Gemstone Identification

Agate, Black: Natural black agate has a character all its own. Unlike black onyx, which is normally dyed a uniform black color, black agate reveals its natural origins in secondary bandings of warm burnt-orange and clear. Many of its patterns resemble sardonyx, which is the first cousin to this agate.
Agate, Blue: The gemstone industry is so used to seeing dyed blue agate, that the natural material comes as a bit of a surprise. The varying shades from ice blue to royal, in natural blue agate, tell the sophisticated jewelry buyer that he or she is getting a natural gem containing the full range of its gemological variability.
Agate, Blue Lace: Delicate looking, in blended hues of medium blue, light blue and white that are finely banded. Blue lace agate has a gentle beauty.
Agate, Old Crazy Lace: Creamy whites, browns, blacks, gold and occasional pinks swirl through this fine banded agate found in Mexico. It provides unique patterns for creating one-of-a-kind jewelry.
Agate, Fossil: Tiny shell fossils and creamy pink tones against a dark background give fossil agate its lovely variegated effect. Shell and coral heighten its ancient and natural beauty.
Agate, Golden Lace: Nothing adds warmth like this mixture of tawny, sensuous golds and browns. Golden Lace Agate is found in Africa.
Agate, Golden Leaf: Imagine a path of dark brown earth with bits of golden leaves pressed into it. That is the look of this richly patterned dark brown agate.
Agate, Green: Vibrant natural greens lend these beads a very organic look. The endless variations in color and pattern give an authentic appeal to any jewelry containing this wonder of nature.
Agate, Moss: Like bits of moss floating in a clear river, this agate has intriguing mottled patterns of moss-like inclusions of horneblende.
Agate, Moss Yellow: Yellow moss agate is golden brown with moss-like inclusions. It gives a warm butterscotch flavor to jewelry designs.
Agate, Red: This is a chalcedony from Brazil naturally impregnated by iron compounds imparting carnelian hues and sardonyx patterns. We love this natural material in its full range of variations.
Agate,Striped: Striped agate is a creamy swirl of browns, blacks and whites.
Agate, Tree: Tree agate has a white base with dappled green leaf-like branches.
Agate, White: White agate is a neutral, semi-translucent gemstone.
Amazonite: This aqua colored feldspar derives its name from the Amazon River. Amazonite, with its opaque, pastel blue green colors, is as cool and refreshing as a mountain breeze.
Amazonite, Russian: Soft cream and teal blended in a natural opaque stone. Cool, refreshing color makes for a tropical look when mixed with shell and pearl.
Amber, Baltic: Amber is technically not a gemstone or mineral, but fossilized sap from prehistoric trees that has aged over the course of millions of years. Baltic amber is considered to be the world’s finest. Amber is usually yellow golden in hue similar to golden honey or maple syrup (although there are other shades that can be found but are more rare.
Amethyst: Shimmering amethyst is stunning with its excellent purple or lavender color.
Apatite: Bright, translucent sea green apatite is lovely alone or used with other stones.
Aquamarine: The colors range from a light blue-green to delicate, translucent whites and pinks. Like emeralds, these are various members of the beryl group.
Aragonite: Lay strands of creamy to golden colored aragonite around your neck and you will feel as if you have stepped into a meadow flooded with sunlight. These stones have a medium translucency.
Aventurine, Blue: Aventurine’s glistening effect comes from small inclusions of shiny fuchsite, a mica material. These deep navy blue, medium luster gemstones often have a slight translucency.
Aventurine, Dark Green: Slightly translucent dark green aventurine is a medium to dark color.
Aventurine, Medium Green: Translucent green aventurine often has a metallic iridescence. It is sometimes used for popular Renaissance style jewelry.
Aventurine, Peach: Peach colored translucent aventurine looks so luscious it is good enough to eat. But don’t. Instead wear it for a scrumptious look.
Aventurine, Red: The name aventurine is derived from the Italian “aventura” a type of Italian glass. Mica inclusions in these orangey-red beads create the glistening effect associated with the name.
Blackstone: Sleek, deep black jasper is great as a contrast bead for all types of jewelry and a mainstay for modern and southwest designs.
Bloodstone, African: Also called seftibute, African bloodstone is a translucent to opaque moss green type of chalcedony (pronounced kal-SID-ney) with mottled red and grey inclusions. It is found in Africa and North America.
