| Anne Vogt Jewelry fine handcrafted sterling silver jewelry featuring rare and unusual gemstones |
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About the Stones
COBALTOCALCITE
Description: A striking pink (Peptobismal pink) color marked by a beautiful
crystalline surface. So rare and recently discovered, I can't find it in my
geological reference books. My stonecutters tell me that it is difficult to
obtain, and that the best bright colored rock is completely mined out. Colors
vary from the best bright pink to plum and pale pink. I have a rough time
getting a hold of this stone!
Origin: One single deposit has been discovered so far. It is found sprinkled
in an African malachite mine in Zaire/Congo. Very little remains in the mine.
Hardness: A softer stone, probably a 3 or 4 on Moh's hardness scale
where 10 is a diamond. Not good for rings or bracelets.
Care: A silver polishing cloth will keep the jewelry shiny while not
damaging the stone. Store beside other jewelry, not under a pile. No
ultrasonic or harsh chemicals or cleaners.
Description: A striking pink (Peptobismal pink) color marked by a beautiful
crystalline surface. So rare and recently discovered, I can't find it in my
geological reference books. My stonecutters tell me that it is difficult to
obtain, and that the best bright colored rock is completely mined out. Colors
vary from the best bright pink to plum and pale pink. I have a rough time
getting a hold of this stone!
Origin: One single deposit has been discovered so far. It is found sprinkled
in an African malachite mine in Zaire/Congo. Very little remains in the mine.
Hardness: A softer stone, probably a 3 or 4 on Moh's hardness scale
where 10 is a diamond. Not good for rings or bracelets.
Care: A silver polishing cloth will keep the jewelry shiny while not
damaging the stone. Store beside other jewelry, not under a pile. No
ultrasonic or harsh chemicals or cleaners.
CHRYSOCOLLA
Description: Often confused with turquoise. An aqua color that often has
green (malachite) and blue (azurite) naturally combined.
Origin: Found in the copper mine in Morena, Arizona. The mine has
recently closed and cutters are now getting the rock from the old mine tailings.
Geology: Copper bearing mineral found wherever copper deposits occur,
especially in areas of Arizona and Chili, and reportedly in Zaire, Australia,
France, and England.
Hardness: Soft for jewelry unless used in earrings and pendants. If formed
in quartz, it becomes harder. Hardness 2-4 on a 10 point scale where a 10 is
a diamond.
Description: Often confused with turquoise. An aqua color that often has
green (malachite) and blue (azurite) naturally combined.
Origin: Found in the copper mine in Morena, Arizona. The mine has
recently closed and cutters are now getting the rock from the old mine tailings.
Geology: Copper bearing mineral found wherever copper deposits occur,
especially in areas of Arizona and Chili, and reportedly in Zaire, Australia,
France, and England.
Hardness: Soft for jewelry unless used in earrings and pendants. If formed
in quartz, it becomes harder. Hardness 2-4 on a 10 point scale where a 10 is
a diamond.
ANDRADITE GARNET
Description: A rare crystalline garnet from Russia. Colors range from
wine red, yellow, green and brown to black.
Origin: Usually Russia, though other deposits have been found in the U.S.
Geology: Calcium Silicate-metamorphic.
Hardness: 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 on a 10 point scale where 10 is a diamond.
History: Named after J.B. Andracia e Silva, a Brazilian geologist 1763-1838.
Properties: It works to stabilize and enhance the male qualities providing
strength, stamina, and courage. Enhances the attractive aspects in
relationships and brings into ones life that which is essential for ones
development.
Description: A rare crystalline garnet from Russia. Colors range from
wine red, yellow, green and brown to black.
Origin: Usually Russia, though other deposits have been found in the U.S.
Geology: Calcium Silicate-metamorphic.
Hardness: 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 on a 10 point scale where 10 is a diamond.
History: Named after J.B. Andracia e Silva, a Brazilian geologist 1763-1838.
Properties: It works to stabilize and enhance the male qualities providing
strength, stamina, and courage. Enhances the attractive aspects in
relationships and brings into ones life that which is essential for ones
development.
AZURITE-MALACHITE
Description: A natural combination of the blue azurite and green malachite
stones that occur in a copper mine.
