Gemstones beginning with A

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• This index includes a wide variety of information about all of the gemstones from which our wholesale beads are made, including some that are not currently stocked but might be reordered in the future.
• Stones are listed in alphabetical order, grouped by family; for instance, Botswana Agate is listed under Agate, and Red Snowflake Obsidian under Obsidian.
• The "also known as" (aka) listings are often misnomers; we're just letting you know of other names we've seen (right or wrong!).
• To the best of our knowledge, all of 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 or another. The stone coloring process does not necessarily involve a colorant like those used for cloth.

	Abalone Shell (-037) aka Ear Shell Abalones are members of the Gastropoda class of mollusks that have one-piece shells. Abalone shells have a dichroic, tortoise-like appearance. Native Americans in the U.S.A. and Canada often use abalone shells for smudging ceremonies. The animals live along the coastal waters of every major continent with the exception of South America and the East Coast of North America. The greatest number of species are located off the coasts of Australia, Japan and western North America. Also see paua shell.
	Agate No gemstone is more creatively striped by nature than agate. This distinct and dramatically banded variety of chalcedony is composed of quartz layers. This composition varies greatly and can be of many colors. The other chalcedony family, jasper, has less-regular patterns and is less defined than the agates. Another difference between the two is that agates tend to be translucent (or at least contain translucent bands), while jaspers are generally opaque. This distinction stems from agate being composed of microscopic "fibers" of crystalline quartz while jasper is made of microscopic "grains" of crystalline quartz. Each individual agate forms by filling a cavity in a host rock. As a result, agate often is found as a round nodule with concentric bands like the rings of a tree trunk. It is said to be named for the place it first was found — along the River Achates (now called the River Drillo) in Sicily. In ancient times, agate was highly valued as a talisman or amulet. It was said to quench thirst and protect from fever. Persian magicians used agate to divert storms. Some believe agate renders the wearer invisible, and due to its strength and durability, it is used for making ornaments or for astrological purposes. Agate is a cooling stone and is said to cure insomnia, protect against danger, promote strength and healing, and ensure a healthy life. The major sources of agate are Australia, Canada, Mexico and the U.S.A. The gemstones of Maryland (Patuxent River Stone), Minnesota (Lake Superior agate) and South Dakota (Fairburn agate) are all agates.
	For more agate, see carnelian, onyx.
		Arizona Striped Agate (-135) This stone is a striped agate from the southwestern U.S.A.
		Banded Agate The bands in this stone are generally simple and clean. Common colors found in nature are gray, white and shades of red. Green, yellow and black also occur naturally, or can be enhanced by a variety of treatments depending on what color is desired (see carnelian). Green-banded agate was popular during Victorian times and is therefore found in many antique rings and brooches.
		Black-Banded Agate aka Black and White Chalcedony, Striped Agate, Stripped Agate A black agate with distinctive white, gray and occasionally brown stripes. Black-banded agate occurs naturally, but is often enhanced to deepen its color.
		Blood Agate aka Pigeon Blood Agate, Red Agate This variety of agate displays an eerie combination of milky white and blood red with yellow or black inclusions. Blood agate was worn in ancient Rome to ward off insect bites and heal the bloodstream.
		Blue Lace Agate (-005) Agate with light blue bands in a lacy or wavy pattern is known by this name. It is said to lighten situations and nurture maternal impulses.
	more examples	Botswana Agate (-102) This agate hails from the African country Botswana. Banded with fine, parallel lines of tan, mahogany, pink and white, this gemstone may be almost mined out. In recent years, we have seen less rough (uncut) stone, and prices on both the finished beads and rough stone have increased. Beads are often, but not always, paler in color that what we've previously stocked.
		Boulder Opal Agate The term "agate opal" refers to both opals with agate-like bands of color and agates with alternating bands of common opal. We believe our boulder opal is the latter. These strands include many warm earthy colors of beads, some of which are banded and others that are fairly uniform in color.
		Condor Agate (-157) Discovered in 1992, this stone comes from a difficult-to-reach 7,000-foot elevated plateau in Patagonia, Argentina. The agate's bright reds and yellows are made even more vivid by their contrasting bands of cooler, more-subtle hues. It is named after the bird of the Andes.
