Author: TylerH

Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli and Black Onyx rings set in sterling silver. Sizing and other information are in the product details.

Carnelian

Carnelian is a vibrant, translucent reddish-brown gemstone variety of chalcedony. It has been valued since ancient times for its color and symbolism of courage, vitality, and confidence. It’s found worldwide, with significant deposits in India, Brazil, and Egypt. Its name likely derives from the Latin for “cherry” or “flesh” due to its rich color. Historically, it was used for jewelry, signet rings, and as amulets for protection and status.  

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli is a decorative rock, prized for its intense blue color from the mineral lazurite. It is often accented by golden pyrite and white calcite. This ancient stone has been used for thousands of years in jewelry, art, and even as the pigment for the costly ultramarine. It symbolizes truth, wisdom, and royalty. Its formation requires specific geological conditions. Limestone is subjected to heat and pressure, leading to a complex mineral mosaic.  

Balck Onyx

Black onyx is a variety of chalcedony, a microcrystalline quartz. It is known for its deep black color and is often dyed to achieve this uniform appearance. It has a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7, making it durable for everyday wear. Historically, it was used for decorative purposes and believed to offer protection from negative energy. It encourages self-control, and promotes inner strength. Black onyx is also associated with the Root Chakra and is used to enhance grounding and stability.  

New Larimar set. Larimar is found in a limited deposit in the Dominican Republic. Its lovely sea-blue color is reminiscent of the Caribbean seas. Set in Sterling Silver.

Formed millions of years ago through volcanic activity, each Larimar stone is mined by hand from the mountainous region of Barahona. In this region, skilled artisans work to preserve its distinctive marbling and vibrant color. Because it is found in only one location on Earth, Larimar’s supply is limited. This makes it a sought-after gemstone for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike.

Once mined, the raw stone undergoes careful cutting and polishing to bring out its mesmerizing range of blues—from pale sky to deep ocean. These are interwoven with white streaks reminiscent of sunlight on tropical waves. This meticulous craftsmanship ensures that every piece of Larimar jewelry is truly one-of-a-kind. Many also value Larimar for its believed metaphysical properties. They associate it with calming energy, emotional clarity, and a deep connection to the sea.

Larimar Stone Important Info & Facts | The Larimar Shop Blog

Agua Nueva agate is a beautiful Mexican agate from the Agua Nueva Ranch in Chihuahua, Mexico. It is known for its vibrant colors like gold, lavender, purple, pink, and green, and its distinct banding or moss-like patterns. Set in Sterling Silver.

Mined from volcanic cavities, this variety of chalcedony often features a mix of yellow, red, orange, purple, green, and white bands. It takes a mirror polish and is used in jewelry and collectibles.

• Location: Agua Nueva agate is named after the Agua Nueva Ranch in Chihuahua, Mexico. 
• Geology: It forms within the cavities of volcanic rocks, created by the slow deposition of silica-rich fluids. 

• Color Palette: The agate displays a range of vivid and earthy colors, including browns, reds, greens, oranges, purples, yellows, and whites.
• Patterns: Common patterns include intricate fortification banding (like fortification agate), moss agate (with plant-like inclusions), and tube formations. 
• Polishing: Agua Nueva agate takes a high-quality, mirror polish. 

Chihuahua City is the capital of the northwestern Mexican state of Chihuahua. It’s known for the Spanish Baroque Cathedral de Chihuahua and the 18th-century Palacio de Gobierno. The government building features massive murals that depict major Mexican historical events. The city is also home to the eastern terminus of the Chepe railroad. This railroad runs through the green-tinged gorges of the Copper Canyon area.

Bloodstone pendants and ring set in Sterling Silver.

In ancient times, bloodstone was called heliotrope, which roughly translates from Greek to “sun-turning.” It was named as such because it turned blood red in the setting sun. It was believed that the first bloodstone was formed when Christ’s blood dripped at the foot of the cross, staining jasper that turned into bloodstone.

Another version of bloodstone is called plasma. Compared to the heliotrope version, it is an opaque, deep green with little to no red.

Bloodstone is a type of chalcedony. The amount of chlorite particles affects how green the stone is. The red spots—which resemble blood—come from iron oxide. Gemstones can have a luster that is glassy or waxy.

This stone can be found around the world, in places such as India, the United States, Germany, Australia, and more.

Bloodstone Gemstone Information: Properties, History, and Uses