gemstones and crystals

Pakistan’s Gemstones

2011-03-02T04:36:00.000-08:00

Pakistan is home to many varieties of minerals, some of which make it prominent in the mineral world, such as peridot, aquamarine, topaz (various colours: violet and pink, golden and champagne), ruby, emerald, rare-earth minerals bastnaesite and xenotime, sphene, tourmaline, and many varieties and types of quartz.

Pakistan shares a long and porous border (2430 km) with Afghanistan. This has effectively resulted in a full influx of all types of Afghan minerals into Pakistan, from which they are traded. Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar serves as the first, direct, and only market for all minerals found in both these countries since 1979, after the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Before the invasion, Pakistan’s only port city of Karachi held the bigger market of gem minerals (only facet rough and gems) in Pakistan. Following Peshawar’s rise in prominence, Karachi’s significance and role in gem minerals was reduced to those of little significance.

A Brief History of the Mining and Business of Gemstones in Pakistan

2011-03-02T04:35:00.001-08:00

Pakistan came into existence in 1947 after partition of the subcontinent. A review of its history before the British rule reveals that its people and kings cherished gemstones highly. The relics of the Gandhara and Indus civilisations are a testimony to this fact. After its founding, Pakistan has given little, if not negligent, attention to this sector.

Gemstones Corporation of Pakistan was established in 1979 to effectively explore Pakistan’s own share of wealth in minerals and to facilitate gemstone mining and business in Pakistan. It had some valuable influence but ultimately was liquidated in 1997 and hence abandoned. There are two bodies now working for the welfare and growth of this industry in Pakistan: Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (formerly Export Promotion Bureau) and All Pakistan Commercial Exporters Association of Rough & Un-Polished Precious & Semi Precious Stones (APCEA). Since 1994, the annual Pakistan Gems and Mineral Show has been held in Peshawar with their joint collaboration, during four days in October. It has not as yet, however, attracted any potential buyers from abroad. Its few stalls on display cannot fulfill any of the requisite needs of experienced buyers from abroad, especially the USA and Europe.

The northern and northwestern parts of Pakistan are shrouded by the three world-famous ranges called Hindukush, Himalaya, and Karakorum. In these mountains have been found nearly all the minerals Pakistan currently offers to the world market, including aquamarine, topaz, peridot, ruby, emerald, amethyst, morganite, zoisite, spinel, sphene, and tourmaline.

The question arises as to how these were explored: by the very people living in and beside the hills and not as a result of any government involvement or support, a fact that the government of Pakistan cannot refute. In the industrial minerals sector, of course, the government-owned mining corporation is effective and has been of great help to local investors. Pakistan, through its one body, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, has always recruited foreign investment in mining precious and semi-precious stones in Pakistan. But the rhetoric of the ministry is so inadequate and ineffective that no influential mining venture by any foreign institutes or individuals has taken place. One significant reason is the reputation for unreliability in the survey/analysis reports conducted by any government-sponsored institute in Pakistan.

Moving Forward

2011-03-02T04:31:00.000-08:00

Pakistan must look into this situation very seriously. It can conduct such surveys by any reputable/foreign-based institutes to attract foreign investors in this sector. But the locals who have ever ventured into such activity have only stories of failure to tell.

In industrial mining, lease by provincial/local government exists, and in the case of precious/semi-precious stones it has been observed in emerald (Swat, Frontier Province), ruby (Pakistan’s Kashmir), and topaz (Katlung, Mardan District, Frontier Province), but has resulted in loss and/or failure for venturers.

It is important to stress here that the non-professional residents of mining areas are actually the ones who mine these jewels of earth in their hazardous, traditional way of mining. They usually form groups that initiate diggings and blastings, distributing the costs that may incur during the mining period. This process is something that the Government of Pakistan has failed to control or investigate. The resulting product is compromised in terms of quality and quantity. Mining ventures in precious and semi-precious stones are uncontrollable in Pakistan because they are undertaken by its people without any permission, support, or guidance from the government.

Pakistan, based on its potential in mineral wealth, can become a great hub of the gemstone industry, on a scale comparable to that of Brazil, provided it takes a few essential, locally effective steps that can enhance the exploration of resources and growth of business. The most useful step: full and supportive involvement of the government with its own people as well as the foreigners involved in this industry. The establishment by Pakistan of the Gems and Gemmological Institute, in Peshawar in 2001, is an investment that ultimately will bear fruit.

Topaz makes an ideal gem

2011-03-02T04:24:00.000-08:00

Topaz makes an ideal gem. A good hardness and desirable colors, combined with a relative abundance and availability makes it one the most popular gemstones. The most valuable colors of Topaz are the golden orange-yellow type, called Imperial Topaz, and the dark pinkish-red and orange-red colors. Value increases with a deepness of color in orange and reddish hues. The most commonly used colors of Topaz in jewelry are the blue types. It was not until this past century that blue Topaz became widespread on the gem market

Gem lab to polish market quality

2011-03-02T04:12:00.000-08:00

L ondon-based Intertek Testing Services has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government to build a US$10 million laboratory to test the quality of gemstones in Cambodia.

The centre, scheduled to be built in Phnom Penh next year, will test precious stones and jewelry products sold in Cambodia in order to standardise quality for trade.

The government hopes the centre will improve confidence over the quality of the Kingdom’s stones, after concerns were raised over by traders.

Cambodia’s Minister of Commerce Cham Prasidh who attended the Friday signing ceremony, said that recently, international customers had criticised the quality of domestic products.

“The problems are not because Cambodian traders sold fake products, but because our sellers and buyers are not clear on [quality],” he said.

“The centre would elimination the lack of confidence between sellers and buyers,” he said.

The minister hopes the centre will be up and running in time for June 2011, when a jewellery expo is set to be held in the capital city.

Wolfhart Hauser chief executive officer of the Intertek Group said that the laboratory would help set quality standards in the sector, enabling the Kingdom to trade gems and jewelry in international markets – such as Europe and the United States.

“Through the investment, we hope Cambodia will have a high reputation in the gem stone sector in the future,” he said.

Traders yesterday welcomed the agreement as having the potential to increase knowledge within the sector and boost the market.

Im Vouch Heng, owner of Pailin Cut Gems, a shop in Phnom Penh, sources her gemstones from Takeo, Pailin, Mondulkiri, Ratanakirri provinces, while importing some from Thailand.
“It is very good to establish laboratory centre in here and I am happy.

“We hope that the centre will improve our knowledge more and more to do the business,” she said.

Intertek first established a presence in the Kingdom in 2003 and opened a new office in the capital earlier this year.

In August, a company representative said that it was pushing towards operating within extractive industries and agriculture in Cambodia.

Representatives of the mining sector have previously expressed hopes that a facility to test mineral samples would open in the county.

Currently, samples are being sent abroad for testing.

Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy Suy Sem in May raised the need to establish a laboratory in Cambodia as “an essential point” for the development of Cambodia’s mining sector.

BEST QUALITY GEMSTONE FROM Pakistan

2011-03-02T04:09:00.000-08:00

In Pakistan We Deal In Superior Quality Emerald, Rough And Uncut Gemstone From Pakistan. We Ensure That You Get Only The Finest Quality With Your 100% Satisfaction. Emerald Is One Of The Most Rare Gemstone. Good Quality Natural Emerald Is Extremely Rare And Also Emerald specimens. For Safe Side, Natural Emeralds Should Be Bought In raw Form And Then Decorated Into Jewelry. Here In Pakistan Emeralds Is Found In Swat, Northern Areas that are the main sources of production

Turquoise

2009-09-19T07:49:00.001-07:00

December's birthstone, Turquoise, is one of the most beautiful gemstones ever known to man. As the name suggests, the color is "turquoise", though the color of the gemstone varies from blue green to sky blue. The gemstone is a traditional present to commemorate 5 to 11 years of marriage.

Turquoise Information

Quality

The best turquoises are found in Iran. These best quality gemstones have that pure and radiant sky blue color, with or without its fine matrix. The more strongly the gemstone leans on the color green and the more irregular the matrix, the lower the stone's quality.

Imitations

Be careful of turquoise imitations, they are quite plenty. The most common imitation of the stone is dyed magnesite and howlite. They are white in their natural states, with black veins like that of turquoises. Other less common and less convincing imitations include dyed jasper and marble. These imitations can be easily detected by gemologists through non-destructive tests, although destructive tests may deem necessary in some cases. Practice caution when buying gemstones, and always buy from legitimate and renowned gem stores.

History

The stone is ancient, its discovery dates back as early as 6,000 B.C., discovered by the Ancient Egyptians. The name of the birthstone was derived from a French term for Turkish (or Pierr Turquois), during the 16th century. However, this was a misnomer, for Turquoise does not come from Turkey, although it was traded in Turkish bazaars, where the Venetian merchants introduced to Europe. Moreover, the color has been used at length in the walls and floor tiles in Turkish homes and shrines for at least the 14th century. Another surmise is that the gemstone.s name refers to the color of the Mediterranean Sea, which is on the south Turkish coast.

Ancient Lore

For centuries, the gemstone has been esteemed as a holy stone, a good luck charm, and a talisman. Turquoise has been popular since its discovery, as proven by the excavation of Ancient Egyptian tombs around 3,000 B.C. Discovered grave furnishings, artifacts and jewelry were furnished with the gemstone. The Ancient Persians, on the other hand, believed that the gemstone should be worn around the neck or at the wrist at all times, to protect them against an unnatural death. They believed that if the gemstone changes color, looming danger is near and about to happen. The gemstone is usually worn on the turban, enclosed by pearls. They are encrusted in daggers, sabers and bridles as a talisman, to defend the wearer against the "evil eye".

The gemstone also had a special place among American Indians. The Aztecs of Mexico adorned their ceremonial masks with the stone. The Apache Indians believed that the gemstone gives warriors the ability to aim their targets better, while the Zuni tribes believed that the gemstone serves as a shield against demons.

Since time immemorial, the gemstone was the traveler's aid. It was believed that the stone guard the riders and their horses from falls. Today, the gemstone is still considered as a good luck charm for travelers, aviators and flight professionals to help ward off accidents.

Care

How do you take care of your turquoises? Always keep your stone away from bright light, heat, and make up. Do not take it with you on the beach, or anywhere with prolonged high temperatures! Clean it with a clean, soft cloth from time to time.

Tourmaline

2009-09-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

Tourmaline is one of October's birthstones and comes in many colors - but primarily in pink and green. It is beautiful in rings, necklaces, and pendants.

Tourmaline and Tourmaline Mines
by Margaret Burgon Klemp

My interest in the gemstone tourmaline is personal. I happen to live about 35 miles away from one of the most celebrated tourmaline mines in the world. It is located in the San Luis Rey River Valley in northern San Diego County in California. There are actually two mines there: The Tourmaline Queen mine with lodes given the names Tourmaline Queen and Tourmaline Queen No. 3. There are other smaller lodes in the Pala region, but the Queen mines are the largest and the most well known. The gem, tourmaline, is found in my own back yard.

The mine was discovered in 1903, and it became one of the worlds. major excavation areas for tourmaline. Then the local gem market ran into significant difficulties, and the mine became inactive until 1960 when it was purchased by Pala Properties International. Then mining operations were revived. Since the discovery of tourmaline in this region more of the high grade tourmaline has been produced there than at any other site in the whole Northern Hemisphere. Only operations in Brazil have yielded more fine tourmaline.

The tourmaline saga began when a gem collector took a beautiful piece of the gem to Tiffany and Company in 1876. His name was George F. Kunz, and he became one of the worlds' best known collectors of gems. He was hired by Tiffany as a consultant when he was only 20 years old. Because of his efforts the tourmaline family of gems was born. Tourmalines were his favorite gems although he collected myriads of other stones.

In his own narrative from Reminiscences of a Gem Collector Kunz describes his first connections with Tiffany. He explains this way:

In those early days, no so-called fancy stones were on sale in any jewelry store in the country; one could scarcely find them in a lapidary's shop. Yet, reviewing those that I had gathered, it seemed to me that many ladies, even those who could afford the gesture of diamond tiara and pearl choker, would be happy to array themselves in the endless gorgeous colors of these unexploited gems. As I looked over a collection of them, with the sunlight imprisoned in the sea-green depths of the tourmaline, lapping at the facets of the watery-blue aquamarine, flooding the blood-red cup of the garnet, glancing from the ice-blue edges of the beryl, melting in the misty nebula of the moonstone, entangled in the fringes of the moss agate, brilliantly concentrated in the metallic zircon, forming a milky star in the heart of the illusive star sapphire -- how, I thought, could a woman ever resist their subtle appeal?

So one day, buckled in youth, I wrapped a tourmaline in a bit of gem paper, swung on a horse car, and all the way to my destination rehearsed my arguments. Arrived there, I was finally received by [Charles Tiffany] the managing head of what was even then the largest jewelry establishment in the world, and showed him my drop of green light. I explained -- a very little; the gem itself was its own best argument. Tiffany bought it . the great dealers in precious stones bought their first tourmaline from me. The check which crinkled in my pocket as I walked home in the late afternoon, forgetting there were cars, stargazing, tripping over curbs, meant very little in comparison with the fact that I had interested a foremost jeweler of that time in my revolutionary theory and made the acquaintance of a man who was later to become my close friend."

Chemically tourmaline is an extremely complicated group of stones. They are silicate minerals which contain silicon and oxygen and then it is mixed with aluminum and boron. It is also may contain sodium, calcium, iron, magnesium, lithium and a host of other elements that may be found in its structure. The most common variety of tourmaline is schorl and may account for 95% or more of all tourmaline in nature. Schorl is black tourmaline. Tourmalines consist of ten mineral species and only three of them are considered to be gems. They are part of a crystal system that produces long prisms of a columnar shape. They range from slender to thick densities, and appear in triangular cross-sections. Tourmaline has a three-sided prism which is unique in the world of gems. There is a large range of colors among the tourmaline family of stones. According to ancient Egyptian lore the tourmaline made a long journey from the center of the earth and on its way it passed over a rainbow and absorbed and the colors. Collectors still refer to it as the "gemstone of the rainbow". The colors range from red to green and blue to yellow, and very often sport multiple hues. Some colors change when exposed to artificial light. Tourmaline also has unusual electrical qualitities. It collects fine dust when it is subjected to artificial light sources. Each tourmaline has a different appearance, and consequently there is one that suits each individual buyer. For this reason the ancients claimed that it had magical powers. They said it promoted long-lasting love and friendship

Topaz

2009-09-19T07:46:00.001-07:00

Topaz is a beautiful light blue or yellow stone. Yellow Topaz is November's birthstone while blue topaz is December's birthstone. It is much less expensive than aquamarine. It looks beautiful in rings, bracelets, necklaces, and pendants.

