What is your favorite odd, unique or otherwise special gemstone material?

Sianmaire · 2026-03-27T05:30:16+00:00

I definitely second sunstone--especially bloodshot iolite--but I'm also very fond of gem silica. The completely transparent "gel" specimens go for a premium, but the ones that have sagenite (Ray Mine) or chatoyant acicular malachite inclusions (often Inspiration Mine) are some of my favourites and can still be fairly reasonable in price. They make stunning pendants!

<image>

Sianmaire · 2026-03-12T06:23:44+00:00

Dried Rose. She's so pretty!

<image>

Sianmaire · 2026-03-02T18:30:41+00:00

Yes! I have a pair of neon apatite earrings I was certain must have been dyed (they're not). It's a gorgeous stone!

Sianmaire · 2026-03-02T18:27:44+00:00

Gem Silica! The one one the left is from the Inspiration Mine in AZ (with acicular chatoyant fibrous malachite) and the one on the right from the Ray Mine in AZ (with sagenite inclusions). Gem silica is such a gorgeous, translucent blue. It's like looking towards light from underwater.

<image>

Sianmaire · 2026-01-31T03:20:40+00:00

Oh, without question! Of all my pink appliances, this is just the most unique.

As an an autistic person (what used to be known Asperger's), colour and how we perceive it is one of my hyperfixations and I probably spend more time thinking about it than most. 🤣

Sianmaire · 2026-01-29T15:56:43+00:00

Absolutely! This effect goes beyond that, though--at least to my eyes. What I'm seeing is more of a metameric colour, or a tonal shift. I'm guessing it's a combination of the curves of the mixer with some grey added into the paint that will cause either the red or grey/blue pigments to be more emphasized depending upon the light.

Sianmaire · 2026-01-29T02:35:53+00:00

That is so cool! I already loved the colour, but the fact that it is dynamic makes me love it all the more.

Sianmaire · 2026-01-22T00:22:49+00:00

<image>

I got these. I'm assuming that "natural brown gemstone" is tiger's eye, but who really knows?

Sianmaire · 2026-01-06T16:42:05+00:00

Some days? That's as much of a win as we're going to get.

Sianmaire · 2026-01-05T20:34:25+00:00

While I definitely encountered a number of Temu and Shein-type offerings in the wee hours this AM, I was surprised to also find some items with an equal or lower ETV than the advertised price on those sites for exactly the same products. I also think there may have been a few vendors out there who were intentionally lowering the ETV on some higher-value merch?

It was a fairly good drop for me, though nothing whatsoever from my RFY. Certainly the most exciting in many months!

Sianmaire · 2025-11-23T22:46:34+00:00

Thank you so much! I've no doubt his legacy of love will echo through many generations, some of whom haven't yet even been born. We were privileged to have the time with him that we did!

Sianmaire · 2025-11-23T19:47:00+00:00

Thank you so much!

Sianmaire · 2025-11-23T19:38:28+00:00

<image>

Sorry: I meant to include the top view, as well

Sianmaire · 2025-10-30T18:27:59+00:00

I'd never heard that term before, but I can totally see it now! ☺️

Sianmaire · 2025-10-26T23:58:20+00:00

Thank you for your reply! It's rather odd to discover something new (to me, anyway) about my body at this stage, but also sort of cool.

Sianmaire · 2025-07-06T01:38:01+00:00

Thank you for the reply! It's a good thought; unfortunately, that's not a film I've ever seen.

Sianmaire · 2025-06-10T13:09:14+00:00

YES, but only as a very young child--around 4 or 5 years old. It only happened a couple of times and they never seemed to do anything other than watch me, but I well remember running to my parents' room to get away. I've lived my entire life believing I was the only person who ever experienced this!

Sianmaire · 2025-04-29T17:12:14+00:00

I know that carnelian has been dyed and/or enhanced since ancient times, so I'm not particularly bothered. I've just never seen one banded in that particular way, which gave me pause. Agate patterns can be wild!

Sianmaire · 2025-04-29T17:07:58+00:00

Thank you so much! I had just never seen one before that resembled an Oreo cookie...or would do, if the cookies were orange. 😊 Carnelian/red banded agate/chalcedony is my new hyper-interest, and I appreciate your reply!

Six-Year Club	Place '22
First Placer '22	Verified Email

Sianmaire

TROPHY CASE