		Crazy Lace Agate (-153) aka Fashion Jasper This agate is composed of twisting and turning ("crazy") bands of various colors. Our crazy lace agate beads are most commonly yellow and gray, and sometimes are shades of pink, tan, orange or red with gray.
		Earth Agate Naturally white, tan and gray with hints of red, it is easy to see how earth agate got its name!
		Fire Dragon-Fruit Agate aka Dragon-Fruit Agate Fire dragon-fruit agate is a cloudy and translucent gray stone with dark speckles. The speckles, which are most likely formed by magnesium oxide, are what make this stone look so much like the flesh of dragon fruit.
		Fossil Agate Formed naturally as a replacement of organic material, fossil agate is often neutral grays and browns.
		Golden Agate This mottled stone contains yellowish hues that include red, honey, brown and specks of black and white. Interestingly, an amber-colored type of heat-sensitive glass invented in the late 1800s was also named golden agate. The Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Company used the material for its famous "Holly" pattern for a short time afterward, until a fire destroyed the factory. Golden agate stone is believed to promote truth, happiness, intelligence, good manners, prosperity and longevity. It is also thought to assist in the elimination of fear and aid in eloquent use of language.
		Gray Agate (-191) Gray agate is naturally light gray in color, although sometimes it is enhanced with dye to become darker. This stone is believed to reduce negativity and create emotional stability.
		Icy Agate This variety of agate is a wintry combination of navy blue, gray, white and sometimes subtle hints of rose or purple.
		Mexican Crazy Lace Agate Mexican crazy lace agate has thin twisting and turning ("crazy") bands of color, like crazy lace agate, but its unique coloration includes tan, green, pale gray, charcoal, crimson red and plum purple.
		Mexican Green Agate Since agates are often named for where they are discovered, we assume this green stone comes from Mexico, but have been unable to discover much about it. Its color varies from medium olive to dark army green with subtle banding.
		Monaco Agate aka Yellow Fancy Agate Soft, fancy mottled patterns of rosy white, beige, yellow, orange, brown and gray earned this agate its alternate name.
		Montana Agate (-101) Known for its warm, deep browns and oranges, Montana agate is found around the Yellowstone River and its tributaries. Gravel deposits from the Pleistocene Age are the main source.
		Montana Moss Agate Although more translucent, and with different swirls and patterns, than Montana agate, our Montana moss agate draws from the same palette of warm tones. The red comes from iron oxide and the black from manganese oxide. It is found in the Yellowstone National Park area of Montana, U.S.A.
		Moss Agate (-009) aka Mocha Stone This agate has dense inclusions of green hornblende (a basic silicate mineral). Because of its organic appearance, this stone is thought to enhance a love of nature, as well as cleanse the soul and restore wit.
		Natural Agate (-052) aka Multicolor Carnelian This agate variety incorporates shades of butterscotch, orange, yellow and cream.
		Ocean Wave Agate This recently discovered rock from Madagascar was found about 400 yards from a major deposit of ocean jasper. Ocean wave agate has gentle wavy patterns with a wide variety of colors: green, blue, black, red, pink, white, lavender, orange and gold. This material was brought to the U.S. market for the first time at the February 2003 Tucson Show.
		Pink Agate (-190) Partially translucent with opaque pink and cream patterns, pink agate is reported to help strengthen the bonds between parents and children. Although we are told it is natural, our pink agate might be enhanced.
		Russian Lace Agate aka Bamboo Leaf Agate This is a white, yellow and gray agate that also features forest green and rust red hues. Some people describe it as bamboo leaf agate due to its interesting linear patterns, which really do resemble bamboo foliage.
		Tibetan-Style Banded Agate aka Eye Agate The concentric rings on this agate often resemble an eye. It is called "Tibetan-style" because the banding looks similar to the circular patterns of dZi (pronounced "zee") beads, which are highly prized in Asian cultures as amulets. Our Tibetan-style banded agate comes in shades of deep brown and creamy tan.
