Organic Gems: Understanding the Differences and Benefits of Organic and Fossil Gemstones

Organic and fossil gemstones are unique and highly prized for their beauty and rarity. Organic gems are formed from living organisms and include amber, pearl, coral, and ivory. In contrast, fossil gemstones are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals and include petrified wood, dinosaur bone, and fossil coral, among others. Unlike these organic gemstones, many precious and semi-precious gemstones are formed from minerals with a crystalline structure.

Whether formed from living organisms or the remains of ancient plants and animals, these gemstones offer a glimpse into the Earth’s history and provide a fascinating insight into the natural world. Delve into this read because it demystifies the world of organic and fossil gemstones, showcasing their allure and importance in jewelry design.

What are Organic and Fossil Gemstones

While most gemstones are inorganic, a few non-crystalline materials of organic origin, materials such as pearl and amber, are also classified as gemstones.

Organic gemstones are formed from plant or animal materials. They are created by replacing and infilling organic materials with mineral material over millions of years. Examples include petrified wood, fossilized coral, and dinosaur bone. Fossil gemstones, on the other hand, are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that have been preserved over time.

Humans have used organic and fossil gemstones for thousands of years for their beauty and symbolic value. Indigenous North Americans have used fossil and organic gemstones for various purposes throughout their history.

• Fossilized wood and bone have been used in indigenous jewelry-making for centuries. These materials are often carved into beads, pendants, and other decorative objects and are prized for their unique patterns and colours.

• Indigenous people have used fossilized bone and ivory to make tools and weapons for hunting and other purposes. For example, the bones of large animals such as bison and mammoths were used to make knives, scrapers, and other cutting tools.

• Fossil gemstones have also been used in Indigenous ceremonies and rituals. For example, fossilized shells and bones have been used in traditional dances and as part of spiritual offerings.

• Fossil gemstones are often associated with the history and culture of Indigenous tribes. Fossilized wood, for example, is used in traditional crafts and is believed to symbolize the connection between the earth and the spirit world.

Overall, fossil gemstones have played an important role in Indigenous North American culture and have been valued for centuries for their beauty, durability, and spiritual significance.

**It is important to note that while organic and fossil gemstones are unique and valuable, they are also finite resources that are becoming increasingly rare. As such, it is vital to use them responsibly and support sustainable practices in the gemstone industry.

Types of Organic Gemstones

Organic gemstones are formed from living organisms or their remains. They are prized for their unique beauty and rarity. Here are some of the most popular types of organic gemstones:

Amber (Fossilized Resin)

Amber is a fossilized tree resin that is millions of years old. It is often yellow or orange but can also be found in brown, red, and green shades. Amber can contain insects, plant material, and other debris, making it a popular choice for collectors.

Opal

Opal is formed from silica gel that has seeped into rock cracks and crevices. It is prized for its iridescent colours, which can range from white to black. Opal can also contain traces of fossilized shells and other organic material.

Pearl

Pearls are formed inside mollusks such as oysters and clams. They are created when a foreign object, such as a grain of sand, becomes lodged inside the mollusk’s shell. The mollusk then secretes layers of mucus called nacre around the object, forming a pearl. Pearls can be found in a variety of colours, including white, black, pink, dark blue, and dark green.

Coral

Coral is formed by tiny marine animals called polyps. These small marine animals secrete a calcium carbonate skeleton that forms the structure of the coral, contributing to the creation of massive coral reefs. Coral can be found in various colours, including bright red, pink, and white.

These gemstone corals are used in making beads, carvings, cameos, and figurines. Red coral, in particular, is harvested for jewelry, though its use is discouraged due to environmental concerns. In traditional Chinese medicine, fossilized coral is believed to strengthen the bones and improve circulation.

Jet

Jet is a type of fossilized coal formed from the remains of ancient trees that have been buried and compressed over millions of years. Jet is a very dark black colour and light weight, making it popular for use in jewelry. It has been used for thousands of years in jewelry making and was especially popular during the Victorian era in England. Jet is believed to have protective properties and is often used in mourning jewelry. It is also believed to have grounding and calming properties and is sometimes used in meditation and spiritual practices.

Ivory

Ivory is formed from the tusks of elephants, walruses, and other animals. It is prized for its smooth texture and creamy colour. However, due to concerns about animal welfare, the use of ivory in jewelry and other decorative objects is now heavily regulated.

Bone

Bone can be carved or fossilized and used as a gemstone. It is often found in shades of brown and can contain intricate patterns and designs.

