Tag Archives: stone of the month

Puddingstone Cab

Puddingstone

Puddingstone

Puddingstone (photo credit Andrea Jaeger Miehls)

Puddingstone is the popular name for an agate conglomerate, so called because of the plum pudding-like appearance of the rounded pebbles whose colours contrast with the matrix which surrounds them.

Puddingstone Slice

Puddingstone Slice (photo credit East Herts Geology Club)

There are different types of puddingstone, with different composition, origin, and geographical distribution. Examples of different types of puddingstones include the Hertfordshire, Schunemunk, Roxbury and St. Joseph Island puddingstones.

Puddingstone St Mary's Chesham

Remains of a stone circle of pudding stone incorporated into the structure of St Mary’s Church, Chesham, Buckinghamshire (Photo credit Iridescent)

Puddingstone has been used since at least Roman times as a building material, and also for grinding corn shaped into a device called a quern.

Puddingstone Quern

Puddingstone Quern (Photo credit St Albans Museums)

Puddingstone is believed to be useful in assisting with anxiety or stress.

Large Puddingstone

Large Puddingstone (photo credit DI Showshoe)

Puddingstone is used to prevent tissue deterioration of internal organs and muscles, to strengthen immune system and to promote body balance. It is supposed to help alleviate any pain or disorder.

Puddingstone Sphere

Puddinstone Sphere (Phot0 credit The Rock Shed)

This gorgeous Puddingstone cabochon at the top of this post, which comes from Agate Creek right here in Queensland, Australia, was snapped up by a lovely client of mine. I made this ring for her.

Puddingstone and Sterling Silver Ring

Contact me if you’d like me to create a custom piece for you!

Rhyolite

Rhyolite

Rhyolite – Closeup (photo credit Outback Mining)

Rhyolite is a volcanic rock, and is known as the volcanic equivalent of granite. It is sometimes known as Rainforest Jasper. Its occurrence is quite widespread throughout the world.

Flow-banded Rhyolite (photo credit Angela Walker)

Flow-banded Rhyolite (photo credit Angela Walker)

Pre-historic quarries of rhyolite have been discovered in the location of east Pennsylvania, USA. Rhyolite was given its name by the German traveller and geologist Ferdinand von Richthofen after his explorations in the Rocky Mountains in the 1860s.

Rhyolite - Slab (photo credit GemrockAuctions)

Rhyolite – Slab (photo credit GemrockAuctions)

Rhyolite is supposed to spark creativity in individuals who are ready to move forward and make things happen in their life. It apparently helps to break through the mental barriers.

Rhyolite - Polished Stone (photo credit GreenEarthStones)

Rhyolite – Polished Stone (photo credit GreenEarthStones)

This stone is used for meditation, progression in life, focusing on the present moment and resolving issues not yet complete.

Rhyolite - Sphere (photo credit Crystalarium)

Rhyolite – Sphere (photo credit Crystalarium)

I had the lovely piece of rhyolite in cab form shown at the top of this post,which I made into a pendant. If you’d like a pendant of your own, just contact me and let me know!

Rhyolite and Sterling Silver Pendant 

Gemstone of the Month – Blue Chalcedony

Blue chalcedony is a form of silica, comprised of quartz and moganite. It was in use as early as the bronze age, for important items and jewellery. It comes primarily from Africa and Turkey.

Blue chalcedony is believed to be an excellent crystal for public speakers and those who speak for a living, such as lawyers, actors and singers.

Blue Chalcedony Crystals

Blue Chalcedony Crystals (photo credit PristineMinerals)

It is thought to generate peace, encourage stillness and calm in the home, and be good for daily journeys to work, or stressful trips involving children.

I created this ring using some blue chalcedony drops. You can see more about it here.

Peruvian Blue Chalcedony Castle Ring

I have these lovely blue chalcedony cabochons in my gemstone collection, available to be custom made into a pendant or ring for you!

 

Gemstone of the Month – Shattuckite

I was so happy when I first discovered shattuckite!  It is the most amazing gemstone, which comes in all manner of combinations of blue.

Shattuckite is a mix of azurite, chrysocolla, malachite, and sometimes copper (cuperite) in quartz. It was first discovered in 1915 in the copper mines of Bisbee, Arizona, specifically the Shattuck Mine (hence the name).

It is a psuedomorph, meaning that it forms as the result of an atom by atom change to a crystal structure, in this case of Malachite.

Shattuckite is reputed to assist with reconciliation and renewal. Shattuckite is also used to channel information. It is said to calm the mind and create harmony.

Shattuckite is believed to be helpful in healing diabetes, assisting with calcium absorption problems, thyroid issues, mites and other infestations, and tonsillitis. 

Shattuckite and Sterling Silver Pendant

You can have a little piece of this fabulous stone to wear for your very own!

I have some shattuckite in my gemstone collection. If you find a stone that appeals to you and you’d like to have it set in a ring or a pendant, let me know.