Gold Mica

Gold Mica

Treasure Hunting for Tourmaline

Tourmaline Rough

According to Egyptian legend tourmaline gets it color when it passes over a rainbow on its journey up from the center of the earth and that is why it is often referred as the gemstone of the rainbow.  Multicolored and bi-colored tourmaline are the norm and very rarely found in the clear or colorless form.  Watermelon colored gemstones are green at one end and pink at the other, hence the name. 

Tourmaline is a crystal distinguished by its three sided prisms, which no other common mineral has.  Tourmaline will come in a wide variety of colors.  Iron will give tourmaline a black or brown coloration, magnesium are brown to yellow, lithium rich crystals will display blue, green, red, yellow or pink.

Tourmaline Rough

Tourmaline is found in pegmatite veins within the underlying bedrock that is at an angle of about 45 degrees to the center of the earth.  Two main geological features, granite and marble, have the ability to form tourmaline crystals.  Only about 5 percent of the gemstones found are of gem grade quality.

Tourmaline will change it electrical properties when it is heated.  It becomes lightly magnetized and it has been used in the Netherlands to attract ashes and could be used to clean out pipes.  This gemstone has a hardness rating of 7 to 7.5 thus making it a good candidate for jewelry.  It can withstand years of wear but you may want to avoid steam cleaning or heat.

Tourmaline Multiple Rough

Tourmaline was first discovered in the United States near Paris, Main in 1820.  Two students taking a shortcut home they came upon an uprooted tree with dozens of green tourmaline crystals near the roots.  Tourmaline was the first gemstone commercially mined in the United States.  This gemstone has also been found in other areas of Main such as Newry Hill, Mount Mica and Plumbago Mountain.  Currently most of the old mines are open to collectors for a fee.

The Himalaya Mine in San Diego County, California allows treasure hunters to search for tourmaline gemstones.  For a fee of $75 the prospectors will have access to the mine tailings area all day long.  Fill up your bucket from the mine and then take your potential treasures to the screening area and sift through the rubble for the gemstones. 

The Himalaya Mine will also sell you a bucket of tailings to take home for $50 to $100, depending on the quality of tailings.  You may also purchase a bag of “Pocket Mud” on the internet for $20 plus $10 for shipping, so you can screen at your leisure.

The underground mine consists of five miles of steep passages that were dug over the last 100 years so there is plenty of tailings you can sift through.  If you decide to dig at the Himalaya Mine you will need to bring a shovel, bucket, gloves, hat and a ¼ inch screening stand.

In 1989 a vivid blue color tourmaline was found in Brazil.  It was given the name Paraiba tourmaline and is in such popular demand that price was soon over $10,000 per carat.  Almost every color can be found in Brazil but the blue is still the number one must have.  A cut and polished gem quality tourmaline from the United States can demand up to $1,000 per carat.

Happy treasure hunting.

About the Author

David Cowley has created numerous articles on Treasure Hunting. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Treasure Hunting. Visit Treasure Hunting

Fillmore Two-Light Oiled Bronze with Antique Gold Sconce $137 -Mica

Fillmore One-Light Oiled Bronze with Antique Gold Mini Pendant $154 -Mica

Metallic and Mica Powders gold mica 1 oz. $12.94 These powders have many uses and mix with clear media ranging from acrylic mediums to shellac. You control the pigment content--use very little for a translucent veil of metallic or use more for a solid metal look. Specially selected for the professional faux finisher, architectural restorer, sign maker, or picture framer. Can be used with ROLCO Pyramid Bronzing Liquid . Metallic and Mica Powders are available in 1 oz. and 2 oz. jars.

Mica Flakes medium gold each $3.77 Mica Flakes are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface.Mica Flakes are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.Mica Flakes come in 1 oz. tubes. The flakes are also available in packs of four 3 g jars:Metallics -- copper, large gold, large silver, and mother of pearlColors -- turquoise, cinnabar, lapis, and amethyst

Mica Flakes small gold each $3.77 Mica Flakes are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface.Mica Flakes are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.Mica Flakes come in 1 oz. tubes. The flakes are also available in packs of four 3 g jars:Metallics -- copper, large gold, large silver, and mother of pearlColors -- turquoise, cinnabar, lapis, and amethyst

Mica Flakes large gold each $3.33 Mica Flakes are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface.Mica Flakes are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.Mica Flakes come in 1 oz. tubes. The flakes are also available in packs of four 3 g jars:Metallics -- copper, large gold, large silver, and mother of pearlColors -- turquoise, cinnabar, lapis, and amethyst

