Jewelry Reflections
Crazy About Quartz
Quartz is a huge family of minerals with
the same chemical composition and
similar physical properties. It makes up
12% of the earthʼs crust. There are two
major branches of the quartz family:
1. Macrocrystalline - crystals visible to the naked eye.
This branch includes amethyst, citrine, rose quartz,
smoky quartz and rutilated quartz.
2. Micro- or cryptocrystalline - crystals too small to
be seen without magnification. This branch is more
commonly known as chalcedony (kal-SEH-doh-nee) and
includes agate, jasper, carnelian, chrysoprase, onyx and
petrified wood. Hereʼs a bit more about this branch of the
family.
In broad terms, chalcedony can be semi-transparent,
translucent, solid or patterned. The most common forms of
chalcedony are agate and jasper. However, in the gem and
jewelry trade when someone refers to chalcedony, they are
usually talking about a semi-transparent or translucent stone
with a solid color (most often soft blue) and a waxy luster.
This type of chalcedony can also be white, purple, pink,
yellow, orange or red (but not orange-red which is referred
to as carnelian).
Jasper tends to be opaque with irregular and less defined
markings. It is composed of microscopic grains of crystalline
quartz.
Agate is usually translucent and has clearly defined bands.
It is composed of microscopic fibers of crystalline quartz.
Both agate and jasper come in an astonishing variety
of colors and patterns. These are some of my current
favorites.
• Crazy Lace Agate which is composed of twisting and
turning (crazy) bands of various colors.
• Fired Agate which has a crackled appearance, the result of
applying heat.
• Moss Agate which is a beautiful translucent green
gemstone. Its green comes from dense inclusions of
hornblende.
• Fire Jasper which is the perfect stone for fall with its
earthy shades of red, terra cotta, gray and brown.
• Purple Creek Jasper which is a lovely combination of
shades of purple, tan, brown, gray and black often with a
matte finish.
You can find more information about all the branches of
the quartz family plus jewelry made from it on my website
– SlinkyLynnxChic.com.
– Lynn Schmitt
[email protected]
The Colors of Fall Are Here
- Artist Studio Tour, Studio #15,
979 Rosye View Ln, Prescott
September 30, October 1 & 2
- Mountain Artists Gallery,
228 N Alarcon St, Prescott
- SlinkyLynnxChic.com
Fired Agate Pin
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