Polished Stones on Traditional Accessories

**Bugbear** · 26th January 12, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by Tobus

Yup, cairngorm stones are quite often found in Scottish items. Lots of times on sgians dubh, plaid brooches, etc. As I understand it, cairngorm is just a smoky-coloured quartz. …

Ya, from Google searches, it looks like the cairngorm stones are smoky quartz; I think, referring to the Cairngorm mountains of Scotland.
I'm sure someone will know more about them.

**tyger** · 27th January 12, 05:39 AM

I explored the course toward prospecting for Cairngorm quartz, and was informed that one can no longer do so. I was told that it is now against the law to further deplete the resource. I was also told there isn't really any there to find.

**creagdhubh** · 27th January 12, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by tyger

I explored the course toward prospecting for Cairngorm quartz, and was informed that one can no longer do so. I was tod that it is now against the law to further deplete the resource. I was also told there isn't really any there to find.

I am not so sure about that.

Cheers,

**Burly Brute** · 27th January 12, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

I am not so sure about that.

Cheers,

I too thought it was quite a rarity, or so I have been told.

**creagdhubh** · 27th January 12, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by Bugbear

Ya, from Google searches, it looks like the cairngorm stones are smoky quartz; I think, referring to the Cairngorm mountains of Scotland.
I'm sure someone will know more about them.

Yes, you are correct. However, authentic Cairngorm stones tend (not imitation stones) to be of a rich amber colour, and sometimes, can be rather bright and shiny if correctly polished. I think it is the most traditional, and the most handsome stone for Highland dress.

Cheers,