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This index includes extensive information about stones from which our wholesale gemstone beads are made.
Not all gemstones listed below are part of our current stock. Some might be unavailable, or only available at our traveling BeadTour shows.
Stones are listed in alphabetical order, grouped by family. Examples: Botswana Agate is listed under Agate & 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, 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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	Sapphire (-112) Sapphire is the non-red variety of corundum (an aluminum oxide mineral): ruby is the red variety. In essence, ruby is really a red sapphire, since ruby and sapphire are identical in all properties except color. Corundum comes in many colors, and any color other than red is referred to as "sapphire;" if the sapphire is any color but blue, it is preceded with a color designation (like padparadscha sapphire and white sapphire). Sapphire is the most precious of blue gemstones, and is a most desirable gem due to its color, hardness, durability and luster. It is the September birthstone, and the most valuable color is cornflower blue. Many people think that the darker the stone, the more valuable, but in reality the best sapphires have a rich but very translucent color. Millions of years ago, sapphire was formed as pure aluminum oxide became crystallized into splendid gemstones under pressure and heat from the depths of the Earth. The word "sapphire" is an ancient name of uncertain origin; it possibly is derived from the Hebrew word sappir or the Sanskrit word sanipruja ("dear to Saturn"). Our sapphire beads are cut in India, so irregularities in shape, size or other qualities should be expected. Sapphires are regularly heated to improve their color, and this is an accepted practice in the industry. Not accepted, however, is the fraudulent practice of chemically altering and heating a lesser sapphire stone to produce a thin blue cover. Another type of stone often passed for real sapphire is a complete fake made from two stones — garnet and blue glass, for example — welded together. In ancient times, it was believed that the sky was just a gigantic sapphire into which the earth was embedded. Pliny the Elder in Rome was the first to write about sapphires, but the stone called "sapphire" during that time was actually lapis lazuli. Like many stones, the mineral and gemstone "sapphire" were not properly named until the 18th century, when the technology to distinguish between stones became available. Sapphire rings have been popular since the Middle Ages. Clergy often favored blue sapphire rings because the color represented heaven, and others felt the sapphire helped ward off evil and sickness, including the plague. The British have a long-running love of sapphires, and the beautiful sapphire engagement ring Prince Charles presented to Lady Diana has become legendary. Because sapphire blue is a color related to anything permanent and reliable, women in many countries have settled on sapphire for their engagement rings for years. Sapphire is considered a stone of creative expression, intuition and meditation. It also is said to increase mental clarity and alleviate depression. The gemstone is also said to promote light, pure emotions, such as serenity, joy and peace. Sapphire is associated with the brow chakra, and many believe it to lower fevers and inflammation, and improve hearing problems and burns. Sapphires are found in India, Myanmar, Ceylon, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Brazil and Africa.
more examples	Septarian aka Dragonstone, Septaria, Septarian Nodules These nodules ("rounded lumps") of minerals formed 50-70 million years ago on what was once a sea floor, and is now Utah, U.S.A. Minerals filled the cracks in the sediment, creating walls between the sections of gray limestone, which are revealed when the nodules are cut. There are two main theories as to the origin of this stone's name, both of which are based on its divided form. Some say it comes from the Latin word saeptum, meaning "walls" or "enclosure," while others claim it is taken from the Latin word septum, meaning "seven," based on the Romans' observance that each crack seems to break in seven different directions. If you believe septarian nodules are found only in Utah, as some claim, the second theory doesn't make much sense, but we have no definitive answer on this debate! Septarian is known for its bold geometric patterns of yellow calcite, brown aragonite and white or clear barite. Metaphysically, it is associated with the root chakra and with providing nurturing and grounding energies.
