Information about the Semi-precious Gemstones.
The following gemstones are available to be used in our personalised rosaries, personalised rosary bracelets and also in our catholic jewellery range. If you are looking for a special gift for a baptism, first holy communion, confirmation or any other occasions we are happy to mix and match any gemstones to your specific requirements, on request.
Obsidian
Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed into rock.
It is produced by rapidly cooling volcanic lava.
Pure black obsidian gets its colour from iron and magnesium. Snowflake obsidian includes small, white, radially clustered crystals of cristobalite which give the appearance of a snowflake pattern. These patterns will have formed when the lava was flowing before being cooled.
Onyx
Onyx is a form of chalcedony. It comes in a huge range of colours.
It has a long history of being used for hardstone carvings and in jewellery.
When cut into beads and polished it has a beautiful deep glossy finish.
Fluorite
The word fluorite derives from the latin word fluo meaning a flow of water.
Fluorite is a beautiful, colourful mineral. When made into beads, various shades and colours can be seen in each bead. Usually this will be shades of green and purple blending together.
Organic petrolium compounds found in these stones flouresce under ultra violet light.
Mother of Pearl
Mother of pearl is an organic material produced by certain molluscs (such as pearl oysters and pearl mussels) as an inner shell layer. It is the same substance which forms the outer coating of pearls.
It is strong, resilient and beautifully irridescent.
Blue Lace Agate
Blue lace agate is truly stunning! Each bead is highly polished and has delicate swirls of pale blue & white running through it. It is not as easy to obtain as many of the other stones we use and costs as much as double or three times as much per bead.
Agate is a type of chalcedony characterised by its fine grain and beautiful colours.
Freshwater pearls
Freshwater pearls are found in freshwater mussels and come mainly from China.
Each pearl has its own totally unique shape although they are more regular in shape and size than most saltwater pearls.
It usually takes from 2 to 5 years for each freshwater pearl to reach its desired shape.
Rose quartz
Rose quarts is a gentle, subtle shade of pink and is one of the most popular gemstones used by crystal healing therapists as a master healer for many ailments including emotional & physical issues.
The soft, translucent colour is thought to come from microscopic mineral fibres running through the quartz.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a popular form of quartz that ranges in colour from a soft lilac shade to a strong deep purple.
The world's largest deposits of amethysts can be found in Brazil, Mexico, Uruguay, & Russia. Sometimes amethyst and citrine are found growing in the same crystal. An amethyst is formed when there is iron in the area where it was formed.
Amazonite
Amazonite is thought to have been found originally in the Amazon river. Hence it is also sometimes known as the Amazon stone.
Amazonite is a variety of microcline feldspar and a mineral of limited occurrence.
A highly polished finish on amazonite beads enhances the blue green colour.