		Tree Agate (-055) This gemstone is white or off-white dappled with green flecks. It is said to encourage inner peace through certainty and bring awareness of personal strengths, creating security and stability. Its metaphysical power is believed to be effective over a long period of time, thus unsuitable as a quick fix.
more examples	Agatized Fossil Coral aka Agatized Coral, Fossil Agate Coral, Fossilized Agatized Coral, Fossil Coral, Fossilized Coral, Petoskey Agate, Petoskey Stone Agatized fossil coral is scientifically identified as a "chalcedony pseudomorph after coral." In other words, it is ancient coral that gradually turned into the gemstone agate. The process occurred when silica in the ocean water hardened, replacing the limy coral. This massive preservation of coral reefs creates a beautiful fossil, in which the skeletons of the coral appear as tiny "flowers" on the stone. Colors vary widely, depending on the extent of exposure to iron and other elements in the reacting water solutions. Agatized fossil coral typically occurs in gray, brown, black, yellow, white and, on rare occasion, red. Starting in 2008, we first saw the Indonesian fossil coral processed in China enhanced. Using a process similar to that used to make agate a red carnelian color, the beige or buff-colored fossil coral is turned red. We expect to see a lot more enhanced red agatized fossil coral on the market. While most of the agatized coral in the bead marketplace comes from Indonesia, specimens of agatized fossil coral are found in the U.S. states of Florida and Georgia. About 35-45 million years ago, during the Eocene period, Florida was part of the continental shelf and was covered with water. Its reefs contained corals quite different from those today. These corals were simple marine invertebrates that possessed a sac-like body called a polyp, with a mouth and tentacles. They formed a dense outer skeleton of calcium carbonate which, when living in large colonies with thousands of cloned individuals, formed a massive structure. The complex folds in their stomach cavities can be seen in the marvelous detail left behind in their skeletons. Some theorize that these detailed patterns were the inspiration behind millefiori ("thousand flowers") glasswork. Prehistoric corals are believed to have thrived in the same environments that modern corals prefer — clean, warm oceans with normal salinity levels. Corals today share a symbiotic relationship with the algae that cover their body tissue. The algae supply the coral with oxygen, which most likely was the case in prehistoric times as well. The Florida Legislature designated agatized fossil coral as its state stone in 1979. Agatized fossil coral has been worn by humans for many centuries. It was commonly used to ward off the "evil eye." It was also believed to draw luck if used as an ornament in the home. Sailors used coral as a talisman against bad weather. Coral is also associated with the female reproductive system and has been used in ancient healing traditions for women's health problems. Mystics use the stone to support trauma therapy and work through emotional issues from dysfunctional families.
	Amazonite aka Amazon Stone Amazonite is a rare blue-green variety of microcline (a feldspar mineral) used as a semiprecious stone. Its brilliant color was once thought to be caused by copper, but now is attributed to the presence of lead or possibly iron. Amazonite is an opaque stone, often found with white, yellow or gray inclusions and a silky luster or silvery sheen. It takes a relatively good polish, but still maintains a somewhat raw, natural texture that makes it even more appealing to many people. Its name is derived from the Amazon River, although no deposits have been found there. Amazonite should be cleaned in lukewarm soapy water, never with a steamer or ultrasonic cleaner. Abrasives, acids and other chemicals can damage amazonite, as can scratches and sharp blows. The ancient Egyptians and other Middle Eastern cultures made items from amazonite. It also has been found among artifacts of Pre-Columbian Central and South America. The most sought-after amazonite has historically come from Russia, where deposits are found in granite along the Ilmen Mountains. Europeans familiar with the Russian stone confused it with another green stone they saw in South America's Amazon Basin, which later turned out to be a form o nephrite jade. However, the name "Amazon stone," then "amazonite," had already become attached to the green feldspar. The Pike's Peak district of Colorado, U.S.A., became the most important source of amazonite after 1876. When examples of the stone were unveiled at the Centennial Exhibition, their impressive purity and size eventually put competing Russian mineral vendors out of business. Amazonite is believed to have many healing characteristics, including improving your skin, marriage, clarity of thought and social interaction. It is also credited with alleviating muscle spasms, stress and exhaustion. The gemstone is found mainly in the U.S.A., Russia, Madagascar, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Australia.
		Amazonite (-007) The more common, pale blue-green form of this stone. It is frequently mined in the U.S.A.