Topaz -- Pablo Neruda's Fascination
by Margaret Burgon Klemp

Topaz is one of the gems most used by poets and writers. Pablo Neruda, the famous Chilean poet was fascinated by a lot of things. His curiosity and his enthusiasm for various collections are reflected at his modest home at Isla Negra, Chile which is situated just off the highway to Valparaiso, the seaside resort in the Andes. Besides his interest in antiques he had a love affair with topaz. He described it this way:

Pablo Neruda, El topacio

Topaz is full of mystery, in fact there is a famous movie mystery thriller named after it. The Topaz is well-known as a large quality gem. The worlds. largest topaz crystal was found in Brazil at the Minas Gerais, the world.s most well-known producer of topaz. It was purchased in 1938 by Allan Caplan, a New York dealer in minerals and precious gems. Upon his first inspection of the stone he thought there might be something wrong with it, and this particular stone along with two others were sent the American Museum for further study. What the experts found was the largest topaz known to that date. It is still housed at the museum.

During the Middle Ages people believed that the use of topaz strengthened the mind and prevented sudden death. Some physicians of those times prescribed it as a remedy for weak vision. It was also used as a method of preventing mental disorders or curing these disorders altogether.

The topaz has superb qualities of color, clarity and hardness. Its. hardness allows it to be easily polished because it contains an innate smoothness. The smoothness and slipperiness of topaz is one of the ways it is identified along with the brilliancy of color. It comes in all different shades of yellow, blue, brown and rose reds. Most deep blue hues are produced artificially by heat and irridation. Citrine is sometimes mistaken for topaz. The more intense colors of topaz is what usually sets it apart from the lighter citrine colors. However, there is a test known as the "methylene iodide test" that can make a final determination. A stone is place in the solution, and a citrine gem will float while the topaz will sink to the bottom. While hardness is a definite prime attribute, topaz has a real disadvantage with its. basal cleavage. This makes the stone very sensitive to sharp blows so artisans and miners have to handle it very carefully.

Topaz can be found in streams, rivers and in gravel deposits. It is found mainly in gem pegmatites where the presence of fluorine can be found. Flourine provides a rich environment for the stones to grow into very large crystals. In fact, without the presence of Flourine topaz would not exist. Topaz crystallizes orthorhombically and develops columns with square and diamond shapes planes with multisurfaced heads. Topaz can also be found in cracks and cavities where a combination of Flourine and silica and alumina which was released by very hot temperatures caused the gems to form. Chromium Oxide is what provides its beautiful color.

Brazil is the undisputed leader in topaz production. Topaz can also be found in the Ural Mountains in Russia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the United States. At Minas Gerais they are normally mined from their primary rock or found on valley floors there. Topaz was actually first discovered in Poland in the Erz Mountains in an area called Schneckenstein.

Topaz is a very large stone. One giant gem at the Viennese Historical museum is reputed to weigh 585,000 carats. The rarest topaz is the Imperial Topaz and pink topaz. Pakistan is the only place today where rose-red tinted topaz can be found today. All other pink topazes get their color from heat treatments of up to 475� C. Imperial topaz is has a yellow tint to it while other members of the topaz family can be completely colorless. Some of the most beautiful examples of topaz are the famous blue topaz which can have colorful ranges starting with light blue stones. The very deep blue topaz is artificially produced by heating and irridation processes. One of the most interesting characteristics about topaz is that it bleaches in daylight and then renews itself as the light subsides. The color changes occur because of natural heating and irridation.

The largest deep red topaz in the world was found either in Brazil or Russia, and is considered highly unusual. Naturally red topaz is not very often found.

Tiger Eye Quartz

2009-09-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

The Tiger Eye is a semi precious gemstone, usually a metamorphic rock with a yellow, honey, red and brown color, with a silky luster. The gemstone is well known for its 'Chatoyancy effect', where a thin band of light is displayed on the gemstone and changes position as the gemstone is positioned back and forth.

Tiger Eye Gemstone Information

What Causes Tiger Eye To Shimmer

The Tiger Eye gemstone is part of the quartz family. The gemstone is a classic example of pseudomorphous replacement through silica of fibrous blue mineral called crocidolite. The gemstone is formed when criocidolite crystals compact simultaneously from hot mineral fluids flowing through the rocks' tiny cracks. This then produces the 'Chatoyancy effect' the Tiger Eye gemstone is renowned for. The gemstone mostly comes from South Africa. Small quantities of the gemstone are also found in Brazil, China, Canada, USA, Burma and India.

Where Tiger Eye's Name Came From

The gemstone got its name, obviously, because it resembles the eye of a real tiger. Tiger Eye gemstone is usually used for ornamental purposes and jewelry, cut for rings, necklaces and charms. The gemstone is quite affordable yet very beautiful. It should be noted though that the gemstone can be made synthetically, mostly made from plastic and lower valued minerals. There is also a similar looking gemstone called the Tiger Iron, made from red Jasper and black Hermatite. There is a blue variant of this gemstone, appropriately called 'Hawk's eye'.

Friendship Stone

The Tiger Eye gemstone is popularly called the 'gemstone of friends' or the 'friendship stone'. If you have been given this special Friendship Stone, you should always treasure the gemstone like the friendship itself. The gemstone is a perfect symbol that your friend is out to overlook your protection at all times, and will be there for you even during the hardest of circumstances. The gemstone will provide you positive energy even on the most gloomy of days. It helps you find your way and attain your dreams. Regardless of age, sex, or beliefs, many people will benefit from the gemstone.

Lore

Historically, the gemstone has been worn for protection. It was said that the gemstone kept a constant 'eye' on the wearer. For thousands of years, the gemstone has been used for many uses, for it is believed to have many mystical and medicinal properties within it. Oftentimes, the gemstone was given to children to wear as a protectorate.

Fast tract to the 1880s, large quantities of the gemstone have been founding South African soil during the 1880s. Metaphysically, it is believed that the gemstone allows its wearer to think clearly and transform negative energy to positive energy. The gemstone is believed to attain dreams and help the wearer judge and determine the best decision and course of action. It is often cleansed before sending it to someone else, to get rid of all the negative energies.

Care

The gemstone is cleansed by keeping it in salt water over the night to recharge its energy. After taking it out of the salt water, it should be washed in fresh water and placed under the sun for about two to three hours. The process should be repeated for three months, the least. By cleansing it, the wearers will be able to find their inner light and strength. The gemstone should be protected at all times from blows and scratches, and always be kept in a safe place when not worn or used.

Tanzanite

2009-09-19T07:43:00.001-07:00

What separates tanzanite from any other gemstones is the way in which it was discovered which is entirely unrelated to mysticism or other spiritual beliefs. There are claims that the Masai cattle herders were the individuals who discovered this gemstones after burning occurred from terrible lightning instances happened in Tanzania. However, there is also another discovery version that is more accurate.
Tanzanite Information

True Story On How Tanzanite Was Found

It was said that on the month of July of 1967, one of the local tribesman by the name of Ali Juuyawatu noticed an attractive bluish piece of translucent crystal in Mount Kilimanjaro and decided to take it with him. He then showed it to Manuel D. Souza, who is a tailor and is interested in knowing about rubies in that area. He incorrectly termed it as peridot at first look and then corrected himself upon realizing that his judgment was incorrect. Therefore, he took samples and termed it as "dumortierite" and classified it as a non-gem material.

D. Souza eventually consulted with John Saul, a geologist and wholesaler of gemstones who was in Mount Kenya at that time. Disputing the early claim of D. Souza, he forwarded the discovered crystal to Hyman Saul, who happened to be not only the vice president of Saks Fifth Avenue, but also his father. Upon receiving them, Hyman Saul went to Henry Platt of Tiffany and Company to show it whom coined the term tanzanite. Further experimentations and observation led to the conclusion that it originated from the raw mineral soizite and is highly valued due to its high trichroism property.

Further observation made way to the announcement of Tiffany and Company's marketing launch featuring tanzanite as its primary feature. This event marked the popularity of this gemstone which served as enough reason for the United States Gem Associations to award it as the birthstone for the month of December. These changes were made in 2002 updating the standard birthstone list from 1912.

Where Tanzanite Is Mined

By nature, this gemstone is very rare since it could be found only in the Merelani hills nearing Arusha and Moshi in Northern Tanzania which only extends up to four miles. Because of this, recent efforts are done in order to ensure the security of the Tanzanian cutting industry by having the exporting of unprocessed tanzanite banned. Not only did this help ensure inward flow of profits but also encouraged local production of gem stones.

Colors

Experts base the deep dark blue hue of the gemstone as a basis for grading its value. In order to produce different shades of blue, manufacturers utilize heat treatments. There are also some rare instances wherein a green tanzanite is available. Another development made in order to lessen the coarse property of this gems tone is to apply a certain coating on its surface.

It is therefore not surprising that the demand for this gem stone has been on the rise recently due to the very beautiful bluish sparkle that it has. Currently, the tanzanite is one of the most popular gemstones produces in South Africa and is having great fans from distant countries like Australia, China and India. The popularity of this gemstone has become so sudden and immense that it has even outsold diamond in many occasions.

Sapphire

2009-09-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

Sapphire is September's birthstone and comes in every color except red (ruby). Blue is the most common color for sapphire gems. White sapphire is occassionally used as a diamond substitute. Sapphire tennis bracelets are beautiful and loved by many.
Sapphire: Regal and Quiet
by Margaret Burgon Klemp

There is more than one way to become a legend. It cousin, the ruby, is well-known because of its' brilliant red color, and because man decided to equate it with their emotions as a symbol of love. But, there is more than one way to become a legend. History is full of legends that were quiet and less bombastic than some of their contemporaries. This is true of gemstones. The sapphire is legendary not because it appeals emotions, but it has an appeal that requires deeper meaning and understanding. It is quiet, it is calm. But its' effect is long lasting. Perhaps that is one reason why it is described in the book of Exodus in the Bible this way. "And they saw the God of Israel; and there was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness." (Exodus 24: 9-10)

Marbode of Rennes (1035-1123) said in his writings:

Marbode was the Bishop of Rennes in France, and an avid researcher. He composed the earliest and most influential medieval lapidary which described in detail the attributes of sixty different stones. In addition to being an expert on various gemstones he composed hymns, and was a well respected leader and advisor in the Catholic Church.

The sapphire has traditionally been involved in the area of religious magic, and it was believed that the owner of the stone could use it to harness psychic powers. It was, and still is, the choice of high church officials and regents especially when their rings are mounted. There are several language origins for the word "sapphire." In Sanskrit it was known as "sauriratna" in honor of the planet Saturn. Ancient Chaldean references called it "sampir," while the Greeks had a modern translation, "sappheiros" which denoted the color blue. The Arabic translation was "safir" and the Latin texts call it "saphirus."

The sapphire does share a lot in common with its' ruby relative, but there are some differences. First of all, the sapphire is must more widespread and more accessible. This is because sapphires originate in the earth's upper crust. The second difference is that it is blue and some natural processes have to occur that are a little different from rubies for a change in color. In some cases, however, early natural metamorphisms are identical to the ruby. They both come from the family of corundums, and share the same attributes of light refraction, density and hardness. Both stones are derived from the same chemical crystallization of alumina.

The sapphire comes in all shades of blue. The most sought after shade is Cornflower Blue Sapphire, the finest of all the sapphires. It is a gleaming blue gem with a touch of purple in it. The Royal Blue variety is velvety and the cobalt in it lets the viewer wonder how deep it really is. Marine Blue sapphires carry the color and dramatic tones of the oceans. Sapphires come in all different shades of blue. Titanium and Iron show up more in the rocks where sapphires are formed, however, they are formed differently all over the world.

In Kashmir sapphires are formed in pegmatites which are veins made up of pegmatite. In the pegmatite formations that are the feeding ground for Kashmir sapphires there is an abundance of aluminum and boron. In the rock surrounding the formation there is iron and titanium present.

In Australia, Cambodia and Thailand sapphires have developed over millions of years from rich deposits of molten carbonatite that has a lot of aluminum mixed with it. At first they were situated deep in the earth's crust where there was a presence of high pressure and extremely high temperatures. It was basalt volcanic activity that propelled them to the surface along with other minerals, and finally they were laid to rest on the valley floors.

In other parts of the world sapphires may have come from ancient formations that were once impure marble which developed over time through metamorphic conditions into crystalline cal silicates known as skarns. A skarn is a metamorphic rock that is usually variably colored green or red, occasionally grey, black, brown or white. It usually forms by chemical processes that form rocks during metamorphism and in the contact zone of magma like intrusions. Skarns in the igneous environment are associated with marble and wider zones of cal silicate rocks. Mixtures of corundum, titanium and iron were also a part of the crystallization process. Because of this process there are numerous inclusions in a sapphire, and like the ruby, they are useful in verification techniques when authenticating the stone.

Sapphires do twinkle. This is caused by the smaller, microscopic stones inside the primary gem that were created at the same time. This twinkling phenomenon is known as "silk" referring to its silky and silvery qualities. It appears as a star that seems to be imposed over a silk like background.

Some of the most important occurrences of sapphires can be found in Sri Lanka, but sometimes access to them is difficult. Pit and river mining are the most used techniques in Sri Lanka, but is impeded because the country resists modernization. Other areas where sapphires can be found are Tanzania, Australia, Madagascar, and Montana (USA).

Honored as the stone of fidelity and chastity, some say it is a sign of peace and friendship, while ancient Romans and Egyptians felt it was a holy stone of truth and justice. Innocent III, during his time as Pope said that every Cardinal and Bishop should wear a sapphire ring on the right hand to be used when they were giving blessings.

Ruby

2009-09-19T07:40:00.001-07:00

Ruby is July's birthstone. Ruby is known as the stone of love. It is worn in all types of jewelry. Presently, diamond ruby engagement rings are becoming extremely popular.

Ruby: The Love Connection
by Margaret Burgon Klemp

The fiery red ruby has been known as "drop of the heart's blood of Mother Earth," and symbolizes the emotions of power and love. As such, it is sometimes used in diamond ruby engagement rings. Ancient ruby lovers from India called it "the lord of the gemstones." Those born in July precariously own the red fire because it is considered the birthstone for that month. According to birthstone enthusiasts the ruby stands for freedom, goodness, respect and dignity. No wonder the ancients fought to get their hands on one single ruby. The fight does still go on today. In the modern world the ruby hasn't lost its allure and its' fascination among retailers and collectors. In ancient cultures, and even in some modern communities, it is believed that rubies have magical powers according to the richness of the light that emits from them. Changes in light and color may be a signal that foreshadows terrible events: if the stone darkness there is supposed to be an approach of evil. If the piece lightens up then the evil retreats.

