Scientific Information - Sapphire is extremely desirable due to its exceptional hardness, durability, and luster. Sapphire is a pleochroic gemstone meaning it appears brighter and more intense from certain angles. There are 13 different varieties of Sapphire colors and the stone is a gem quality form of corundum. 

Revealed By Man - Sapphire was extremely prized in Greek and Roman cultures of the ancient world. The gem is found all over the world and is evident in the history of many civilizations. Its popularity grew increasingly in the medieval ages.

Legend and Lore - Sapphire has always been associated with royalty and romance. Greek kings believed that the stone would protect the owner from envy and harm. The Persians believed that the sky was painted blue by the reflection of Sapphire. ​

We have received a large variety of natural chrysocolla minerals. These come from the Trujillo Ranch located in the northern Sonora state of Mexico. We have a collection ranging in size and color. These naturally forming stones resemble crashing coastlines of the ocean. Come and browse our wide array of beautiful chrysocolla specimens. 

Scientific Information: Peridot is a gem-quality olivine mineral. It can be found near lava as well as in meteorites. Those found as a result of volcanic activity have high levels of lithium, nickel, and zinc, unlike those found in meteorites. Gem-quality peridot is rare due to it's chemical instability on Earth's surface.

Revealed by Man: Peridot was discovered as early as 1500 B.C. on an island in the Egyptian Red Sea. The miners on this island found peridot easily in the moonlight because of it's beautiful glow. Some speculate that Cleopatra's famous emerald collection may have actually been peridot.

Legend and Lore: Peridot is said to eliminate your nightmares and bring you power throughout the next year. This gem is a symbol of luck and light. The Egyptians called it "gem of the sun".

Our gallery in Sedona will be receiving a large piece of pyrite on quartz from the Mundo de Nuevo Mine in Peru. This magnificent specimen was featured in an episode of Mineral Explorers in which it was unearthed for the first time. It weighs in at a whopping 116 pounds and measure 26 inches tall. The large quartz slab is accented with glistening pieces of pyrite erecting outward. Pyrite is often referred to as "Fools Gold". The stand is the creation of a local artist named Jay Rosenbaum and was made from recycled metal from a chili factory. Take advantage of this opportunity and come see a very unique formation of minerals.

Scientific Information - Ruby is a red gemstone that gets its color from the mineral chromium. This gem is highly sought after due to its hardness, rarity and durability. A ruby is essentially a red sapphire, as it is identical in all properties except color.

Revealed By man - Rubies are mentioned four different times throughout the bible and is prominent throughout human history. They have been mentioned by ancient Hindu and roman culture. The name “ruby “ has Latin origin and suggests that there is an eternal flame burning inside the stone.

Legend and Lore - Ruby is the birthstone for July. The ruby has long been considered the stone of kings. It has symbolic ties to power and wealth in many different cultures . This gem was also believed to bring luck in finding other gemstones

June, unlike most other months, has three unique birthstones: Pearl, moonstone and alexandrite. Each have different meanings and different aesthetics. alexandrite is surprisingly  rare and highly sought after. Pearl and moonstone are truly awe inspiring.  June marks the beginning of a splendid summer.

Scientific Information: Moonstone is a sodium potassium aluminum silicate that has a very unique look. This is due to refraction of light just within the mineral that causes it to glisten unlike any other stone. Moonstone is built up of albite and orthoclase, two different feldspar elements.

​Revealed By man: Moonstone has been used for millennia in a wide variety of cultures. Moonstones were referenced often in both greek and roman cultures. The mineral experienced a peak of interest with the art nouveau period. Since then it has been used primarily for jewelry.

Legend and Lore: Hindu mythology suggests that Moonstones are solidified moonbeams. The mineral is thought to bring calm, peace, and balance to ones life. It is also widely believed to embrace sacred feminine energy.
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Alexandrite is an extremely rare gemstone that was only discovered in the 19th century. The gem can appear red, yellow, purple or green and changes quite often. Alexandrite is believed to bring good luck and balance in your life. Alexandrite is also connected to romance, as it is the gemstone for the 55 year wedding anniversary. ​

Memorial day represents all of the men and women who have served to protect our country. Countless lives have been lost in the efforts to obtain and protect our freedom. We offer our deepest condolences and most sincere gratitude to their families. This is a day of celebration for our country. Remember to thank the veterans in your life for their incredible service.

Touchstone Gallery Offers a Wide Variety of Nature’s Art Etched in Stone
We invite you to view our current offerings of amethyst and citrine Bonsai trees and many other fascinating natural art pieces in our Touchstone Galleries in Santa Fe (127 W. San Francisco St.), Sedona (320 N. State Route 89A) and Taos (110 S. Plaza), or our online gallery.

​Touchstone Gallery is the perfect place for all your mother’s day needs. We have an extensive collection of jewelry that catches the eye and is an excellent way to celebrate the woman who shaped you. Your mother is sure to appreciate your loving gestures and will be reminded that you are thankful.  Additionally, we have many pieces that would compliment any environment perfectly. Put one of our amethyst trees in your living room to add a playful splash of color.  Or use one of our beautiful cathedrals as a centerpiece for your office. Stop into one of our galleries and find the special mother’s day gift you’ve been looking for!

Touchstone Gallery Offers a Wide Variety of Nature’s Art Etched in Stone
We invite you to view our current offerings of amethyst Bonsai trees and many other fascinating natural art pieces in our Touchstone Galleries in Santa Fe (127 W. San Francisco St.), Sedona (320 N. State Route 89A) and Taos (110 S. Plaza), or our online gallery.

Shop Mother's Day Gifts

During the weekend of May 17-19, Taos holds its annual Lilac Festival. Lilacs first came to Taos around the year 1900 with the arrival of new American and European citizens. Visit our beautiful Touchstone gallery to see our extravagant Lilac displays. We have a plethora of amethyst hearts that are a perfect gift for your loved ones. These will look terrific next to your vanity or on your desk and are sure to warm hearts. There are a variety of gentle purple hues that glisten in the sunlight and brighten up the entire room. We hope that you will join us at the lilac festival and peruse our new items. If you have any questions, feel free to visit the festivals website: http://www.taoslilacfestival.com/​