	Serpentine Serpentine is a translucent, waxy silicate of magnesium. Because it is usually some shade of green, it is often called jade (for example, green jade and new jade). However, serpentine is softer and less dense than most real jade. Its name comes from the word "serpent," or snake, and the suffix "-ine," or like. This could be because the mottled colors and patterns on some types resemble snakeskin, or because it historically was thought to protect the wearer from snake bites. Most of the rest of its history is that of jade, as the two were so often confused. Metaphysically, serpentine is said to restore self-confidence, dispel fear and enhance meditation. It also is believed to balance female hormones and increase milk production in nursing mothers. Serpentine is found in the British Isles, China, South Africa and the U.S.A. For trade varieties of serpentine, see Afghan jade, green jade, lizardite, lemon jade, new jade, olive jade, yellow jade.
	Smithsonite In 1802, John Smithson, the English chemist and mineralogist whose estate later became the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., proved zinc carbonates were true carbonate minerals, not zinc oxides. This scientific development divided what was previously known as calamine (the same calamine in calamine lotion that relieves the itch of mosquito bites) into two separate minerals: hemimorphite (zinc oxide) and smithsonite (zinc carbonate). Smithsonite is known for its fine luster, which is often described as "melted wax." This mineral is found in a variety of colors, from its typical apple and bluish green to lavender (highly sought), white, tan, brown, yellow, orange, pink and peach. We sell "quartz" (glass) beads with vibrant colors based on smithsonite's natural palette that we describe as "rainbow blue 'quartz.'" Sometimes others erroneously call this "quartz" smithsonite, but the real deal is fairly easy to identify. Smithsonite is harder than other carbonates (such as calcite) but softer than prehnite. It is popular with mineral collectors and is known as bonamite when used as an ornamental stone. Among healers, it is used for meditation and aligning the chakras. Smithsonite is found near the oxidation zones of zinc sulfide deposits, notably in Africa, Mexico, Europe and the U.S.A.
	Snow Stone Although the Naxi ethnic group in China has a legend of a hunter who came across a strange "snow stone" on Jade Dragon Mountain, which was later believed to be a god, we are unable to verify the composition of this descriptively named stone. Plain snow stone is snowy white, but there are other varieties on the market, each named for their specific coloration.
		Black and White Snow Stone aka Magic Jasper The swirling patterns of gray and white in this stone remind us of winter's end!
	Soapstone Soft (by rock standards) with a smooth and characteristic �soapy� feel, soapstone has been a popular material for both utilitarian and artistic sculpting in cultures around the world since prehistoric times. The ancient city of Tepe Yahya, located in Iran, served as a distribution center for soapstone from the 5th to 3rd millennia B.C., and Native American vessels dating as far back as 1300 B.C. have been found in Maryland, U.S.A. Soapstone occurs in shades of green, brown and gray. It is often sold under various marketing names, and is sometimes presented as jade. A magnesium-rich metamorphic rock, soapstone is comprised mostly of the mineral talc, which scores 1 (softest) on the Mohs hardness scale. Its properties vary depending on common mineral impurities. Soapstone used in jewelry is often treated with a stabilizing resin or vitrified (made glassy through heat treatment). Soapstone retains heat extremely well, and because it is resistant to acids, it is a popular material for countertops, sinks and other industrial applications. Different varieties of soapstone are found around the world. Major sources include North America, India and Australia.
	Sodalite aka Canadian Blue Stone, Canadian Lapis Sodalite is characterized by its dark, intense blue color with white and sometimes yellow streaks. This sodium aluminum chlorine silicate is almost identical in composition to lapis lazuli, except lapis contains sulfur instead of chlorine. In fact, it often is confused with its lapis cousin. Sodalite is a member of the feldspathoid group (minerals with similar chemistries to feldspar but which have poor silica content). Its name probably is culled from its sodium content, though some say it comes from the Latin solidus ("solid") since it was a solid used in the process of glass making. Never clean this stone in an ultrasonic machine; steaming is possible but risky, so your best bet is warm, soapy water. Also, avoid rough handling. The gemstone fuses to a colorless glass in heat and can be damaged by hydrochloric acid. Sodalite has been discovered in ancient tombs and ruins in various ornamental forms, often as a replacement for lapis lazuli. It is said that Egyptian priests often used sodalite to dispel fears and to promote a clear, insightful mind. Mystics today say the gemstone can help change the way you feel about yourself. It is believed to have subtle, soothing energies and help you to see the wisdom of adopting a simpler, less hectic lifestyle. It also is said to be effective in combating radiation. Physically, sodalite is said to help boost the immune system, balance the metabolism and cleanse the organs. It is found in Namibia, Brazil, Canada, Italy, India, Russia and the U.S.A.