Mica $19.99 Maeve Harris Mica - Art Print

Mica Flakes amethyst each $3.77 Mica Flakes are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface.Mica Flakes are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.Mica Flakes come in 1 oz. tubes. The flakes are also available in packs of four 3 g jars:Metallics -- copper, large gold, large silver, and mother of pearlColors -- turquoise, cinnabar, lapis, and amethyst

Mica Flakes turquoise each $3.77 Mica Flakes are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface.Mica Flakes are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.Mica Flakes come in 1 oz. tubes. The flakes are also available in packs of four 3 g jars:Metallics -- copper, large gold, large silver, and mother of pearlColors -- turquoise, cinnabar, lapis, and amethyst

Mica Flakes pearl each $3.77 Mica Flakes are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface.Mica Flakes are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.Mica Flakes come in 1 oz. tubes. The flakes are also available in packs of four 3 g jars:Metallics -- copper, large gold, large silver, and mother of pearlColors -- turquoise, cinnabar, lapis, and amethyst

Mica Flakes graphite each $3.77 Mica Flakes are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface.Mica Flakes are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.Mica Flakes come in 1 oz. tubes. The flakes are also available in packs of four 3 g jars:Metallics -- copper, large gold, large silver, and mother of pearlColors -- turquoise, cinnabar, lapis, and amethyst

Mica Flakes lapis each $3.77 Mica Flakes are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface.Mica Flakes are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.Mica Flakes come in 1 oz. tubes. The flakes are also available in packs of four 3 g jars:Metallics -- copper, large gold, large silver, and mother of pearlColors -- turquoise, cinnabar, lapis, and amethyst

Mica Flakes champagne each $3.77 Mica Flakes are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface.Mica Flakes are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.Mica Flakes come in 1 oz. tubes. The flakes are also available in packs of four 3 g jars:Metallics -- copper, large gold, large silver, and mother of pearlColors -- turquoise, cinnabar, lapis, and amethyst

Mica Flakes cinnabar each $3.77 Mica Flakes are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface.Mica Flakes are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.Mica Flakes come in 1 oz. tubes. The flakes are also available in packs of four 3 g jars:Metallics -- copper, large gold, large silver, and mother of pearlColors -- turquoise, cinnabar, lapis, and amethyst

Mica Flakes copper each $3.77 Mica Flakes are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface.Mica Flakes are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.Mica Flakes come in 1 oz. tubes. The flakes are also available in packs of four 3 g jars:Metallics -- copper, large gold, large silver, and mother of pearlColors -- turquoise, cinnabar, lapis, and amethyst

Metallic and Mica Powders majestic gold mica 1 oz. $11.25 These powders have many uses and mix with clear media ranging from acrylic mediums to shellac. You control the pigment content--use very little for a translucent veil of metallic or use more for a solid metal look. Specially selected for the professional faux finisher, architectural restorer, sign maker, or picture framer. Can be used with ROLCO Pyramid Bronzing Liquid . Metallic and Mica Powders are available in 1 oz. and 2 oz. jars.

Metallic and Mica Powders Inca gold mica 1 oz. $11.25 These powders have many uses and mix with clear media ranging from acrylic mediums to shellac. You control the pigment content--use very little for a translucent veil of metallic or use more for a solid metal look. Specially selected for the professional faux finisher, architectural restorer, sign maker, or picture framer. Can be used with ROLCO Pyramid Bronzing Liquid . Metallic and Mica Powders are available in 1 oz. and 2 oz. jars.

Metallic and Mica Powders nu-antique gold mica 1 oz. $10.97 These powders have many uses and mix with clear media ranging from acrylic mediums to shellac. You control the pigment content--use very little for a translucent veil of metallic or use more for a solid metal look. Specially selected for the professional faux finisher, architectural restorer, sign maker, or picture framer. Can be used with ROLCO Pyramid Bronzing Liquid . Metallic and Mica Powders are available in 1 oz. and 2 oz. jars.

Metallic and Mica Powders Mayan gold mica 1 oz. $11.25 These powders have many uses and mix with clear media ranging from acrylic mediums to shellac. You control the pigment content--use very little for a translucent veil of metallic or use more for a solid metal look. Specially selected for the professional faux finisher, architectural restorer, sign maker, or picture framer. Can be used with ROLCO Pyramid Bronzing Liquid . Metallic and Mica Powders are available in 1 oz. and 2 oz. jars.