Origin: Morenci, Arizona. A second mine source in Bisbee, Arizona has
been closed.
Geology: Copper ores. Basic copper carbonate.
Hardness: 3-1/2 to 4. A softer stone. Take care with stones set in rings or
bracelets. Store separately. No harsh cleaners.
History: Malachite - It's name is from the Greek "maloche" or "mallow" in
allusiai to it's color. Azurite- It's name is from the azure-blue color.
Properties: Allows one to reach inner depths without fear. Produces a flow
to actions an a willingness towards flexibility. Gives comfort by calming
anxieties. Can be used to enhance flexibility in motion and to treat disorders
associated with the skin, bones, teeth and circulatory system. Assists in the
preventions of ulcers, asthma, and stress related problems.
Description: A natural combination of the blue azurite and green malachite
stones that occur in a copper mine.
Origin: Morenci, Arizona. A second mine source in Bisbee, Arizona has
been closed.
Geology: Copper ores. Basic copper carbonate.
Hardness: 3-1/2 to 4. A softer stone. Take care with stones set in rings or
bracelets. Store separately. No harsh cleaners.
History: Malachite - It's name is from the Greek "maloche" or "mallow" in
allusiai to it's color. Azurite- It's name is from the azure-blue color.
Properties: Allows one to reach inner depths without fear. Produces a flow
to actions an a willingness towards flexibility. Gives comfort by calming
anxieties. Can be used to enhance flexibility in motion and to treat disorders
associated with the skin, bones, teeth and circulatory system. Assists in the
preventions of ulcers, asthma, and stress related problems.
Citron Magnesite (formely known as Citron Chrysoprase)
Description: An opalescent apple-green color. Can be cloudy (opaque), but
better quality stones are brighter and more translucent. Often mistaken for
jade.
Origin: Primarily Australia, though other deposits recorded include Arizona,
California, Oregon, and the Ural Mountains.
Geology: Chalcedony- a variety of quartz.
Hardness: 7 on Moh's 10 point scale, where a 10 is a diamond.
History: Used by the Greeks, Romans, and the Egyptians in jewelry and
other ornamental objects.
Properties: Gentle, soothing, friendly, spiritual protection. Prevents
depression. Increases grace and equilibrium.
Description: An opalescent apple-green color. Can be cloudy (opaque), but
better quality stones are brighter and more translucent. Often mistaken for
jade.
Origin: Primarily Australia, though other deposits recorded include Arizona,
California, Oregon, and the Ural Mountains.
Geology: Chalcedony- a variety of quartz.
Hardness: 7 on Moh's 10 point scale, where a 10 is a diamond.
History: Used by the Greeks, Romans, and the Egyptians in jewelry and
other ornamental objects.
Properties: Gentle, soothing, friendly, spiritual protection. Prevents
depression. Increases grace and equilibrium.
CHINESE WRITING STONE
Description: This rare and unusual stone has pale green or creamy crystals
deposited in a dark green (which often looks black) matrix. The effect of
these random crystal formations resembles the Chinese characters of the
written language, hence the name.
Origin: Only one deposit has existed in the Auburn, California region of the
foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Geology: One source reports the matrix is limestone and the crystals are
andalusite. Another says the crystals are feldspar and the matrix is basalt.
Hardness: Relatively hard - a 5 to 6 on Moh's 10 point scale of hardness.
History: One of the rarest stones I carry! Found during highway
construction in the 1960's. That source was completely mined out. No other
deposit has been found.
Care: No special care is required. A silver polishing cloth is recommended
to keep the metal shiny.
Description: This rare and unusual stone has pale green or creamy crystals
deposited in a dark green (which often looks black) matrix. The effect of
these random crystal formations resembles the Chinese characters of the
written language, hence the name.
Origin: Only one deposit has existed in the Auburn, California region of the
foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Geology: One source reports the matrix is limestone and the crystals are
andalusite. Another says the crystals are feldspar and the matrix is basalt.
Hardness: Relatively hard - a 5 to 6 on Moh's 10 point scale of hardness.
History: One of the rarest stones I carry! Found during highway
construction in the 1960's. That source was completely mined out. No other
deposit has been found.
Care: No special care is required. A silver polishing cloth is recommended
to keep the metal shiny.
