A
Amazonite [am-uh-zuh-nahyt]
Is the pale blue-green variety of microcline (a green feldspar.)

Amber
Is a fossilized tree resin. The color of most amber beads is a translucent brown. You also find other colors such as yellow, green and garnet colored amber.

Amethyst
Is a variety of quartz, the official birthstone of February. Depending on the grade, the colors range from lavender to deep purple.

Aquamarine
Is a transparent, light-blue or greenish-blue variety of beryl. The aquamarine used in beads typically have many inclusions and opaque areas. The color ranges from a pale blue to pale green. Aquamarine is the birthstone of March.

Aventurine
Is another form of Chalcedony quartz. Typical colors include green, blue, red and peach. These colors are achieved with dyes. Green aventurine is sometimes erroneously referred to as jade.

C
Carnelian
Is a type of quartz. Carnelian is traditionally associated with the fiery red/orange color, but a strand of carnelian can range from very pale yellow to deep orange.

Chalcedony [kal-sed-n-ee]
Is a quartz that comes in a variey of colors. In the industry, Chalcedony refers to the translucent or semitransparent sold color stone that is bluish-gray.

Chrysoprase [kris-uh-preyz}
Sometimes called Australian jade, is one of the most valuable Chalcedony gemstones. It has a beautiful apple green colors that is often translucent. Most of the Chrysoprase beads have a brown matrix.

G
Garnet
From a mineral perspective, garnets are a group of minerals that are silicates of calcium, magnesium, iron, or manganese with aluminum or iron. Whew! As a result, garnets come in a variety of colors. The wine-colored garnet is the one we use in our jewelry and is the birthstone for January.

J
Jade
Technically jade is either nephrite or jadeite. Jade comes in a variety of colors including green, pink and lavender. Brown jade is often used for pendants and is readily available.
Olive “Jade”, New “Jade”, and Yellow “Jade” are both serpentine. African “Jade” is grossular (the color of gooseberry) garnet.

Jasper
Is a form of chalcedony, spanning a wide range of colors. We like and use jasper, especially Picture Jasper, which comes in various shades of brown. Each bead is like a sand picture.

K
Kyanite [kahy-uh-nahyt]
Is typically a shimmery deep blue in color, like blue sapphire.

Lapis
There are several kinds of lapis, including Lapis Lazuli, which is used as a gem stone. Lapis Lazuli us composed of several blue minerals with speckles of gold due to the pyrite content. Denis Lapis is usually a lighter blue with white inclusions.

M
Mookite
Is Australian jasper with tones of reds, yellow and browns.

O
Onyx
Is a variety of agate. Most onyx is treated to create a uniform and permanent black.

P
Pearls - Fresh Water
Are pearls cultured in China. They come in various shapes and sizes and are often dyed into a variety of colors.
Pearls - Cultured
Most fine cultured pearls are produced in Japan.

Pearls - Swarovski
These are faux pearls made by the famous manufacturer of cut crystal beads. They have a leaded crystal core and a consistent pearl coating. These pearls come in a variety of colors and recently, in a variety of shapes.

Q
Quartz - in addition to natural quartz, there are several beads referred to as "quartz" that are actually glass. Examples: Cherry quartz, Pineapple quartz.

R
Rhodonite [rohd-n-ahyt]
Is a pink gemstone with black veins.

Rose Quartz
Quartz with a pale pink color.

S
Sodalite
Is a silicate that is similar in composition to Lapis Lazuli. Sodalite a lighter blue than Lapis Lazuli with with white inclusions.

Swarovski
The famous Australian manufacturer of cut crystal beads and décor.

T
Tiger Eye
Is a quartz. Its color is a rich, lustrous striped brown.