http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone Gemstones that have been recently added to the Gemstone Index http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/rss.php http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/j.htm#afghan_jade 03/18/10 (03/18/10) This green and yellow gemstone is an exotic form of serpentine. It is mined in Afghanistan, then carved into beads in Asia. [Learn about many more kinds of jade...] http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/j.htm#jade 03/17/10 (03/17/10) Jade is a name that for centuries was applied to ornamental gemstones people were bringing to Europe from China and Central America. It wasn't until 1863 that society realized the term "jade" was being applied to two different minerals. [Get much more information on jade...] http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/i.htm#iolite 03/16/10 (03/16/10) a.k.a. Cordierite, Dichroite, Spanish Lazulite, Vikings' Compass, Water Sapphire. The name iolite comes from the Greek ios ("violet")... [Read much more about this wonderful gemstone bead!] http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/i.htm#impression_stone 03/12/10 (03/12/10) a.k.a. African Blue Opal, Aqua Terra Jasper, Impression Jasper. While this gemstone has become increasingly popular, very little is known about its origins or true composition. [Delve deeper into this stone's background...] http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/h.htm#hypersthene 03/11/10 (03/11/10) a.k.a. Ferroan Enstatite, Hypersten, Labrador Hornblende. The name hypersthene (HIGH-purse-theen) is of Greek origin: hyper (meaning "extreme" or "above") and sthenos ("strength"). [Read much more about hypersthene...] http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/h.htm#white_howlite 03/10/10 (03/10/10) Howlite in its natural form and color. [Read about other colors of howlite...] http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/h.htm#turquoise_howlite 03/09/10 (03/09/10) This gemstone is natural howlite dyed green-blue. Turquoise howlite is a common and inexpensive substitute for real turquoise. [Read about other howlite types, plus more gemstones...] http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/h.htm#lapis_howlite 03/05/10 (03/05/10) This gemstone is natural howlite dyed bright blue. Lapis howlite is a common and inexpensive substitute for lapis lazuli. [Learn about more howlite varieties...] http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/h.htm#howlite 03/04/10 (03/04/10) a.k.a. Albino Turquoise, White Jasper, White Turquoise. This calcium silicoborate is naturally white, often with a dark gray or black spider-web matrix. Howlite is inexpensive... [Read more about howlite!] http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/index.html 04/24/09 (04/24/09) Making our Gemstone Index feed a fun addition to your day! Subscribe now & get a "Gemstone of the Day" in your toolbar / desktop. :)