What Ruby Is

It comes from family of corundum gems, and its closest cousin is the Sapphire. The ruby is a rare gem, and the reason is because the chromium pigments that are embedded in the earth's crust are not very plentiful. Also, the chromium had to meet up with the element alumina at the exact moment that crystallization actually occurred. Without these two elemental factors the ruby might not sport a rich red color. In addition, other elements and natural processes played a role in ruby formation. Basalt marble, metamorphic rock and pegmatite are principal parts of the final product.

Where Rubies Are Mined

The Mogok mine in Burma (modern day Myanmar) in the Far East is known for the location of the world's finest rubies. At Mogok gems are found connected to dolomite limestone marble that has been identified as crystalline schists that are 500 million years old. Crystallizing has to be in the right place at the right time for the chromium to come through a natural door and lay the red color inside the stone. The whole schedule has to be perfect. The infamous blood red rubies are most impressive when they are found attached to white marble. Most of the time rubies are connected to something else, and very rarely turn up in their host rock.

At Mogok the gems are found on the valley floor. There is a wonderful story about how the mine started. According to popular lore in the 15th century a Burmese king started getting words from thieves who were working out their sentences there. They claimed that they were finding beautiful red stones on the valley floor. At that time the valley didn't really belong to the Burmese king, so through a lot of negotiation with the Shan prince who did own it an exchange took place. The king traded a rather worthless piece of property for an absolute treasure trove. The Mogok and other mines in Burma were responsible for building the great fortunes of the rulers so secrecy surrounded mining operations. The area was off limits to outsiders, and security was a major issue. The other major site in Burma has been the Hunza mine. The rubies found there have a large number of inclusions, and often are found clinging to white dolomite marble. Stones found in Africa at Kilimanjaro and in North Vietnam share this commonality with rubies found at the Hunza mine. They are all embedded in dolomite marble, and share the same mother rock.

Following Myanmar, Thailand is most important as a ruby supplier. Rubies are found at this site close to the earth's surface. Stones lay only a few meters under the ground in basalt, and according to experts they were derived from the erosion of ancient volcanoes. The rubies found in Thailand tend to be darker in color with tints and hues of purple and brown.

While beautiful rubies can be found in Cambodia the raspberry red rubies have their home in Sri Lanka. Found near Ratnapura the lighter red color makes identification difficult because light red rubies can be mistaken for pink sapphires.

In Tanzania in Africa transparent rubies can be found. Most of them are mined along the Umba River. At Longido, a site of an extinct volcano, smaller rubies are found which can be used as ornaments in the production of jewelry. Jewelry manufacturers use them to adorn metals like gold that is used in the final phases of production.

Most rubies have a similar appearance externally, but on the inside the inclusions and trace elements are different. Pure rubies, with rare inclusions or have a total absence of them are difficult to find. Almost all rubies retain small amounts of foreign crystals inside them, and it is assumed that these crystals formed at the same time as "rutile needles." These needles are formed by the intersection of the inclusions and their reaction to light. This light refraction forms a mirage of a star when it is cut. This phenomenon is known as an "asterism," and appears in both rubies and sapphires. Other inclusions are identified as liquid drops, and are used to identify genuine rubies from those that artificially produced. Large ruby crystals are hardly ever found, and when they are discovered elite oriental families usually end up with them and they are hidden away in dynastic vaults.

Rose Quartz

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Coming from the vast family of the mineral quartz is the rose quartz which is probably one of the most revered and fancied for jewelry and practical use. Often thought of as a stone of love, this rose quartz jewelry makes a wonderful gift.

Rose Quartz Information

Color and Stars

The beautiful shade of pink attested from this gemstone is due to the combination of impurities that is present in the rock from which is termed as Sio2. When proportions of manganese, dumortierite and titanium blends, the warm pinkish hue of the gem stone emerges. There are some variations of this gem stone showing asterism or "star effect" which is seen if one would look at the light through the gemstone.

History and Mines

This gem stone could be traced back as early as 7000 B.C. in Mesopotamia, wherein it was known to be formed as beads. Early records of this mineral show that it was used primarily for manual activities like the process of making seals in Rome. Such gem was first discovered in Rumford, Maine and Brazil. Other places wherein traces of this mineral are available include Canada, Australia, Namibia, England, Europe and Mexico.

Affordable Jewelry

The rose quartz is more often sold in the market in the form of the cabochon cut, perfect as a design for pendants and bracelets. A delightful fact to know when it comes to acquiring this gemstone is the fact that one could enjoy having its rose like characteristics as an accessory for an affordable price. However, one should be informed that it such gem is also mistaken with the man made pink zircon which could be determined by careful observance of the chemical properties.

Astrology

Since this gemstone is said to be a source of the astrological energy coming from Neptune, Mars, Venus and Moon, it presents a lot of help in a variety of situations. Rose quartz is a perfect gift for a friend who has recently experienced a deep level of sorrow in life or someone who has lost a great deal of self respect and hope. There is also an element of self worth that is given when bearing this gem stone which helps a lot in terms of strengthening personal resolve most especially in times of great distress.

More Lore

This semi precious gem stone is also a very useful tool when it comes to maintaining the serenity in the home and also in some cases, easing the discomfort of babies. In instances wherein the baby becomes restless placing a rose quartz underneath their cradle mattress. This will help ease their internal tension making way to a more comfortable sleep.

The rose quartz is also a great stimulant when it comes to renewing the flame of love between couples. It is said to be open the hearts of individuals to accept their partner's differences and helps teach the value of forgiveness. For single persons, owning this gem stone assures a degree of luck when it comes to finding that compatible partner.

In order to bring more in more balanced spiritual feeling, cleaning of this gemstone is highly recommended. This could be done by dipping it in salted water over night and have it thoroughly washed with clean water the day after. In every three months, placing it in direct sunlight for about three hours will help intensify its whitish pink glow.

Quartz

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Quartz has been used for thousands of years. Persians called it "billor" while in Sanskrit it is called "sphatik". Due to its high potential in terms of physical application, the Chinese utilized this gem in order to complete their bottle cutting process while the Romans use it for carving purposes. On the other hand, it was the Sumerians who were able to make further developments in using this mineral as they were able to write on it as well as engrave it as stamp for the clay images they were creating.

Quartz Information

Colors

A quartz's characteristics features an initially very transparent type of mineral in which colours range from the snow coloured hue and the more common clear type. It is mined in big or small pencil sized chunks and has a very smooth surface. Many people admire this gemstone for its magnificent display of stable refinement and elegance. This gemstone also exhibits some characteristics that are often comparable to diamond that is why some prefer to wear it, an opportunity that presents almost the same privilege of wearing good jewellery without too much the cost.

Types

Quartz is a very abundant mineral. It is technically divided into two types: the cryptocrystalline type and the macro- crystalline type. Both types contain the same physical properties and chemical compound elements however what separates these two is the colour with which each type appears when viewed. The former which appears to be more translucent or opaque include jasper, bloodstone and agate among others. The latter, which is macro- crystalline, is more of transparent nearing translucence quality. Famous examples of this kind include the cat's eye, tiger's eye, hawk's eye, aventurine and citrine.

Folklore

It is not a rare sight to see the quartz as a constant part of ritualistic activities like the shamans have hundreds of years ago. Lore has it that this gem has essential qualities in order to solidify water or melt down ice which is quite practiced in distant islands of the Pacific reaching up to New Guinea and Australia.

During the times that shamans existed, quartz played a crucial role in the healing rituals performed by these individuals such that they claim that their bodies and the minerals are interchangeable. Such mineral is also placed directly above the infected organ or inflicted area for about a few moments to allow the re balancing process and removal of possible evil spirits in the body. To replenish its spiritual energy, Cherokee shamans are said to 'feed' it with blood coming from a slain deer.

When it comes to modern gem healthcare practices, the quartz comes in very handy as they are believed to produce the necessary electro chemical balance in the overall physiology of man. When worn, such gem is also said to relieve one of sleeping problems, nervousness, and helps one to focus when it comes to retaining knowledge from the past.

Finally, in practical daily activities, this gem is said to be a charm for gardeners as well as foresters in order for them to bear more abundant produce. In case of a negative event like a grievance, placing it inside the home would help alleviate the outcome.

Peridot

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Often confused with emerald, peridot jewelry has a very beautiful greenish colour. It is originally a colourless mineral which is also known as forsterite in its initial state. However, the iron content that mixes with the mineral induces the green hue of the gemstone. It follows that the more iron content, the darker the shade of green in the gemstone. This gemstone is also regarded as the "Evening Emerald" due to its green brilliance under artificial or low light conditions and is especially beautiful at night.

Peridot Information

History

The peridot could be traced deep from the pages of history and in fact has been acknowledged by the term chrysolite in the Bible particularly in the book of Revelations stating that it was part of the gems that Aaron utilized in his time. Eventually, various rulers and monarchs utilized this gemstone and rumour has it that the Cleopatra's famous collection of emeralds was actually of this kind and she doted on its sparkly characteristics. There were also some cathedrals that used this as a form of ornament for the church plates.

The peridot is also regarded as Egypt's national gem and termed as "the gem of the sun". This may be due to the fact that it has a high level of birefringence meaning multiple light splitting areas giving way to its sparkling characteristic.

Mines

It has been mined for a long while in Saint John's Island or "Serpent Isle" which was once littered with poisonous snakes until the pharaohs had it killed and turned into a mining field. As of the present, the peridot could be mined from Norway, Burma, Hawaii, islands nearing the Red Sea and even in fallen meteorites.

Care

Since it has a hardness value of 6.5 on the Moh's hardness scale, the owner should always keep in mind to take it off in cases where rough physical activity is to be done. Avoiding the gem's prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is also recommended as it may bring a degree of fading. In terms of cleaning, steam cleaners are not suitable and should be carefully wrapped in a piece of cloth in a separate storage container.

Large Peridots

The purchase of a peridot nowadays containing high carats carries a hefty price as the gem is very rare. One of the most stunning displays of this gem is available in the Smithsonian Museum.

Lore

When it comes to the everyday rat race of individuals all around the world what would be a good thing to consider what would be a good accessory to bring along which will help replenish one's vitality? A good item would be a gemstone like peridot which is said to contain lots of powerful medicinal powers.

One of the benefits of having this gemstone is the idea that it is able to bring lots of luck when it comes to love. It has also been said to be very beneficial in fighting off fever and anger. It is also regarded as a charm for driving away bad spirits and is worn on the left hand attached to a donkey.s hair. Due to its attractive and stylish nature, it is much more convenient to utilize the magnetic energy of this gemstone if worn. Its magnetic state reaches up to one foot and is said to be effective in revitalizing the person overall.

Pearl

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Pearl is one of June's birthstones. A classic pearl necklace and/or pearl earrings are one of the most loved gifts one can give. People seem to radiate when wearing pearl jewelry.
Pearl -- The Heart of Purity and Wisdom by Margaret Burgon Klemp

Nathaniel Hawthorne in his epic story, The Scarlet Letter called the innocent little girl portrayed in the story, Pearl. It was a sign of purity and virtue, and he exemplified those traits in the character. The members of the Mormon Church revere one of their texts: The Pearl of Great Price---as one source of the words of wisdom that they live by. The name Margaret and variations of it have connections with the Pearl.

Most people equate precious stones with open pit mines or ancient river beds or some other type of mining. Usually precious stones are found as a result of ancient lava flows and millions of years weathering processes. However, there are other habitats that produce some of the world's finest gems. They spawn in the oceans and in some cases freshwater streams and lakes all over the planet. Pearls, coral and jet are organic gems. The pearl has been found all the way from Asia to some of the rivers and water sources in the United States.

It was the Native Americans living along the eastern seaboard of the United States along with tribes around the Mississippi River Basin who were the first Americans to start collecting pearls. Pearls are unique in that they can be found in both freshwater and saltwater. The stones were highly prized by the Native Americans who used them for decorative purposes, while some tribes used the pearl as a form of currency. It is reported that the father of Pocahontas received pearls as tribute, and it is said that he had a tendency to hoard them.

Since pearls are found in mollusks that can be found in both saltwater and freshwater habitats they are quite plentiful. Pearl production started in the United States in New Jersey around 1850, although there were other smaller enterprises in operation prior to that time such as the Native American enterprises.

The pearl is produced by mollusks which have a nacreous lining. This lining is better known as "mother of pearl." Mollusks are invertebrate animals with soft, unsegmented bodies, such as clams, and snails, usually enclosed in a calcium shell. They are any of numerous chiefly marine invertebrates of the phylum Mollusca. Mollusks can occur in habitats ranging from the deep sea to high mountains. There are eight main classes of mollusks: Gastropoda (snails), Bivalvia (clams, oysters and scallops), Pelecypoda (fossilized bivalves), Cephalopoda (octopus and squid), Scaphopoda (tusk shells), Aplacophora (no shell invertebrates), Caudofoveata (scaly with calcareous spines), Polyplacophora (chitons), and Monoplacophora (ancient fossil shells). Some mollusks can also be utilized as a food source, as well a source that is used in jewelry and decorative items

John Latendresse is known as the founder of the cultured pearl industry in the United States, and it was he who organized the first experimental freshwater pearl farm in Tennessee where experimentation and research would contribute to the whole cultured pearl industry. Since then other farms have started, and the industry has grown.

Pearl is actually made up of layers and layers of Mother of Pearl which gives it an onion like appearance. Aragonite microcrystals are meshed together by horny substance known as Conchiolin which is a protein substance that is the organic basis of mollusk shells. The crystals that manifest in the production of the pearl overlap and results in a roughness that authenticates it. One way it is actually identified is by rubbing it across the teeth. To be an authentic pearl the surface has to be irregular. It if doesn't have a rough surface then the pearl is not genuine.

There is a wide color spectrum among pearls. The general color of a pearl is also called the body color. The color is produced by light interference known as the color "orient" and can be semitransparent to opaque. Orient refers to colors that seem to move around as the gem is turned. Pearls can be white, silver, cream-colored, gold, green, blue, or even black. The color is synonymous with the type oyster or mollusk from which it originated. Various types of oysters will sometimes produce different hues, and water and implants will also make a significant difference in the color. Some pearls have overtones and some don't. An overtone is a color that lays over the body color, and sometimes adds a depth to the piece that might not otherwise be there.

There are two types of pearls available on the gem market: Natural pearls and cultured pearls.

Natural Pearl - A natural pearl is one that forms in nature with no human intervention.

