Rhodonite vs. Rhodolite Gemstone

Garnet is a popular beaded jewelry component and has been used since the bronze age as an ornamental gemstone. The color range of garnets run from reds to greens.

Rhodonite Gemstone Beaded Necklace (N071)

Rhodonite

The rhodonite gemstone is a stone of grace, elegance and gets its' name from the Greek word for rose, rhodon.

Giving rhodonite its' distinctive appearance are black manganese oxide veins running through its' beautiful muted rose-pink color.

This uniqueness in its' coloring is why rhodonite is carved into beads and ornamental objects. In 18th century Russia, it was used extensively for decorating the Russian court.

Rhodonite is mined in the United States, Brazil, India, and Russia and is the official gem of Massachusetts.

Rhodolite

Rhodolite comes from the garnet family and is a mixed crystal of almandine and pyrope. It, too, gets its' name from the Greek word "rhodon", meaning rose.


Rhodolite Garnet Gemstone Beaded Bracelet (B124)

The rhodolite garnet generally features a magnificent velvety red with a fine violet or raspberry-red undertone. This "purple-red" color is the most sought after color for rhodolite.

This coloration and the commonly inclusion-free nature of the rhodolite garnet has led to it being used as a semi-precious gemstone.

Rhodolite is a beautiful stone that tends to be lighter in color than most other kinds of red garnet. It can easily be confused with ruby because of the similarity in color. However, rhodolite garnet is not artificially enhanced in any way.

Originally found in the USA, it now comes mainly from the gemstone mines in East Africa, India and Sri Lanka.

A fun-fact about rhodolite garnet:
At the auction of the Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis at Sotheby's in 1996, a striking cabochon garnet flower brooch from the 19th century was sold for $145,000.

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About Yellow Opal Gemstones

Yellow opal gemstones are known as the 'Stone of Comfort' and it soothes babies in times of any upset, as well as improves neurological health.



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Sardonyx, Blue Goldstone and Tourmaline Gemstones Used in Bead Jewelry

I went to my first local bead show back in June and although I didn’t know what to expect, I certainly didn’t have any problems finding beads I liked. And it didn’t hurt that the show was held at a winery either!

For as much as I’ve read and heard from other artists about what to expect, and how to prepare for your first show, I didn’t set a budget or create a list of beads I wanted. I went with an open mind, mostly expecting to have more options for bead purchases than I can normally find locally. I was pleasantly surprised to not be overwhelmed with wall-to-wall beads. Tables were set up by type of bead, then by color and each group had a variety of shapes to choose from.

It goes without saying that I could have come up with a use for just about every bead I picked up, but after an initial scan of the beads available, I set to work finding beads that would work in a few partial creations I’ve had sitting around my studio for quite a while. Luckily, I was able to find just what I was looking for. I purchased a strand of Sardonyx and Blue Goldstone, as well as two strands of petite tourmaline nuggets.

I’ve always loved Goldstone for its added “sparkle” but when I found the Blue Goldstone I was in heaven. These beads have thousands of tiny copper particles that glitter against a dark blue background. As soon as I picked up the strand I had an idea for using them as these beads are absolutely stunning. They are subtle enough to wear everyday to work against a business suit, but easily transition to a night on the town with the most elegant of evening wear.

It’s been some time since I purchased these beads that I have been able to begin working with them (so many beads, so little time in the day!). BUT, the wait was good because just recently I visited a local bead store and found a spectacular Blue Goldstone pendant. For me, it was akin to the find of the century. I can’t wait to begin working with these beads to get them into a finished design….if the end product is anything like what I’m picturing in my head -I may not be able to part with it!

Below is a glimpse of the beads I purchased and although the picture does not do the Blue Goldstone justice -stay tuned for the finished design and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

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Tourmaline Gemstones in Beaded Jewelry

Watermelon tourmaline has to be our absolute favorite at Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry!

Watermelon tourmaline is a rare variety that displays three different colors in the same crystal - green (the skin of the watermelon), pink (the sweet fruit) and white (the rind). As in the gem stone ametrine, the colors of the watermelon tourmaline occur 100% naturally. This is a rare occurrence in nature.

According to folklore, watermelon tourmaline brings the wearer love. It is considered a powerful healing stone for immune system disorders and life-threatening illnesses. Watermelon tourmaline removes imbalances (and guilt) caused by conflicts and confusions. The green part feeds your life force, while the pink soothes and harmonizes.

All tourmalines offer strong healing effects and the watermelon variety encourages regeneration of the nerves, helps with paralysis and multiple sclerosis.

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Moss Agate Gemstones in Beaded Jewelry

Moss Agate is a chalcedony (pronounced kal-sed-on-ee) that is formed in the sedimentary process whereby viscous silicic acid has been penetrated with iron silicate solutions without becoming mixed (essentially weathered volcanic rocks). This creates streaked moss green inclusions. It is a semi-precious gemstone, which despite its name does not contain organic matter.

Moss agate is one of the more modest members of the crystal world. It lacks the glitter of lapis lazuli, the radiance of clear quartz, or the chatoyance of tiger’s eye. However, this multi shaded green variety of agate looks similar to moss when viewed from a distance and if you examine a moss agate closely (and especially if you hold it up to the light) you may discover a world within it.

When used in jewelry moss agate is believed to bring the wearer health, friends and riches.

Moss Agate folklore:
The metaphysical properties of moss agate are primarily its strong connection with nature. Moss agate is a stabilizing stone that is said to refresh the soul and reveal the beauty of nature all around one. Healers use it to reduce sensitivity to weather as well as pollution in the environment.

Midwives use moss agate to lesson pain during child birthing and to assure a good delivery. It is considered to be a stone of new beginnings and abundance.

Healing properties of moss agate:
~Speeds up recovery
~Anti-inflammatory
~Cleanses circulatory system
~Relieves depression
~Reduces skin infections

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