Rocks & Stones

Semi-Precious Stones

Semi Precious Stone
Precious and semi-precious gemstones have been used for centuries in healing, energy production and spiritual growth. Semiprecious stones or gems are defined as pieces of mineral that, when cut and polished, form beautiful jewels often used in jewelry-making. The difference between “semiprecious” and “precious” gemstones has more to do with historical context than actual value, according to All About Gemstones. For example, amethyst, which was once grouped with precious stones such as rubies, emeralds and sapphires, is now considered semiprecious due to the jewel’s abundance.

Himalayan Rock Salt Products

Salt Chunks
Himalayan rock salt is claimed to be literally hundreds of millions of years old and to contain many minerals. In fact, it is claimed to contain all the trace elements needed by the human body. This salt is also claimed to having healing properties. The salt was said to be found in the Himalayan mountains, a range of peaks that spans Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and India. However, an investigation conducted by Tourist Watch that was published in 2002 showed that there are no salt mines in the Himalayas. The salt is actually mined in the Khewra mine in Pakistan, one of the largest salt mines in the world.

Cultured Marble Overview

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Marble is a non-foliated metamorphic rock composed of recrystallize carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite. Geologists use the term “marble” to refer to metamorphosed limestone; however, stonemasons use the term more broadly to encompass metamorphosed limestone. Marble is commonly used for sculpture and as a building material. Cultured marble is a resin which is mixed with crushed or ground marble dust. This resin is then poured into a mold and used to form shower wall surrounds and bathroom vanity countertops. The material is fairly low maintenance and seamless, often with integral soap dishes and sinks.

Onyx Overview

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Onyx is a type of very fragile marble, a metamorphic stone. Onyx is translucent, meaning it can be seen through if held to the light or lit from behind, and extremely variable in color and pattern. Like other marbles, onyx is available in tiles and slabs for counter tops and can be used in shower surrounds or on vanity tops. Onyx is a banded variety of chalcedony. The colors of its bands range from white to almost every color (save some shades, such as purple or blue). Commonly, specimens of onyx contain bands of black and/or white. Onyx is a gemstone found in various regions of the world, particularly in Brazil, Uruguay, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Hawaii and Madagascar.