Amethyst Gemstone Beads: History, Features, Folklore and Healing Properties

The priests wore it, the Egyptians treasured it; this is regarding the birthstone Amethyst which is probably one of the most precious stones, rare in deposits and intricate in its properties. Amethyst is one such gem stone which is a quartz deposit produced in the form of colored crystals that are purple or lilac in color. Myths suggest that Amethyst was a stone which prevented 'intoxication' presumably it was used against alcohol addiction. Due to the presence of iron and magnesium in its composition; the crystal maintains the violet shade, its structure being rhombohedra, with a fracture capacity that is conchoidal.

Geological Significance: Amethyst is a stone of the medieval ages, where the first known evidence regarding its history was detected back in Egypt. The recorded excavation where deposits of the crystal were witnessed was in Brazil at Santa Cruz. Although detected late, it is said that the stone originally may contain either manganese which is mainly responsible for the lilac shade.

The foundation stretches across Düsseldorf in Germany where the composition may also contain traces of sulfur and Iron. Medieval periods unearthed amethyst crystals under the Anglo-Saxon graves. It is a state gemstone for South Carolina.

Amethyst crystal is found in unanimously in places like Mexico, Canada, India, Madagascar, Africa, Europe, Uruguay and the United States. Its formation takes places through its mineral, quartz which predominate from igneous and metamorphic rock sediments. Volcanic deposits also contain geode crystals.

Features: Already mentioned above is the basic fact that the manganese concentration is responsible for the purple color and the intensity of the shade depends upon the quantity of iron inside the crystal.

In the field of chemistry; it is referred to as Silicon Dioxide; the compound maintains such constituents whose color changes depending upon the temperature hence below 48 degrees the crystal becomes unstable and starts to lose color and structure. Therefore it has been found that the stone is processed into two types; Ametrine and Citrine.

Amethyst consists of a refractive index which ranges between 1.5-1.6; a tenacity of 6.8-7 on Moh's Scale and sports a crystal structure which is tetrahedral. Amethyst's specific gravity is 6.5 and fracture is conchoidal.

Folklore: Ancient history depicts the stone to be a precious asset to the Egyptians who believed Amethyst guarded individuals from any negative thought / action. They believed in witchcraft and sorcery, hence regarded the stone as a protective shield against dark forces. Due to the psychological and devout properties, legends have it that the stone was known to prevent addiction as was accepted by the Greeks. In fact, it is also known as the Bishop Stone and has a cathedral history attached in its biography. The stone is February stone meant for the zodiac Pisces.

Healing Properties: Apart from being a stone which is known for imparting wisdom, Amethyst is known to relieve people from migraines, stress and hence leaves a calming effect unless the ambience is negative. It is also known as the dream stone which assists the wearer by triggering sleep thus preventing insomnia. The stone protects the mind from deception, offers strength and positivity hence is a spiritual stone purchased not just for being a gem asset but also for its significance in healing and meditation.

Fiona is experienced with large range of gemstone beads especially Amethyst gemstone beads. For more information and to buy quality Amethyst beads please visit BeadsonSale.com.

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Amber Gemstone Beads - History, Properties, Folklore and Healing Properties

The Neolithic stone, Amber, which is basically found in the form of a fossil particularly a tree resin and has been classified under five specific categories on the basis of the chemical components found in quality and quantity. It has been named on the basis of source and constituents, for example amber fossils found in New Zealand coal mines are referred to as 'Ambrite' otherwise it is usually called 'Resinite'.

Geological History: Considerably around 1400 circa, amber was extracted from fossilized tree resins. Amber is naturally denser than stone and was first used by the Europeans for jewelry and perfume fabrication. The most rampant physics subject related to 'Static Electricity' associates with Amber, the stone, was the first substance used for experiments where it was the initiator for attractive forces.

The stone has many chronological events attached with its existence especially the heavy trade commenced from the Baltic Sea across the Amber Road, and has been found as a produce which was traded 2000 years ago.