		African Sodalite The color of African sodalite is less-intense than regular sodalite; the blue is lighter and the white is not as white.
		Blue Snowflake Sodalite (-068) aka Gold Spot Sodalite This gemstone is a actually a jasper. With natural, copper-colored flecks sprinkled in random, cozy nooks of each bead, it reminds us of snowflakes falling against a vivid sky, with the sun peeking through where it can!
		Sodalite (-030) This is the standard, blue-and-white sodalite. African sodalite is sometimes sold under this stock number as well.
	Special Multistone (-058) This assortment includes gemstones that are the same shape and size but are different pastel-colored stones cut in India. These strands, when available, usually include amethyst, citrine and blue topaz, and occasionally other stones like peridot and moonstone. Because these beads are cut in India, stone irregularities should be expected. For other gemstone assortments, see mixed stone, multicolor rutilated quartz, multicolor tigereye, malachite/lapis mix.
	Spectrolite aka Finnish Labradorite This brilliantly iridescent material is regarded as the world's most beautiful form of labradorite (a variety of plagioclase feldspar). Specifically, "spectrolite" is a trade name for high-grade labradorite found only in Finland. While standard labradorite has a light green-gray base and moderate play of color (called labradorescence or schiller), spectrolite has a dark or black base and reflects an entire spectrum of colors. Blue is spectrolite's most common play of color, followed by a range of yellows: lime-yellow to gold to bright canary yellow. Orange and green also can be seen and, more rarely, red, magenta and purple. Composed of calcium sodium aluminum silicate, spectrolite is a versatile gemstone. Its brilliant pastels and deep gold colors make it perfect for spring and summer wardrobes. Every movement creates a shifting pattern of surface colors. Spectrolite is heat sensitive, prone to splitting and has medium hardness; it is therefore relatively fragile and must be worn and cleaned with care. Ultrasonic or steam cleaning is too risky, and beads to be used in bracelets should be worn carefully and infrequently. The best uses for this stone are earrings, brooches and pendants, which are worry free. Spectrolite was discovered by accident in 1940 during World War II, as stone was being quarried along Finland's eastern border to create tank obstacles. This makes it a more recent discovery than the well-known labradorite from Canada and Madagascar. Countries are allowed to name their own gemstones, and so Finland was faced with an opportunity. Professor Aarne Laitakari, then director of the Geological Survey of Finland, selected the name "spectrolite." This choice reportedly stemmed from the stone's wide spectrum of colors. It's also said that each color symbolizes a trait of Finland: blue represents the thousands of lakes; green suggests the forested wilderness; and yellow, red and orange reflect the glow of fall foliage. Spectrolite is now Finland's national stone. Metaphysical properties associated with spectrolite include providing clarity to the inner self, enhancing patience, dispelling negativity, improving cooperation and giving perseverance and strength. It is also purported to help treat eye and brain disorders, and to help regulate metabolism and the digestive process.
	Spiny Oyster Spiny oyster shell, more formally called spondylus brodnip princeps or spondylus princeps, is found in the Sea of Cortez off Baja California, Mexico. Spondylus is a Latin word meaning "spines on its back." Brodnip is the name of the scientist who traveled with Cortez on his exploration of Baja California. The shell comes in three main colors: red, orange and purple, and sometimes is found in white and yellow. It was used in jewelry before coral became available. It was the shell most loved by the Mayan people, and has been found in abundance in archeological excavations of the Anasazi, Mogollon and Hohokam of Southwest. In 1976, Native Americans of the Southwest began to export purple spiny oyster shells for jewelry making, popularizing their use abroad.
