Rainbows make me happy. When I can’t decide what my favorite color of the moment is, I err on the side of all of them, which is why a rainbow is an easy choice.
Rather than try and find pieces that are all rainbows all the time (it would be a very short list), let’s break it down by color. I always remember the colors of the rainbow by Roy G. Biv (or Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet). There are so many stones that could fit into each category—or most of them—that I’ll just cover my favorites and call it a day.
RED: SPONGE CORAL
Yes, it’s an actual coral, which was at one time a living organism. It gets its name from the holes that are created by the polyps that formed it, making it look like a, well, sponge. Sponge coral comes in many colors, but it is more commonly found in the red-orange-brown family. Take care with your sponge coral jewelry, since it’s fairly soft and scratches easily.
Sponge Coral Heart Pendant, wrapped with sterling silver wire
Just some of the sponge coral beads in my studio awaiting my attention
ORANGE: SPINY OYSTER
While not actually a true oyster, spiny oysters exhibit many oyster traits, such as adhering themselves to rocks. They have, like oysters, a hinged two-part shell, but the shell is spiny and colorfully orange (hence the name).
Sponge Coral Heart Pendant, wrapped with sterling silver wire
Spiny oyster earrings to match
YELLOW: BUMBLEBEE JASPER
So named for the colors and striations of the stone, bumblebee jasper is mined in Indonesia, though my research tells me that it’s not an actual jasper. Metaphysically, the stone encourages change and development.
Bumblebee jasper. So named because of the colors.
GREEN: MALACHITE
Intensely green and banded with black and white, malachite is a popular stone and as recognizable as emerald. I think silver and malachite go together beautifully, which is why most of my malachite is wrapped in silver.
Malachite and silver. A match made in heaven.
BLUE: SODALITE
Though sometimes found in gray, yellow, orange, or pink, sodalite is commonly known to be deep blue. It gets its name from its sodium content.
Sodalite…blue as can be
INDIGO: DICHROIC GLASS
Okay, okay, so it’s not actually a gemstone, but the colors are oh-my-gosh beautiful and the closest I could find to indigo. Meaning two colors because it changes color depending on the angle you view it, dichroic glass was originally used in the aerospace industry and became popular in the 1950s. The pendant was a piece of custom jewelry.
Dichroic glass. About as close to indicgo as you can find.
VIOLET: AMETHYST
One of the most popular purple/violet gemstones, amethyst is a variety of quartz that is found all over the world. Probably its popularity stems from its affordability and durability. Metaphysically, amethyst is known to be a calming stone that promotes balance and peace.
Amethyst: A study in violets
You had to know I wasn’t going to just end it there. There is one stone that includes all the colors.
RAINBOW: RAINBOW CALSILICA
You might think it’s too good to be true, and it may be. There is speculation back and forth as to whether it’s man-made or naturally occurring. There are some other theories, and I don’t think anyone will ever know for sure., but one of my favorites is the theory that the dyes of an ancient pottery studio ran into the ground and solidified. One thing I know for sure: It’s a beautiful stone. And isn’t that enough?
Rainbow Calsilica Pendant
Until next month…rock on!
