If it wasn't for pearls and the endless discussion of what 'orient' is and what is it worth in them... I am quite sure I would have missed much of the special interest iridescence holds in other ornamental / precious stones. Opal isn't easy to overlook, of course, but THESE?

It took one outstanding example though to send the message - and even how! (mid of second row HERE, of course)


Still not pearls! Wouldn't even call that 'orient'...

... however, in Other Mineral's Cases similarities go down to the structure along with The Looks.


Iris Agate - Horse Mountain, Tennessee

The property is always interesting and a sales point. Makes it harder to concede that orient could ever be 'denied' recognition as the crucial quality of pearls, when similar qualities manages to sell otherwise relatively base materials indeed