethyst
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz often used as an ornamental stone in jewellery. The name comes from the Ancient Greek a- ("not") and methustos ("intoxicated"), a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness; the ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication.
Moonstone
Moonstone describes any variety of Feldspar with an adularescent sheen. This "sheen" is caused by light reflecting internally in the Moonstone, from layer inclusions of different Feldspars. Polished Moonstone specimens commonly exhibit chatoyancy, and sometimes displays a strong cat's eye. Different Feldspar varieties produce Moonstone. The most common Moonstone is of the mineral Adularia. The Plagioclase Feldspar Oligoclase also produces famous Moonstone specimens. Rarer forms of Moonstone are from the Plagioclase Feldspars Albite and Labradorite.
Moonstone is a popular gem, and comes in an assortment of colors. It is colorless to light blue, and may also be white, yellow, orange, and reddish.