Stones Misidentified or New Name

Nature gives us some of the most incredible stones, fossils and minerals. How they are identified, classified and names remains a mystery to some sorts. Many stones are called by several different names; is it really a new find or is it just a matter of the miner or lapidary cutting the stone on a different plane or grain that gives it a new name? Though it is rare to have new finds these days, some experts will say that many stones are ‘re-born or re-invented’ 5-10 years later with different names. And just like everything else, this gives the stone new life under a different name.

The question being asked is “Is it right or wrong in naming the stone differently?” Again, that depends on which person, expert or source you ask. From what I’ve learn, as long as you keep it within the family, such as agates to agates, jaspers to jaspers, and all the mineral make-up is the same, etc., is there really harm done to the stone to as they say ‘re-invent the stone and give it a new name’.

Here’s what I’ve found so far…..

These stones to the right I purchased from a reputable dealer that I’ve done business with for some time. When purchased, they were sold as Dragon Skin Jasper. True, they are jasper; however, they have also been sold by many other vendors as Variscite, Dragon Skin Jasper, and Sea Sediment Jasper in varying colors of red, pink, purple, green and blue.

These stones to the left are sold quite often as Turquoise. While this is true to some extend, they are at not natural stones, but man made beads. Researching them, they are actually composites of all the tiny fragments left of Turquoise, combined together and molded into a mosaic bead. Giving this bead a very unique effect with a mosaic look, it is what I call a ‘half-n-half’ meaning, it is bits and pieces of actual stone all rolled into one by man.

Lastly, I have yet to see these in bead form, but these pendants referred to as Turquoise Copper to the right have recently made an entry onto the scene. Inquiring about them, what I’ve found is that the jury is still out on this one. Some experts say this is a man made stone by mixing copper and turquoise together and getting this distinctive look; others say this is a true natural stone that was mined back in the 1960-70’s only to die out and then recently reappear today.

So, is it a new find, man made, or an old find getting a new name; just like everything it is re-born, re-packaged and re-marketed to the world. Just remember to ask questions, do your research and make sure to purchase from reputable dealers, vendors, miners and minerals companies.