Stone Mania

There is a great deal of controversy and speculation over rainbow calsilica and it's the gemstone which arouses the most curiosity and discussion when seen at our shows.

Geologists have been denied access to the mine in Mexico where rainbow calsilica is found and hence they cannot confirm conclusively whether it is completely natural or not.  If it is enhanced, exactly how it is done and by whom remains a well guarded secret.

Rainbow  calsilica was initially thought to be a form of microcrystalline calcite, with various clay minerals as the bonding agents but then people started questioning whether it really was natural or not.

After extensive research this is what we have found out about rainbow calsilica.  It  is apparently mined near Chihuahua in Mexico, the only place in the world where it is found.  One group of geologists who examined it say it's definitely man-made and coloured with man-made pigments.  The supplier of their sample argues that he imports rainbow calsilica directly from Mexico in slabs and his company 'stabilizes' the rock with an epoxy to increase its resiliency and this is what probably showed up in their tests.  So who is to be believed?

The reason geologists have been denied access to the rainbow calsilica mine is said to be in order to protect it from exploitation which does sound a little suspicious.

When another group of scientists from the Swiss Gemmological Institute and Ghent university in Belgium independently examined a sample of rainbow calsilica, they concluded that man-made colouring pigments had been found in some of the layers as well as hematite and celestine. The white material was calcite.  Many of the particles in the stone seemed to be bonded together using a transparent soft, plastic-like material very similar to paraffin wax.

So this mysterious and dazzling new gemstone which has become known as rainbow calsilica has baffled many and cannot conclusively be confirmed as not being 100% natural but it is generally believed that it has been very cleverly enhanced.  It has certainly attracted a great deal of attention since its introduction into the market back in 2002 and has captivated many people's attention.  Rainbow calsilica is most definitely full of energy, it's mysterious and exciting so why not just enjoy it for what it is! 

Rainbow calsilica remains a highly sought after gemstone which is both attractive and affordable, so until something more conclusive comes about, we are going to continue keeping it as part of our fine collection.

The following link offers further reading on rainbow calsilica

http://www.professionaljeweler.com/archives/articles/2003/sep03/0903gn2.html

Click here to view our exclusive collection of rainbow calsilica pendants