		Russian Amazonite (-182) This is the brighter, deep teal form of amazonite. Its gray and white striations are often more pronounced than in the paler form. All amazonite of this color is called Russian, because dark amazonite was originally found in that region. Our stock was indeed mined in Russia, but we know of other Russian amazonite samples that look similar but were obtained in Namibia.
	Amber aka Earth Stone, German Gold Amber is the fossilized tree resin of now-extinct conifer trees and ancient pines. Resin, exuded by trees as a protective mechanism against disease and insect infestation, hardened and became preserved in the earth's crust for millions of years. Amber is an amorphous stone, meaning that, like glass, it does not have an ordered structure. It is often imitated by plastics, colored glasses and some modern tree resins, but real amber is much harder than other resins (it doesn't crumble as easily). It can usually be distinguished from plastics and glasses by its inclusions and its ability to float in salt water. Because it is so soft, amber is easily scratched, so store it carefully. It loses its luster when exposed to ether or alcohol (remember most perfumes and hair sprays contain alcohol). Amber beads should be cleaned in lukewarm (not hot) water with a little dishwashing liquid. Afterward, it's helpful to rub on a little vegetable oil. Broken pieces of amber often can be fixed with epoxy, but to help prevent damage in the first place, tie knots between beads so they don't rub together. Though the use of amber for human adornment is nearly as old as mankind, it has experienced a limited market in recent history. Of course, that was before millions of people saw the movie "Jurassic Park," in which dinosaur DNA was extracted from a mosquito trapped in amber. A worldwide surge in demand for amber jewelry followed the film's release. Could a mosquito trapped in amber really hold dinosaur DNA? No. Most amber is 25 to 50 million years old at most — the dinosaurs died out 65 million years ago. Another lesson in history: the Greeks called amber elektron, or "sunmade," perhaps because it becomes electrically charged when rubbed with a cloth and can attract small particles. And, in The Odyssey, Homer mentions amber jewelry as a princely gift. Metaphysically, amber is said to bring luck, as well as improve eyesight and ease glandular swellings of the throat and lungs. It also is supposed to balance the endocrine and digestive networks. Major sources of this stone include the Baltic Coast, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Russia and the U.S.A. (New Jersey).
		Amber (-122) This is geniune, solid amber.
		Compressed Amber aka Pressed Amber Compressed amber appears on the market in two different forms. In one, little bits of amber are heated and reshaped together into beads — sometimes fraudulently, if the beads are not labeled as being reformed. And then there is the type we carry: tiny chips of real amber, in a range of shades, bonded together with a white resin. Some see it as a beautiful or funky mosaic, while others feel it is too reminiscent of a 1970s lamp!
	Amber Stone (-081) This gemstone is not true amber, but actually a natural yellow opal from Africa.
	Amethyst Amethyst is the most highly prized variety of quartz and if not for its widespread availability, would be very expensive. With its luscious color, it is the official birthstone for February and one of our best-selling gemstones. (Also growing in popularity on the market is a blend of amethyst and citrine, dubbed "ametrine," which is often heat-treated.) Amethyst is formed in silica-rich liquids deposited in gas cavities (geodes) in lava. It occurs in crystalline masses, but the crystals are generally not well developed, so they are generally found as clusters of crystal points. Though geodes are the best place to locate amethysts, they also sometimes grow as stalactites. The stone's name is derived from the Greek word amethystos, meaning "not drunken," because people of ancient times believed it to protect the wearer from drunkenness. For this reason, wine goblets often were carved from it! Some amethysts will lose their color in sunlight, so keep them away from direct exposure to help maintain their rich purple. Fortunately, the original color of amethyst can be restored by X-ray radiation; so next time you get an X-ray, ask if the technician will let you bring some amethyst along! In addition to "preventing" drunkenness, people also once thought the stone encouraged celibacy and symbolized piety. Amethyst was therefore very important in the ornamentation of churches in the Middle Ages. Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that amethyst had the power to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken intelligence. The stone also makes an appearance in L.M. Montgomery's classic book Anne of Green Gables, in which Anne admires an amethyst brooch; she explains that she once thought diamonds must be this beautiful purple color, and cried when she learned they were just plain white. In Tibet, amethyst is considered sacred to Buddha, and rosaries are often fashioned from it. Western mystics say the stone helps instill the highest ideals and urges one to do what is right. They also claim amethyst cures impatience, alleviates feelings of victimization, balances high energy, eliminates chaos and helps keep one grounded. The official state gemstone of the state of Georgia, amethyst is mined in the U.S.A., Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Argentina, Zambia, Namibia and other African countries. For more, see our lab-grown amethyst, which has the same chemical, physical and optical characteristics as its natural counterpart.
