Howlite is a chameleon of the gemstone world. It’s natural form is white with fine grey or black veins that run through the stone in a seemingly random manner. The stone is porous, meaning it absorbs dye well and so Howlite is often coloured (see the blue example below). Less honest traders can attempt to pass off dyed howlite as […]
Howlite
Amethyst
Amethyst is a relatively common quartz that attains its royal purple color from iron. It can vary in color from pale lilac to a deep purple – the deeper colors more likely to be turned into fine gemstones. Jewellers can intensify the color by applying heat to the stone. It is likely to shade strong at the tip and weaken […]
Tigers Eye
Tigers Eye is a (metamorphic) mix of rock, iron oxide deposits and red jasper, the latter giving the red layers that can be seen on closer inspection and the iron oxide giving it various hues of brown. Its formation gives it a chatoyant effect, meaning it changes colour in different light and angles. It resembles a tiger’s (or cat’s) eye […]