This little beauty is Larvikitt, the national stone of Norway. It is often used as a decorative facade on buildings. It is not that often used as gemstone like here. On the photo you can clearly see the sheen that is so characteristic.

I have bought the stone from a local rock-hound, and wrapped it using square and half round copper wire. A gift for one of my swedish nephews. This way he always carries a piece of Norway with him. That is the intention at least.

I have seen round beads of Larvikite for sale on an american website. I was tempted to buy, but it felt sort of silly – buying a stone that I am practically sitting on from US, and that probably has been cut and tumbled in China.