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Africa Gemstone
Tourmaline - a Modern Gemstone
When discovered at source Tourmaline is usually in long slender crystal shards with different variations of colour running along it's length, finding a crystal with only one colour is a rare occurrence. This wonderfully coloured jewel is a rarity in itself as it is the only gemstone to have three sided prisms in it's crystal structure.
The Tourmaline Gemstone is often given to celebrate eight years of marriage.
Tourmalines are found in a number of regions throughout the globe, with the best sources being Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zambia on the African continent, and Brazil, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Russia. Within the United States of America, the state of California is an excellent source.
Because the Tourmaline Gemstone comes in such a variety of colours, many different impurities are responsible for the creation of the vast tones that are available.
Inclusions of iron, lithium, calcium, sodium, manganese and magnesium are to name but a few.
The western world was introduced to Tourmaline Gemstones in 1703 when Dutch traders began importing them from Sri Lanka. Jewelry designers love to work with Tourmaline as the many different colour tones available open up an endless stream of ideas, this jewel certainly is a modern Gemstone and it's popularity has sent prices spiralling upwards over the last few years. Tourmaline has a glassy to vitreous lustre and are often faceted using the step or scissor cuts to show off the stones colour or to bring light to a potentially dark stone.
Bi-And Tricolour Tourmalines...many stones consist of two or three different colours, and sometimes more. The variety that springs to everybody's mind is the one known as watermelon, this will normally have a vibrant pink centre representing the flesh of the fruit and be surrounded by a lush green that depicts the rind. Good pink and green stones are found in Africa and Brazil.
Indicolite...are all the different shades of blue stones, from the deep blue of a Sapphire through blue greens and blue turquoise. A high proportion of these gemstones are usually very dark in colour and a common practice is to heat treat them to lighten the colour and make them more appealing to the buyer. Of the standard colours a good blue Indicolite is the most expensive. A violet blue variety known as Siberite is found in Siberia.
Verdalite...is Green Tourmaline with the most common colours being a yellowish green or bottle green. The most valuable and sought after Verdalite is Emerald or chromium green.
Yellow varieties do exist but they are usually a peachy off yellow rather than a good sharp yellow. Africa, Brazil and Sri Lanka offer good specimens.
Rubellite...is varieties of red Tourmaline, the most desirable being the Ruby red.
A good Rubellite will have a lively pink to red colour and these stones are getting more and more popular. A lot of lower grade stones are heat treated to intensify their colouring.
Africa and Brazil are good sources of the red gemstones as well as Madagascar and USA.
Dravite...magnesium impurities are responsible for the colour of these stones, which are normally brown yellow or brown orange. Darker brown gems are often heat treated to lighten them up and make them more appealing. Very often these stones change colour when viewed at different angles making them a popular jewel. Dravite is found in Australia, Brazil, Canada and Mexico as well as California within the United States.
Schorl...the black variety of the modern gemstone and in the most plentiful supply is not used as a gem any longer. However in Victorian times it was a very popular gem that was worn to mourn the dead.
Paraiba Tourmaline...was first mined in the 1980s in the Brazilian state of Paraiba.
This was a wonderful discovery as the mine churned out never before seen intense green, lilac and turquoise blue stones that became known as neon Tourmalines and then Paraiba.
Demand was huge for these gemstones and now that the original source has become exhausted and only a limited amount remains, people are paying very high prices for these jewels.
The name Tourmaline is derived from the Sinhalese word "tura mali" meaning "stone of mixed colours." By heating and cooling as well as applying pressure to a Tourmaline crystal, it will become electrically charged, and attract dust particles, the Dutch who first imported Tourmaline into Europe knew of this effect. They used a heated stone to pull ash from their meerschaum pipes and called this stone "aschentrekker" literally meaning ash puller.
Tourmaline is a powerful influence on love and friendship, giving them permanence and stability. Even after wearing green Tourmaline for just one day, you will feel physically stronger. When a man wears green Tourmaline he will feel stronger, when a woman wears pink Tourmaline it will greatly nourish her feminine nature. Pink Tourmaline is a strong protector for both genders.
Tourmaline Gemstones have a hardness of 7-7.5 on the Moh scale, which makes them a perfect stone for daily wear. Tourmaline is a very difficult stone to match up into pairs as the colour range is so extensive. If Tourmaline stones are rubbed or heated they will become electrically charged, meaning they will attract dust, dirt and fluff, so you will need to clean them more often than other Gemstones. Tourmaline Jewelry is exciting, vibrant and refreshingly colourful and most certainly a modern Gemstone.