Bloodstone, Indian: Also called heliotrope, Indian bloodstone is a deep green and white chalcedony with red spots.
Carnelian: This translucent chaldedony is named for the deep red-orange color of the Kornel cherry.
Cat’s Eye Quartz (also known as “Hawk’s eye): Cat’s eye quartz has fine parallel internal lineations, which produce a silver white line that moves as the stone moves. This captivating quartz, whose shades vary from black to grey, is somewhat rare in the gemstone market.
Chinese Writing Stone: The contrasting matrix of brown against this stone’s mauve/brown background creates patterns reminiscent of stylized Chinese writing.
Chrysanthemum Stone: Imagine an autumn garden or a rich brocade fabric. These medium red- brown beads are “abloom” with lighter flower-shaped bursts of color.
Chrysocolla: From Arizona, this blend of blues and greens is beautiful. Some of the minerals swirled into this chrysocolla are soft minerals, so it must be treated like a necklace of one’s best pearls.
Chrysoprase, Lemon (also known as “citron”): This stone primarily consists of magnesium carbonate (MgCO2). Its color is due to high levels of nickel. Think of a cool, frothy lime sorbet. This opaque gemstone is widely popular worn with casual attire, for spring and summer.
Chrysoprase, Apple Green: This comparatively rare gemstone is from the most valuable of the chalcedony group. It is characterized by its intense spring-green color with medium to good transparency – a class act that needs no accompaniment.
Citrine: Citrine is the golden-yellow member of the silicon dioxide family of quartz. Like golden rays of sunlight, citrine is medium to bright yellow with good clarity.
Dumortierite: Blue dumortierite (pronounced do-MORE-te-rite), also called “blue denim stone”, is actually aluminum borate silicate from Brazil. Dumortierite is thought to enhance organizational abilities, self discipline and orderliness. In addition, it is said to encourage one to see and accept reality.
Fluorite, Golden Rainbow: Soft golden-toned, glowing colors give this fluorite its name. Often banded and striped, fluorite is translucent with a vitreous luster. The colors of the golden rainbow strands include yellow, purple, blue and green hues. Golden rainbow fluorite is said to enhance intuition, creativity, concentration and one’s sense of order. It is also said to help release negative thoughts and to give protection against them.
Fluorite, Lavender: The name fluorite comes from the Latin “fleure” which means “to flow”. These fluorite beads look like translucent globes with a soft lavender glow. Lavender fluorite is said to increase spiritual balance and mystic visions, well- being, serenity and peace.
Fluorite, Rainbow: Translucent rainbow fluorite is known for its exciting range and blend of colors, including purple, violet, clear and green. Its striped patterns make each bead as unique and beautiful as a rainbow. Rainbow fluorite was often used in carvings due to it’s softness. The ancient Romans, who admired purple, carved vases and figures from this stone and considered them valuable treasures. Since fluorite cleaves when struck, forming distinct four-sided pyramids, it has long been associated with psychic energy.
Garnet: Garnets have been a symbol of passionate love and fidelity for many centuries. Garnets come in a myriad of shapes and shades. Garnet is considered to be the stone of devotion both to others and to oneself. It is said to inspire romantic love, passion, sensuality, intimacy, positive thoughts, inspiration, career success, social popularity and self confidence.
Garnet, Hessonite: Scrumptious looking garnets with shading from root beer to orange and citrus-colored gemstone tones. Commonly called cinnamon stone, hessonite is part of the garnet family. Hessonite garnet is referred to as “a stone of creativity”. It is said that it helps allow us to say goodbye to outworn or unusable ideas.
Garnet, Hydrabadi: Bright red tones similar to the Mozambique garnet.
Garnet, Indosolite: Rare, dusky brown tones in glistening, tiny faceted buttons. Look for its subtle change to green in the sunlight.
Garnet, Orissa: These dainty oval garnet beads are a sparkling, warm reddish brown to deep red color.
Garnet, Rhodolite: Tiny, bright violet-red to purplish-red rhodolite garnet beads. Rhodolite garnet is said to facilitate meditation, enhance intuition and to inspire love.
Garnet, Spessarite: Spessarite garnet is said to help us be content with our home and put down roots. It is also believed to strengthen willpower and increase self-esteem and popularity.