Natural pearls are nearly 100% Mother of Pearl (nacre). Pearls formed under natural conditions manifest because tiny parasites or intruders invade bivalve mollusks. Then the mollusk attempts to fight it off in self-defense by ejecting nacre many times to cover up the intruder, and this produces a natural pearl. Round pearls are rare, but pearls in other shapes are more plentiful.

Cultured Pearl - The cultured pearl is produced through the intentional, human introduction of foreign objects into the shell of a mollusk.

Baby oysters are usually used for the culturing process. They are placed in plastic cages in protected water for 3 years. A piece of the oyster called .mantle tissue. along with a bead of nacre is pre-formed, and then placed inside the oyster itself. This then produces nacre around the bead. Then they are placed in the sea for 3 more years when the pearls can finally be removed.

There is also a large market for imitation pearls. Some of them are of high quality like the ones from Majorca, and other cheaper ones that made out of either plastic or glass.

Opal

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Opal is October's birthstone and is an elegant sparkling gemstone. Opal is a soft gemstone so wearing it in pendants, necklaces and earrings is ideal. The fabulous fire of an opal has made this stone a favorite of many.

he Opal -- Beautiful Survivor
by Margaret Burgon Klemp

There is the precious opal, the common opal, the fire opal, the Peruvian opal and then, of course, there is the synthetic opal. The Sanskrit language knew the stone as upala, while the Greek variation is opallios while the Latin world for opal is opalus. All of the different word origins refer to the special nature of the opal. The Sanskrit word literally means "precious stone," and the Greek and the Roman meanings have a shared outcome. They called the opal "precious stone".

There are a lot of different trade names for opals, but the most recognized and widely used is the precious and common opal. Even though the opal is brittle and can break quite easily, and is prey to scratches and heat it remains high on the list of gemstone collectors. The reason is that opals are truly beautiful. Its. beauty fascinated earlier cultures. Some even believed it fell from heaven. The birthstone of October is the opal and in the 19th century those who were superstitious believed that only those born in that month should wear opals. Anyone else wearing one was supposed to have run the risk of having bad luck or running into a dire fate.

An opal is actually what is known as a mineraloid, a shapeless gel with silicium dioxide that was deposited at a low temperature in crevices and fissures of all different types of rock. The most common types of rock where they were deposited are limonite, sandstone, rhyolite and basalt. It can also form original fossils or replace fossils that have already been formed, and collectors find this phenomenon very interesting. Opals are relatively young gems, and they are so fragile they could never have survived early geological upheavals that produced other types of stones. Opals did occur in volcanic masses of calcite that filled the veins in lava rock. Hot, briny gel like mixtures would rise up to the surface from the volcano which decomposed the calcite. What was left behind was colloidal silica, and this along with water later produced opals.

The precious opal has a unique internal structure. It is made up of spheres that are closely packed in layers that eventually form something that looks like a four-sided triangle or a hexagon. They are made up of silica that allows light to pass through the structure like a prism to produce internal colors, and it also determines the quality of the stone. A precious opal has a doublet which is a colorful material laid on a black backing of ironstone, basalt or obsidian. This causes "a play of color" which produces a spectrum of different colors.

The common opal is quite a departure from the precious opal. There are several different types of common opals: the milk opal, opals with blue and green tints, resin opal, and a wood opal. There are also opals that can be found around hot springs and geysers. They are a clear glass opal made up of geyserite. There are other varieties of opals most notably the fire opal and Peruvian opal. Mexico and Mesoamerica is the chief source of the fire opal. They come from the Mexican high country where they can be found in rock surrounding extinct volcanoes. It is extracted from open-pit mines in the canyons and valleys there. It should be noted that more durable fire opals are found in drier region. The drier the region the more durable the opal will be. While Mexico produces the most fire opals they can be found in Honduras, Ethiopia, United States, Australia, Canada, Turkey and areas in former Russian states.

The Peruvian opal is said to aid sleeping and calming down the mind. It is a blue opal that is quite rare and can only be found in the Andes Mountains in Peru. It has a Caribbean color to it, and is considered the national gemstone of Peru. Charlatans have taken to pushing dyed blue opals onto the market. Experts say that if the blue color of the stone appears to be uneven then it is probably a dyed stone and not a valid opal.

Microcrystalline opals are made up of a microcrystalline material which is a crystallized substance or rock which contains small crystals that are visible only through microscopic examination. These opals are broken into two categories: Opal-CT is where a predominant mineral rich layer is present within the opal layers. They are all genuine minerals that formed from evaporating water with low amounts of soluble silica. They are not Opal-A because the A type of opals thrived during dry spells with very little water input.

Opal-C is made up of an arrangement known as a-cristobalite which is formed into a number of disordered stacks. Cristobalite is found in volcanic rock where the temperatures were high and the succeeding environments were arid.

Non-crystalline opals have two categories designated as Opal-AG and Opal AN, but they are usually grouped together as Opal-A. Non-crystalline is amorphous without real or apparent crystalline form.

The difference is that AG is a group of spheres of silica that has water filling the gaps. Both precious and common opals are signified as AG. The AN label refers to an opal that was formed in water containing amorphous silica-glass.

The Opal is the national gemstone of Australia. The state of Nevada in the United States honors the black opal as its' state gem stone. The black opal is found in Humboldt County, Nevada.

Onyx

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What does one get when quantities of silicon dioxide get dried up inside molten lava? The end result would be a black multi banded mineral called chalcedony or onyx, as it is most popularly known. It is uniquely characterized by virtue of its colour which features a wide range of hues which commonly come out in shades of brown, tan and white. Such gemstone is also known and valued highly more particularly for its purplish, whitish, bluish and blackish range.
Onyx Information

Mines

In several instances, this gemstone is mistakenly compared with a calcite in Mexico or the banded lapidary found in Pakistan which is softer in terms of hardness value. And while onyx could be found in different mining locations across the globe, its deposits are abundant in Brazil. There are also subsequent mining locations found in Madagascar, Arizona and California for these ornate pieces. One of the ways that miners do in order to enrich its colour and increase its market value is to clean and heat it.

Fashion

This gemstone also holds a distinct role when it comes to contributing to the development of modern fashion trends. When it comes to clothes, it could be sewn as part of the fashion accessory or it could be made into customized jewellery. This gemstone is most often used to add a hint of dark glamour to the outfit, especially when it comes to attires worn on formal occasions. Combining them with pearls is also a magnificent combination for worn jewellery and is fitting as a gift for every man or woman.

Care

It also takes a great deal of caring for the onyx to retain its lustrous shimmer as this semi precious gemstone tends to scratch easily. As such, an ultrasonic cleaner is not suitable for it to be cleaned. Having it soaked in warm water mixed with gentle soap is much more advised. If there would be intricate details, using a soft brush would be fine. Afterwards, dry it in open air and place in a separate box for storage.

Lore

Greek mythology has it that onyx took its name from the time when Cupid cut Venus. fingernails while she was asleep. The term specifically pertains to a finger or claw and in this case, the remains of Venus' nail clippings on the ground. During those times, it is a general thought that no godly body part would decay, so those clippings were transformed into stone.

During the earlier times, this gemstone was used by Romans as part of their engraved talismans during the time of war believing that it would bring a great sense of courage to the wearer. Later, public speakers of the Renaissance era expressed their high regard for this gemstone by donning it while they perform. It was a common thought among people in their profession that this gemstone pushes for the articulateness in speech. There are also beliefs that it helps eliminate body organ diseases and emotional negativities. Some claim it brings about intense sexual passion.

Astrology

Zodiac rules indicate onyx as very significant to Leos. It is also the official gemstone for those couples who are celebrating their seventh and tenth year of marriage. Some regard this as the birthstone for those who were born in February and is said to be of mystical value for December born people.

Obsidian

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Obsidian has been used in jewelry, as genstone statues as well as other ornamental purposes. Obsidians possess the unique property of a dual appearance: when cut in one direction, the stone is beautiful jet black, when cut on the opposite direction, the stone is beautiful gray. It has been used in variety types of jewelry such as rings, necklaces, pendants and brooches.

Obsidian Information

Physical Properties

Obsidian is a dark semi-precious gemstone that is naturally formed from occurring volcanic glass. The crystal is also known as Apache tears. It is a rock, not a mineral, for it is formed out of cryptocrystalline silica grains in a glassy suspension. The crystal is produced when lava is extruded from a volcano that cools with no crystal growth happening. Unlike other volcanic rocks, obsidians are devoid of large holes and bubbles.

Colors

Obsidians are typically dark in appearance. Their color varies from dark green, brown, grey, red, blue black, or anything in between. Some rare stones feature an almost colorless color. These color variations are due to presence of other impurities like iron and magnesium. The crystal is rich in silica, which has about 35% to 80% of the said material. Obsidian is fragile thus it has the tendency to crack.

Where Obsidian Is Found

Obsidian got its name from "Obsidianus", a volcanic glass that has close semblance to a stone found in Ethiopia by one fellow named Obsius. The crystal can be found in places that have experienced rhyolitic eruptions. The stones can be found in Chile, Greece, Iceland, Japan, Italy, Turkey, Scotland, Peru and more. In the US itself, it can be found in many different states, such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Texas, Oregon and Utah.

History

The gemstone has been known since antiquity. It has been valued since Stone Age, used in weaponry for it can be fractured to make blades and arrowheads. The stone was also used to produce early mirrors. The stone has also been instrumental in ancient Meso-American civilizations. Studies have seen that it has been used for commerce, construction, production and distribution. The Meso-Americans used the stone for tools and ornaments. They carved swords with obsidian blades, and many other weapons. The Ancient Native Americans traded obsidians all throughout the continent. It held a huge importance in the development of these ancient civilizations.

Other Uses

Obsidians have been used for many important uses outside ornamental purposes. The stone has been used in Cardiac surgery, as surgical blades. These obsidian blades are many times sharper than the highest quality of steel surgical blades. Even the sharpest of metal knives have jagged, irregular blades when viewed under a microscope. Obsidian blades, on the other hand, are smooth and even when viewed under a strong electron microscope.

Lore and Myths

Like most gemstones, obsidians are believed to have many medicinal and healing properties. The gemstone is known as the "stone of truth". The gemstone is believed to be able to dispel any sort of negativity and transform them into positive attitudes. The gemstone helps its owners see their inner flaws and make the necessary changes to improve and remove these flaws. This helps the individual become a better person and improve his way of life. The stone also helps relieve stress and ailments. The crystal can protect the individual from physical and emotional harm. The black gemstone is a symbol of resilience, control and spirit. The crystal is a stabilizer and also a chastiser.

Moonstone

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The Moonstone is a semi-precious stone known for its pearly white color. The stone is available in many varied colors such as colorless, yellow, brown, green, grey or pink. It is known to be translucent to transparent. The purest and highest quality of moonstones is colorless, perfectly transparent, with a blue sheen. The stone is often used in rings, pendants and bead necklaces. It is often given as a gift to celebrate 13 years of marriage.

Moonstone Information

Why Moonstone Shimmers

Moonstone is made up of two feldspar types: orthoclase and albite. The stone can be mined in many different parts of the world. The stone looks enchanting and beautiful, because of its captivating play of light. It got its name due to the mysterious shimmer of light it produces, known as "adularescence". This is caused due to the lamellar inner construction of the moonstone. Light rays come in, they are refracted and then scattered in the stone. A unique light effect takes place, which makes the stone look so enchantingly beautiful. Obviously, the gemstone got its name for its physical semblance to the moon.

History

The gemstone has been popular since the Ancient Roman Civilization, where Romans constantly used the stone in jewelry and ornaments. The Ancient Romans in fact believed that the stone formed out of moonlight. Moreover, the people of ancient times actually believed that they could tell the phases of the moon just by looking at the stone!

Mines

Nowadays, the stones are found in Brazil, India, Myanmar, Madagascar, Mexico, Sri Lanka, European Alps, Tanzania, the United States, and many more. The highest quality moonstones are produced in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is actually the place of origin of moonstones. They were very popular during the Art Nouveau period, which was used extensively in jewelry, crafted by master goldsmith Rene Lalique, which is now found in collections and museums worldwide.

Folklore

Moonstones strengthen its wearers. emotional and unconscious facets. It is believed that it could evoke tender feelings and protect love. It is rightfully called the "lover's stone" because of its enchanting and romantic quality.

The gemstone is believed to help both men and women alike. For men, the stone is believed to help them connect to their emotional side and creative side. The stone is believed to help enhance and improve the wearer.s vision. For women, the stone is believed to help in balancing hormones during the menstrual period. Many women of olden times place the stones inside their skirts to increase their fertility. Moonstones are also beneficial for the women going through menopause.

The Moonstone is believed to have many other metaphysical and medicinal purposes. It is believed to give the person greater flexibility. It aids in soothing stress and anxiety. It is believed to help enhance the individual.s intuitive sensitivity, help the person cope in new changes and enhance perception. The ancient people believed that the stone is a bringer or wealth and good luck. Moonstone is the birthstone of Gemini and it is considered as a holy stone in India.

Care

The gemstone however is relatively soft and sensitive, thus it should be handled with care. Flaws and scratches can occur, and its shimmer may dwindle. They can be remedied by going to a jeweler and have your gemstone re-polished, afterwards it will shimmer like brand new.

Malachite

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Malachite is a semi-precious stone popular for its opaque property and brilliant green color. The gemstone got its name most probably after the Greek word "malache", meaning "mallow", which means green herb, or from another Greek word "malakos", which means soft. It is known for its beautiful light and dark green pattern, a unique property found in malachite only. The light and green pattern is so distinctive that it the gemstone is one among the most easily recognized minerals in general.

Malachite Gemstone Information

History

Malachite was discovered in 4,000 B.C. by the Ancient Egyptians. The stone is mined in large quantities in the Urals and Israel. Archaelogical evidence proves that the gemstone has been mined for some 3,000 years in "King Solomon's Mines" at Israel, Timna valley, only to be disrupted during the 10th century, during the time of King Solomon. The gemstone can also be mined in Zambia, Congo, Namibia, Russia, Mexico, Wales, England, Lyon, and the Southwestern United States.

Folklore

The gemstone was worn during the middle ages to protect the wearers from black magic and sorcery. Ancient Greeks gave their children amulets made of the stone as protection. This gorgeous stone is also worn to help detect imminent danger. Many believe it could give extra energy to its wearers. It was believed to bring about knowledge, patience and calmness in the wearers. lives. The gemstone is believed to aid wearers in the regeneration of body cells, help attain peace and tranquility, and aid sleep. Usually, the stone is attached to baby.s cradles. Today, the gemstone is the traditional gift to celebrate thirteen years of marriage.