		Purple Spiny Oyster (-133) This is the deep violet variety of spiny oyster with white stripes.
		Red Spiny Oyster (-132) This is the red variety of spiny oyster.
	Sugilite (-137) aka Gem Sugilite, Luvulite, Purple Turquoise, Royal Azel, Royal Lavulite, Royal Lazelle Sugilite (SOO-gih-light) is a somewhat obscure mineral named for the Japanese geologist who discovered the first specimen in 1944, Ken-ichi Sugi. It is a potassium sodium lithium iron manganese aluminum silicate (now that's a mouthful!). Sugilite forms in syenite, a rock that was created through volcanic activity deep beneath the earth's surface. It is usually opaque with a waxy luster but can be translucent. It often has brown, pink and white inclusions, looking like a purple version of turquoise (though the two minerals are unrelated). The most valuable sugilite is a deep purple or reddish purple — colors it derives from manganese. However, some sugilite is gray, white or yellow. These color variations are caused by the presence of quartz or various other silicate materials. Warm soapy water is the best cleanser for this gemstone, as it is risky to clean sugilite by ultrasonic machine or steaming. Sugilite has been called the stone of the New Age. The variety Professor Sugi first discovered in Japan in 1944 was a light brownish yellow. The second known occurrence of sugilite came in 1955, when a single dark-red ore specimen with pink crystals across its surface was found in central India. However, this specimen was not identified as sugilite until many years later. It was not until 1975 that sugilite was discovered in a significant quantity: a thin, bright-magenta band running through a core sample obtained at a manganese mine in South Africa, near a small desert town called Hotazel. Though this was a low-grade ore, by 1979 a major deposit of gem-grade sugilite was exposed in the area. Most of this original material has since been used up, making quality sugilite a relatively rare item on the market. Only a few, much-smaller finds have followed. Sugilite is considered a great balancer of mind, body and spirit, and is said to attract healing power. Mystics say it helps with self-forgiveness and brings forth acceptance and belief in oneself. It also is said to eliminate hostility and infuse the being with inspiration and confidence. Yoga enthusiasts believe sugilite stimulates the crown chakra and aids in opening all the chakras, allowing for the movement of Kundalini energy. It is highly regarded for centering spiritual light into the body and drawing out both physical and emotional pain. Sugilite seems to protect against, absorb and dissipate anger. Many also believe it will heal headaches and discomforts, simply by holding it. Sugilite is found on Iwagi Island in Japan, Canada (Quebec) and South Africa.
	Sunstone (-131) aka Aventurine Orthoclase, Heliolite, Aventurine Feldspar This bright, sparkling stone is a feldspar crystal formed in molten lava and then discharged onto the surface of the earth by a volcano. As the lava weathers away or is broken up, crystals are released. Sunstone gets its name from the ways its inclusions reflect the sun's light. This gemstone varies from golden to orange to red-brown, and can be transparent or translucent. Sunstone has a distinctly metallic look, due to sparkling inclusions (usually hematite or goethite crystals) of red, orange or green. Many sunstones also contain copper or pyrite inclusions, giving an extra flash of light; the darker stones contain larger amounts of copper. These gemstone beads are cut in India, so irregularities in shape, size or other qualities should be expected. The ancient natives in Oregon (U.S.A.) once used sunstone for barter. In addition, the Vikings considered the gemstone to be a talisman for navigation, and sunstones have been discovered in Viking burial mounds. Sunstone is believed to strengthen the life force, bring luck, instill optimism and increase strength and vitality. Many say it assists contemplative processes and bolsters the energy level. It might lend extra physical energy in times of stress or ill health. Sunstone also is thought to bring luck and romance to the wearer, and is believed helpful to the liver and kidneys. It is largely found in Oregon, where it is the state gemstone, and also in India, Canada, South Norway and Russia.
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 BeadTour, which stops at more than 50 U.S. cities each year.

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