Translucent Stones

Translucent Gemstones:

This group of gemstones contain some of the most popular and widely used gems on the planet. From the VERY expensive and highly collectible Jades, through to the more usually seen Agates, they form a myriad of the most brightly colorful and simply fascinating gemstones available today.

Generally thought of as opaque (light does not pass through) to the more dense colored and patterned stones where some light passes through, the Translucent Stones cover almost every available color and pattern. Craftsmen have taken every advantage of this group of gems.

They can also come in such HUGE sizes that they have become a complete industry in their own right creating thousands of workers to be employed in the Carving and Cutting of Ornamental Objects from Cutlery Handles, Objects d'art, Clock faces and small sculptured creations.

Jade is one of the more popular gems within this diverse group, and it's desirability goes without precedence in Chine and the Far East. But everyone should also be familiar with the inexpensive Cat's Eye, Tiger Eye or Hawks Eye Variations of the Quartz Group of Gemstones. In fact so common were these gemstones during the Victorian and Edwardian periods that almost everyone would have owned a Black Onyx Signet Ring or a Bloodstone (heliotrope) Seal or Spinner.

#1: National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals (National Audubon Society Field Guides) - Wed, 10 Mar 2010

National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals (National Audubon Society Field Guides)
by NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY
(32)

Buy new: $19.95 $13.57
104 used & new from $4.10

(Ranking is updated hourly. Visit the Bestsellers in Rocks & Minerals list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)

#2: The Book of Stones: Who They Are & What They Teach - Wed, 10 Mar 2010

The Book of Stones: Who They Are & What They Teach
by Robert Simmons, Naisha Ahsian
(81)

Buy new: $29.95 $19.77
46 used & new from $18.40

(Ranking is updated hourly. Visit the Bestsellers in Rocks & Minerals list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)

#3: Peterson First Guide to Rocks and Minerals - Wed, 10 Mar 2010

Peterson First Guide to Rocks and Minerals
by Frederick H. Pough, Roger Tory Peterson
(6)

Buy new: $5.95
57 used & new from $0.75

(Ranking is updated hourly. Visit the Bestsellers in Rocks & Minerals list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)

#4: Simon & Schuster's Guide to Rocks & Minerals - Wed, 10 Mar 2010

Simon & Schuster's Guide to Rocks & Minerals
by Martin Prinz, George Harlow, Joseph Peters
(18)

Buy new: $17.00 $11.56
87 used & new from $2.43

(Ranking is updated hourly. Visit the Bestsellers in Rocks & Minerals list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)

#5: A Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals (Peterson Field Guides) - Wed, 10 Mar 2010

A Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals (Peterson Field Guides)
by Frederick H. Pough, Roger Tory Peterson, Jeffrey Scovil
(9)

Buy new: $20.00 $13.60
59 used & new from $3.00

(Ranking is updated hourly. Visit the Bestsellers in Rocks & Minerals list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)

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Agate had a special place in history with Idar-Oberstein in Germany becoming the center of World development. It is truly a wonderful yet inexpensive gem so when the supply started to peeter out another industry started in Brazil. Here the supply was abundant while the workers were plentiful. Shipping the Raw material back to Germany revitalized the industry. The larger Agate pieces were crafted into Bowls and Jugs.

Over 3000 years ago the Egyptians polished agate into magical talisman pendants to protect the wearer from the elements, or to give the owner the power of public speaking. Great gems for a Great People.

There are also many fine examples of carved layered onyx into delicate and fine Cameos (cut in relief) and Intaglios (carved INTO the stone) which are extremely expensive or rare. These create a complete group on their own and were copied somewhat by the Wedgwood Blue Cameo Ceramic Plaques in Design.

No matter what your tastes - there is surely something here for everyone. The Translucent Opaque stones are a very satisfying and collectible set of gems, and one you should be proud to own.

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