Sunday’s Gem — Amethyst

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein

The word Amethyst comes from old Greek words for “not” and “intoxicated.”

Amethyst beads, 6 mm round

Amethyst beads, 6 mm round

This purple, lilac, or mauve quartz, you see, was supposed to guard against drunkenness and instill a sober mind. Ancient Greeks and Romans studded their goblets with Amethyst for just that reason.

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Sunday’s Gem — Turquoise

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein

The name Turquoise comes from the French expression for “Turkish stone” in recognition of trade routes that brought this sky blue to blue- or yellow-green beauty to Europe from Asia via Turkey.

Reconstituted Turquoise beads

Reconstituted Turquoise beads (means they’ve been treated to eliminate the stone’s natural softness, brittleness, and porousness)

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Sunday’s Gem — Red Jasper

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein

If you have to go out at night a lot, be sure you have a piece of Red Jasper with you.

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Sunday’s Gem — Citrine

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein

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Sunday’s Gem

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein

Thus far, I’ve resisted the urge to have a regular feature on my blog, but sometimes I question that decision.

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