Gemstones beginning with M - N

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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.

	Magnesite aka Chalk Turquoise, Lime Turquoise, Marshmallow Turquoise, Mojave Green Turquoise, White Turquoise The mineral magnesite (magnesium carbonate) has the same crystal structure as calcite (calcium carbonate). It typically forms when magnesium-rich rocks are exposed to carbonate solutions and rarely forms good crystals. Magnesite can be nearly impossible to distinguish from dolomite and is also similar to serpentine. In color, magnesite is typically white, but ranges from colorless to gray or tan. It can be transparent or nearly opaque, and is occasionally fluorescent. The stone's porosity and low-luster make it a good candidate for enhancement — magnesite is often dyed to resemble howlite and much-pricier turquoise. Although some refer to it as "chalk turquoise" or "white turquoise," magnesite is not related to turquoise since magnesite contains no copper and is not a phosphate. Magnesite with brown and black surface crazing has appeared on the market recently. It is very difficult to distinguish this enhanced magnesite from real turquoise with matrix. For hundreds of years, many Native Americans, including the Pomo people of California, crafted magnesite into beads that were used as jewelry and as currency. Magnesite beads were considered quite valuable and were traded individually, instead of by the strand like most money beads. Magnesite is said to assist in creative visualization, help bring peace in meditation and stimulate passion. It is also believed to help strengthen the bones and teeth, and to help lessen the symptoms of PMS. Magnesite is found around the world, including much of Europe, Africa, Brazil, China, Korea and the U.S.A.
	more examples	Pink Magnesite These magnesite beads have been dyed into various shades of pink.
	more examples	Turquoise Magnesite Dyed turquoise magnesite varies from light blue-green to deep turquoise color with brown or black matrix.
	more examples	White Magnesite Although white magnesite is often enhanced, it is closer in appearance to natural magnesite than the other styles.
	Malachite (-023) aka Peacock Stone, Pseudo Emerald, Silver Peak Jade This gemstone is a basic copper carbonate, vividly banded with two or more tones of green. Its name is probably derived from the Greek word for green/herb, malache, for its color, or possibly from the Greek word for soft, malakos, for its low hardness. The beautiful green color comes from the copper contained in the stone (which is an altered form of copper). Water presence also affects the shade: more water in the copper makes it lighter, and less makes it darker. The absence of water makes it black. In fact, the green patina you see on weathered copper roofs is a form of malachite. The gemstone is a chemical twin of azurite, and can form from azurite as it oxidizes. For this reason, the two are commonly found together, sometimes transitioning seamlessly from one to the other. Because of its low hardness, malachite is fragile, easily scratched and susceptible to becoming dull. Protect it from sharp blows and avoid dramatic temperature changes. Washing malachite in water will remove its protective polish, and be aware that it is easily damaged by acids. Never clean malachite with any product containing ammonia. If you attempt to cut or carve the stone, be aware that its dust is highly toxic! The transformation of copper into malachite occurs relatively quickly. Bronze objects partially or wholly converted into malachite have been found at ancient Assyrian sites. Malachite was being mined in the Sinai Peninsula around 4000 B.C., and the gemstone was popular with the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans for jewelry and amulets. It was also ground with galena, then mixed with water, to use as eye shadow. Malachite was considered to be an amulet particularly appropriate for children. If a piece of this gemstone were attached to an infant's cradle, all evil spirits were thought to be held at bay and the child slept peacefully. Today, malachite is still used as a children's talisman to ward off danger and illness. Malachite was a popular ornamental stone in Czarist Russia, where it was used to make the columns of St. Isaac's Cathedral in Leningrad. It also decorated many walls and even whole rooms of other religious and public buildings. Malachite is said to aid in the regeneration of body cells and lend extra energy. It is believed that gazing at malachite or holding it relaxes the nervous system and calms stormy emotions. Malachite is said to bring harmony into one's life, and give knowledge and patience. Zaire is the major source of malachite, but Chile, Zimbabwe, Australia, the U.S.A. (Arizona), France and England also produce this gemstone.
