The
nameAlabaster is given to two distinct types of minerals: gypsum and
calcite. In ancient times the term alabaster was applied to calcite. Today,
the term refers to a fine grained variety of gypsum. Gypsum is harder
than calcite and does not scratch as easily.
Amazonite
is a microcline form of feldspar and although the name is taken from that of
the Amazon River, it is highly unlikely that it was ever found there. In the
past it's only source was a mountainous area in Russia. More recently, high-quality
crystals have been obtained from Colorado, where it is found in conjunction
with quartz, orthoclase, and albite in granite. Some other localities in the
United States yield amazonite, and it is also found in Madagascar.
Amethyst is a variety
of purple quartz often used in jewelry. It is found throughout the world.
Chevron amethyst has “V” shaped or chevron shaped bands of white.
Angelite is another
name for a type of Anhydrite. Pale blue in color and translucent. It polishes
up nicely and is a pretty stone with healing properties attributed to it.
Argulite
comes from Utah. It is closely related
to rhyolite. Both are products of sediment being super heated by lava. Also
called Earthquake Jasper, a name that it was given because it's patterns were
created by cracks from earthquakes which were then refused.