Howlite: Howlite comes in a natural white or a beautiful Lapis Lazui, Red or Turquoise dyed color. It is named for its discoverer, Henry How (a Nova Scotia geologist), and is one of those minerals that is more famous for imitating another mineral. Howlite is found in continental evaporate deposits with other borate and evaporate minerals. It forms in nodules that appear like the heads of a cauliflower, crystal faces on the nodules are rare. Veins of black web-like streaks often are interlaced throughout the nodules, adding to their character. Howlite is believed to allow one to express emotions calmly, allowing oneself to say what is necessary in a manner that is not offensive to the listener.
Iolite: The gem version of the mineral cordierite, it is often called “water sapphire”. Iolite is known as a stone of power. It is believed to enhance leadership ability, power, inner strength, self-confidence and executive ability. Many people wear iolite to bed believing that it increases dreams and the ability to remember dreams. It is also used as an aid to intuition.
Jade, Burma: Because of its incredible strength, jadeite is highly prized in the Far East for carving spiritual figures and symbols. It has been used for tools and weapons since antiquity. Genuine rare jadeite comes in a variety of colors, including white, green, yellow and black. The Chinese believe Jade not only brings prosperity but also allows you to hold onto your money rather than have it slip through your fingers. All jade is believed to produce longevity, fertility, serenity, wisdom, balance, moderation, perspective and stability.
Jasper, Autumn: Imagine pumpkins, red maple leaves, and leisurely walks in autumn. That is the earthy look and feel of the warm brick red and avocado green colors of autumn jasper. Autumn jasper is believed to protect oneself from negative energy. It is thought to be very strengthening.
Jasper, Brecciated (also known as Poppy Jasper): Revel in the deep brown, brick red and cream colors that swirl through brecciated jasper. This stone is believed to enhance organizational abilities, relaxation and a sense of wholeness. It is said to encourage attunement and communication with animals and may help with animal allergies. It is said to bring happiness, create a good outlook on life and ease stress.
Jasper, Dalmation: This opaque light tan jasper is spotted black like those famous “fire-station” dogs. Dalmation jasper is thought to increase patience, remove disillusionment and increase loyalty to one’s partner, making it beneficial for long term relationships.
Jasper, Fancy: Blends of mauve, lilac, cream and green create a rich medley of color. Fancy jasper is believed to be a stone of gentleness and relaxation. It may enhance one’s ability to relax by bringing tranquility, comfort and wholeness. It is sometimes called the nurturing stone for its nurturing and protective energies. Think of them as helping us to cease over-analyzing everything and to increase our enjoyment of life.
Jasper, Flower: Warm cream, rust and pale green flower jasper is something to be enjoyed.
Jasper, Green Leaf: Dark green against a black matrix.
Jasper, Leopardskin: Think of a sinuous, graceful jungle cat. You will want to purr when wearing leopardskin jasper. Leopardskin jasper is said to assist and protect during physical and spiritual travel. It is also believed to make it easier for one to take responsibility properly.
Jasper, Moukaite (pronounced “moo-kite”): Red browns, golds and whites mix in very broad patterns in this gemstone.
Jasper, Ocean: Delightful multi-colors and orbicular patterns in a solid, strong jasper from the island of Madagascar. Metaphysically thought to promote balance of physical, intellectual and emotional bodies.
Jasper, Peridot: Bright, creamy green jasper combines peridot’s color tone with jasper’s at a low cost.
Jasper, Picasso: This unique jasper with its wide streaks of black, grey and occasional red has an abstract, modernistic look.
Jasper, Picture: Imagine vast sandy expanses and rocky mountains. This gemstone’s brown, tan and cream earth tones are fabulous.
Jasper, Rainbow: Rainbow jasper is an earthy blend of warm sensual burgundy-reds and golds broadly banded with browns and tans.
Jasper, Red: This deep, brick red jasper is similar in color to pipestone – a soft red stone mined in Minnesota for centuries by the Plains Indians for the carving and making of pipes. Red jasper is believed to facilitate the remembering of dreams, aid in the assistance in rescue from danger and to help balance out unfair situations.
Jasper, Sesame: A delicate translucent white with a swirl of mint green.
Jasper, Silver Leaf: Silver leaf jasper’s swirls and spotted patterns in grey, black and white are a sophisticated look in jewelry.
Jasper, Tigerskin: Brown ochres create bands of rich color in the dark golden matrix of this gemstone.
