Chinese Semi-Precious Stones and Seals Collection

• Malachite - Malachite is bright copper-green coloured stone with concentric layers which displays distinct contrasting veinings. It has been valued in the past for making or decorating small precious objects such as clocks, jewellery, dishes and so. In the Orient it was used for snuff bottles and in Russia and was favoured by the Faberge workshop. larger pieces were used for table tops.
  
  The principal source of supply was Russia but it is to be found in other regions such as Southern Africa, Mexico, Australia and France.
  
  Malachite glass is a manufactured material that was intended to resemble malachite, but often bears more resemblance to a veined coloured marble due to its lower gloss finish and lack of concentric layers. Malachite glass was manufactured by many glassworks in the 19th century including Loetz in Austria and others in Bohemia and Davidson's Greener's and Sowerby in north eastern England.
  
  It was particularly used for scent bottles, bowls, and small vases often decorated with nymphs.
  
  Malachite glass has been manufactured continuously since the late nineteenth century, most is unmarked and it is difficult to distinguish the age or manufacturer of most commercial pieces.
• Agate - Agate is a type of semi-precious gemstone that is made up of silica dioxide, a mineral that is also found in quartz. It is known for its distinctive banded patterns, which are created as layers of silica are deposited in different colours including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. It is often used in jewellery, decorative objects, and other decorative items, and it is prized for its beauty and durability. Agate is found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, India, and the United States.
• Lapis Lazuli - Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious deep blue coloured stone, sometimes with gold inclusions, that has been used for thousands of years for jewellery, decorative items and decoration.
  
  It is mined in Afghanistan, Siberia, Chile, USA and Burma. The mines in north-eastern Afghanistan are the largest source of lapis lazuli, and have been operating for over 6,000 years.
  
  They were the source of the stone for the ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilsations.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• Chinese seals / chops - agate 23