About the Author
Discover more beautiful Gemstones or view some fine quality Tourmaline Jewelry at www.Painted-Desert-Jewels.com where you can subscribe to Desert Jewels a very informative E-Zine.
What can I get to propose to a girl who doesn't want blood diamonds / gemstones?
My girlfriend is very opposed to diamonds and other precious stones because they are related to the blood stone trade that funds wars and dictators in Africa, etc. What can I buy as a proposal / engagement gift instead? I've heard of buying matching expensive gifts (like matching kayaks) buy I would like to get something more long lasting.
She absolutly does not want a diamond. The entire diamond trade (whether your particular diamond comes from a certified dealer or not) artificially holds up the price of diamonds on the world market so any diamond or precious stone bought would contribute to the value of the blood stones in Africa. It is the same as if you buy gasoline from a US producer, it helps Arab oil producers because the overall demand is higher...or if you buy pot from Canada, it raises the price of pot produced by Colombian Warlords.
I'd like it to be a surprise and she is one who once mentioned matching his and her kayaks as a cute alternative engagement idea.
Donate that money to an African relief organization in both of your names, and have a plaque made to commemorate that fact and give it to her.
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2.89c Ruby Natural Nice Color Africa Nice Gemstone $29.99 |
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29.25ct.AWESOME AFRICA GREEN AMETHYST OVAL GEMSTONE $4.99 |
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17CT.Blue Round Topaz Natural Gemstone Heated Africa $9.99 |
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10x14mm Green Africa Rectangle Jade Round Gemstone Bead $2.58 |
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AFRICA JADE 6MM GEMSTONE ROUND BEADS 16" FREE SHIP $2.49 |
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60 PREMIUM TIGER EYE GEMSTONES CRYSTAL HEALING AFRICA M $4.99 |
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HAWKS EYE BLUE TIGER TUMBLED GEMSTONE HEALING AFRICA $7.99 |
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6ct.Round Yellow Sapphire Natural Africa Gemstone $9.99 |
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6.35ct.Cushion Blue Sapphire Natural Africa Gemstone $9.99 |
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5.5ct.Emerald Pink Sapphire Natural Africa Gemstone $9.99 |
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5.5ct.Emerald Yellow Sapphire Natural Africa Gemstone $9.99 |
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6.65ct.Fabulous Blue Sapphire Natural Africa Gemstone $9.99 |
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LARGE MIXED TIGER EYE GEMSTONES CRYSTAL HEALING AFRICA $9.99 |
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15.10ctRAVISHING GREEN AMETHYST AFRICA ROUND GEMSTONE $0.99 |
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9.95ctEXCELLENT PURPLE AMETHYST AFRICA OCTAGON GEMSTONE $0.99 |
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6.75 Ct Natural Oval Cut Precious Africa Ruby Gemstone $4.99 |
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NATURAL AFRICA RED RUBY GEM STONE 4.54cts OVAL 9/8mm $100.00 |
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Natural Africa Pink Ruby Gemstone 8/6 Oval 1.70cts $9.99 |
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Natural Africa Pink Ruby Gemstone 9/6 Oval 2.54cts $9.99 |
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Natural Africa Pink Ruby Gemstone 9/6 Oval 2.62cts $9.99 |
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Natural Africa Pink Ruby Gemstone 10/6 Oval 3.32cts $9.99 |
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Natural Africa Pink Ruby Gemstone 11/7 Pear 2.98cts $9.99 |
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Natural Africa Red Garnet Gemstone 12/8mm Oval 5.42cts $9.99 |
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Natural Africa Pink Ruby Gemstone 8/10 Oval 4.12cts $9.99 |
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Natural Africa Dark Red Ruby Gemstone Oval 5/4mm 0.5ct $9.99 |
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Natural Africa Red Ruby Gemstone 5/3 Oval 1.47cts $9.99 |
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Natural Africa Green Emerald Gemstone 9/7 Oval 2cts $9.99 |
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2.10CT Star Ruby~Six Rays Natural Nice Africa Gemstone $32.99 |
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South Africa MNH Gemstones mini sheet $0.99 |
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AFRICA JADE 8MM GEMSTONE ROUND BEADS 16" FREE SHIP $3.69 |
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16.84c Chalcedony Natural Nice Color Africa Gemstone $24.00 |
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64.23c Agate Natural Nice Color Africa Gemstone $29.99 |
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11.09c Mystic Topaz Natural Nice Color Africa Gemstone $19.00 |
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27.23c Agate Natural Nice Color Africa Gemstone $24.00 |
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NATURAL TANZANITE 0.75 CT AFRICA GEMSTONE OVAL GOL2670 $5.99 |