Jasper, White: Snow-white jasper looks like tiny, round marshmallows. This opaque chalcedony is a multi-purpose stone which goes well with contrasting colored stones.
Labradorite (a composition of feldspar minerals, albite and anorthite): Imagine a shimmering fountain with the sun’s rays igniting blue sparks in the droplets. That is the subtle beauty of grey-blue labradorite with its beckoning blue flashes of color. Labradorite is said to help provide clarity and insight into your destiny. It is also said to be especially helpful for dream recall and finding ways to use dreams in daily life. It is also valued as a connection on the path to love.
Lapis Lazuli (pronounced “laz-u’li”): Like a royal blue cloak shimmering with gold, lapis lazuli is deep blue often with a touch of purple and flecks of iron pyrite. Lapis Lazuli has been valued through the ages as a link to the all-knowing sources of knowledge and for invoking wisdom. It has traditionally been a stone for royalty.
Lapis Lazuli, Denim: These denim-look beads are a beautiful blend of blue, white and grey with areas of pyrite inclusions. Perfect for relaxed, blue jean days.
Malachite: Top gem quality, finely banded malachite is a blend of lush medium and dark greens. Wear this gorgeous gemstone with neutral colors so nothing competes with its vibrant “green as the grassy hills of Ireland” tones. As the color “green” has long been seen as the color of life, malachite has been seen as the restorer of life. This is interpreted as assisting the body in its natural healing process. It is said that by using this stone, one can counteract self-destructive romantic tendencies and help encourage true, pure love.
“Malachite”, Red: Red “malachite” is the common trade name for this banded jasper.
Moonstone, Multi-Colored: Semi-translucent moonstone is desirable for its opalescent flashes, and subtle tones of white, peach, cream and silver. Moonstone has been honored as the sacred stone of the moon goddess and as an aid to the traveler – by opening us up to the experience of people and new places. It is also said to create joy and peace in our homes. It is believed to help calm responses, avoid overreaction and enhance femininity, intuition and psychic abilities.
Moonstone, Peach: Creamy pale to medium orange-colored peach moonstone is highlighted by occasional moving moonstone sheen. Refreshing as peach ice cream in summer.
Moonstone, Rainbow: The rainbow effect brings in a spectrum of light and is thought to help with clearing and bringing in uplifting energies. It has been said to have the power to grant wishes.
Moonstone, White: Translucent, white moonstone has a soft sheen.
Morganite: Vibrant pink color. Morganite is the pink variety of Beryl (other varieties include aquamarine and emerald).
Obsidian, Mahogany: Imagine a fine piece of mahogany polished until it gleams like glass. These volcanic glass beads have a black base with red-brown streaks resembling wood grain. Obsidian is called the “mirror stone” because it reflects one’s personal shortcomings, allowing these shortcomings to come to one’s consciousness to be dealt with, then let go of. It is believed to stimulate growth of physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual centers to provide strength in times of need. It is also said to help promote a forgiving attitude and release of grievances.
Obsidian, Snowflake: Like flakes of snow floating against a deep black sky. The snowflake appearance in this volcanic glass is produced by internal crystallites formed as lava quickly cooled. Whether in its raw or formed state, obsidian is believed to help with the integration of mental balance between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. It also is attributed with assisting in physical balance and with physical safety. Specifically snowflake obsidian is believed to be a stone of purity helping one to recognize unnecessary patterns in ones life. Those who appreciate the powers of obsidian often carry a piece with them.
Onyx, Black: Pizzazz! That’s what genuine, gleaming onyx will add to jewelry designs. Such beauty costs a little more, and in this case, it’s worth it. This material is genuine, highly polished striped onyx, dyed black in color. As the dye is accepted differently throughout the stone, periodic banding may still be displayed. It has been believed for centuries that black onyx repels negativity and also reflects the negativity of others, keeping one safe from harm. Also believed is that it aids in grounding so that the person is not so flighty, and can think and act in a more rational matter which will help stimulate the power of wise decision making.
Onyx, Sardonyx, Black and White Banded: Sophisticated-looking black and white sardonyx is an opaque agate that’s been permanently dyed to enhance its contrasting bands.
Onyx, Sardonyx, Red and White Banded: This rich, medium red sardonyx is beautifully banded.
