Sunset Sodalite

Muscovite is a common member of the mica family that often forms thin, shimmering, highly fragile sheets. As the mineral associates with all types of rocks and boasts a global distribution, if you've spent a fair amount of time outside, you've probably seen some muscovite! When ground or processed into sheets, this mineral is a component in plastics, rubbers, asphalt roofing, paint, and a whole host of specialized engineering and electronics components.

Jadeite is the rarer of two separate minerals that are commonly referred to as Jade. Evidence of its use for decorative items dates as far back as twelve thousand years ago. In China, deeply green jadeite is often called "Imperial Jade;" highly prized for centuries, the mineral has been used to create intricate carvings, vases, and pieces of jewelry.

Also known as Gem Silica, chrysocolla in Quartz is a tough and beautiful material that consists of blue-green particles of Chrysocolla finely disseminated in Quartz. These rocks take a fine polish and make wonderful gems and tumbled stones. The rare form of Quartz infused with Chrysocolla is found only in several locations in the world - Arizona, New Mexico (USA), and Mexico.

Eye Agate is the umbrella term for any Agate stone that features one or several eye-like markings. Agate stones are known for their colorful bands. Sometimes, these bands are arranged circularly and extend into the stone, resembling eyes when observed from different angles. Eye Agate is often used with jewelry.

Azurite is so-named because of its deep, azure-blue coloration. Known about since ancient times, azurite has historically been used to create a blue pigment. Examples of azurite-dyed ornaments, fabrics, and paintings dating back thousands of years have been found in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China. Occasionally, the stone is also cut and polished for jewelry (it resembles lapis lazuli), though it is very soft and brittle, so it's not used often for this purpose.

Despite its name, kambamba Jasper is not a true Jasper. "kambamba Jasper" is the commercial tradename for the green stone with dark swirls that is mined in Madagascar. Many speculations are related to its origin and chemical composition, but recent research has shown that this attractive stone is actually a type of volcanic material known as Rhyolite.

A manganese carbonate mineral famed for its reddish-pink hues, rhodochrosite is officially listed as one of Argentina's national symbols and is also Colorado's state mineral. Despite its beautiful coloring, it is rarely encountered as faceted jewelry because it is so difficult to cut.

Bull's Eye is used for jewelry material. As a member of the Quartzite group, these stones offer beautiful red and brown colorations. This coloring can be enhanced with artificial dyes.