Famous Malachite

Because of its softness, the stone is easy to carve and shape, and takes on a good polish. This makes the stone fairly popular in sculpture and jewelry, most especially common in Southwestern Native American jewelry. It has been used for aesthetic decorative purposes, like the Hermitage's Malachite Room, and "The Tazza". Russian Royal Families often used the stone for their dinnerware, vases, sculptures and panels. A large piece of malachite was given as a gift from Tsar Nicholas II. "The Tazza" is in display at the Linda Hall Library. The gemstone is popular during the Victorian era, which they used for decorative purposes. Malachites are usually set in silver or gold. Now, the stone has been used as beads, cabochons and small carvings usually set in silver.

Other Uses

Since antiquity until the 1800s, the stone has also been used as a pigment for paints. It has some disadvantages though, for the pigment is fairly lightfast and extremely sensitive to acids. It has also been used as an eye shadow during the ancient times. Although the stone produces amazing and beautiful results, it is hazardous to health for it releases copper content that is toxic to breathe.

Gem Look-A-Like

Where there are real gemstones, gem imitations are always present. In the case of malachite, its imitation gem is called "pseudomalachite", a copper phosphate with properties very similar to that of malachite. In Latin, pseudomalachite means "false malachite", and is much rarer compared to malachite.

Care

The gemstone is very soft and painfully fragile. Always protect your stones from sharp blows and scratches. They cannot withstand from intense temperatures and sudden temperature changes. Practice carefulness even when cleaning. Do not clean your stone using a home ultrasonic cleaner, and even water---water will remove the protective polish of the stone. Keep it away from heat, for it may damage the stone.

Lapis Lazuli

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Lapis Lazuli is a rare, semi-precious stone, highly prized because of its bright blue color. It has been highly valued since antiquity. The finest lapis lazuli gemstones come from northern Afghanistan, in the Badakhshan province. It isn't actually a mineral, but a rock constituting of more than one mineral. The purest of lapis have that intense blue color, with light specks of golden pyrite. Stones with little or no golden pyrite specks and veins have higher value. Usually, stones with inferior quality are dyed to improve its color.

Lapis Information

The stone is fairly soft and somewhat porous, thus it should be protected from chemicals and solvents. Lapis are commonly seen in jewelry and ornaments. They are usually cut as beads, or carved into ornamental objects.

The stone is considered as the stone of friendship and truth. It is believed to encourage friendships and relationships, and ward off cruelty and wickedness. It is also known as the stone of truth, and is believed to develop intelligence and inner vision. It helps the wearer conquer misery, fight off nightmares and feel more calm and tranquil.

Origin of the Name Lapis Lazuli

Lapis is the Latin word for "stone", while Lazuli is a genitive form of the Latin "lazulum", which comes from the Arabic word "lazaward", which in turn comes from the Persian word "Lazhvard", which was the name of the place were lapis lazuli was originally mined. The word "azure" (or French "azur", Italian "azzurro", and Spanish "azul") got its name from lazuli, which means the color blue. Taken as a whole, the gemstone means "the stone of Lazhvard".

Where Lapis is Found

The best lapis lazuli gemstones are found in Kokcha River, in Badakhshan, Afghanistan. This has been the mining site of lapis lazuli stones for more than 6,000 years. Badakhshan was the source of the stones since the ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian period. It still was during the Ancient Greek and Roman civilization, during the Indus civilization, and until now. Apart from Afghanistan, other sources of lapis are in Andes, in Chile, as well as in Russia, Angola, Burma, Siberia, Pakistan, USA, India, and Canada.

History

Lapis Lazuli was a favorite stone in the course of history. Ancient Egyptians used the stone for amulets, ornaments and scarabs. The Ancient Babylonians used the stone for their seals. Cleopatra used powdered lapis as her eye shadow back in the days. As inscribed in the Egyptian "Book of the Dead", the stone was considered an amulet that brings great power. In the ancient Sumerian tombs located in Ur, more than 6,000 beautiful statuettes of rodents, birds and dear were found, made of pure lapis lazuli. Many Akkadian and Sumerian poetry makes reference to the stone as a gem of royal splendor. The stone still holds importance during the Medieval and Renaissance period, as seen in the illuminated manuscripts and panels derived from the stone.

The stone is the most prized blue of all time. They were used as blue paints by painters before 19th century, despite its costly sum. They were grounded up together so that they can be used as paints. Many portraits of the Virgin Mary were created using this expensive blue paint. Unlike other blue paints that tend to pale when in light, it doesn't lose its radiance until this very day. Today, the lapis is still used, though for restoration purposes only.

Kunzite

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Kunzite is one of the young gems that are discovered later than most other gemstones. It has fragile pink shade and gaining popularity in this modern times, exhibiting an eye-catching and attractive piece on the jewelry. It was defined and given full description by George Frederick Kunz of New York in 1902 after its discovery in Pala District in San Diego California. And in that time, stones that are discovered are named after their discoverer, thus the stone was named "kunzite".

Kunzite Information

Color

The beautifulness of this gem lies on its fragile pink shades with a touch of violet and clarity. This color makes it feminine, tender and seductive. To enhance its color and see it in full detail, cutter must support and align the unprocessed stone very exactly during work, because the color result depends on the angle of observation. It may appear pink, violet or colorless. This gem also displays a strong property of pleochroism. Some kunzites have light color. Those with strong color are rare and considered valuable.

History and Mines

Kunzite is a member of spodumen group and considered as the youngest one. The crystals of prism-shaped are found in Madagascar, Afghanistan, United States of America, and Brazil. The deposits can be up to several kilograms. It belongs to the group of chain silicates where it contains small amounts of manganese that results its lilac color. But in direct sunlight, the color may fade away. That is why, it is not recommended to wear this jewelry when you will be sunbathing or going out to the beach.

Hardness

This gemstone has a hardness scale of 6.5 - 7. It has a great cleavage making it very hard to cut. But once it achieve its finishing shape, it becomes easy. But re-cutting is very difficult. It is available in beautiful, different cuts. It is relatively big in sizes but in affordable price. In purchasing one, you must always remember that the first thing to consider to know its value is the color and next the clarity. It becomes more valuable when the color gets stronger.

Lore and Healing

This gem is not only popular for lovers, because of its color, but as a stone for healing. It is believed to improve and increase individual's capability for understanding and devotion and brings inner peace to its wearer. It is used by those having strain and worries for it is believe to free us from worries and anxieties. It can be used as part of a ring, necklace, and as pendant. It is a perfect combination for your pastel dresses and also looks perfect for black.

Special Care

To take care of your gem, avoid exposing it to sunlight and high temperature changes. It changes or even fades color over direct sunlight so keep it away from it. Do not use any steam or ultrasonic cleaner. You can use just a mild solution of warm water and mild dishwashing soap to clean the gem. Use soft brush or soft cloth to get rid of dirt. Rinse and dry thoroughly with clean cloth. Avoid contacts to other hard or sharp objects to avoid scratches. Hitting it hard may break it into two pieces. Do not expose in any harsh chemicals. Make sure to keep it separately in a cool location inside your jewelry box. Handle it with care.

This gemstone is popularly known as the patriotic stone of United States in the month of September.

Jasper

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Jasper is a gem that is opaque, usually green, red, brown, or yellow in color and is an impure likeness of silica and blue jasper is considered to be a rare variety and some comes with a colors in bands or stripes that is why it is referred to as a striped or banded jasper. This gem can be nicely polished and is used in beautiful jasper jewelry, seals, vases and snuff boxes.

Jasper Information

Terminology and History

When the banded iron formation frequently has distinguishing bands, it is called Jaspilite. Jasper is usually chert which owes the reddish color to iron inclusions. Jasper's specific gravity is in between 2.5-2.9. The gem's name means speckled or spotted stone and came from a Greek word "iaspis". Bow drills are created out of green jasper way back 4th-5th thousand years BCE. Jasper can be traced back in Latin, Hebrew, Persian and Assyrian and have been known as a favorite gem even in the ancient world.

Where Jasper is Mined

This fine-grained opaque gem comes from silica mineral chert are used in ornamentation and jewelry but needs exceptional polishing. Mostly found in Germany, North Africa, Sicily and Ural Mountains. Black jasper became very important because it can be used to test gold of its properties.

Colors

This opaque rock found virtually in any color from the mineral composition of the initial deposits or ash. Patterns take place through the consolidation procedure forming flow and depositional configuration in the original heavy silica volcanic ash or sediment. Hydrothermal circulation is common concept needed in the construction of jasper.

Classifications

This stone can be classified and named depending on its properties and the location where it is found. It can be a lake, a canyon, a river and mountain, some are whimsical like a "Forest Fire" or "Rainbow", and some can be as descriptive as "Dalmatian", "Porcelain" or "Autumn". Few are named from the country where it was found and other materials.

Care & Storage

Always take care of your precious stones. To take care of your jasper stone, do not let it to be exposed from harsh chemicals and high changing temperatures. Do not let it be scratched by hard and pointed objects for it will reduce the quality and good appearance of the stone. The simple way to clean your stone is to use warm water and soap, a mild one. Use this solution with soft brush to take away the dirt that has been collected. Rinse carefully and dry using a clean and soft cloth. Always store your gemstone covered with its own cloth to avoid scratch from other hard jewelry, or better, keep it in a separate place in your jewelry box. When about to use, wear it after all application has been done like spray, perfume and lotion. Do not forget to take it off first before anything else especially when you are about to do special work or chores.

Jasper Jewelry Ideas

This gemstone can be used as pendant. It is also a perfect ornament to your ring, necklace, and bracelet. Some jasper can be carved to a specific figure and can be used as representation. But nowadays, it is used as added design for key ring, pendants and even earrings. It can also be just a simple collection of beads for bracelets.

Because of its high supply and less value, it is used for less expensive jewelry and other objects like candlesticks and ashtray. It can be found anywhere, particularly in clay substance.

Jade

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Jade consists of two silicate minerals which are the Nephrite jade and Jadeitite. The origin of the word Jade came from "piedra de ijada", Spanish term for loin stone and is presumed useful in curing disease from kidneys and loins. However, nephrite came from Latin word "lapis nephriticus" meaning piedra de ijada. Although nephrite is softer that jadeite which is as hard as quartz, jadeite is less tough than nephrite and both can be shaped delicately. A French mineralogist on the 19th century found out that jade was really two different materials.

Jade Information

Earliest artifacts of this gemstone came from prehistoric times that were excavated were just uncomplicated ornaments with button, bead, some in tubular form, and was used for knives, axe heads and other weaponry. Jade's beauty as decorative objects and ornaments came more valuable when the metal-working technologies existed.

Durability

Nephrite measures between 5.5-6.0 Mohs hardness while Jadeite is in between 6.5-7.0 that's why it is possible to work with garnet sand or quartz and can also be refined with bamboo.

Colors

Jadeite has lots of color variations like pink, lavender-mauve, emerald green and sometime blue while Nephrite has fewer green color varieties but mostly found in a form of creamy white that is also known as "mutton fat" jade in China.

More on the Different Types of Jade

Jadeite is rare compared to nephrite because it can only be found in less than 12 places around the world. Most expensive variety even in the history and up to present is the translucent emerald-green jadeite. Jade is Wyoming, Alaska and British Columbia's wherein it can be found at Cassiar regions and Lillooet in large deposits.

Aside from this gem to be a favorite material for calligraphy brushes, it is also crafted as mouthpieces of opium pipes because they believe that if they breathe through it, smokers benefit longevity. This stone also has a distinctive significance in the Chinese empire in the history of art fairly comparable to diamonds and gold in the West. This gem is used for furnishings of graves only for the imperial family high-ranking members.

Treatments

Stabilization or enhancement of jade can be categorized into three main methods and referred by some as ABC Treatment System.

The type A jadeite can only be treated by surface waxing.
Type B's outcome has a significant enhancement with regards to its transparency as well as the color of the material. However, it needs to expose a stained piece to acids or chemical bleaches then impregnate it by a clear polymer resin. Presently, the best accurate test is the infrared spectroscopy in polymer detection of jadeite.
Type C enhancement is by dyeing or by staining it artificially. Red jade got its red color with the enhancement of heat. To some extent, results are uncontrollable leading to a dull brown in color and usually its translucency is lost. B+C jade underwent the process of both impregnation and dyed artificially.
Lastly, type D refers to complex stone like doublet consisting of a jade top with a backing made out of plastic.

Valuing Jade

The worth of jade is revealed by its color, its intensity, its texture and vivacity, its transparency and clarity. Fondness for specific colors differs from various regions and cultures as well. In the regions of Far East, highly esteemed jade are pure white and fine yellow having a delicate pink while in the USA and Europe, valuable one comes from apple green, spinach green, and emerald green.

Garnet

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Garnet is a mineral used and utilized since the early years of Bronze Age. This mineral was used as precious stone or as a tool in shaping and finishing a product or craft in this period. The word "garnet" has two possible word origins. It maybe from the word "gernet" of the Middle English which means "dark red", another possibility is from the word "granatus" from Latin which means "grain" that may refer to a plant called Punica granatum that has seeds colored red and somehow like the garnet crystals in terms of size and shape.

Garnet Information

Types

Garnet has six ordinary types that are distinguished in reference to their chemical structure. The following are almandine, grossular, pyrope, andradite, spessartine and uvarovite. Garnets comprises of two series of solid composition: the grossular, uvarovite and andradite and almandine, spessarite, pyrope.

Colors

This mineral comes in many colors such as orange, red, green, purple, pink, black, brown, blue and even colorless. The least common among these is the one with blue color, discovered in Bekily, Madagascar just this 1990's. It can also be found in Russia, turkey and United States. This type changes its color in daylight to green from its original blue color and into purple when under incandescent lighting, because of its vanadium property that is present in high amount. There are still other types of garnets that changes color aside from the blue one. In daytime, color changes to beige, green, gray, blue and brown. But when under incandescent lighting, they changes to purplish, pink or reddish color.

Durability

Garnet is a pretty durable gem, with the hardness rate scale of 7 - 7.5. Its durability was proven when a garnet necklace was found in a grave of a man, dated 3000 BC. The name actually refers to the family of various stones with similar composition and ranges from different colors.

Newest Trends

There is a kind of garnet that is gaining popularity nowadays, Mozambique garnet. It is originated from nation of East Africa and it is where it gets its name. It is known for its beautifully red color and high quality. The Mozambique comprises of almandine and pyrope garnet and has darker red color.

Garnets are formed in igneous rocks and in extremely metamorphic rocks, under high pressure and temperature.