		Malachite/Lapis Mix (-151) These strands alternate beads of malachite and lapis gemstones.
	Mica (-025) The mica group consists of more than 30 different varieties. Mica forms in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks in sheets of flaky crystals that become intermixed with other minerals. Surprisingly, these flaky crystals are rather flexible and durable, despite their appearance. This group has been closely associated with clay minerals such as muscovite, glauconite and illite that grow in clay-like forms. Micas are divided into three categories: true micas, brittle micas and interlayer-deficient micas (hydromicas). Most of the members of the mica family are part of the true mica category. These stones vary in color.
	Mixed Stone (-025) These assortments of various gemstone beads in the same shape and size may include rose quartz, dalmatiner, rhodonite, snowflake obsidian and many others. Mixed stone may, and usually does, include manmade and enhanced gemstones. For other gemstone assortments, see Special Multistone, Multicolor Rutilated Quartz, Multicolor Tigereye, Malachite/Lapis Mix
	Moldavite aka Bottle Stone, False Chrysolite Moldavite is the only known gem-quality stone of extraterrestrial origin. A member of the tektite family, it is theorized that moldavites were formed when a meteor collided with the Earth more than 15 million years ago. The impact was so forceful that melted rock was thrown at high speeds into the upper atmosphere. It is believed that the "splashed" pieces of Earth were shaped during their flight through the atmosphere into spheres, ovals, drops, dumbbells, ellipses, rods and spirals; these are the same shapes found in splash patterns of liquids. Moldavites are never found alone, but rather in a strewn field. Their size ranges from microscopic (0.1mm) to the size of a football. They are named for the Moldau river valley in the Czech Republic, where they are found. The site is not far from Germany's Ries Meteor Crater, which a number of researchers have suggested is the source of the material — the age of the crater is identical to the age of moldavites. Like all tektites, moldavites have no crystal structure and are therefore similar to obsidian, but are not associated with volcanic processes. Their chemistry is unique and somewhat unexplained. Moldavites are especially prized among tektites for their clarity (most moldavites are translucent) and unique green color. They contain silica and various metallic oxides, including alumina, low amounts of iron oxides and potassium oxide. They have an extremely low water content and often contain bubbles that have a rather high vacuum. Moldavites are relatively hard stones that are sometimes cut as gemstones or put into jewelry as natural uncut pieces to show off their often eerie and beautifully intricate shapes. In his book Moldavites: The Czech Tektites, Professor Vladimir Bouska states that "The first human being that was interested in Moldavites was a Cro-Magnon man from the aurignacian age, i.e., the Upper Paleolithic. Several potsherds [fragments] of green Moldavite glass were found together with the famous statue of Venus of Willendorf, which is about 29,000 years old, at Willendorf in Lower Austria." Relics made from moldavite fragments have also been found in other sites throughout central Europe, further evidence of their use by prehistoric inhabitants. An ancient legend said moldavite was an emerald that fell from the sky, out of the crown of an angel. It is believed that moldavite was a gemstone used in the Holy Grail, and therefore exposure to the stone is said to quicken one's spiritual evolution. Moldavites have been collected from several localities in the Czech Republic, and a few sites in Austria, since the mid-18th century. They have been highly valued by the Czech people, even during the early period of modern European history, and were frequently fashioned into jewelry because of their interesting natural shapes, great hardness and unusual green color. Mystics consider moldavite a stone of communication, and think it stimulates cooperation and transfer of energies between those of extraterrestrial origins and those inhabiting Earth. They also believe it can assist in breaking through limitations and past patterns, and that it greatly accelerates spiritual growth and psychic awakening. Sleeping with moldavite is thought to activate dream states, and wearing it is said to help manifest positive life changes.
