First picture has three beautiful strands of turqoise. I talked to a turqoise miner, and showed him the necklace I had made last week from some of his very cheap mixed beads. He wanted to have it, to give to his wife for their anniversary. So we swapped: my necklace for some of his top quality turqoise.

Second picture is block, or reconstituted stone. Some say it is 85% stone and 15% resin, others say that it is all pure resin with coloured dust. Not sure yet, there appear to be different types and qualities out there. Thought I'd get some so I can compare it to beads and stones.