Care

Taking care of your garnets is quite easy. You can use warm water with soap or mild dishwashing soap and brush that is soft for taking away dirt. Just make sure to rinse the gem thoroughly after. Ultrasonic way of cleaning is also effective aside from the demantoid type. Cleaning your gem with steam is not recommended. Protecting it from high temperatures, blows, chemicals and pressure is a must. Always put your garnet jewelry after completing your makeup and other application like lotion, spray, and perfume so the chemical won't accumulate and damage it. And always take it off first before doing anything especially when you will do household chores.

Jewelry Gifts

This gem is also known as the January birthstone. Additionally, if you want to give an , use garnet to celebrate the 2nd and 6th year of a marriage.

Emerald

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Emerald is May's birthstone and is a beautiful green, well-loved stone. It is used in rings, necklaces, pendants and bracelets. Emerald jewelry is a wonderful birthday gift.

Emerald Information

Emerald: The Green TreasureBy Margaret Burgon Klemp

Discovery of Emerald

"Indeed there is no stone, the colour of which is more delightful to the eye; for whereas the sight fixes itself with avidity upon the green grass and the foliage of the trees, we have all the more pleasure in looking upon the smaragdus, there being no green in existence of a more intense colour than this. And then, besides, of all the precious stones, this is the only one that feeds the sight without satiating it. Even when the vision has been fatigued with intently viewing other objects, it is refreshed by being turned upon this stone; and lapidaries know of nothing that is more gratefully soothing to the eyes, its soft green tints being wonderfully adapted for assuaging lassitude, when felt in those organs" Book XXXVII. The Natural History of Precious Stones, Chapter 16. Pliny the Elder (23-79)

His real name was Gaius Plinius Secundus. He was an ancient Roman soldier, author, and a philosopher who had an insatiable curiosity about everything including the natural order of things. He was also known as a master researcher because of his extensive work in compiling information from earlier writers and philosophers. Besides his own treatises on history he also wrote a whole book on nature which included a number of chapters about gems and precious stones. .Smaragdus. is a term that refers to a whole range of green gems including emeralds. However, the reader can be pretty certain that he is describing an emerald when he talks about the incursions that are associated with emeralds, and also when he describes the deep green of the treasure.

Pliny was born into a prosperous family in Gaul, and educated in Rome where he had access to the libraries of his tutors. When he was 23 he embarked on his military career in the Roman Calvary serving in Germany. After returning to Rome it is suspected that he studied and practiced law. Then he lived in Spain during the reign of Nero, and returned to Rome when the emperor Vespasian took power. During these years he wrote prolifically, and produced a number of different volumes on various. The Natural History is the only complete text of Pliny that has survived. His last official assignment was at the Bay of Naples when Mt. Vesuvius erupted. His curiosity about the unusual cloud formation that was formed from the eruption caused him to go ashore to find out what caused it. On August 24, 79 he died from smoke inhalation while conducting his investigation.

Flaws & Colors

Pliny also discussed the flaws or defects that were found in the Smaragdus. Flaws or what is known technically as .inclusions. is one sign of an emerald and one of the traits that often makes the stone identifiable as a true gem. Inclusions or flaws in a stone can have an effect on its value, so the flaws do lower the market price. He gathered most of his information on inclusions from the works of earlier writers. The emerald comes from the beryl family of precious stones. Its beautiful green color comes from the traces of chromium and iron in the rock. Emeralds do come in various shades of green and bluish green.

What It Is

The dictionary definition of an emerald is: 1. a rare variety of the mineral beryl that is green because of its chromium content and is valued as a gem. 2. clear, deep green.

Where It Gets Its Color

The colour intensity of an emerald depends on the chromium quantities. Maytime Grass is considered to be the most beautiful. An emerald is one of the few stones that actually will shine in the dark when a small amount of light appears in the room. The colour occurs when the geochemical makeup of beryllium and chromium are found together. The combination is not easily found, and considered to be a rare phenomenon. Natural chemical processes are what really form the stones.

Can Flaws Be Good?

Emeralds are hard but are sensitive and prey to flaws or inclusions. They require a lot more care than most other gemstones. The flaws occur through the trials imposed by nature, and sometimes the engineering process developed by man. The identification of fissures, however, does serve a useful purpose. The flaws help to weed out artificial emeralds from the real ones. Inclusions actually prove an emeralds authenticity. Refraction and density of the stones vary from the location where they are found. Emeralds are found buried in their parent rock.

Where

Today, some of the finest emeralds can be found in South America. They can be found in other parts of the world with the most important sites being in Africa, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Madagascar. The Mines of Cleopatra were the earliest emerald mines on earth. There was emerald mining as early as 2000 B.C. These early mines were abandoned in 1750, briefly revived, and then finally left to nature in the 1920's.

Natural or Lab Created

Authentic emeralds are very expensive, and not available to the casual collector. However, with today's technology scientists can make lab-created emeralds that can be sold at affordable prices on the open market. They are made by exposing thin slices of natural beryl to a chemical mixture that is akin to an authentic emerald. The mixture is one of pure filtered water and acids. Then it is put under intense heat in saline solution. Then the stone slices cool until crystal forms and it reaches a gem like thickness. When this process is complete it can be cut and processed like a gem.

Diamond

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Diamond is April's birthstone. Diamonds are a special gift due to their spectacular beauty. Diamond jewelry is a welcome gift for all occasions. They are mavelous symbols of lasting love around the world. They are especially popular in a diamond gem stone engagement ring.

Diamond Information

We recommend Jewelry Mall's for information regarding the 4C's: Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat.

In general, diamonds are reasonably durable. Yet, diamonds are subject to chipping and fracture when handled roughly. Diamonds should be stored separately. Diamonds can scratch other jewelry as well as each other.

About De Beers and Argyle Diamond Mines
Discover where your diamond in your diamond gem stone engagement ring may have been mined.
written by: Margaret Burgon Klemp

Everything changed in the "diamond world" when diamond stones started being discovered outside of India. First, there was Borneo and then somewhere along the line Brazil and China joined the fray. Then the glittering light of the diamond appeared in South Africa. It happened in the 19th century. The first known South African diamond was picked up on a beach on the African coast by a boy who was walking through the sand. This event precipitated a new "diamond rush" with its roots in that part of the world.

Two Afrikaner brothers owned a farm where the Orange and Vaal rivers join. Johannes Nicholas de Beer and Diederik Arnoldus de Beer had diamonds discovered on their property. They were in no position to protect the property from diamond hunters and predators so they sold it for 6300 pounds to investors Cecil Rhodes and Charles Rudd. Two mines were actually found on the property located in the Kimberly region. One mine was named after the original owners of the property, and the other one was named after the area. The De Beers and Kimberly mines were consequently born. Rhodes and Rudd merged the two enterprises to form De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited. It couldn't have happened at a better time.

When De Beers was founded on March 13, 1888 Africa was starting to feel the impact of industrialization. The "Mineral Revolution", in Africa certainly fueled by the emergence of modern business concepts there. When diamonds were discovered there was a critical demand for laborers. Migrant labor was utilized as young men from everywhere flocked to work in the mines, but it was an unstable way to run a booming business.

De Beers started closing the compounds, and having the workers sign contracts for fixed amounts of time. They also started utilizing the black labor force because they could pay them in accommodations and meals instead of actual wages. During apartheid they received state permission to use prisoners to work in their mines, sometimes as many as 10,000 a day.

The company did a lot to further the retail side of the diamond industry. They dealt only with preferred customers and sold diamonds from their own mines in South Africa and Botswana. They also sold the stones on an "as is" basis. They also worked with agencies to promote diamond sales and lore in anyway that they could, such as striking a deal with the English Royal family to promote the gems. Their Public Relations firm, N.W. Ayer & Son coined the phrase "a diamond is forever". They also flooded the American market, and other countries where diamonds were considered a symbol of high status. Then when artificial diamonds that were produced in laboratories started to appear on the market they took measures to protect their investments. Today natural diamonds are imprinted with a special serial number to make the differentiation.

De Beers reigned as the supreme supplier of diamonds until other countries began successful operations. One country is Australia. Diamond entrepreneurs and geologists began searching for kimberlite pipes in the Kimberly region of Western Australia in 1969. The search went on for 10 years and on October 2, 1979 the Argyle pipe was discovered. Once it was decided that the enterprise would be economical they started to mine the area in 1983, and the Argyle Diamond Mine was given its commission in December 1985.

The Argyle Diamond Mine is owned by the Rio Tinto Group who also owns the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe and the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada. Argyle is presently the largest diamond producer in the world. It is the only place in the world where large volumes of pink diamonds are mined. It is an open pit mine, located 1200 miles from Perth that has been in operation since the company began business. There is a plan to begin underground operations in the near future.

Pink and red diamonds are in high demand on the market. Argyle specializes in colored diamonds. They use a firm in Perth to disseminate the polished gems all over the world. Argyle furnishes 90-95% of the pink and red diamonds that are circulated on the market. An Argyle diamond has been known to bring as much as one million dollar a carat. These would be intense pink diamonds. They come in a whole range of colors ranging from pastel rose to a purple-red. The price is determined by the intensity of the color. Their best stones are sold through Pink Diamond Tender, a special catalog. If a buyer wants to investigate possibilities on-line, they have to have a password to get into the system. The opportunity is not for the general public, but for serious investors and privileged clients.

Argyle also mines other types of colored diamonds which are used in a secondary market. They can profitably mine them because of the massive volume they can produce.

Coral

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Coral mined from the oceans. It grows underwater. Coral is used to create beautiful earrings, brooches, and pendants. Though coral rings are popular, be aware that coral scratches easily. Red coral jewelry is often dyed; white coral jewelry is usually bleached.
Organic Gems: Coral, Pearls, and Jet
Author: Margaret Burgon Klemp

Pearls, Corals and Jet are known as organic gems because they normally grow in the water. While they can be found in other habitats these gems are more at home in the oceans and lakes of the world. Pearl diving has been around for thousands of years with divers bringing clams and other sea mollusks up from the depths of the oceans in order to search them for pearls.

The story behind coral gems and jet is quite different. Coral is sometimes described as a sea plant with flowers but no roots. In 1723 the French biologist, G.A. Peyssonal researched and brought the mystery of corals to light. He surmised that coral colonies were made up of exoskeletal polyps. These polyps come from minute, small animals that create dendritic forms from calcite that is dissolved in sea water. It is from these forms that coral begins to grow and flourish. The habitat has to be just right. The water needs to be warm and, as a rule, about 10 to 45 feet deep. Some coral can be found at deeper levels but it is rare. It grows in branches that look like underwater trees.

Colors of coral range from white to red and sometimes pink and white. The most valuable coral are red, black and pink, and is created by coelenterate species. Most coral is quite soft and, therefore, needs to be handled carefully. Corallium rubrum is a red coral that forms tree-shaped colonies. Its' color is caused by a red calcium carbonate skeleton almost 20 inches (50 centimeters) tall. Hard rods are embedded in the outer part of its body. They also have feeding tubes or tentacles that can be drawn into the tissue. Other non-feeding tubes serve as sex organs. Red coral can be found in the Mediterranean and in the Atlantic Ocean coastal regions of Portugal and Northern Africa. Other types of coral can be found all over the world, including the Great Barrier Reef of the east coast of Australia. Red coral is one of the coral species that is not on the endangered list of plant and animal life. Most coral, because of their associations with the reefs hold a prominent place on the endangered list.

The red hues of coral have always been prized gems of artisans and craftsman. Coral jewelry has a long history, and is still made and worn in many parts of the world. Ancient civilizations used coral to make an ornament and then, very often, used gold to accent the piece. Coral has a secure place among ancient gems. In fact coral jewelry has been utilized since prehistoric times. Coral jewelry has been found from the Iron Age. Coral along with other gemstones holds a significant status in religious history. Ancient Phoenicians, Egyptians, and Romans all used coral as method of currency and trade. Some societies believed that ships needed to have coral on board as a defense against lightning. The gem was also supposed to drive hatred out of a home.

The Greek poet, Orpheus, called coral the gift of the goddess Minerva. He also claimed that it had special powers against witchcraft, poisons and invasions by robbers.

Greeks are credited with giving coral its' name. The word "coral" comes from the Greek word for pebble-korallion. Coral can be found on artifacts dating back to 3000 B.C. It was also used in China to decorate various articles of clothing, and it has been found in ancient Tibetan temples. Coral had religious significance for the lamas. Marco Polo wrote about the Chinese use of coral in his writings.

The organic gem Jet seemed to vanish from the market in the early 20th century, and is now making a comeback because of the popularity of black jewelry and jet is affordable. The color ranges of jet are from dark brown to black. Jet appears in irregular masses with a lenticular shape. It can be found embedded in black bituminous shale known as jet-rock. Originally, it was formed through the process of lithification of the driftwood that dwells in mud on ocean floors. Upon careful examination it was discovered that jet comes from a structure of coniferous wood. Scientists believe that wood from trees and other plants fell into rivers and were carried out to sea. Then the wood became water logged and sank down to the depths of the ocean and ended up in fine mud deposits where it eventually hardened and became embedded into shale. Jet dates from the lowermost group of the Jurassic strata known as the Upper "Lias" or layers. Under the pressure of the salt water and without any air the wood went through an unusual decomposition process which produced jet. While jet will burn, scratch, and damages easily there are harder forms of it that can be carved. It can be found over a large part of the world including: Germany, Spain, France, Poland, United States, England, Russia and India. Whilby, located on the North East Coast England is the major source of jet.

Citrine

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Citrine, is the most valuable gem of quartz family. It is also commonly dubbed as a gold topaz. Over the years, citrine has taken over topaz in both its name and use. As topaz is a superior gem as to citrine. Topaz is too expense for general purpose. Citrine banks on that difference and had become first preference over topaz. Except a similarity of color, there is no other similarity in the real topaz and citrine.

Citrine Information

Citrine name is derived from its color, it is commonly found in yellow color beads. In an old French word "Citrin" means yellow and the stone is found in lemon yellow color.

Citrine could last forever if proper care is taken in a right way. It should be protected from possible scratch situations. It is very important that the citrine is not left in the sun or any such situations, like sunbathing where it is exposed to prolonged sunlight. As it is a heat sensitive stone, it will change its color or fades into lighter color. The stone can be used in any commercial jewelry and can be cleaned by plain soap and warm water with soft brush. Make sure that it is rinsed properly and dry after through cleaning. The stone can be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner, but steam cleaning is not recommended for it.

As citrine is replaced by topaz, there are many names given to it like gold topaz, madiera topaz, citrine topaz and Brazilian Topaz. Citrine and topaz share the role of being a birthstone for November month. Of course citrine is secondary to topaz.

