Ancient Gems

Fossils, Meteorites and Obsidians – Ancient Gems

These materials offer a fascinating glimpse into the Earth’s natural history, each with its own story to tell. Whether you’re drawn to the ancient life captured in fossils, the prehistoric legacy of dinosaur bones, or the volcanic origins of obsidian, collecting these gemstones is not just about beauty—it’s about connecting with the deep, primordial forces that have shaped our world.

Pietersite: The Tempest Stone

Pietersite, sometimes called the “Tempest Stone,” is a dynamic and visually stunning gemstone known for its swirling patterns and chatoyancy, a phenomenon that gives the stone a shimmering, moving effect. Discovered in Namibia in 1962 by Sid Pieters, Pietersite is a brecciated aggregate of hawk’s eye and tiger’s eye, composed of swirling masses of these fibers that have been cemented together by quartz.

Meteorites: Gems from Outer Space

Meteorites are perhaps the most otherworldly of all cabochon gemstones. These space rocks are fragments of asteroids or even ancient planets that have traveled through the cosmos before landing on Earth. When cut into cabochons, meteorites reveal fascinating metallic patterns, such as the Widmanstätten pattern – a unique crystalline structure that forms as the metal cools over millions of years in space.

One of the most sought-after meteorite materials for cabochons is the Gibeon meteorite, which fell in Namibia thousands of years ago. Its distinctive crystalline patterns make it a favorite among collectors. Another intriguing meteorite is the Pallasite, which contains olivine crystals embedded within an iron-nickel matrix, giving it a stunning, gem-like appearance when polished.

Meteorite cabochons are more than just beautiful—they are literal pieces of the universe. Owning a meteorite cabochon is like holding a fragment of space history, a tangible connection to the vastness of the cosmos.

Fossils: Ancient Life Preserved in Stone

Fossils capture the remnants of ancient life, offering a glimpse into the Earth’s distant past. When fossils are cut and polished into cabochons, they become both a piece of history and a work of art. Fossil cabochons can include a wide variety of ancient remains, from the intricate patterns of fossilized coral and ammonites to the delicate structures of petrified wood.

One particularly fascinating type of fossil cabochon is fossilized ammonite, an extinct marine mollusk. These cabochons often display intricate spiral patterns and, in some cases, exhibit iridescent colors due to mineralization, a phenomenon known as Ammolite. Another popular choice is fossilized coral, which can display stunning, lace-like patterns in hues ranging from soft whites and creams to rich reds and browns.

Fossil cabochons are cherished not just for their beauty but for the stories they tell. Each fossil is a window into an ancient world, preserving the shapes and forms of creatures that lived millions of years ago.

Dinosaur Bones: A Prehistoric Legacy

 

Fossilized dinosaur bone cabochons, also known as “gembone,” display a range of colors and patterns depending on the minerals that replaced the organic material over millions of years. The resulting cabochons often feature intricate cell structures in vibrant hues of red, brown, yellow, and even green. This vivid coloration and unique patterning make dinosaur bone cabochons a favorite among collectors who appreciate both natural history and rare gemstones.
Fossilized dinosaur bone cabochons, also known as “gembone,” display a range of colors and patterns depending on the minerals that replaced the organic material over millions of years. The resulting cabochons often feature intricate cell structures in vibrant hues of red, brown, yellow, and even green. This vivid coloration and unique patterning make dinosaur bone cabochons a favorite among collectors who appreciate both natural history and rare gemstones.

Collecting dinosaur bone cabochons is like holding a piece of the Earth’s distant past in your hands. Each cabochon not only serves as a beautiful gemstone but also as a tangible link to the age of the dinosaurs.

Obsidian: Nature’s Glass

Obsidian is a volcanic glass that forms when lava cools so rapidly that it doesn’t have time to crystallize. This gemstone has been used by humans for thousands of years, from making tools and weapons to creating ornamental objects and jewelry. When cut and polished into cabochons, Obsidian reveals a smooth, glossy surface that can be jet black or display mesmerizing patterns, such as the famous “snowflake” inclusions or the iridescent play of colors in Rainbow Obsidian.

What makes Obsidian particularly appealing to collectors is its connection to Earth’s dynamic processes. Each piece of Obsidian is a direct result of volcanic activity, embodying the raw power of nature. It is also known for its metaphysical properties, often associated with grounding and protection. Whether it’s the deep, reflective black of Black Obsidian or the intricate patterns of Snowflake Obsidian, this gemstone offers a deep connection to the Earth’s fiery origins.