		A-Grade Amethyst (-001-A) This superb-quality amethyst has a beautiful color, composition and polish.
		Amethyst (-001, -001-B) Medium-quality (AB-B grade) amethyst.
		Lavender Amethyst (-003) aka Cape Amethyst This is a pale purple, subtly striped variety of amethyst. It is lower grade, and thus of lower value, than darker, translucent amethyst, yet provides an unusual and pleasant pastel touch.
		Matte Amethyst (-001-M) These amethyst beads have a grittier, less shiny finish due to how they are made. The round beads are made from roughly cut cubes of stone, then placed between two grooved grinding disks. The disks rotate against each other in a wet slurry of grinding compound and make round beads based on the size of the grooves.
	Andalusite Named after Andalucia, Spain, where it was first discovered, andalusite displays many different colors; the angle of light refraction aids in the wide array of colors seen in the stone. Typical colors include green, brown, red and yellow. The angle at which the stone is cut directly affects the resulting color of the stone. Andalusite is very hard and is suitable for wearing, but it is not often seen in jewelry pieces in its purest form. It is an aluminum silicate polymorph, sharing the same chemical composition as kyanite and sillimanite. Polymorphic stones share the same chemical composition as one or more other gemstones, but their crystals form in unique patterns, giving each stone its own look. Andalusite is used as a gemstone and in ceramics, particularly in the manufacturing of spark plugs. This stone was once called the "poor man's alexandrite" because you get color play at a low price. This stone is also found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Siberia, Brittany, Australia and in the U.S.A.
		Hiastolite  aka Chiastolite, Cross Stone, Hiasolite, Star Andalusite, Staurite, Stauroite This is an impure variety of the colorful andalusite. It contains carbonaceous inclusions that arrange in the stone in cruciform. It is most often used to create crosses or amulets.
	Apatite aka Asparagus Stone, Berilo The name apatite is quite appropriate, considering this mineral makes up the teeth in all vertebrate animals (and teeth are used to satisfy appetite!). In fact, it comprises more than 60% of the bones and teeth in humans, fish, birds, cows, and even mammoths and dinosaurs. Apatite is a calcium phosphate that is typically green, but also can be blue, yellow, reddish-brown, violet, yellow-green ("asparagus stone"), colorless or multicolored. Colors often form due to natural irradiation or the presence of rare earth elements. This clear to opaque stone will sometimes show a cat's-eye effect. Its name comes from the Greek word apate, meaning "to deceive," as apatite is deceivingly similar to more-valuable minerals like olivine, beryl, peridot and topaz. Apatite is actually three different minerals, depending on the predominance of either fluorine, chlorine or the hydroxyl group. These minerals are therefore called fluorapatite, chlorapatite and hydroxylapatite. However, since it is difficult to distinguish among them, they are usually classified as a single mineral. The majority of apatite on the market is fluorapatite, the most common member. Apatite is widely distributed in all rock types — igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic — but is usually found only as small, scattered grains or cryptocrystalline fragments. It can be cut into gems and beads, yet its softness and brittle nature have prevented it from becoming particularly popular or gaining widespread acceptance as a gemstone. Apatite is best utilized in earrings and necklaces, where it is least vulnerable to damage and will catch the light for optimum shine. Never use a steamer, hot water or ultrasonic cleaner with apatite. Mild soap, lukewarm tap water and a soft cloth are the best cleaning tools, as they won't scratch the surface or diminish its luster. Apatite's history with humans is long, yet surprisingly vague. While the stone has been associated with appetite suppression for centuries, few other traditions are known. Its true non-gemstone uses have only been discovered in the last 100 years. For instance, since it became known as a source of phosphorus for plants, apatite has been widely used in the manufacture of fertilizers. It also is valuable in fission track dating of rocks. Archeologists especially have benefitted from the mineral — unlike shale and other rocks, apatite can uniquely preserve soft-tissue fossils. Apatite precipitates (condenses) very rapidly, forming tiny crystals that replace the muscles, blood vessels and other tissues in ancient animals. Its small crystal size means apatite can preserve delicate details of the fossilized animals' structure, providing a wealth of information for researchers. This corresponds nicely with metaphysical theory, which holds that apatite can stimulate the thoughts and ideas, and help people maintain focus, learn, concentrate effectively and think clearly. Psychics use the stone to open the third eye and bring revelations closer. Many also say it brings love, harmony and peace. Healers say it is helpful for fighting viruses and controlling weight gain. Apatite is found in Russia, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Myanmar, Brazil, Africa and the U.S.A. — its most famous crystals hail from the aptly-named Mount Apatite in Maine.
