In keeping with the delicate Summertime theme, lavendar is a perfect color.
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SOLDThis lavendar colored presentation created by Gayle is highlighted by a marquise shaped Sugalite pendant with Freshwater Pearl clusters on either side and complimented with additional Pearls, Amethyst, Lepodolite and Fluorite beads. The necklace is then completed using a Silver S-hook Clasp. Matching dangle French Hook Earrings containing the same gemstone beads completes the set.
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Sugalite (also spelled "sugilite") is a semi-precious stone that was discovered in 1944. It is named after Ken-ichi Sugi, a Japanese geologist who originally discovered the stone. Sugalite typically has a lavender or purple color--it can range from dark purple to pale lavender with hints of gray. Opacity varies significantly across sugilite grades. Matrixing and opaque blotches are common. Translucent specimens with little matrixing are far more valuable than opaque sugalite stones. Sugalite specimens are typically scored between 6 and 7.5 on the Mohs harness scale. The hardness of sugalite is comparable to that of quartz crystal, making it durable enough to use in gemstone jewelry such as pendants, bracelets and earrings. Occcurances of gem quality Sugalite can be found in Japan, Canada, South Africa, Italy, Australia and India.
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Lepodolite (also spelled Lepidolite) is an uncommon mica and has only in the past decade become available on the mineral market in large quantities in gemstone quality. Lepidolite is an ore of lithium and forms in granitic masses that contain a substantial amount of lithium. The lithium content in lepidolite does vary greatly however and low lithium lepidolite is nearly useless as an ore of lithium. The typical violet to pink color of lepidolite is characteristic and is the only field test available to identify lepidolite from other micas. Pink muscovite or very pale lepidolite may confuse an identification. Lepidolite, like other micas, has a layered structure of lithium aluminum silicate sheets weakly bonded together by layers of potassium ions. These potassium ion layers produce the perfect cleavage. lepidolite crystals accompany such other lithium bearing minerals such as tourmaline, amblygonite and spodumene and can add greatly to the value of these specimens. A rock made of granular pink lepidolite and red to pink tourmaline is used as an ornamental stone for carving and in jewelry such as pendants and earrings. Single large plates or "books" of lepidolite can have appealling violet color and make attractive specimens. Notable occurrences include Brazil, Russia, Calafornia, Canada and Madagascar.
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Fluorite (also called "fluorspar") is a halide mineral composed of calcium fluoride. It is an isometric mineral with a cubic habit, though octahedral and more complex isometric forms are not uncommon. Crystal twinning is common and adds complexity to the observed crystal habits thus making it great for jewelry. Fluorite comes in all colors of the rainbow, but purples and greens are most common. Fluorite is a widely occurring mineral which is found in large deposits in many areas. Notable deposits occur in China, Germany, Austria, England, Norway, Mexico, Canada, Kenya and many States in the United States. Fluorite has been the state mineral of Illinois since 1965. At that time, Illinois was the largest producer of fluorite in the United States, but the last fluorite mine in Illinois was closed in 1995.
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Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz and is a popular gemstone. If it were not for its widespread availability, amethyst would be very expensive. The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek and means "not drunken." This was maybe due to a belief that amethyst would ward off the effects of alcohol, but most likely the Greeks were referring to the almost wine-like color of some stones that they may have encountered. Its color is unparalleled, and even other, more expensive purple gemstones are often compared to its color and beauty. Although it must always be purple to be amethyst, it can and does have a wide range of purple shades. Amethyst can occur as long prismatic crystals that have a six sided pyramid at either end or can form as druzes that are crystalline crusts that only show the pointed terminations. As a mineral specimen, amethyst is popular for its color and nice crystal shapes that produce a handsome, purple, sparkling cluster. However, amethyst is not the same everywhere. Different localities can produce a unique amethyst to that particular region or even to that particular mine. Experts can often identify the source mine that a particular amethyst came from. The key to this is the specimen's color, shape of crystal, inclusions, associations and character of formation.
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Freshwater Pearls and Crystals are the other items in this jewelry piece.
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