Citrine Folklore

Citrine is believed to be a stone for boosting self-esteem, self-confidence, treat anxiety feeling and depression. The powers are connected to the 3rd chakra. The chakra is located below the navel area and is responsible for personal well-being and personality formation.

These stones are believed to help people in handling negative attitude in a better way and also deal with pressure while dealing with finances, anxieties and fear.

The stone improves the functions of circulatory systems, digestive system, urinary problems, resulting in good health and preventing from ailments occurring due to body toxins. It also helps in improving emotional stability and body conditions etc., i.e. routine wear and tear. The stone gives people peace of mind and relaxation and helping then to cure restlessness, insomnia and emotional unrest.

Chrysoprase

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Chrysoprase or chrysophrase is a gemstone, variety of chalcedony that contains small quantities of nickel. It is a beautiful green stone which varies from a pale green to apple green and on to a darker, deeper green color. The word chrysoprase comes from the Greek chrysos means 'gold' and prason, means 'leek'. It is one of the highly prized members of chalcedony mineral group.

Chrysoprase Information

Rather unusual, Chrysoprase gets its color from very small amounts of nickel. Other stones like emerald, gets their color from mixing chromium in it.

Other rock crystal such as amethysts is transparent, whereas this gem is normally semi-transparent. Chrysoprase has a hardness rating of 7, on the Moh's scale, and a gravity of 2.65 to 2.66. It is found in beads and cut form.

It contains Cryptocrystalline, which means that it is composed of crystals which are so fine that they cannot be seen under normal magnification as distinct particles.

Like other gemstones, it is found with poor color quality, flaws, inclusions but what we see in gemstone jewelry is an apple green or deeper green with no flaws of any kind.

It is used as the birthstone for May month and for Gemini' or Libra. These stones have metaphysical properties like compassion, acceptance and grace. The stone is said to increase fertility, increase energy levels and is accepted as a soothing stone. It calms over excitement, takes the heat out of situations, and inspires tolerance. It is also used for Spiritual protection. Ancient historians believe that it helps in improving eyesight.

It is found in Queensland, Australia and some parts of Austria, Brazil and others. It is found embedded in serpentine rock.

It is marketed as "Australian Imperial Jade".

Folklore

Chrysoprase had its medical usability, as it contains high alkalinity.

Astrologers link this stone with planet Mercury and Venus. Greek Sailors used to wear amulets of it to prevent drowning. If someone was lost and could not be found, the stone was blamed for it.

Carnelian

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Carnelian is a reddish-brown mineral which is commonly used as a semi-precious gemstone. Sard too is similar to Carnelian but is harder and darker. Both these terms are used interchangeably. Carnelian and sard are varieties of the silica mineral chalcedony colored by impurities of iron oxide. The colors can vary from pale orange to intense black.

Carnelian Information

It belongs to chalcedony gem family, and could be opaque to translucent. The hardness on Moh's scale is seven plus which means it is a hard gem. The stone can be found in many shapes but the commonly found shape is oval shape. The stone is mined from USA, Madagascar, Russia, Brazil and Australia among many other countries.

The name has been derived from a Latin word meaning HORN, as it sometimes shows the appearance of flesh. Carnelian was widely used in the Roman era, where it was popularly used for making seal rings and signets for imprinting seals with wax for important documents and correspondences. It was used for this purpose because wax does not stick on carnelian seals.

Anyone wearing the carnelian stone needs to take due care of it. The stone changes color from brown to reddish when placed or contacts with direct sunlight. Hence, the stone should not be placed or exposed to prolong sunlight.

Carnelian Folklore

In the list of birthstones, it resembles the month of August. The stone is mentioned in the ancient astrology of Hebrew, Arabic and Italian. It was believed that the stone brings good luck, good fortune and is connected to religious resources.

The gem is popularly used in Indian and vintage jewelry, as it matches well with other gems and metals. It matches well with citrine and have a great healing impact. It is said that it helps in healing mental and physical tensions and is being used as alternative medicine.

The stone is having some holistic properties, like an ability to change an individual's outlook in life. It also assists in healing the wounds and cleansing of blood. It is also said that it holds power afterlife.

Carnelian is used for targeting your body's system: it motivates your circulatory system, kidneys, hunger, emotions, and sexuality. It grants confidence, assertiveness, and an unstoppable drive to succeed.

Bloodstone

2009-09-19T07:06:00.000-07:00

Bloodstone gemstone is unique and beautiful. It is often used in contemporary jewelry designs. Bloodstone is also known as green jasper and it comes with blood red spots and therefore it is named as Bloodstone. The red spots come from the iron oxide deposits in the stone. In ancient times it was used for carvings and was favorite of Christian martyrs. A German Emperors seal carved in bloodstone is on display at the Louvre museum in Paris.

Bloodstone Information

The stone is affordable and available to common man, hence widely used in jewelry articles like pendants, rings and earrings. It is used in men's ring and is combined with other gemstone to give an individual identity. The color green looks beautiful with gold, platinum and silver.

Bloodstone makes a very attractive gift, as there are many benefits of it. It is also a cheaper option for gifting. Proper care taken of the gemstone can help us to reap better benefits from it.

Bloodstone Properties

Citing to ancient and traditional astrology, bloodstone is considered to have healing powers like curing hemorrhages and blood circulation problems. The powder of bloodstone is used for medical purposes in India and all over the world. In Egypt and other civilizations bloodstone was considered a supernatural object which was used to defeat enemies. The stone is commonly renowned for increasing strength and power and healing for sports injuries and joint problems.

Ayurvedic healing concentrates on five elements of life- earth, water, fire, air and space. Bloodstone contains the power of fire and earth hence considered a very powerful stone in Ayurvedic astrology. Bloodstone gives an illusion of a red sun setting in the sea which looks beautiful. The stone also provide a claming effect to the nerves and can cure discomfort and uneasiness.

Bloodstone Folklore

Bloodstone is useful in blood pressure problems. Astrologers suggest wearing bloodstone embedded in silver with Rudraksha to heal blood pressure. It helps in strengthening blood purifying organs in the body.

It also relieves stomach pain and bowel pain.

Bloodstone is a magical stone; it also relives animal pains like improving falling eyesight, lung congestion, spleen disorder, bladder, kidney, neutralizing body toxins and many more.

Bloodstone is believed to have great magical and protective properties, possessing the ability to throw out evil, keep out unfavorable influences and scatter negativity. As its name suggests, Bloodstone is an excellent blood cleanser.

Aventurine

2009-09-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

Aventurine, often called "poor man's Emerald" is a nice affordable stone. When it has inclusions, they appear to be sparkles. Extremely high quality aventurine (free from inclusions), can seem like emerald. It is wonderful for everyday wear as it is quite durable as well as pretty.

Aventurine Information

Aventurine is a semi-precious stone that offers sparkle and beauty which is exquisite. Aventurine name is an Italian word means "a ventura" - "by chance". The word is insinuation of aventurine glass discovered in the 18th century. Its Moh's scale is of 6.5 hardness. It is derived from the semi-translucent to opaque grown glass with many small particles of chromic oxide and copper. Because of its several feldspars or quartz varieties it is streaked with particles of mica, hematite and other material, it is also known as Sunstone.

This precious stone gives a glistening effect because of many shiny minerals, and that is known as aventurescence. The stone is most commonly found in green colors, but the stone can be in orange, yellow, brown, blue or gray. The color depends on the kind of mineral is present in the stone. However, the stone can also be found in orange, blue, brown, yellow or gray.

Aventurine Folklore

It is noticed that the stones have many healing powers. The gem stone is believed to be used as a stone of inner peace. It is used to calm down a troubled mind. The color dark green itself symbolizes meditations for posterity. Astrologers suggest this stone to increase confidence and gratitude and also for promoting positive attitude and emotional tranquility.

The stone is also used for balancing the energies of males and females. The stone encourages initiative, strong ideals, stamina, and ability to assert. It develops leadership qualities and people follow you, where you lead. These are the positive moon qualities and Aventurine will support these and will assist in taking your care and concern for others. It also elevates your spiritual vibrations, the crystal works rapidly and it works well with your impatient moon as well.

For the people with sun shine as Aries, it is suggested to wear this semi precious stone to complete the unfinished work and encouraging leadership. It also assists in controlling anger and volatile situations, hence allowing you to make good decision.

Green Aventurine is used for physical healing. It is worn over the ailing part of the body. And blue aventurine is used to improve circulation of blood.

For business: people wear it in ring and some place it in cash register to enhance daily taking from the retail business.

Aventurine is the best semi precious stone for luck of all kinds; including gambling luck, it has various names, such as "gambler's stone" and "Indian Jade" and with its reputation as a lucky charmer, is very popular with gamblers.

To put it in nut shell, Aventurine promotes mind clarity and self confidence, reinforces decisiveness and intensifies leadership qualities. Aventurine helps to focus and find creative solutions when you are overwhelmed by problems.

Aquamarine

2009-09-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

Aquamarine is March's birthstone and is a beautiful, medium priced, light blue or blue-green stone. It sparkles and shines so wonderfully that is it often made into an aquamarine engagement ring. Though this gemstone is wonderful in any setting, we found that aquamarine rings, aquamarine pendants and aquamarine earrings are the most popular aquamarine jewelry.

Aquamarine Information

The word Aquamarine is derived from the Latin words "aqua marina" which means "sea water" reflecting the color of the crystals. A transparent, pale green variety of beryl is often used as a gemstone.

The beautiful Aquamarine is semi-precious, a light greenish blue to a vibrant blue variety of the species beryl, which makes it a relative of the Emerald. Aquamarine gemstones are available to you a choice of two qualities of faceted aquamarines. In both qualities the gemstones is eye clean with good cuts. AA quality consists of light to medium tone stones and our AAA quality has a medium to medium dark tone.

Aquamarine is sturdier, and larger carat weights can be found because when it is mined the crystals can be kept in relatively big pieces. Aquamarines can be found in several places on the globe, from Colorado in the United States to Brazil and several African countries. One well-formed crystal found in Brazil in 1920 weighed 243 pounds. It was 19 by 16 inches, greenish on the outside, blue on the inside, and so transparent that objects were clearly visible through its length.

The British Museum of Natural History has a flawless aquamarine of 879 carats, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History has a fine 638-carat stone.

Tips On Choosing Aquamarine Jewelry

Aquamarine is very durable and well suited for jewelry. It is not as costly as these gems, and may be easier to find. In aquamarine jewelry, the darker the stone is the more valuable it is. Some women inentionally buy the lighter versions of aquamarine as it is an great substitute for diamonds in jewelry such as: engagement rings and solitaire stud earrings. The ease of cutting the rough stone makes it highly desirable for jewelry designers. Many prefer the 'white' metals white gold, platinum and sterling silver as being more complimentary with the stone's color.

Aquamarine Folklore

This is the stone to help you be in touch with your spiritual being. This stone is used in deep meditations. Aquamarine is said to have a soothing influence on married couples. Aquamarine also protects against the wiles of the devil. In ancient times, the stone was said to aid seafarers; thus it is an excellent gift suggestion for sailors or one who takes frequent cruises. A dream of aquamarine means that you will meet new friends. Aquamarine is associated with the thymus gland. It is very soothing worn as a necklace. It will help reduce fluid retention. It has been used to calm the nerves.

Amethyst

2009-09-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

Amethyst has a vibrant purple color that is unique from any other gem stone. It is sometimes called a violet gemstone. It is thought to protect the bearer from possible seduction. For so many years, amethyst served as the most popular representative of the quartz gem family. Moses described this gem as the "Spirit of God", which is why it is mostly seen in the robes of High Priests and Empresses. It is often thought of as a royal stone. Amethyst is one of the top picks of women because of its simpleness and beauty.

Amethyst Information

Amethyst is purple quartz. Citrine is yellow quartz; Rose quartz is pink quartz.

This is also known as a very hard stone with a score of 7. Index of refraction is 1.544 to 1.553. There are plenty of sources of these crystals, including India, Brazil, Canada, Russia, USA, and Sri Lanka.

Amethyst is generally known as the birthstone of February. It's known to bring a lot of luck for those who are Pisceans or born at the month of February, as this is their gemstone.

Amethyst Folklore

The word Amethyst comes from the Greek word "amethystos" meaning "remedy against drunkenness". Much of the folklore on Amethyst is a result of this meaning. It implies that when you wear amethyst, you are allowing positive vibrations into your life. It is thought that it may help you control your emotions.

The origin of amethyst comes from the Greeks. Dionysus, the god of intoxication, was angered one day by an insult from a mortal and swore revenge on the next mortal he encountered. After, creating tigers to carry out his wish, unsuspecting Amethyst, a beautiful young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana appeared. But Diana turned Amethyst into a stature of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from Dionysus' tigers. At the sight of the beautiful statue, Dionysus is said to have wept tears of wine, staining the quartz purple and creating the gem amethyst. The pinkish lavender shade is called "Rose de France". It must be purple to be an amethyst.

Fine examples of lovely amethyst stones are featured in the British Crown Jewels and they were also a favorite of Catherine the Great, as well as Egyptian royalty, it is believed that the tears of the gods had stained the Quartz purple and created the Gemstone we know today.

It is used as a dream stone and to help insomnia. Put an amethyst under your pillow to bring about pleasant dreams, or rub it across your forehead to offer relief from a headache.

The healing power of the stone is said to be good for addictions, helping with arthritis, headaches, blood sugar levels, brain imbalances and a remedy for stomach disorders.

Amber

2009-09-19T07:02:00.000-07:00

Amber is one of the organic gemstones, being the time-hardened fossilized resin of pine trees. It is formed during the process of polymerization of its original organic compounds. It varies from about 30 to 90 million years old.

Amber Information

Amber is available in a wide array of colors, the most popular ranging from yellow to orange, mimicking the color of honey touched by the setting sun. Other less common colors include red, green, blue, violet and black. Ranging from transparent to opaque, the finest amber is clear with little or no cloudiness.

Largest amber deposits are found in the Baltic Sea region. The level of succinic acid contained in the amber determines its quality. Amber from the Baltic Sea region contains the highest level of succinic acid, and therefore is considered the highest quality amber.

For the Greeks, amber is known as electron, which is also the origin of the word electricity. To modern society, amber is believed to have come from the Arabic word for ambergris. Ambergris, in turn, is a waxy substance found in the intestines of sperm whales.

People have collected, traded, carved, and coveted amber for more than 10,000 years, Yet despite our fascination with it, much about the smoky yellow stone -- the history of amber -- remains a mystery.