	Mookaite (-147) aka Hecorite, Mook, Mookaite Jasper, Mookakite, Mookite, Mooksite, Moonkite, Moukaite This Australian jasper is a warm, earthy flood of reds, yellows and browns. It is formed as sediment in erosion zones and as a filler in cracks. Mookaite is named for where is was first found — in outcrops, principally on Mooka Station (a sheep farm of approximately 700,000 acres), on the west side of the Kennedy Range in Western Australia. In Australia, mookaite was, and still is, considered to be a healing stone that bestows strength. It is said to shield the wearer from difficult situations and to connect us to loved ones who have passed away. This gemstone is believed to bring us into the "here and now," aiding with problem assessment and decision making. Mookaite is often used to treat glandular or stomach disorders, hernias, ruptures and water retention. Practitioners of yoga and ayurveda use it for the first, second and third chakras.
	Moonstone aka Ceylon Opal, Rainbow Moonstone With its ghostly glow, this feldspar stone almost seems magical. High-quality rainbow moonstone is usually chatoyant and sometimes displays a strong cat's eye. The floating-light phenomenon and sheen of moonstone are called adularescence or schiller. The light is scattered by alternating layers of two kinds of feldspar and produces a misty luster of white, dull yellow, yellow-gray or greenish-gray. The stone's main color also comes in shades of peach and gray. Incipient cleavage cracks often are visible inside the gemstone. Rainbow moonstone is a close relative of labradorite. It can be confused with selenite gypsum, but while selenite is very soft and can be scratched with a fingernail, moonstone is relatively hard. Moonstone is the birthstone for June in Europe, but in the United States it shares that distinction with alexandrite and pearl. Moonstone will pick up colors you wear, making it a versatile gemstone in fashion. However, colors are not its only allure; many women love moonstone because its sheen is simply stunning against a basic black dress! The Romans thought moonstone was formed out of moonlight and began wearing it in jewelry around 100 A.D. The gemstone has always been considered sacred in India, and Europeans of the Middle Ages thought by looking into a moonstone, you would fall into a deep sleep and see the future. Moonstone was very popular early in the 20th century and was used extensively in art nouveau jewelry. Legend suggests that moonstone is supposed to awaken tender passions if placed beneath the tongues of lovers during a full moon. In addition, it has been recommended that holding a moonstone in the mouth will refresh one's memory. The gemstone is believed to be protective for women and babies and to soothe and balance the emotions. Many believe it to align vertebrae and act as a digestive aid. Sri Lanka produces the highest-quality moonstones. It is also found in Brazil, Europe, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Tanzania and the U.S.A. (Pennsylvania and Virginia).
		China-Cut Rainbow Moonstone (-045-01) 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. The polish is good, but they tend to be less iridescent than moonstone cut in India.
		India-Cut Rainbow Moonstone (-045-09) Moonstone 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. The round beads are not fully rounded, but rather take a more natural, slightly rumpled shape. Their iridescence is more pronounced than the China-cut stones, and their finish is mostly matte, with a few shiny spots showing through. These traits give them an interesting, ancient appearance, as though the beads had been buried in a cave for many centuries!
	Morganite aka Cesian Beryl, Pink Aquamarine, Pink Beryl, Pink Emerald, Rose Beryl Morganite is the pink variety of beryl. Like its blue cousin aquamarine, it is a durable stone with soft color. Also like aquamarine, bead-grade morganite tends to have many opaque areas. Morganite is found in a range of pastel pink and peach hues created by trace amounts of cesium or magnesium. Heat treatment is sometimes used to remove yellow patches and to create deeper shades of pink. When morganite was discovered in California, gemologist G.F. Kunz of the famous Tiffany & Co. bought all he could. In 1911, he named it in honor of J.P. Morgan, the tycoon banker who was Kunz's biggest customer. Since morganite and aquamarine look so lovely together, we sometimes carry strands that alternate beads of these two beryls. Although morganite deposits have been found in Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar, Russia and other locales, it is rarer than the other famous beryls and is somewhat of a specialty gem since there isn't enough available to use in mass-produced jewelry.
