Names of Gemstones: Do they matter when you hear them?
So I have this hypothesis - at least for myself. The names of stones/gemstones matter! Why such silly names? And wow, soooo many sellers out there that mid-identify (intentionally or unintentionally) their stones. There are many stones I just love, and I've shied away from simply from the name. Am I the only one?
Some of my latest favorites... except for the name.
Case #1: Peanut Obsidian
Okay, maybe it's just because I am not a fan of peanuts. Ever since my lovely husband told me about the FDA "allowable" amount of rat poop in peanut butter, I haven't eaten it since... much. I still use it to cook and other nut butters, and I logically know that of course there are thousands of other foods and facts out there. But... yuck.
I digress. I love this stone. Obsidian is a powerful stone, and these rust-red inclusions that look almost like they are living... mesmerizing. But with a name like Peanut Obsidian? Really? What would be your proposed name for this stone? I swear I've been jewelers literally make up their own names for certain jaspers and agates. I won't call anything out, but.... yeah.
Case #2: King Cobra Jasper
A beautiful stone. Exceptional. Rare to find in the colors and dots that I so long. Cobra? Come on. Why not "Renaissance Jasper" or "Dotted Sunset Jasper" or something? What would you call it?
I feel like I'd be looking at a beautiful piece of jewelry, pondering how many millions of years and natural forces came together to make it... and then BOOM! Cobra Jasper. Worse yet... KING Cobra Jasper. Ugh.
Case #3: Lepardite Stone
Not to be confused with Leopardskin Jasper, an entirely different rock... but the misspelling just grates on me, lol. I don't get it. One of these days maybe I'll google and figure out who gets to name the stones when they are first discovered. I've also seen many names for the same stone... sometimes after it re-appears say, a decade later. Hmmmm.
Anyway, what do you think? Does the name of the stone affect your opinion of the piece, art, wearability? What if the stone's metaphysical properties are amazing despite its unfortunate name?