A M A Z O N I T E

Hardness 6-6,5

 

The name derives from “Amazon”.  It is a distinctive green/blue opaque stone almost always cut “en cabouchon”. 

It can be confused with Jade and Turquoise.

 

M O O N S T O N E

Hardness 6-6,5,
Modern birthstone for June, along with pearl.

 

This is one of my favourite stones.  It has a subtle beauty that grows on you. They come in shades of white, orange and green/grey.  The name derives from its “sheen” that is caused by its “lamella” structure.  You also find “rainbow” moonstones which have an “opalescence”.   These tend to be more expensive, especially the very clean stones.