Onyx, Sardonyx, Red and White Bull’s Eye: Eye-catching red-orange stripes create a concentric bull’s eye patter that makes this sardonyx unusual. The stone is cut so opposite sides of each bead have the eye pattern. Sardonyx is thought to foster luck, friendship, happiness, good fortune, romance and marriage. It is also believed to be protective of the young and of those who try new things.
Onyx, Sardonyx, White Striped: With banding colors ranging from translucent white to dark brown, this sardonyx will bring memories of warm autumn days with root beer floats.
Opal, Fire: Faceted buttons in graduated color tones, from clear to deep red-range. Fire Opal is believed to help in letting go of anger. It is also said to magnify existing traits whether they are positive or negative. Opal is a stone of inspiration which enhances imagination and creativity. It helps on e release inhibitions and enhances memory
Peridot: This beloved gemstone’s popularity reaches back to the Middle Ages. Shimmering, delicate green peridot beads have good clarity. Peridot is said to help one to find happiness within one’s self and to overcome anger and jealousy.
Pietersite (also called Eagle’s Eye): The name was given to honor it’s discoverer, Sid Pieters, who found it originally in Namibia, Africa. Pietersite is a rare blue variation of tigereye. The attributes of pietersite include physical protections, especially for the eyes.
Quartz Crystal: Pure, sparkling, icy rock crystal was called “krystallos” by the Greeks, who thought it was ice that was eternally frozen. Predominately clear quarts is quite rare(which is why perfectly clear crystal balls are so expensive). For centuries, quartz has been recognized for harmony and has been used as a “Stone of Power”, being able to bring the energy of the stars into the soul. It stimulates brain function, aids clarity of mind, dispels negativity in one’s environment and is a very powerful healer.
Quartz Crystal, Frosted: Like looking through a lovely frosted window, these frosted quartz crystal beads have a soft glow like the magic orb of a wizard.
Quartz Crystal, Ice Flake: This quartz is first heated then quickly cooled. The crystals that don’t explode into dust sometimes develop the beautiful internal fractures reminiscent of ice crystals. The internal surface reflects light and colors in every direction, for very exciting jewelry.
Quartz, Lemon: A natural yellow quartz related to citrine but often with a burnt-orange or green tinge.
Quartz, Rose: Natural color rose quartz, like the delicate pink rose for which it is named, is associated with love the world over. Everything symbolic regarding rose quartz always returns to love and beauty. Rose quartz is believed to restore youthful qualities, particularly of the skin and self-esteem. Those who wear it experience the joy of each new day and each new experience—they are able to appreciate the innate beauty of people and objects.
Quartz, Smoky: Also known incorrectly as smoky topaz, subtle sensual smoky quartz has been a beloved gemstone in jewelry for centuries. Smoky quartz is said to alleviate stress and transform fear, anger, and other negative emotions into positive energies, thus having a comforting and calming effect. It is also said to provide clarity of thought, improve intuition, enhance survival instincts and stimulate higher awareness in meditative states.
Quartz, Snow (also known as “white quartz”): The cloudy opaque look of this pure snow quartz comes from when microscopic inclusions which were encase in the crystal when it first began growing.
Quartz, Toumalinated (also known as Rutillated Quartz): Black needle-like inclusions called rutiles in a clear quartz base create striking beauty.
Rhodochrosite: Luscious, light raspberry-red rhodchrosite’s name refers to the Greek word for “rose-red”. It has also been called “Inca-rose” for its natural deposits in Argentina.
Rhodonite: Rhodonite beads are rosy pink with a black matrix. Rhodonite is believed to stabilize one’s thinking into what is true for oneself. It helps in making fine distinctions in people. Rather than black-and-white judgments like “good” or “bad”, the wearer sees others as brothers and sisters, with all their complexities, worthy of love. It brings love around you and helps you remain centered when you are in the love state. When carried or worn, it allows you to see the love in all of life’s experiences, even in the simplest of daily chores.
Rhyolite: A complex jasper with a world of possibilities.
Riverstone: Soothing, like a gentle flowing river. This almond-colored stone blends well with all the autumn colors and lends a quality of tranquility to jewelry designs. Riverstone is called the stone of freedom for it helps to carry the burdens that we find too difficult to carry alone. It is here to remind us that going with the flow is easier than swimming against the current. It safeguards against polluting our minds with worry and fear.
