Carnelian Stone Chips Strand 36inch MATTER COLLECTION

Lovely strand of carnelian stone chips varying in size, shape and coloration. 

Carnelian is a variety of chalcedony and is a microcrystalline quartz. As a chalcedony, carnelian is formed from the intergrowth of two silica minerals with differing crystal structures: quartz and moganite. Carnelian appears in a vibrant range of fire-orange reds to brown-reds and has a dull, waxy luster (as opposed to the vitreous quality of crystal quartzes such as amethyst). The reddish tints in the translucent stone are due to one of its ingredients: iron oxide. Carnelian can be confused with jasper, which is usually considered a chalcedony.

Provenance: Matter Collection

From the collection of Margie and Phil Matter. Margie lived in South Africa, and later she and her husband Phil opened a gallery in Tucson. Everything in this collection was in their home for more than thirty years. Africa Direct recently bought the collection; at 95, Margie wants to share the things she has loved so much.

This strand is not intended to be a ready-to-wear necklace. Although the strand can be worn "as is," the raffia holding it together is not durable and may break with use. For this reason, we recommend that you restring the beads before wearing them.