	Mother of Pearl aka Trocha Mother of pearl is the iridescent coating on the inside of mollusk shells. It is so named because when an irritant gets inside a shell, the shell protects itself by coating the irritant with the same material of its lining (nacre) that creates pearls (therefore, this substance is the creator, or mother, of pearls!). Nacre is composed of alternate layers of the aragonite form of calcium carbonate and conchiolin. The undulating grain of mother of pearl is the result of seasonal fluctuations in the mollusk's diet. The dark organic material is laid down during the winter months and the nacre is laid down in the warmer summer months. Most mother of pearl on the market has been bleached to achieve a brighter white. In caring for mother-of-pearl beads, be aware that alcohol will eat through the nacre, causing irreparable damage to the color and luster. Mother of pearl has been treasured in jewelry for many centuries. In the 1850s, immense mother-of-pearl masses, created by the continual movement of water washing and turning oysters on seabeds, began being harvested and were used extensively in Europe for buttons, knife handles and jewelry. In China, mother of pearl has been prescribed to treat heart palpitations, dizziness and high blood pressure for thousands of years. In Vietnam, it has been powdered and taken orally to improve vision and remove cataracts. Mystics believe it to stimulate intuition, sensitivity, imagination and adaptability, and help with clarity in decision making. Mother of pearl symbolizes faith, charity and innocence, and traditionally has been used to strengthen the environment and bring greater purity to the atmosphere. Among the chief sources of this gemstone are the pearl oyster, found in warm and tropical seas, chiefly in Asia; the freshwater pearl mussel, which lives in many rivers of the United States and Europe; and the abalone of California (U.S.A.), Japan and other Pacific regions.
		Black Mother of Pearl aka Black Lip, Black-Lipped Shell This form has a deep-gray to black coloring with occasional white sections. It also can exhibit a greenish color or a full rainbow. Black mother of pearl is most likely cut from a special black-lipped mollusk known as the pinctada margaritifera. It is found in French Polynesian waters and naturally secretes a black pigment that, depending on the quantity, gives a resulting color shading from black to light gray.
		China Mother of Pearl (-063) This style is more matte and less chatoyant than standard mother of pearl. It is also much whiter. In fact, sometimes the stone sold to us as "China mother of pearl" is actually just a pretty white stone (possibly agate) with slight banding that resembles mother of pearl. Whether it is real mother of pearl or not, China mother of pearl is likely to have been bleached.
		Dyed Mother of Pearl A variety of beautiful, iridescent shades, including bronze, peach, gray and turquoise, are obtained by enhancing mother of pearl with dyes.
		Mother of Pearl (-024) This is the common mother-of-pearl style, with high luster and a slightly yellowish tinge. Most mother-of-pearl beads on the market, ours included, have been bleached to maximize their delicate shades of white and ivory.
		Natural Mother of Pearl (-181) These beads are mother of pearl that is naturally golden brown and has not been bleached to look white.
		Pink Mother of Pearl aka Pink Mussel Shell Natural rosy tones makes pink mother of pearl perfect for spring and summer.
	Nunderite aka Noodelite, Nundoorite Perhaps our vendor said "check out this new delight" but we heard "noodelite." We knew it wasn't made out of pasta…but that's about all we knew about this stone with soft green and tan coloring until customer Julie Morgan tipped us off to its true identity. Turns out this unique stone is a type of jasper named for where it was discovered (Nundle, New South Wales Australia and Nundoora, New Zealand). While there is still some debate as to its composition (some say nunderite is an agatized serpentine, while others say its green dots are epidote) we are happy to have this stone correctly identified. Metaphysically, nunderite is associated with the heart chakra and is said to protect travelers, especially on the water.
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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