		Blue Apatite Though natural irradiation is often the source of blue apatite's color, heat is frequently applied to bring out an even bluer hue. Madagascar is often the source of our blue apatite.
		Green Apatite Though natural irradiation is often the source of green apatite's color, heat is frequently applied to bring out an even greener hue. Our green apatite is usually from Tanzania.
	Aquamarine aka Sea Turquoise Aquamarine belongs to the beryl gemstone family, and has a more evenly distributed color than its relative the emerald. Gem-quality aquamarine is usually free of inclusions and possesses a superior brilliance, while bead-grade aquamarine tends to have many interesting inclusions and numerous opaque areas. The more intense the color of this stone, the higher its value. Aquamarine is a hard gemstone, which makes it an excellent choice for jewelry that will be worn frequently. However, be sure to store aquamarine beads in a dark place, as they often become paler if left out in the sun. Also be aware that far too much blue topaz (which is much cheaper) has been sold as aquamarine (but not here!). The legendary origin of aquamarine is that it was found in mermaids' treasure chests, making it renowned as a lucky stone for sailors. Its name is derived from the Latin words for "water" and "sea." Consequently, aquamarine is said to protect from perils of the sea, including seasickness. It also is said to heal nerve pain, glandular problems, toothaches and disorders of the neck, jaw and throat. Sources of aquamarine include Brazil, India, Russia, Mozambique, Madagascar, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
		China-Cut Aquamarine (-099-01) Aquamarine beads cut in China are typically consistent in their shape and drill holes, and sized uniformly on each strand. They are often stones of lesser quality with higher-quality finishes than gemstone beads cut elsewhere.
		India-Cut Aquamarine (-099-09) Aquamarine beads cut in India tend to be somewhat irregular in shape, with holes that are sometimes off-center and rough. The quality of the stones is usually quite high, despite their less precise cut and polish.
	Aventurine aka Adventurine, Aventurine Quartz, Indian Jade Aventurine is a form of chalcedony (quartz) that contains small inclusions of various shiny minerals. These materials, usually spangles of mica or iron oxide, give the stone a glistening effect known as aventurescence. Aventurine's granular appearance and particular translucence are its most distinctive characteristics. Most aventurine is naturally reddish brown or yellow, though a green variety is also known. The green aventurine you'll find on the market, as well as the red and blue, is almost certainly dyed to achieve its color. The mineral aventurine is named for its resemblance to the well-known aventurine glass of Venice, Italy. As for how the glass obtained its name, tradition has it that a Murano workman accidentally dropped some copper filings in molten glass, creating an attractive new material. And so the glass was named avventurino for the Italian word avventura, or "by chance." Aventurine is said to calm a troubled mind, thereby bringing inner peace. It is also supposed to increase confidence and gratitude, and promote emotional tranquility and positive attitudes. Aventurine is found in Brazil, China, Japan, Russia, Tanzania and the U.S.A., but India produces the majority.
		Blue Aventurine (-090) aka Blue Denim Quartz This variety of aventurine is dyed to a beautiful sky blue. It is said to remove toxins from the body, decrease negative emotions and stimulate creativity and intellect.
