Real Cairngorm Stone?

[merovingian]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum so please forgive me if this subject already exists (I did try searching), but I've seen several kilt belt buckles for sale using faux cairngorm but not anything with the real thing. Is there a reason for this such as it being a 'protected' stone or something? From what little research I've done it seems like it's described as a 'smokey quartz' of varying shades. Also, if anyone can point me to a store or artist who makes buckles or sgian dubhs with this stone it would be much appreciated.

[Dughlas mor]

I believe there was a time in the gemstone trade when "Cairngorm" was synonymous with the term "Smoky Quartz." Not so anymore, as the major deposits of Smoky Quartz in Scotland`s Cairngorm Mountains were depleted long ago. Not to say that a pocket or two doesn`t still exist here or there, but Actual Smoky Quartz from the Cairngorm Mts. would be rare to non-existent these days. Smoky Quartz is Smoky Quartz, though, where ever it`s found, and if you can`t find the products you are looking for, you could probably find the stones at a gem show, or ordered through a resourceful jeweler, then go the custom route. As a gemstone, Smoky Quartz is not particularly expensive.

[KD Burke]

I'd agree that it isn't as common as it used to be, but the genuine article can still be had.

Nat Forno at Scottish Agates (http://www.scottishagates.co.uk/) can supply the raw stone, but he doesn't make buckles or sgians.

Rab Gordon at www.rainnea.com can make you a cracking sgian with Nat's stone, but his work isn't cheap and he has a long waiting list.

I'm privileged to own one of Rab's sgians and feel, personally, that it was well worth both the wait and the expense.

[merovingian]

This is all great information, thank you all much for sharing. Is real Cairngorm easily discernible from 'smokey quartz' or is it like a diamond/ zircon sort of thing? I'd love knowing I had the real thing but not sure I can afford it.

[Dughlas mor]

This is all great information, thank you all much for sharing. Is real Cairngorm easily discernible from 'smokey quartz' or is it like a diamond/ zircon sort of thing? I'd love knowing I had the real thing but not sure I can afford it.

"Real Cairngorm" is Smokey Quartz that comes from the Cairngorm mountains. It wouldn`t necessarily be distinguishable from Smokey Quartz found at many other localities in the world. Smokey quartz in general varies in color from yellowish through brown to black. Most of the Scottish stuff seems to me to be usually of more yellowish to brown hues. BTW, "faux cairngorm" likely refers to cut glass.

[Steve Ashton]

I have heard a variety of reasons you don't find real Cairngorms (Morion) today.

1) The Cairngorm mountains where these stones get their name are now within the largest national park in the British Isles.
2) Far cheaper alternatives are now readily available. Natural stones of the same gem quality are now available from Brazil, and everyday run of the mill clear Quartz can be heat treated and/or irradiated to produce the same or similar coloring.
3) It is simply not economically viable to mine for quartz in Scotland today. Many of the older mines are all but tapped out. New mines are too expensive for the commercial value of quartz. Very few gem quality Cairngorms are found during mining for the other minerals and stone in Scotland.

I'll bet Dr. Dr. Barb could give us the definitive answer to this question with references to all the available scientific journals. But she would have to use polysyllabic, unpronounceable words and would need at least 35 charts and 23 graphs.

[merovingian]

Those Sgians are mind blowingly beautiful. I would love to have one some day with that level of craftsmanship. Although new to the world of Highland dress I'm quickly realizing that it is not a cheap lifestyle- haha.

[Wareyin]

Those Sgians are mind blowingly beautiful. I would love to have one some day with that level of craftsmanship. Although new to the world of Highland dress I'm quickly realizing that it is not a cheap lifestyle- haha.

No, it is certainly not cheap! (Which calls into question the stereotypical stingy Scot, to my mind)

[Jock Scot]

No, it is certainly not cheap! (Which calls into question the stereotypical stingy Scot, to my mind)

On the contrary! The careful, frugal even, Scot works on the theory of " buy once and buy the best" they know it is che---, um less expensive in the long run that way!