Metallic and Mica Powders Aztec gold mica 1 oz. $11.25 These powders have many uses and mix with clear media ranging from acrylic mediums to shellac. You control the pigment content--use very little for a translucent veil of metallic or use more for a solid metal look. Specially selected for the professional faux finisher, architectural restorer, sign maker, or picture framer. Can be used with ROLCO Pyramid Bronzing Liquid . Metallic and Mica Powders are available in 1 oz. and 2 oz. jars.

23 Regal Peacock Collection Gold Mica Glitter Feather Christmas Pick $3.99 Gold Mica Glitter Feather Christmas PickFrom the Regal Peacock Collection, Item #7030449Great for adding a splash of richness and shine to your holiday decorations!Embellished with gold mica glitterComes on a brown branchDimensions: 23" longMaterial(s): Glitter drenched plastic / Wire Type: Decorations Color: Yellow

Mica Gloss Gold Pigment Ink $7.2 With this metallic ink you can product beautiful effects on almost any surface. This ink can be applied with a brayer, brush, sponge, stamp, or directly from the bottle. Color: GoldCapacity: 0.47 ouncesNontoxicWater-solubleConforms to ASTM D4236Application tools not included

Metallic and Mica Powders karat gold 2 oz. $10.42 These powders have many uses and mix with clear media ranging from acrylic mediums to shellac. You control the pigment content--use very little for a translucent veil of metallic or use more for a solid metal look. Specially selected for the professional faux finisher, architectural restorer, sign maker, or picture framer. Can be used with ROLCO Pyramid Bronzing Liquid . Metallic and Mica Powders are available in 1 oz. and 2 oz. jars.

Metallic and Mica Powders sunset gold 1 oz. $10.42 These powders have many uses and mix with clear media ranging from acrylic mediums to shellac. You control the pigment content--use very little for a translucent veil of metallic or use more for a solid metal look. Specially selected for the professional faux finisher, architectural restorer, sign maker, or picture framer. Can be used with ROLCO Pyramid Bronzing Liquid . Metallic and Mica Powders are available in 1 oz. and 2 oz. jars.

Metallic and Mica Powders deep gold 2 oz. $10.42 These powders have many uses and mix with clear media ranging from acrylic mediums to shellac. You control the pigment content--use very little for a translucent veil of metallic or use more for a solid metal look. Specially selected for the professional faux finisher, architectural restorer, sign maker, or picture framer. Can be used with ROLCO Pyramid Bronzing Liquid . Metallic and Mica Powders are available in 1 oz. and 2 oz. jars.

Metallic and Mica Powders roman gold 2 oz. $10.42 These powders have many uses and mix with clear media ranging from acrylic mediums to shellac. You control the pigment content--use very little for a translucent veil of metallic or use more for a solid metal look. Specially selected for the professional faux finisher, architectural restorer, sign maker, or picture framer. Can be used with ROLCO Pyramid Bronzing Liquid . Metallic and Mica Powders are available in 1 oz. and 2 oz. jars.

Mica Flakes essence of pearl each $3.77 Mica Flakes are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface.Mica Flakes are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.Mica Flakes come in 1 oz. tubes. The flakes are also available in packs of four 3 g jars:Metallics -- copper, large gold, large silver, and mother of pearlColors -- turquoise, cinnabar, lapis, and amethyst

Mica Flakes large silver each $3.77 Mica Flakes are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface.Mica Flakes are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.Mica Flakes come in 1 oz. tubes. The flakes are also available in packs of four 3 g jars:Metallics -- copper, large gold, large silver, and mother of pearlColors -- turquoise, cinnabar, lapis, and amethyst

Mica Flakes medium silver each $3.77 Mica Flakes are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface.Mica Flakes are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.Mica Flakes come in 1 oz. tubes. The flakes are also available in packs of four 3 g jars:Metallics -- copper, large gold, large silver, and mother of pearlColors -- turquoise, cinnabar, lapis, and amethyst

Mica Flakes colors pack of 4 $10.39 Mica Flakes are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface.Mica Flakes are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.Mica Flakes come in 1 oz. tubes. The flakes are also available in packs of four 3 g jars:Metallics -- copper, large gold, large silver, and mother of pearlColors -- turquoise, cinnabar, lapis, and amethyst

Mica Flakes metallics pack of 4 $10.39 Mica Flakes are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface.Mica Flakes are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.Mica Flakes come in 1 oz. tubes. The flakes are also available in packs of four 3 g jars:Metallics -- copper, large gold, large silver, and mother of pearlColors -- turquoise, cinnabar, lapis, and amethyst

