Great Green Idea: Green Jewelry: Natural Stone, Natural Beauty

Natural Stone, Natural Beauty

Mica

Mica, granite diamond and silica all have two things in common. They are all naturally occurring materials and have been coveted by humans since time immemorial.

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Mica, the name probably from the Latin word micare meaning to glitter, is probably in reference to its brilliant appearance. It glitters more than diamond, and Mica can seem to take on many different hues depending on the light intensity, color and angle.

The earliest known use of Mica is circa 40,000 years ago. Because mica is naturally a good insulator, it is used in capacitors; in fact the best capacitors on the market are made using mica. The problem is that many sources of the stone are strip mined, which damages the land and the environment.

And because there is now a huge electronics market, it is an extremely valuable tradable commodity.

But let's not forget the natural beauty of this wonderful stone, used in decoration in homes and palaces around the world for centuries, and as decorative jewelry and ornamental objects to enhance one's living experience.

Granite

One never realizes just how many uses granite has. From being used as floor tiles, kitchen work surfaces, wall tiles, bathroom and kitchen sinks, and as the faÃ§ade of buildings the world over, granite is hard wearing and strong, and when polished takes on the almost reflective appearance of a mirror.

One of its striking features of granite is the "spotty) effect that seems to take on a three dimensional appearance, depending on the angle viewed.

Granite currently being excavated and used was formed millions of years ago when high silicate magma intrusions were exuded from the crust of the earth, and have taken millions of years to cool, thus forming the beautiful natural stone we know as granite.

Diamond

A diamond is a girl's best friend, so the song goes, and they have been used for thousands of years as a tradable commodity and as an adornment of personal wealth and exuberance. Indeed, mention the word "diamond" and one probably thinks of film stars and "celebrities" dripping with them on the red carpet when they attend a premier.

However, there is a dark side to diamonds as well. Strip mining and "blood diamonds" are just two of the worst references when talking of diamonds. Diamonds are literally stripped from the ground, using high pressure water cannons, which devastates the environment around, and the "blood diamonds" as called have been used to fund wars and military coups around the world, with many innocent people dying from the results of war; famine and displacement and genocide of entire communities and societies.

So if you are thinking of buying that "girl's best friend", make sure you know its green credentials before you buy.

Silica

Silica, the most common commodity on the planet has helped fuel an industrial revolution, has been constantly used by foundries since man learned to smelt metals, and silica is now one of the most common parts in modern micro electronics and computer design.

But remember, all of these natural materials have to be "lifted from the earth. Only consumers can stop the strip mining and the blood trading by turning their backs on these products sourced in this way. A little effort in can ensure that silica, mica, diamond and granite are removed from the ground in a more environmentally sound method.