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NATURAL TANZANITE 0.92 CT AFRICA GEMSTONE OVAL GOL2625 $5.99 |
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Africa Green Jade Gemstone Beads 8mm Round 16" J256j $4.21 |
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NATURAL TANZANITE 0.88 CT AFRICA GEMSTONE OVAL GOL2640 $5.99 |
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Africa Green Jade Gemstone Beads 6mm Round 16" J257j $2.76 |
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QUALITY TANZANITE 1.35 CT AFRICA GEMSTONE PEAR GOL2547 $7.99 |
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LOOSE AFRICA TANZANITE 0.75 CT GEMSTONE OCTAGON GOL2560 $4.99 |
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60 YELLOW JASPER TUMBLED HEALING GEMSTONE AFRICA M $4.99 |
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60 HAWKS EYE BLUE TIGER GEMSTONES HEALING AFRICA M $4.99 |
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Rare A Grade Dumortierite Gemstone Oval Beads (Africa) $100.00 |
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Red Southern Cape Jasper Oval Gemstone Beads (Africa) $125.00 |
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1"A+ NATURAL ROUGH TIGER EYE CRYSTAL GEMSTONE AFRICA $0.99 |
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Rare Red Southern Cape Jasper Gemstone Beads (Africa) $120.00 |
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3.50ct.EXCELLENT NATURAL GARNET AFRICA OVAL GEMSTONE $0.99 |
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23.43c Unakite Natural Africa Rare Nice Gemstone $10.00 |
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29.86c Ocean Jasper Natural Africa Rare Gemstone $10.00 |
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22.03c Rutilated Quartz Natural Africa Rare Gemstone $19.99 |
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18.08c Morfdent Mortel Jasper Natural Africa Gemstone $10.00 |
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25.15cQuartz Lemon Prassiolite Natural Africa Gemstone $29.99 |
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23.4CT RUBY ZOISITE Natural Nice Africa Gemstone OVAL++ $51.99 |
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23.85cts Stunning Natural Red Ruby Gemstone from Africa $4.99 |
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8.55 Ct Natural Oval Cut Ruby Gemstone- Africa $0.90 |
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4mm Africa Garnet Gemstone Round Shape Loose Bead 14'' $0.01 |
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2.6CT.Round Blue Sapphire Heated Gemstone Africa $9.99 |
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19.80ct.AWESOME AFRICA PURPLE AMETHYST OVAL GEMSTONE $0.99 |
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6.50ct.EXCELLENT NATURAL GARNET AFRICA PEAR GEMSTONE $2.99 |
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►33.40Ct.HUGE AFRICA GREEN AMETHYST CUSHION GEMSTONE $2.99 |
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HAWKS EYE BLUE TIGER TUMBLED GEMSTONE HEALING AFRICA $8.99 |
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PREMIUM TIGER EYE GEMSTONES CRYSTAL HEALING AFRICA LG $8.99 |
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GENUINE TIGER EYE GEMSTONE 25mm HEART HEALING AFRICA $6.99 |
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13.55c Mystic Topaz Natural Nice Color Africa Gemstone $14.99 |
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13.55ctRAVISHING GREEN AMETHYST AFRICA ROUND GEMSTONE $0.99 |
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18.20 ct.RAVISHING GREEN AMETHYST AFRICA OVAL GEMSTONE $1.99 |
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3.19c Chrome Tourmaline Natural Africa Nice Gemstone $34.99 |
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Rare A Grade Dumortierite Gemstone Oval Beads (Africa) $76.00 |
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Rare Red Southern Cape Jasper Gemstone Beads (Africa) $85.00 |
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Red Southern Cape Jasper Oval Gemstone Beads (Africa) $75.00 |
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105mm AFRICA SODALITE CRYSTAL STONE BALL GEMSTONE $115.83 |
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1.00CT Ruby Natural Nice Africa Gemstone ROUND++ $12.99 |
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8.30 Ct Natural Precious Oval Cut Ruby Gemstone Africa $4.29 |
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AFRICA AGATE 6MM GEMSTONE ROUND LOOSE BEADS 16" $1.87 |
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6CT.Round Padparadscha Sapphire Gemstone Heated Africa $9.99 |
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2.55CT Star Ruby~Six Rays Natural Nice Africa Gemstone $19.99 |
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TITAN 100mm A+++ AFRICA SODALITE CRYSTAL GEMSTONE BALL $177.95 |
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Africa Natural Diamond Gemstone 6/4 Round 0.90cts $160.00 |
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3.96c Green Tourmaline Natural Africa Nice Gemstone $65.00 |
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59.44c Zoisite Natural Nice Color Africa Gemstone $19.99 |
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2.10c Pink Tourmaline Natural Africa Nice Gemstone $29.99 |
