Definitions of semi-precious stones  
Cartouche & Ancient Egyptian History
Minerals and metals were identified
with specific gods, spiritual and therapeutic values.
The words for lapis lazuli and turquoise were synonymous
with joy and delight, respectively.
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| Turquoise Turquoise was used as a valuable ornament
by the Egyptians thousands of years ago. The color is of
course, turquoise, but this color actually varies from
greenish blue to sky blue shades. The only gemstone
belonging to the phosphates, it is a hydrous phosphate of
aluminum with a small percentage of copper giving it the
blue coloring. When associated with iron the color tends to
be greenish. The best turquoise is deep blue and even in
color. Metaphysical Properties- it is associated with the
sky, and bringing sky energy to earth. It can help promote
honest and clear communication from the heart. It is also
said to protect against pollution in the environment, and to
bring abundance. -Turquoise can also help speed the healing
process, and is known as a master healer stone.
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Pink and Red
Coral
Physical Properties- any of a variety of invertebrate marine
organisms of the class Anthozoa (phylum Cnidaria) that are
characterized by skeletons-external or internal-of a stone-like
consistency. The term coral is also applied to the skeletons of
these animals.
Metaphysical
Properties- energizes emotions, strength, stability and long
life. -Good for helping circulation, bones, harmony, fertility
the hard stony skeleton of a Mediterranean coral that has a
delicate red or pink color and is used for jewelry. |
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| Blue Lapis or Lapis
Lazuli Lapis lazuli is one of the oldest of
all gems, it was used by Sumerians and
Egyptians in 3000 B.C. Top quality lapis
is a strong blue, lapis cabochons sometimes with a hint of
violet. The value of lapis decreases with the presence of white
patches (calcite),but small veins of pyrite can increase the
value (presence of pyrite is often a personal preference). The
finest lapis lazuli comes from Afghanistan where it has been
mined for centuries. Deep blue in color and opaque, this gem was
highly prized by the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, as can be seen
by its prominent use in many of the treasures recovered from
pharaonic tombs.
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| Black onyx
A variety of quartz in crystalline form of
calcium carbonate. It is characterized by a structure of
parallel bands each differing in color or in the degree of
translucency. Considered to be a marble because it can take a
polish. is also a variety of Chalcedony
with microscopic crystals. It is similar to Agate but has
parallel regular bands. Onyx was the ancient birthstone for the
month of July.
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Mother of Pearl
- the pearl lining of an oyster. Only
mollusks that have this lining can produce pearls. Nacre
- which is a silky substance secreted over a forming pearl.
Layer after layer of nacre build up to form what we call a
pearl. When light touches the pearl, it travels through all the
layers of nacre, and each tiny crystal reflects the light like
miniature prisms. |
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| Malachite
is an opaque semi-precious stone with layers
of deep green and light green. It is usually found in copper
mines; malachite is about 57% copper. Malachite was used as
jewelry thousands of years ago by the ancients Egyptians. |
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