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Gemstone Beads Index
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Click a gemstone name or picture below to shop in our online store, or return to the Menu.
- Stones are alphabetized by family. For example, to find information on Red Creek Jasper look under "J" for "Jasper".
- Not all gemstones listed below are current stock. Some might be unavailable, or only available at our traveling Bead Shows.
- "Also known as" (aka) listings are often misnomers; we list other names we've seen, right or wrong!
- To the best of our knowledge, our gemstones are natural and untreated unless otherwise noted.
- We use the term "dyed" to describe stones to which color has been added through some process. The coloring process does not necessarily involve a colorant like those used for cloth.
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Feldspar
aka Fieldpath Graphic, Graphic Feldspar
Time for some creative problem-solving? Feldspar is known for accentuating this ability, as well as self-awareness. Feldspars are rock-forming minerals that crystallize from magma. Up to 60% of the earth's crust is estimated to be made up of feldspars. In gemstone beads, feldspar describes a smooth gray or tan stone with light or dark inclusions. Batches of this stone are often named for shapes and patterns of the inclusions. For more feldspar gemstone beads, see amazonite, labradorite, moonstone, rhyolite, spectrolite, sunstone and unakite.
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Fluorite
This common and pretty pastel mineral typically occurs in vein deposits. The name fluorite comes from the Latin fluo "(flow") in reference to its use as a flux. A flux is a substance that promotes the flow and combination of other materials, and fluorite is often used in making steel and other metals that require the removal of impurities. Another interesting aspect of the gemstone is its fluorescence in ultraviolet light. In fact, the word "fluorescent" is derived from fluorite.
The stone's color includes green, white, purple and lavender (though alternate yellow forms can be found). These colors have been known to fade with prolonged exposure to sunlight. Fluorite is a soft gemstone, easily scratched by a knife and even by quartz. Never steam or ultrasonically clean fluorite; warm soapy water is your safest bet.
The ancient Egyptians used fluorite in statues and in carving scarabs, and artifacts of carved fluorite were found in the ruins of Pompeii. The Chinese have used it in carvings for more than 300 years, and, in the 18th century, fluorite was powdered in water to relieve the symptoms of kidney disease. This mineral's energy is purported to help the evolution of harmonious, peaceful and organized spiritual growth. It has been said to help clear the mind and heighten mental achievement while increasing the ability to concentrate. Also, it might help one to see the truth behind illusion. Fluorite is used on the body as well, in the treatment of bones, teeth and cell structure. It is purported to help eliminate the discord that causes infection and disease. It also has been used to assist in the prevention and repair of RNA and DNA damage. Major sources of fluorite include England, Switzerland and the U.S.A.
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Fluorite (-014)
aka Blue John, Flourite, Fluor, Fluorospar, Rainbow Fluorite
This is the standard, multicolor fluorite that includes the green, clear and purple colors of the stone.
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Green Fluorite (-082)
aka Pyroemerald
This is a selection of only the green shades of fluorite.
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Yellow Fluorite
This rare form consists of transparent, deep-yellow lustrous crystals. Pyrite inclusions are common in this stone. Fine specimens have been found in the U.S.A. (Illinois), England, Morocco and Canada (Ontario). Yellow fluorite is believed to promote a cooperative connection among members of a group. It is often used to treat unbalanced cholesterol, disorders of the liver and to release toxins from fatty deposits within the body.
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Why can't I click on some stone names?
Some stones are not currently part of our regular stock, meaning we don't sell them in our wholesale catalog or online. However, these may still be available on our traveling Bead Show, which stops at more than 50 U.S. cities each year.
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