		Green Aventurine (-011) Green is the most desirable and widespread color of aventurine. We believe that the majority of green aventurine beads, including ours, garner their minty hue from a dye. Green aventurine is said to strengthen one's blood and muscle tissues, and its color supposedly lends itself to prosperity meditations.
		Red Aventurine (-116) aka Whisper Stone A dyed gem, red aventurine is said to increase the energy level of the third chakra. It also is believed to help the female reproductive system, fertility and childbirth.
	Azurite aka Azure Copper Ore, Chessylite This soft, deep-blue mineral is a basic copper carbonate, formed in copper deposits deep in the earth. In some locations, azurite undergoes a chemical change and loses some hydroxyl, turning it into malachite. In some cases, part of the azurite is altered to malachite while the other part remains azurite; these specimens are green on one end and blue on the other. Because of this close association, it's rare to find one of these stones without the other. Malachite and azurite are actually chemical twins; aside from color, their only difference is that azurite holds less water than malachite. The two can frequently be found in the same copper deposits as their cousin, turquoise. The rarest of the three, azurite is popular for its deep-blue hue. Its name is even derived from the Persian word for blue, lazhward. Unfortunately, azurite's color can turn out so dark that larger crystals can appear black; small crystals show the lighter azure color best. Azurite is overall opaque, but can be translucent in thin splinters. The stone linarite is sometimes mistakenly sold as azurite, since they occur in the same locations and can strikingly resemble each other. However, simple tests of their physical properties can accurately distinguish the two. Azurite is available on the market in several forms. Never clean azurite with any product containing ammonia, as this will remove the stone's polish. Also, if you attempt to cut or carve azurite, be aware that its dust is moderately toxic. For eons, azurite was crushed and used as a dye for paints and fabrics. The process began in Fourth-Dynasty Egypt (2575-2467 B.C.), but didn't become common until the Middle Ages and Renaissance, when azurite was the most important pigment in European painting. It was eventually abandoned, as people realized that certain environments turned the azurite into malachite (and horrified artists saw their masterpiece blue skies and seas turn green!). In its solid form, azurite has long been known as a "stone of heaven" and was used in many ancient cultures to help contact divine consciousness. Native Americans considered it a sacred aid to journeys with their spirit guides. Today, azurite is reputed to heighten one's insight and wisdom; enhance prophesy and divination; improve and control energy flow; fortify the memory and enhance intellectual receptivity; and help evaluate and dissolve a person's unwanted beliefs. It is also thought to aid the power of healing, specifically for the liver, arthritis, joints, sinuses, skin, throat, spleen and spine. Sources of azurite are Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, (U.S.A.), Mexico, Namibia, Congo, Zaire, Australia, China, Russia and many parts of Europe.
		Azurite-Malachite aka Azurite, Stablized Azurite-Malachite This is the genuine form of the two minerals found together in nature. But natural azurite is very soft — too soft to make into beads unless it is stabilized with a resin to harden it. Beads of naturally occurring azurite-malachite are nearly always stabilized to keep the fragile azurite from breaking away from the harder malachite and other native rock. This is the most expensive type of azurite, and because it's not significantly better-looking than azurite stone, we don't carry it very often.
		Azurite (-060) aka Azurite-Malachite, Blue Malachite, Copper Lapis, Lapis/Malachite Composite The stone we call azurite is actually a compressed nugget made up of lapis and malachite pieces. A plastic resin and colored dyes are used to bind the two minerals together, which defines the contrast between the two colors. It is a good-looking and reasonably priced substitute for azurite-malachite.
		Block Azurite (-107) aka Artic Opal, Azure-Malachite, Azurite-Malachite Block, a manmade imitation, is the most common type of azurite or azurite-malachite on the market. Formed from a mixture of resins and dyes, block is seen in two grades: a U.S. version and a Chinese version. The U.S. version has better color, better contrast between the blue and the green, and usually a slightly higher price. We may carry either; the place of origin will be noted on each specific item. We normally only carry block azurite when we order azurite and instead are sent this material. To avoid misrepresenting it as a better-quality azurite, we added a separate stock number for block azurite.
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 tour, which stops at more than 50 U.S. cities each year.

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