Heart of Stone Studio Blog

Copper Cabochons

Let me tell you about copper. Copper is both an element and a mineral. It is an essential trace element in all plants and animals, serving as a factor in various enzyme systems. It is essential to the normal functioning of muscles, the nervous system, and the immune system.

It conducts electricity extremely well, and is used extensively for electrical wires.  Copper is used to make alloys such as brass, which is mixture of copper and zinc, and bronze, which is a mixture of copper, tin, and zinc.

Its name comes from the Greek kyprios, from the island of Cyprus, where copper was mined from pre-historic times. Today, copper is mined in various places, but the biggest copper mining areas are in Chile, Japan, Peru, Australia, Russia, and the United States. In the United States, major mining areas are in Arizona, New Mexico, Montana, and Michigan.

It has a Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 3.

Today, most copper is extracted by chemical processes from copper ore which contains only a small percentage of copper and a large percentage of silicate or oxide minerals that have no commercial value.

The term “Native Copper” is used for pure copper that is not combined with other elements or minerals. It is reddish or orange in color, and can turn a greenish color when it is weathered. 

Native copper has been mined in Upper Michigan and in other places such as Arizona. The native copper deposits in Michigan are some of the largest deposits of native copper in the world.

Cabochons are typically made from native copper nuggets, cut and polished into different shapes.

Some people wear copper jewelry because they believe that it provides them with health benefits, such as helping with arthritis pain and joint stiffness by releasing the flow of blocked energy.

From a metaphysical standpoint, copper is said increase energy and mental focus, and to amplify thoughts in communicating with others.

We have a number of native copper cabochons on our Heart of Stone Studio website, www.heartofstonestudio.com.

Colla Wood

Colla Wood is a rare blend of petrified wood and minerals that have infused the wood over time. These minerals are associated with copper deposits, and include chrysocolla, malachite, and azurite. In fact, the name Colla Wood comes from the chrysocolla that is found in this fossilized wood.

Colla Wood was found in 2012 in central Turkey near the town of Zile, by people who were prospecting for gold.

As the fossilized wood fractured, water containing copper-related minerals flowed through the fractures, leaving deposits with their distinctive colors. Some of the minerals are azurite with its deep blue color. Other minerals are malachite, with its deep green color. Still other minerals are chrysocolla, with its light blue coloration. Some of the surfaces are opalized, leaving a chatoyance that changes colors and brightness as your perspective changes.

From a metaphysical standpoint, Colla Wood is said to combine the properties of petrified wood with the properties of the other minerals that it contains. Petrified wood is said to have a  grounding or calming effect. Azurite is said to promote mental clarity and enhance psychic powers. Malachite is said to promote abundance and prosperity. Chrysocolla is said to remove negativity and erase anxiety and fear. For those who are interested in the metaphysical properties of stones, jewelry made from these stones would be terrific for business people who are facing challenges in their work.

We have a number of cabochons of Colla Wood on our Heart of Stone Studio website, www.heartofstonestudio.com.

Chrysoprase

Chrysoprase is a green stone that is a form of chalcedony, containing small quantities of nickel. It is known as a cryptocrystalline mineral, because the crystals that compose the stone are so fine that they cannot be seen under normal magnification. Other cryptocrystalline stones include Onyx, Agate, and Carnelian.

The green color of chrysoprase is similar to the green of emeralds, but in emeralds the green comes from the inclusion of chromium, rather than the nickel of chrysoprase.

The stone has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7. It is sometimes translucent, so that light shines through it.

The Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians used the stone to make seals and ornamental jewelry as far back as 400 BC . It is said that Alexander the Great had a girdle that contained a lucky chrysoprase stone that helped him win battles. One time he was bathing in the Euphrates River when snake bit off the chrysoprase stone and dropped it in the river. After that, Alexander didn't win any more battles.

Because of its sensuous color of green, chrysoprase was often used in Art Nouveau jewelry. Now it can be used as a cabochon in jewelry settings. You are

In historical times the stone was mined only in Poland, but more recently new sources have turned up in Australia, Germany, Russia, Arizona, and California.

Chrysoprase is one of the birthstones for the month of May.

From a metaphysical standpoint, chrysoprase is said to activate both the heart and solar plexus chakras, helping to promote emotional balance. It is also said to help increase the chances of financial success.

We have a number of chrysoprase cabochons on our Heart of Stone Studio website, www.heartofstonestudio.com.