AB (Aurora Borealis)
The aurora is a bright glow observed in the night sky, usually in the polar zone. Aurora Borealis
is a term for crystal stones that have a highly iridescent surface. As to beads, iridescent finish
is achieved by placing a pastel multicolored coating on the surface of the bead.
Aurora Borealis
Lustering process using very small metallic particles.
Abalone
Abalone is a mollusk whose shell is iridescent on the inside; abalone is a source of mother of
pearl, which is used in jewelry making.
Acroite
Acroite is a rare, colorless variety of tourmaline.
Acrylic Resin
Acrylic resins are transparent and opaque man-made resins of varied colors used in making
molded plastics.
African Trade Beads
African Trade beads are usually large, cylindrical, and colorful. Trade beads were old glass beads
mostly made in Venice 200-400 years ago, used for trade in Africa and the Orient.
Agate
Agate is a term applied not to a distinct mineral species, but to an aggregate of various forms of
silica, chiefly
chalcedony.
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Aigrette
An aigrette (meaning "egret" in French) is a feather-shaped piece of jewelry that is worn in the
hair or on a hat.
Alabaster (opal glass)
Bead decorative process, that includes tiny particles, often crystals, that make opal glass opaque
and alabaster glass semi-opaque.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a mineral that appears to be different colors depending on whether it is viewed in
natural or artificial light: to be red when seen in candle light and blue to green when seen in
fluorescent light.
Alexandrite Effect
The "Alexandrite Effect" is a phenomenon in which a stone appears to be different colors depending
upon the type of light it is viewed in.
Alloy
An alloy is a combination of two or more metals. Common alloys used in jewelry are: gold under 24 Kt
(mixed with silver, copper, and/or other metals), Sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper), brass
(roughly half copper, half zinc), bronze (at least 60% copper with tin and perhaps other metals),
and pewter (tin, lead, antimony, and a bit of silver or copper).
Almandine
Almandine is a type of violet-tinged variety of garnet that ranges in color from deep red to
reddish-brown.
Alpaca
Alpaca is an alloy consisting of mostly copper (roughly 60 percent), and approximately 20 percent
nickel, about 20 percent zinc, and about 5 percent tin. This metal is a a silver substitute.
Amazonite
Amazonite is a mineral of limited occurrence, it is an iridescent stone that ranges in color from
green to blue-green.
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Amber
Amber is the common name for translucent fossilized tree resin that is appreciated for its inherent
beauty. Amber comes in many colors, including yellow, reddish, greenish, whitish, black, and blue.
Amber is flammable.
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Amethyst
Amethyst is a form of the mineral quartz, and is a relatively common gemstone. Amethyst is usually
purple, but can range in color from pale lavender to a very deep, reddish purple to a milky color to
green. Deeper-colored amethysts are more highly valued.
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Ametrine
Ametrine is a variety of quartz, a mixture of
amethyst and
citrine. Ametrine is
partially purple and partially orange-yellow.
Ammolite
Ammolite is a rare and valuable opal-like organic gemstone, it is made of the fossilized shells of
ammonites, which in turn are composed primarily of
aragonite, the same mineral that makes up
nacreous pearls. Ammolite is also known as gem ammonite, calcentine, and korite.
Amorphous
Amorphous means without form. An amorphous gem, like jet, amber, or ivory, does not have a regular
internal structure, like those gems that fall within the seven crystal systems.
Amulet
An amulet is a protective charm that is worn in the hope of protecting the wearer from evil or
illness or to bring the wearer good luck.
Andalusite
Faceted andalusite stones give a play of red, green, and yellow colors that resembles a muted form
of iridescence. Andalusite belongs to the same family as
kyanite and
sillimanite.
Anklet
An anklet, ankle chain, or ankle bracelet, is an ornament worn around the ankle.
Apatite
Apatite is an abundant mineral found in many types of rock but most gem quality material is
associated with pegmatites.
Applique
An ornamental object which was produced separately and then applied to a piece of jewelry.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a gemstone-quality transparent variety of beryl, having a delicate blue or turquoise
color, suggestive of the tint of seawater.
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Aragonite
Aragonite is a carbonate mineral. It is transparent to translucent and can range in color from
honey-colored to pale reds, blues and greens to clear or white.
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Asterism
An asterism is a star-like luminous effect that reflects light in some gemstones, like star
sapphires and star garnets.
Atlas Beads
Pentagonal satin glass beads with corners ground off.
Aventurine
Golden glitter due to copper crystals suspended in or pressed into the surface of other materials.
Aventurine glass is a shimmering glass.
Aventurine
Aventurine is a shimmering quartz stone that ranges in color from yellow to red to light green to
blue to light brown. The shimmer is caused by tiny metallic particles within the stone. Because of
golden glitter sometimes it is also called
goldstone.
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Azurite
Azurite is a soft, deep blue to pale blue copper mineral produced by weathering of copper ore
deposits. It is often found in the same mineral deposits as
malachite.
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