Essential Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Chevron Beads

Learn about chevron beads (also called rosetta beads or star beads). Explore their origins, evolution, and cultural significance in this enlightening article.

Bloodstone

With an incredibly storied past, bloodstone was called "the Stone of Babylon," then later "the stone of martyrs," thought to have drops of Jesus' blood and believed to make rain.

Coral

Coral is a highly prized substance believed to be endowed with mysterious sacred properties. Coral has been called the "garden of the sea" because it was once believed to be a plant.

Jasper, Rainbow

When life has you down, design with rainbow jasper. Rainbow jasper is called a "sustaining stone" in metaphysical beliefs and thought to be helpful in times of emotional fatigue or stress.

Prehnite

The gemstone with a dozen names, prehnite has been given numerous other names over the years. Whatever you call it though, the soft, soothing green gemstone is a delight for jewelry.

Cinnabar

Cinnabar is an ore and a crystal, a variant of quicksilver--what medieval alchemists called the element mercury. Cinnabar is considered a powerful stone both physically and metaphysically.

Pietersite

How pietersite forms is an interesting process involving one mineral changing into another. Learn how this happens, why pietersite is called the tempest stone and more intriguing facts.

Jade, Mountain

Called mountain ''jade,'' this stone is actually high-grade dolomite marble from Asia. For jewelry, this material is frequently dyed rich, vivid colors, but its white form is also beautiful.

Ammonite

Ammonites are eoliths of now-extinct marine molluscs called ammonoids. It's no surprise that ammonites, with their spiral shape, are symbols of change and positive motion.

Citrine

From the earliest of times, citrine was called the "sun stone" and the gemstone was thought capable of holding sunlight.

Omega Chain

A type of neckwire where bands or links of metal are assembled on a wire or woven mesh for structure, for a flexible design. Also called Omega Necklace.

Silver-Filled

A mechanical bonding with a silver alloy of at least 92.5% fineness, which must be at least 1/20th of the metal in the piece. Also called silver overlay.

Multi-Strand Clasp

A clasp which secures jewelry with two or more strands. Some styles are accented with gemstones, enamel or inlay work. Can be called by a myriad of names.

Rhinestone

Originally quartz sourced along the Rhine. Today, it means colorless potash-and-lead glass that contains lead crystal quartz. Also called strass, diamante.

Fiber Optic Glass

This glass gets its name from its similarity to Cat's Eye Quartz and the unique way the two materials refract light. Also called Cat's Eye Glass.

Czech Glass

Glass, usually in the form of beads, created in the Czech Republic. Also called Bohemian glass or Bohemian crystal.

Cat's Eye (Glass)

(also called Fiber Optic Glass) Created with manmade fiber optic glass, cat's eye refracts light in a way reminiscent of the oblong center of a cat's eye. This center appearance of movement is caused by chatoyance, which is defined as changeable luster or shine.

Biwa

A cultured pearl originally non-nucleated, grown in a freshwater mussel from Lake Biwa in Japan. Only those actually produced there should be called Biwas.

Brick Stitch

An off-loom bead-weaving technique. In brick stitch, beads are woven in a pattern like a brick wall. Also called Cheyenne or Comanche stitch.

White Metal

Alloys with heavy tin or lead content, such as pewter. Also called Britannia metal or tin plate. One of the most commonly used metals in costume jewelry.

Venetian Bead

A glass bead in the style of the glass artists of Venice. Venetian glass beads are famous for their color, craftsmanship and quality. Also called Murano glass.