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Direct Links to popular gemstones and cabochons:
Amazonite
Opals, Boulder
Parrot Wing Understand mm sizes: Quick guide: 1" = 25mm 1/2"=13mm 1/4"=6.5mm Change can help: 1 quarter= 24.2 mm 1 dime= 18mm Both coins: 42mm |
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. On this page: Rainbow Obsidian Velvet Obsidian Botryoidal Hematite Black Onyx Fossilized Palm Meteorites Psilomelane Next page: Black in the abstract Previous page: Art-carved Gems
This arresting stone reminds me of a summer thunderstorm
at night when the inky blackness is suddenly lit by flashes of lightning. That's
what happens as you move and turn this stone: Beautiful patterns of repeating
stripes or streaky clouds are lit up, then disappear into patent-leather black,
then reappear again. I've added some extra photos to illustrate this effect.
Under halogen light, these pieces have a distinctly warm, almost bronzy sheen.
All of the front faces are polished, but most still retain a slight texture
characteristic of this stone, which looks soft but is actually very hard and
durable. From the collection of Gary Wilson. Unpolished backs.
BK375 $46.00
BK383 $50.00
BK377 $46.00
The following two stones can be purchased individually, or, save by ordering them as a pair (option BK374 A+B). Their patterning is reminiscent of wood, with concentric rings of chatoyance. Note: I separated these two stones because they would be pretty heavy for earrings, except as clips.
BK374B $40.00
BK374A+B $72.00
BK380 $38.00
BK381 $22.00
The flaw on this piece, a small natural cleft along the bottom right edge, is so insignificant in comparison to the full-on gleam of the face that I probably could have gotten away without marking it down, but I'm a perfectionist, so I did anyway. Easily covered by a bezel strip. 38 x 37 mm BK372 $58.00 reg. $64.00
This intriguing stone is more a charcoal grey than pure black, and some pieces are partially translucent. But its most salient feature is the confetti-like sprinkling of silvery pyrite throughout the stone and across its surface. The larger bits of pyrite catch the light and gleam, while the smaller flecks twinkle as you move the stone. Plus, it's quartz, with all of quartz's positive features, including hardness and durability. Note: Due to the reflectiveness of these stones, they are very difficult to photograph. Your best bet is to picture all the white and light grey speckles as silver, because that's how they look in person.
Pyrite
in Quartz Mexico BK266 $20.00
BK269 $18.00
BK307 $22.00
BK312 $22.00
BK314 $30.00
BK319 $34.00
BK320 $34.00
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. Doug has photographed these to
show off the colors. Turn the stone, and it becomes black. Click on the photo to
see the stone better. These are all that I currently have in stock. BK291 $50.00
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 crushed velvet. These particular stones are especially exciting because their color is more evident than usual. Note: These stones were photographed under bright light. Colors are less pronounced in shadow.
BK339 $50.00
BK342 $46.00
BK343 $40.00
BK344 $36.00
BK346 $28.00
BK347 $30.00
BK348 $28.00
BK350 $30.00
BK351 $32.00
BK358 $22.00
Not shown, but oval shape like BK358 with bronze velvet swirls:
BK360 $10.50
BK359 $14.00
From the windblown stretches of the Sahara comes this hematite, all bumpy and interesting and shimmering with a metallic sheen. It's called "bot·ry·oi·dal " which comes from the Greek, "shaped like a bunch of grapes." Keep in mind that, as hematite, it's a bit heavier than most stones of comparable size. Note: This is my full supply of these. Click on photos for a closer look. Botyroidal Hematite Pendants These gorgeous, hefty pieces are top-drilled with a jump ring, to which you can attach your favorite bail. Unpolished but smooth backs.
BK304 $32.00
Botyroidal Hematite undrilled cabs
BK197 $14.99
BK202 $21.00
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 Drilled Pendants
BK326 $22.00
BK327 $22.00
BK328 $24.00
BK331 $16.00
BK332 $14.00
Black Onyx Brazil
Black Onyx Brazil
Black Onyx Brazil
BK369 $9.99 for the pair 15 pair available 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. More Fossilized Palm coming soon!
Fossilized Palm Pacific Rim
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 edited the photos of 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.
BK192 $68.50
BK172 $36.00
BK181 $24.00
BK191 $32.00
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 knows 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 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. While the iron content gives these a pleasant heft, none seem to be too heavy for use as pendants. However, if you want to know the weight of any piece, simply e-mail me. To see more detail, click on photos.
BK255 $28.00
BK234 $22.00
BK218 $18.00
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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