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Popular gemstones and cabochons:
Amazonite
Parrot Wing quick guide: 1" = 25mm 1/2"=13mm 1/4"=6.5mm
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It was only after I returned from Tucson and was admiring my purchases that I realized that I had acquired quite a few incredible black stones that merited a page of their own. Although they are all black, many of them shimmer and change when exposed to bright light. I have tried to capture their surprising patterns and colors wherever I could. Click to view: Psilomelane Rainbow Obsidian Velvet Obsidian Black Onyx Fossilized Palm Meteorites This wonderful stone (pronounced si-lah'-mi-lane) is a type of manganese ore. It has the look of shiny dark hematite, but with beautiful banded patterns of pure black. It is very messy and dirty to cut, and most stone cutters shy away from it, so finding such lovely pieces is pretty rare. But we're lucky because lapidarist Pat Ruhnke is still willing to bring beauty out of the mess. I photographed these pieces so as to show off their patterning, but in person, they are patent-leather black with silvery black stripes and swirls. Note: This stone is comparatively soft--Not useable for rings or heavy-wear bracelets. Click on photos to see more detail. Sorry, Sold out, but more are coming soon.
BK169 $36.00 Sorry, Sold!
Obsidian is natural glass, formed when lava from volcanoes cooled very quickly. These obsidians contain natural iridescent colors that flash and shine when the stone is moved in the light. They are the result of the "depositional banding" or layering of various types of microscopic feldspar or mica crystals lined up just right within the glass. In dim light, these stones appear black, but in stronger lights, they just shine. Adding to their interest is the wonderful carving, done by artisans in Jalisco, Mexico, where the stone is mined. The combination of color patterns and individual carving makes each stone unique. I've photographed these from the top, to see the color, and from the side, to appreciate the carving. Sorry, temporarily sold out. More carved obsidians coming soon!
BK31 $52.00 Sorry, Sold!
BK41 $52.00 Sorry, Sold! First cousin to Rainbow Obsidian, the colors in Velvet
Obsidian are primarily pinky bronzes, golds and greens. They show up in folded
swirls of color, rather than rainbow stripes, and do resemble velvet. Note:
Unlike the Rainbow Obsidian cabs which have carved tops, the tops of these cabs
are flat. Unpolished backs. Click on photos for a better look.
BK261 $44.00
BK264 $48.50
BK205 $37.50 Sorry, Sold!
I'm pleased to be able to now offer more Black Onyx in new attractive sizes and shapes. These stones will bring elegance to any setting. Real Black Onyx has become fairly rare in the gem world, and the term "Black Onyx" now usually refers to dyed agate. The dye is permanent and permeates the entire stone, not just the surface. These stones are so gorgeous, you'll forgive their being dyed.
Black Onyx Brazil
BK278 $34.00 1 available
BK279 $38.50 Sorry, Sold!
Black Onyx Brazil
Black Onyx Brazil
Black Onyx Brazil
BK99 $19.99 4 pair available
Black Onyx Brazil
Black Onyx Brazil
Black Onyx Brazil
BK80 $19.99 5 pair available
Black Onyx Brazil
Black Onyx Brazil
Black Onyx Brazil
Black Onyx Pendant Brazil
Black Onyx Earring Pair Brazil
Black Onyx Brazil
This material is real fossilized palm, although it is most likely dyed. From a distance it looks black, but under strong light it is a dark chocolate brown with dots of black. Stones are all polished.
Fossilized Palm Pacific Rim
Fossilized Palm Pacific Rim
Imagine--Jewelry with stones from outer space! These are genuine meteorite material, part of a new find several miles from the Campo del Cielo meteorite field in Chaco, Argentina. The Campo del Cielo site was originally discovered by Spanish explorers in 1572, but who know when the original meteors left their wanderings through space and crashed to earth. The larger meteorites in the newly discovered field are in top condition and sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars apiece. The jewelry-sized pieces on this page are from that same location. They are called "exploded meteorites." Miners cut the larger chunks into slices and explode them apart, creating smaller pieces with fascinating freeform shapes. The sculptural nature of the pieces suits them ideally to wire-wrapping, but I hand-picked each of these pieces and chose those that had one flat side so that bezel-setters could use them, too. These pieces are hefty, but they don't have any jagged edges, so they won't cut or hurt the wearer. Note: Be sure to check out the care directions below for cleaning these pieces and preventing them from rusting. Each of these exploded meteorites has been photographed looking down on the stone while it sits on its flat back. Measurements are given in length by width by depth. Be sure to check the weight before you plan your design (31.1 grams = 1 ounce). To see more detail, click on photos.
BK212 $28.00 Sorry, Sold!
BK213 $26.00
BK226 $28.00
BK227 $24.00
BK235 $26.00
BK236 $22.00
BK241 $22.00 Sorry, Sold!
BK247 $12.99
BK252 $7.99 Sorry, Sold!
BK253 $8.99 Special Value:
BK210 $24.00 reg. $35.00 Meteorite cleaning and care These Campo del Cielo meteorites are Group I, composed of primarily iron, with a smattering of other chemicals. Like any earthbound iron, they will eventually rust. Collectors protect larger specimens by coating them with gun oil, but this won't work for meteorites to be worn as jewelry. The experts say that if you want to clean your meteorite, use Brasso (metal cleaner) with a soft brush. You can then polish the meteorite to a high gleam if you wish. Then, seal the stone from the oxidizing effects of the air by spraying it with 3 in 1 Silicone Spray. (Both products are available at most hardware stores). This should protect it for the life of the piece. Next page: Black in the abstract Previous page: Art-carved Gems Directory of gems by type, plus shopping tips: Designer Gems To check what you've ordered so far, click: |
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Heart of Stone Studio Gemstones
Cabochons
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