Shell

Shells can also be used as gemstones. They can be found in a range of colours and patterns and are often used to create intricate designs. The iridescent lining of some mollusk shells, known as mother of pearl, is particularly prized in jewelry for its beauty and historical significance. In Hinduism, the conch shell is used in religious ceremonies and is believed to symbolize the sound of creation.

Overall, organic gemstones offer a unique and beautiful alternative to traditional gemstones. Their natural origins and intricate designs make them popular for collectors and jewelry.

Types of Fossil Gemstones

Fossil gemstones are unique and fascinating natural wonders created over millions of years. These gemstones are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that have been preserved in sedimentary rocks. Fossil gemstones are highly valued for their beauty and rarity and are often used in jewelry and other decorative objects. This section will explore some of the most popular fossil gemstones.

Ammolite

Ammolite is a rare and valuable gemstone formed from the fossilized shells of ammonites, which are extinct marine mollusks. The gem is composed of aragonite, a type of calcium carbonate. Ammolite is found in various colours, including red, green, yellow, blue, and purple. The gemstone is often used in jewelry and is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

Petrified Wood

Petrified wood is a type of fossilized wood that has been transformed into stone through a process called permineralization. During this process, the original organic materials of the wood are replaced and infilled by minerals such as chalcedony, opal, calcite, aragonite, pyrite, or other mineral material over millions of years. This creates a beautiful and unique pattern of colours and textures. In Native American cultures, fossilized wood is used in traditional crafts and is believed to symbolize the connection between the earth and the spirit world.

Peanut Wood

Peanut wood is a type of fossilized wood found in Western Australia. It is formed from the petrified remains of ancient trees that grew in the region around 120 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. Peanut wood gets its name from the small, peanut-shaped nodules often found within the wood. These nodules are the fossilized remains of the burrows of marine creatures, such as clams and crustaceans, that lived in the area when the trees were buried. Over time, the wood and the burrows became petrified, resulting in a unique and interesting pattern of dark brown wood and light-coloured burrows.

Turritella Agate

Turritella agate is a type of fossilized agate that contains the remains of ancient marine snails called turritella. The gemstone is composed of chalcedony, a type of quartz. Turritella agate is found in various colours, including brown, gray, and black. It is often used in jewelry and is considered a symbol of strength and protection.

Orthoceras

Orthoceras is a fossilized cephalopod that lived over 400 million years ago. The gemstone is composed of calcite, a type of calcium carbonate. Orthoceras are found in various colours, including black, gray, and white. It is considered a symbol of ancient wisdom and knowledge.

Goniatite

Goniatite is a fossilized ammonite that lived over 350 million years ago. The gemstone is composed of aragonite, a type of calcium carbonate. Goniatite is found in various colours, including brown, gray, and black. The gem is often used in jewelry and is considered a symbol of protection and good luck.

Crinoids

Crinoids are ancient marine creatures that have existed for over 500 million years. They were much more abundant in the past than they are today. Fossilized crinoids are commonly found in rocks and sedimentary deposits, and paleontologists often use them to study the evolution of marine life. Due to their intricate and delicate appearance, crinoids are sometimes used in jewelry making and as decorative objects.

Belemnite

Belemnite is a fossilized squid that lived over 200 million years ago. The gemstone is composed of calcite, a calcium carbonate. Belemnite is found in various colours, including brown, gray, and white. It is often used in jewelry and is considered a symbol of strength and courage.

Stromatolite

Stromatolite is a type of fossilized algae that lived over 3 billion years ago. The gemstone is composed of calcite. Stromatolite is found in various colours, including brown, gray, and black. Stromatolite is considered a symbol of ancient wisdom and knowledge.

Fossilized Dinosaur Bone

Fossilized dinosaur bone is a type of fossilized bone that has been transformed into mineral material or stone through a process called permineralization. The bone is replaced by minerals, which create a beautiful and unique pattern of colours and textures.

Organic and Fossil Gemstones in Jewelry

Organic and fossil gemstones have been used in jewelry for centuries. These gemstones are unique because they are made from living organisms or the remains of once-living organisms. For example, amber is a fossilized resin secreted by ancient plants that can be cut and polished into beautiful gems. Organic creatures enclosed within shells, such as clams, mussels, and oysters, create organic gemstones like pearls. The elegance of these organic gemstones graces jewelry and decorations all over the world.

Additionally, tortoise shell, the scaly covering of a tortoise's shell, has been used in jewelry and other decorative objects, although it is now advised to use colored plastics as a replacement due to the endangerment of sea turtles. Overall, fossil organic gemstone offer jewelry a unique and natural beauty. They are beautiful gems often used in statement pieces or to add a touch of history and intrigue to a piece of jewelry.