Agate Slice
Agate is a banded form of finely-grained, microcrystalline Quartz. Agates are most commonly found as nodules within the cavities of volcanic rocks. These slices are cut against the grain to highlight the beautiful bandings. The name "agate" comes from the Achetes River in Sicily, where agates were first found.
Fossilised Shark Tooth
These fossils are approximately 10 million years old. Shark teeth can be preserved as fossils if they are buried in sediments, which prevents decomposition by oxygen and bacteria. These fossils likely came from a Mako or Lemon Shark. Sharks continuously shed their teeth and can have over 35,000 in their lifetime.
Obsidian Arrowhead
Obsidian is a natural glass that is formed from rapid cooling of viscous lava from volcanoes. It was used in the same way as flint was in Ireland to produce fine blades and tools.
Desert Rose
Made from a mixture of Selenite and Barite, a Desert Rose is biologically a Selenite Gypsum. It forms when the components surrounding Selenite – such as water and sand – run off and collect in bulk. What emerges is an incredibly intricate crystal structure that looks similar to a rose.
Blue Calcite
Calcite comes in dozens of colours. It is a form of calcium carbonate, which is the mineral that makes up chalk. During the Second World War, it was used for gun sights, due to its ready availability.
Laser Point Quartz
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust. The most common form of Quartz is hexagonal with a six-sided prism and six-sided pyramid at either end.
Snowflake Obsidian
Snowflake Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass primarily composed of silicon dioxide. It has a black background with a distinctive white or grey ‘snowflake’ pattern. This pattern is caused by internal crystallites made of cristobalite.
Howlite
Howlite is commonly used to make decorative objects such as small carvings or jewellery components. Because of its porous texture, Howlite can be easily dyed to imitate other minerals.
Black Tourmaline
Black Tourmaline originates from magmatic activity, crystallizing from molten rock. Its natural electric properties make it valuable in industries like electronics and telecommunications.
Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz is a mineral composed primarily of silicon dioxide molecules that typically form between 400°C to 700°C. It is valued for its pale to rich-pink colour, due to trace amounts of titanium.
Mookaite
Mookaite is a type of Jasper and can only be found in Western Australia. It comes in a wide range of colours and can sometimes contain fossils.
Sodalite
Sodalite was discovered in 1811 in Greenland however it did not become popular as an ornamental stone until 1891, when large deposits were discovered in Ontario, Canada. Its name comes from its high sodium content.
Tiger's Eye
Tiger’s eye is a variety of Quartz. Warriors valued this gemstone in ancient times. They believed that it gave them protection and strength.
Citrine
Citrine is a type of quartz. Quartz is the second most common mineral in the earth's crust. It is made up of silicon and oxygen formed within all types of rocks. The only difference between amethyst and citrine is the rate of oxidization of their iron impurities.
Dark Brecciated Jasper
This form of Jasper is unique for a couple of reasons. The first is its fragmented appearance. In geology, brecciation occurs when rocks break down into tiny little fragments. Those fragments cement together, resulting in a stained-glass look with stunning detail. Another unique aspect of the stone is its color. Brecciated Jasper has high concentrations of Hematite, a type of iron oxide mineral. The Hematite creates a deep red color.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a variety of Quartz. It contains iron and other trace minerals within its structure. Amethyst derives from the Greek word ‘anethystos’ meaning ‘not intoxicated’. Its colour can fade in prolonged sunlight.