RUSSIAN RAINBOW PYRITE
- a multi-colored crystalline stone
- this drusy gemstone is mined in Russia
- hardness . . . not listed. Other pyrites are 6
- a multi-colored crystalline stone
- this drusy gemstone is mined in Russia
- hardness . . . not listed. Other pyrites are 6
DALMATIAN JASPER
Description: A beige background is marked by laack and brown spotted
deposits, creating a "dalmation-like" or "leapord-like" surface.
Origin: Chihuahua, Mexico.
Hardness: Similar to a jasper in hardness, probably a 5-6. Very durable.
Care: A durable, low-maintenance stone. Polishing cloth for the silver.
Description: A beige background is marked by laack and brown spotted
deposits, creating a "dalmation-like" or "leapord-like" surface.
Origin: Chihuahua, Mexico.
Hardness: Similar to a jasper in hardness, probably a 5-6. Very durable.
Care: A durable, low-maintenance stone. Polishing cloth for the silver.
UVAROVITE
- a rare crystalline garnet found in the Ural
mountains of Russia
- considered a drusy gemstone, with fine crystals
forming on the surface
- a rare crystalline garnet found in the Ural
mountains of Russia
- considered a drusy gemstone, with fine crystals
forming on the surface
EUDIALYTE
- a colorful combination of red, white, and black deposits
- mined in Quebec and Russia
- a colorful combination of red, white, and black deposits
- mined in Quebec and Russia
AMMOLITE
Description: A colorful, rare mineralized fossil with an opal-like color
change of red, green, and sometimes blue or purple. Fiery, iridescent. Each
piece is on of a kind.
Origin: Discovered in southern Alberta, Canada. More than 70 million
years old.
Geology: Created from a life form called "ammonite" that roamed the
subtropical seas that bordered the Rocky Mountains. Fossilization of the
ammonite in iridescent hues, created this new gem. In 1981, the International
Colored Gemstone Commission recognized the organic gemstones as
ammolite. Only limited quantities are available, thereby enhancing the value.
Care: Some ammolite stones are protected by a spine or quartz cover and
need no special care. Natural ammolite gemstones, like pearls, are delicate
and should be stored separately from other jewelry to protect them from
scratching. Polish silver with a silver polishing cloth.
Description: A colorful, rare mineralized fossil with an opal-like color
change of red, green, and sometimes blue or purple. Fiery, iridescent. Each
piece is on of a kind.
Origin: Discovered in southern Alberta, Canada. More than 70 million
years old.
Geology: Created from a life form called "ammonite" that roamed the
subtropical seas that bordered the Rocky Mountains. Fossilization of the
ammonite in iridescent hues, created this new gem. In 1981, the International
Colored Gemstone Commission recognized the organic gemstones as
ammolite. Only limited quantities are available, thereby enhancing the value.
Care: Some ammolite stones are protected by a spine or quartz cover and
need no special care. Natural ammolite gemstones, like pearls, are delicate
and should be stored separately from other jewelry to protect them from
scratching. Polish silver with a silver polishing cloth.
OCEAN JASPER
- recently found in Madagascar
- called "Ocean" jasper because it is accessible at low tide along the
ocean
- a durable stone requiring no special care
- recently found in Madagascar
- called "Ocean" jasper because it is accessible at low tide along the
ocean
- a durable stone requiring no special care
PICTURE JASPER
- all jasper has become quite scarce
- not all jasper is scenic
- scenes are naturally formed - not painted
- brown jasper from Biggs Junction, Oregon is the
rarest. It was mined out during highway construction in the
70's when the land owner stashed the stone in steel drums and
buried them on his land - each year he would dig up a drum
and sell off the stones to cutters.
- other jaspers are being mined but are scarce
- the known jaspers are found in the Pacific Northwest
- all jasper has become quite scarce
- not all jasper is scenic
- scenes are naturally formed - not painted
- brown jasper from Biggs Junction, Oregon is the
rarest. It was mined out during highway construction in the
70's when the land owner stashed the stone in steel drums and
buried them on his land - each year he would dig up a drum
and sell off the stones to cutters.
- other jaspers are being mined but are scarce
- the known jaspers are found in the Pacific Northwest