Serpentine: Light, black and green swirled patterns in this lovely antigorite serpentine (scaly, opaque variety). Thread patters along with the occasional iridescent green sheen offer contrast and visual interest. Serpentine this gemstone gets its name from the resemblance of its color and markings to the skin of a snake. It is thought to promote good luck, happiness and success. It may help people reach their business or personal dreams and desires and it inspires respect for the elderly.
Sodalite: Lovely deep blue-violet sodalite, accented with white streaks of calcite, is a wonderful lapis lazuli look-alike at a fraction of its cost. Ancient truth seekers relied on sodalite. Its presence helps to call out the inner truths in ourselves and from those around us, and helps one to let go f control and be in a peaceful state. Sodalite clears the mind for deeper and wiser thinking by aiding the shift from emotional to rational thinking.
Spinel, Multi-Colored: Spinel is a natural gemstone that comes in a range of colors, and has been confused with ruby, sapphire, garnet, amethyst, and topaz. Until 150 years ago, red spinel was classified as ruby. The main deposits of the gemstone are in Burma and Sri Lanke, but it is also found in New Jersey.
Sunstone: Remember 4th of July sparklers? Flashes from these translucent, had-cut orange/brown sunstone beads are reminiscent of those sparklers. Sunstone evokes learning, stretching and evolving qualities in order to meet our greatest potential. It is believed to be a powerful stone for dispelling fears and phobias of all kinds. Sunstone also decreases stress and lifts depression, brings good luck, abundance, and turns negative energies into positive energies. This stone increases leadership qualities in its wearer.
Tigereye: Look into the eye of this magnificent tiger. Movement dramatizes the chatoyant effect of the contrasting golden and brown bands. This stone reminds us to open our eyes again and see our world with childlike wonder. Keep tigereye with you—it brings color to a black-and-white world. It has been used to stimulate wealth and to enhance the stability required to maintain wealth. Produces soothing vibrations generating a calmness to unsettled turmoil, and allows one to enjoy the actions of being unfenced and uninhibited.
Tigereye, Black: This grey/black tigereye has the same deep banding you expect from golden tigereye with a subtle chatoyancy and silky luster. Sleek and beautiful as a black panther.
Tigereye, Red: Chatoyant tigereye, when heat-treated, turns this deep rust color Set the Stage! Light the lights! This is an excellent stone for public oratory and presentations. The qualities of this stone enhance confidence in oneself and the subject being presented. It allows clarity of thought to be projected with profound sensitivity to the needs of the audience.
Tigereye, Yellow/Blue: This is a rare blue tigereye from South Africa.
Tiger Iron: Rich chocolate brown tones highlighted with vibrant golden-yellow distinguish this quartz-lignite aggregate. It is believed the power conferred by tiger iron is more immediate and obvious than that of any other stone.
Tourmaline, Multi-Color: A beautiful rainbow of color ranging from deep pink to light green. Tourmaline strands are incredible.
Tourmaline, Green: Translucent, vivid green tourmaline’s shades vary from light to deep forest green.
Tourmaline, Pink: Each strand includes lovely varied shades of light to deep pink tourmaline. Tourmaline is valued by those of us who seek to know inner truths. The quest is without fear; the direction is obvious. But the natural inertia we often feel is overcome by a new-born peace. Keep tourmaline available for those times when you need it the most to get motivated.
Turquoise: Sleeping Beauty turquoise is the most highly prized turquoise in the world today. This bright, vivid turquoise, often referred to as “Persian color”, has long been sought after by fine jewelers both in Europe and in America. From the incredible Sleeping Beauty Mine in Arizona, it has become the turquoise standard for the world. Intense, medium blue, most pieces are perfectly clear, although some will have occasional inclusions. Sacred stone of Native Americans, said to absorb negative energies, enhance intuition, and give its wearer vibrance. It is a stone of vision, integration and clarity.
Unakite: A blend of greens and reds reminiscent of autumn’s pleasures, Unakite is named for the place it was discovered, in South Carolina, U.S.A. It is said to bring unconditional love of humanity, connection and reunion. It can help with healing of abandonment and separation issues.
Zoisite with Ruby: Deep green zoisite (anyolite) has black horneblende inclusions. First found in Austria’s Sau-Alp mountains. Some beads are accented by an occasional natural ruby crystal. Many artists, who see their work as an extension of their individual spiritual natures, value zoisite. When you need a creativity boost, hug zoisite.