At present the unearthing of the stone has been found to be significant on a global scale. Being a fossilized version of tree resin, Prussia leads in the mining of the stone. Maximum deposits occur in the Baltic Sea, along the region of Kaliningrad Oblast located in Russia.

Physical and Chemical Properties: The gemstone is normally found under blue earth accretions which are extracted using belt pelting from which the crust normally is removed either by erosion or by using a sand and water mixture. It is a non uniform dreg which is composed of resinous associates that can dissolve in alcohol or ether. It constitutes some major carboxylic acids which are communic, cummunol and bioformene acid. Hence is made up of alkenes which after undergoing heavy pressure and high temperature converts the resin into copal and then readily once the terpenes wash off, Amber fossils are formed.

Often impurities are found within the substance hence making the material usable only for varnishes, thus the amber which isn't pure is known as 'firrness'. Blue Amber is when pyrites mixed with resin are formed. Bony Amber is another sort which contains bubbles within its concentration which gives it an opaque translucence.

The most common color for Amber gemstone beads is deep yellow to dark red, green and most infrequent blue amber which is also known as Dominique Amber. Baltic Amber is another category which is common amongst the finds. Amber can also be artificially produced hence to know the difference between natural and manmade; make a saturated solution of salt and water. Once you find the amber floating, it isn't natural otherwise it is amber in case it floats though sometimes 'copals' are found to be dense.

Folklore and Legends: Love, passion and strength are the basic symbols related to the Amber gemstone beads, apart from soothing hyperactive individuals the stone is also used to calm stressed nerves. Legends technically pronounce the stone to be a magical stone though it's healing and medicinal properties i.e. rejuvenating energy within an individual and increasing physical potency have made it quite popular amongst the masses.

Learn more about Amber gemstone beads, stop by site BeadsonSale.com where you can find out all about Amber gemstone beads and what it can do for you.

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Bead Mania: Understanding the Differences in Beads

It is very easy to say that a bead is pretty, but do you really want to choose your jewelry based on looks alone? Whether you are making your own jewelry or buying handmade jewelry from another, you want to know that your pieces are of quality and durability. This means understanding the differences between the different types of beads before you buy.

Types of Beads

There are several different categories of beads for jewelry making. The most common of these are:

GlassMetalCrystalPlasticSemi precious stonesWood

There are a few other categories of beads as well, such as shell, bone and clay, but these are less common in handmade jewelry. Some of these have obvious differences. After all, the difference between metal and glass is like night and day. However, with other types of beads the differences may be more subtle.

Glass, Crystal, and Plastic

Glass, crystal and plastic are the three beads that cause the most confusion to amateur jewelry makers and those who look at costume jewelry. Glass, crystal and plastic beads can look very similar, and even seem similar to the touch. Plastic beads have come a long way, and are sometimes indistinguishable from glass in every way except weight.

Weight is the easiest way to tell the difference between these three beads. Glass will be heavier than plastic, and crystal will be heavier than glass. There are other differences between them as well.

Glass and crystal are much more durable than plastic. They wear better, and do not break as easily. The biggest difference between glass and crystal is cost. Crystal beads or jewelry will cost three times as much as glass beads or jewelry. The glass can be cut in such a way that it resembles crystal, and you still get that look without the high prices. However, if you want the best in handmade jewelry, you will go for crystal pieces.

Which Type is Most Durable?

Obviously, the most durable type of bead will be the metal beads. These beads can withstand a tremendous amount of pressure. They could be run over by a car and still be intact. However, depending on the type of metal, they can be heavy or expensive. Wood beads are also very durable, but are susceptible to cracking if repeatedly gotten wet and dried such as wearing jewelry in the pool or shower.

For many reasons, glass is the preferred bead type. It is durable and inexpensive. It doesn't matter if it gets wet, and glass too can withstand quite a bit of pressure without breaking. With all of the various patterns and cuts in glass beads, they are very versatile and sometimes unique as well.

Deana "Dee" Marshall is a avid follower of high quality one of a kind handmade jewelry and has been following Skippy's Trinket's artistry. To follow Skippy's Trinkets handmade jewelry artistry visit Skippy's Trinket's Blog.

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