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6.70 Ct Natural Oval Cut Ruby Gemstone- Africa $0.90 |
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1.03c Cats Eye Natural Nice Color Africa Gemstone $90.00 |
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Natural Africa Black Star Gemstone 9/7 Cabochon 3.10cts $9.99 |
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0.43c Alexandrite Catseye Natural Nice Africa Gemstone $15.00 |
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0.57c Alexandrite Catseye Natural Nice Africa Gemstone $19.99 |
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14.26c Oshonite Natural Nice Color Africa Gemstone $10.00 |
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23.36c Unakite Natural Africa Rare Nice Gemstone $10.00 |
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24.76c Lapis Lazuli Natural Nice Color Africa Gemstone $10.00 |
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22.03C Landscape Jasper Natural Africa Rare Gemstone $10.00 |
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12.41c Rutilated Quartz Natural Africa Rare Gemstone $19.99 |
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12.32c Polycon Jasper Natural Africa Rare Gemstone $10.00 |
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25.44c American Jasper Natural Africa Rare Gemstone $10.00 |
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9.78c Impereal Jasper Natural Africa Rare Gemstone $10.00 |
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21.69c Ocean Jasper Natural Africa Rare Gemstone $10.00 |
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14.77c Pink Zebronite Natural Africa Rare Gemstone $10.00 |
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18.63c Opal Natural Nice Color Rare Africa Gemstone $10.00 |
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23.00Ct Precious Red Ruby Loose Gemstone from Africa $4.52 |
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NATURAL~9.25CTS GREEN TOURMALINE GEMSTONE~AFRICA $170.00 |
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Sugilite Natural Gemstone Crystal Sphere- South Africa Purple has long been the color of royalty, and this deep, majestically mauve Sugilite sphere seems to remind us why. An elegant, sumptuous shade that speaks for the ever-growing popularity of Sugilite. Origin is South Africa... |
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Sugilite Natural Gemstone Crystal Sphere-South Africa This amazing Sugilite natural gemstone sphere is a unique deep Fuchsia color and features pink lavender polka dots speckled across its surface. Gorgeous!Origin is South Africa.... |
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Sugilite with Richterite Gemstone Crystal Sphere-South Africa This gorgeous gemstone sphere has been polished of natural Sugilite crystal. It is a rich gemmy purple color with crackling veins of lavender and black accents. Origin is South Africa.... |
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Myterra Gemstone Cabinet Knob.Myterra's Tiger Eye exhibits a changeable silky luster as light reflects through thin parallel bands, similar to the luminescense of Labradorite but in golden colors. From South Africa. Model C30.TEYE.PVD. Myterra Gemstone Cabinet Knob.Myterra's Tiger Eye exhibits a changeable silky luster as light reflects through thin parallel bands, similar to the luminescense of Labradorite but in golden colors. From South Africa.This item includes mounting screws for installation.... |
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Myterra Gemstone Cabinet Knob.Myterra's Tiger Eye exhibits a changeable silky luster as light reflects through thin parallel bands, similar to the luminescense of Labradorite but in golden colors. From South Africa. Model C30.TEYE.015. Myterra Gemstone Cabinet Knob.Myterra's Tiger Eye exhibits a changeable silky luster as light reflects through thin parallel bands, similar to the luminescense of Labradorite but in golden colors. From South Africa.This item includes mounting screws for installation.... |
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Myterra Gemstone Cabinet Knob.Myterra's Tiger Eye exhibits a changeable silky luster as light reflects through thin parallel bands, similar to the luminescense of Labradorite but in golden colors. From South Africa. Model C30.TEYE.014. Myterra Gemstone Cabinet Knob.Myterra's Tiger Eye exhibits a changeable silky luster as light reflects through thin parallel bands, similar to the luminescense of Labradorite but in golden colors. From South Africa.This item includes mounting screws for installation.... |
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Emerald Death $5.99 For Mike Hannigan, fleeing New York City ahead of a bullet seemed like a good deal. But when he reached Africa, he finds a whole new world of adventure waiting. Shortly after he arrives his interest is peaked when he hears about a treasure hidden deep in a lost city within the jungles of The Congo.Allying himself with Gregor Shotsky, an old friend, and Bridget Oâ Malley, a beautiful mission... |
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Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones of Southern Africa: A Concise Guide ... |
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The gemstones of southern Africa ... |