Mica Flakes small silver each $3.77 Mica Flakes are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface.Mica Flakes are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.Mica Flakes come in 1 oz. tubes. The flakes are also available in packs of four 3 g jars:Metallics -- copper, large gold, large silver, and mother of pearlColors -- turquoise, cinnabar, lapis, and amethyst

Mica Flakes antique bronze each $3.77 Mica Flakes are metallic colored, non-tarnishing natural tiles of mica. They can be used with most any adhesive, acrylic medium, or transparent finish. The flakes adhere to most any surface and can also be applied dry to any tacky surface.Mica Flakes are great for collage, papermaking, rubberstamp embossing, and wherever a natural, shimmering, glittery effect is desired. The flakes are pigment coated, heat resistant, acid-free, and archival.Mica Flakes come in 1 oz. tubes. The flakes are also available in packs of four 3 g jars:Metallics -- copper, large gold, large silver, and mother of pearlColors -- turquoise, cinnabar, lapis, and amethyst

Inca Gold Mica Powder 1 Oz $4.95 For Gorgeous Metallic Luster Add some color and sparkle to your glass projects. Fuse, enamel and flamework with Mica powders. Mix powder with Klyr-Fire and airbrush onto glass, then fire. Apply multiple thin coats and fire in kiln to about 1380 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll your glass bead in Mica to apply a metallic shine. Works great with all glass COEs. Can also be added to metal clay, polymer clay and resin casting projects. 1 oz. Fused project below by Leslie Perlis. From Contemporary Glass Enameling book 6629. Polymer clay necklace by Jennifer Bezingue. From The Art of Jewelry Polymer Clay book 6982. Resin coasters by Marie Browning. From Casting For Crafters book 6985. Fused bowl by Delphi artist Julie Nelson. Shown in Bowl Stand 30010. Confetti project by artist Brenda Griffith from A Beginner and 39;s Guide to Kiln-Formed Glass book 6644.

Stardream Mica Coated Paper gold cover $9.72 Stardream is an elegant range of metallic and pearlescent mica-coated paper. The range?s colors were expressly created to meet the more sophisticated trends of fashion.Typical applications include brochures, annual reports, folders, flyers, menus, calendars, sample books, greeting cards, invitations, luxury packaging, shopping bags, insert tags, display boxes, covers, and prestigious editions.Stardream is two-sided and acid-free. It?s also offset, laser, and inkjet compatible.Sheets measure 8 1/2 in. x 11 in., with 25 sheets per package. The paper is available in both text (120 gsm) and cover (285 gsm) weight.

Stardream Mica Coated Paper antique gold text $6.04 Stardream is an elegant range of metallic and pearlescent mica-coated paper. The range?s colors were expressly created to meet the more sophisticated trends of fashion.Typical applications include brochures, annual reports, folders, flyers, menus, calendars, sample books, greeting cards, invitations, luxury packaging, shopping bags, insert tags, display boxes, covers, and prestigious editions.Stardream is two-sided and acid-free. It?s also offset, laser, and inkjet compatible.Sheets measure 8 1/2 in. x 11 in., with 25 sheets per package. The paper is available in both text (120 gsm) and cover (285 gsm) weight.

Stardream Mica Coated Paper antique gold cover $9.72 Stardream is an elegant range of metallic and pearlescent mica-coated paper. The range?s colors were expressly created to meet the more sophisticated trends of fashion.Typical applications include brochures, annual reports, folders, flyers, menus, calendars, sample books, greeting cards, invitations, luxury packaging, shopping bags, insert tags, display boxes, covers, and prestigious editions.Stardream is two-sided and acid-free. It?s also offset, laser, and inkjet compatible.Sheets measure 8 1/2 in. x 11 in., with 25 sheets per package. The paper is available in both text (120 gsm) and cover (285 gsm) weight.

Stardream Mica Coated Paper gold text $6.04 Stardream is an elegant range of metallic and pearlescent mica-coated paper. The range?s colors were expressly created to meet the more sophisticated trends of fashion.Typical applications include brochures, annual reports, folders, flyers, menus, calendars, sample books, greeting cards, invitations, luxury packaging, shopping bags, insert tags, display boxes, covers, and prestigious editions.Stardream is two-sided and acid-free. It?s also offset, laser, and inkjet compatible.Sheets measure 8 1/2 in. x 11 in., with 25 sheets per package. The paper is available in both text (120 gsm) and cover (285 gsm) weight.