Common Uses For Amber

Amber has varied uses and relevance to a number of areas such as:

Science: Geologists and paleontologists find use in amber because it presents proof of prehistoric life in the form of fossils, and amber has been proven to be in existence during prehistoric times. Since ancient insects get trapped in amber, botanists and entomologists find use for this special mineral.
Art: writers find amber a good source of inspiration for their varied works. Jewelers and gemologists find this mineral a valuable piece of stone for its unique characteristics and beauty. Amber has been used and incorporated into bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants, brooches, cuff-links, rings, and even teething rings for the children.
Magic: some believe that amber has magical powers especially the green and red varieties. It can also be used an amulet or charm, which could repel evils. Some claim it can even provide protection against poisons.

Amber Folklore

Amber jewelry is said to help one be happier. The cheery yellow stone is believed to lighten the burdens of life. Healers say that amber activates our altruistic nature and helps us to realize the full power of our spiritual intellect.

Alexandrite

2009-09-19T07:01:00.000-07:00

Alexandrite is an exquisite color-changing gemstone. As most alexandrites are man made in a lab, it can be challenging to locate natural alexandrite. Alexandrite bracelets and rings are wonderful. When Alexandrite is used in these type of jewelry, the wearer can enjoy seeing the delightful color change in incadescent light.

Alexandrite Gemstone Information

Alexandrite the traditional birthstone for June is a beautiful, but very rare stone. It is also associated with the astrological birth sign of Scorpio. The word Alexandrite is named after the Russian Czar Alexander II because it was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia on the Czar Alexander II birthday in 1831.

The most sensational feature about this stone, however, is its surprising ability to change its colour. Green or bluish-green in daylight, alexandrite turns a soft shade of red, purplish-red or raspberry red in incandescent light. This characteristic makes it one of the most expensive gemstone, especially for a stone of a large size. Stones of one carat or larger can range in price from fifteen thousand dollars to one million dollars.

The chemical name of Alexandrite is BeAl2O4 .Its hardness measures 8.5 on the Mohs scale. The specific gravity of alexandrite measures from 3.68 to 3.75

Along with Russia it is found in Brazil, Australia, the United States, portions of Africa and India. The Brazilian alexandrite shows both a distinctive colour change and good clarity and colour.

The popular belief that a diamond is forever and it fetches up to 75% of the resale value and colored stones have no resale value is absolutely wrong. However, if one invests wisely, gemstones buying can be very profitable and remunerative too.

Alexandrite Buying Tips

There are various factors to be considered before buying Alexandrite:

One must always make sure that he/she is buying a natural alexandrite and not synthetic alexandrite. The certificate should mention the word "natural".
Always buy with a certificate, from a reputed gemological laboratory and not just from the dealer who is selling it, mentioning its authenticity.
Always go for quality rather than quantity. A good piece, though a small one, is any day better than a big gem with lower clarity and color.
As far as possible go in for a proper cut gemstone.

Alexandrite Folklore

Russians believe Alexandrite was a good omen. Alexandrite is said to open the heart to romantic possibilities, provide inner peace and even ward off certain physical maladies.

Agate

2009-09-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Agate is a type of Chalcedony. Many people don't think of agate for jewelry - but it is very pretty. If you want "something different", consider trying agate jewelry. Agate comes in many varieties. Common types are: fire agate, blue lace agate, tree agate, moss agate and petrified wood. Agate is usually used in cabochons or bead form. Why not try a beautiful agate necklace, peandant, earrings or bolo tie for a eye catching piece of jewelry.

Agate Information

Agate belongs to the chalcedony family of coloured quartz stones. They are found in colors like blue, green, yellow, brown, purple, and pink.

Agate is an Ayurvedic birthstone for the month of May; the name has been derived from the Greek name of a stone found in the river Achates in Sicily .Agateeq.. It ages back to Stone Age, where it was considered very valuable.

The hardness rating for this stone is 7, even though it can chip or crack easily, so it should be protected from sharp blows, scratches, and household chemicals like bleach.

Agate is an inexpensive stone, with an exception of few varieties with unusual banded or scenic markings.

Agate Folklore

Agate has been used in maintaining good health and prosperous life. Some of its believed benefits are:-

Due to cooling effect, it has proved in reducing fever and it is beneficial in stomach area.
It maintains the heart pulse rate.
Agate is believed to cure insomnia and to insure pleasant dreams.
Those who wear or carry Agate will be always guarded against bad affects, will be more cautious, get a more clarity on themselves and able to view the world with a broad angle.
Some feel Agate has mystical powers.

Botswana Agate (also known as Eye Agate) a variety of agate from Botswana, Africa. This is the gemstone for people who are sensitive and lonely or easily hurt. It will help you have more self-satisfaction and protect you from hurt. It can be used to one.s quest toward enlightenment. Many feel that Botswana Agate has an anti-depressant quality.

Botswana Agate can help those who have repressed emotional issues that need to be addressed so that they can let go and heal. It can be helpful for those who are struggling to be genuine in their lifestyle, as it promotes an understanding of the need for deeper meaning. Works with us to release emotions no longer needed. It is great for energizing the aura.

Physically, Botswana agate helps rid the body of toxins and can be used to support treatment of disorders of the nervous system. It is said to counteract physical, emotional, and intellectual poisons.

Garnet

2009-09-19T06:55:00.000-07:00

Garnet Information

Types

Colors

Durability

Newest Trends

Garnets are formed in igneous rocks and in extremely metamorphic rocks, under high pressure and temperature.

Care

Jewelry Gifts

This gem is also known as the January birthstone. Additionally, if you want to give an , use garnet to celebrate the 2nd and 6th year of a marriage.

How to make gemstones clean an...

2009-07-29T21:50:00.001-07:00

There are many gem polishing equipment are available in the market and that can help you to keep your gemstones as new as they were when you bought them with a little effort of caring the gemstones. These cleaning equipments can increase the luster and look of your gemstones and thus you sell them at good price and you can also resell your used gems at good price. Different abrasive chemicals that are used in gem polishing abrasive materials are hard to dirt and soft to your stones’ shine and luster.

Usually, different kinds of gem polishing compounds are used for different kinds of stones. You must make it certain before buying any gem polishing tool or abrasive that it cleans you specific kind of gems. An abrasive or polish that works well with diamond may not work with amethyst.

Before searching your gem polishing tools online, you must know your options as they gem polishing equipments are supplied in various ways.

Purchase compounds and polishing abrasives.
For machine polishing or for hand polishing, you must try to find gem polishing pads.
Always try to buy such jewelry cleaner as clean jewelry with the power of water.

First step

While cleaning jewelry and other gems, your first step is to find the products for the best cleaning. These products are abrasive or gem polishing which you can use with hand or machine.

Get right wipes, cloths and abrasives

To offer a polishing with hand .usually, softer polishing touches are made and different soft clothes and mild abrasives are used for this purpose while for the huge dirty material you must buff with a cloth to get fine finish.

Polishing with polisher machines

Jewelry steamers, gem polishers are some other items besides abrasive materials to clean gem stones. You right steam machine can help your gems to avoid harsh abrasives. So, try to offer such task with polisher machines.

These are some available treatments that can give a new look your gems forever with great luster and impressive cleaning. Secondly, this is not a difficult and expensive way to keep your jewelry and other gems clean as most of these gem polishes and abrasives are easily available in the market at a very reasonable price. So, it was never as easier to give a new shine and look to your gems as it’s now because you can get these materials easily and at best affordable cost.

Peridot: The poor man’s ...

2009-07-29T21:48:00.001-07:00

Peridot is usually pronounced as pair-uh-doe and it’s an array of olivine (not a certified mineral) that is consisted of two minerals known as fayalite and forsterite. Fayalite (Fe2Si04) is iron rich while forsterite (Mg2Sio4) is a manganese rich mineral. To show the exchange of magnesium and iron; olivine is chemically formulated as (Mg, Fe) 2Sio4. Though iron serves as a coloring agent for Peridot, yet in composition Peridot is often nearer to forsterite instead of fayalite. A peridot, which has less than 15% of iron and has some trace elements like nickel and chromium, is considered the best in color.

A large number of gemstones that have a mineral origin form in the crust of the earth. But peridot and diamond are two such elements as form deeper in the earth and this deeper region is known as mantle. Peridot crystals are found 20 to 55 miles deeper and they pop up on the surface due to tectonic or volcanic activity. Similarly, diamonds form around 100-150 miles below the surface where temperatures and pressures are extreme.

Brief descriptions of some wel...

2009-07-29T21:45:00.002-07:00

A gem or gemstone is known as a precious or semi-precious stone that is a part of some attractive mineral and used after cutting and polishing to make jewelry and other ornamentation. There are also some rocks and natural materials that are not minerals but still they are used to make jewelry and other ornamentation, i.e. lapis lazuli or amber and jet. These kinds of materials are also considered gemstones. A large number of gemstones are consisted of hard substances but some of them are soft minerals too. A gemologist has to test a wide range of materials as to confirm it as a gemstone. According to some estimates there are almost 270 varieties that have been identified as gemstones.

Gemstones have been using in jewelry and other ornamentation for centuries. Gemstones always have a great amount of attraction in themselves for the people in almost every part of the world.

Historical value of Lapis

2009-07-29T21:45:00.001-07:00

lapis was widely used in different ornaments and amulets by the ancient Egyptians and similarly Babylonians and Assyrians use this stone for seals. Some pieces of jewelry that were 3300 old also found in Naqada and in some parts of Afghanistan as well. It is said that Cleopatra used pulverized form of this stone as eyesshadow.

It has been described in chapter 140th of the Book of the Dead, when the stone is used in round shape jutted in gold, this great amulet can really give the wearers some extra-ordinary powers.

Nearly more than 6000 nice looking lapis lazuli statuettes of different objects like birds, beads, rodents, deer, dishes and cylinder seals were found in the Ur Sumerian tombs. It is said these objects were brought there from northern Afghanistan.

The stone was also considered a form of sapphire in old days and different prominent personalities like kings, queens and spiritual heads reckoned it a nice stone to express royal splendor and glory.

In Romans the lapis lazuli was considered a powerful stone to intensify sexual desires and they often used that stone to be sexually potent. In some other civilizations of the world, lapis lazuli was regarded as the stone of friendship, love and tranquility.

In Middle Ages, this concept was in rife that the stone had the power to keep arms and legs strong and healthy and keep the soul free of fears, errors and envy. Similarly, the stone was also used for medicinal purposes and given to the patients with fever, cramps, boils and ulcers. It was also used in paintings for rich deep blue color.

When it comes to modern day use of this stone with splendid past, one thing is easily observable that it doesn’t have the same glory and reverence that given to it in the past. No doubt, there are still many who believe in the healing power of this stone, but mostly it’s being used for decorative purposes and jewelry these days. These days lapis lazuli tiles are used for interior decoration of homes. It can be said that now some other stones serve as the first preference of a large number of stone lovers, but still lapis lazuli is the stone that gives blue its true shade. No doubt, in this stone we can see blue at its best.

Lapis for meditation

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lapis is considered quite effective to increase virility, mental clarity, calmness and tranquility in the lives of the wearers and that’s why a large number of lecturers, teachers and speakers have been wearing this stone to be more focused and composed in their everyday routine to achieve their desired objects. Lapis lazuli is also considered very effective to get rid of depression and it can promote spirituality in those who are looking for something really effective in this connection. One can gain exceptional powers in mediation when wearing this stone.
Lapis for meditation

Many people are of the view that the benefits of wearing this stone are endless, and they also associate some other benefits with it including improvement in psychics’ abilities, treating melancholy and some types of fever. It has also been found effective in relieving pain and melancholy.

Catholic rosary beads, Christian cross, Catholic rosary beads and rabbit foot are some widely used amulets these days, and it has been observed that now people’s preferences have changed a lot in this connection. Now there are only few who look for things like lapis lazuli or some other such stone to get succeeded in their various purposes and contrarily these stones have been replaced by some other metallic stuff and tattoos that are reckon quite effective to keep evil spirits away and enhance mental and physical capabilities.

But still there are many who seem to believe in the healing powers of different precious and semi precious gemstones to make the most of their associated powers and get their desired set objects that need enhanced powers and these are their fortune bringing gemstones which can provide this power to them.

Amethyst, Quartz, lapis lazuli, rubies and sapphire are some gemstones that are quite well known for their healing and meditating powers. These stones are used in beads, necklaces, rings and other such stuff that can be easily worn. All these stones have their specific spiritual and healing properties and they have been considered precious almost throughout all the ages of human civilizations.

When it comes to healing and meditating powers of these stones, Lapis lazuli or the blue stone seems to have par excellence in almost each and every aspect. The healing and mediating powers of lapis lazuli have been associated with it for centuries, and even today there are considerable number of people who believe in the amazing healing and meditating powers of this stone.

These people are of the view that lapis lazuli has the powers to give them the ability of clear thinking and better meditation. But the question rises whether Lapis lazuli really has such powers or it is nothing but superstitions and wrong beliefs of these people. Well, on scientific basis, it is said that lapis lazuli doesn’t have any such power, but those who are not willing to accept that scientific statement say that there are lots of such things as can’t be proven scientifically, but these things exist and the same is true about the healing and meditating powers of lapis lazuli.

Care for lapis Jewelry

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Gemstones like Turquoise, malachite and lapis lazuli are opaque gemstones that need proper care and attention, as unlike transparent they are not crystals of some single mineral but consisted of rocks instead. These kinds of gemstones are required to clean just with a dry cloth. There can be pores on the surface of these gemstones in which chemical can easily absorb and can damage the beauty and color of the stone. Sometimes people use mild soap to clean these gemstones, but it’s not a right treatment for gemstones like lapis lazuli as this soap often builds up inside the stone and badly affects its color.

These days different chemicals like ammonia and ultrasonic cleaner are also used for cleaning gemstones, you must keep this fact in mind that these solutions can be good for some gemstones, but not for all especially for opaque gemstones like turquoise, malachite and lapis lazuli.

As it is said that all gemstones emit certain type of energy and the associated power of some gemstones is because of this very gemstone. However, sometimes dirt or other chemical deposits serve as a hurdle in the way of smooth release of this energy and thus it can spoil the associated powers of some gemstone.

Lapis lazuli is considered quite effective to boost psychic abilities of a person and similarly it is said that this stone can bring peace, harmony and tranquility in the wearer’s life. There are also many other traits which are associated with the use of this stone, however, these powers can only be utilized fully only if one takes proper care of this stone. Contrarily, if this stone is not handled with care, it may not give all what wearer usually expects from it, as chemicals or other dirt deposits become a hurdle in the way of energy these stone usually emits and which plays a pivotal role in the life of the wearer.

With 5-5.5 hardness on Mohs scale, lapis lazuli is a soft stone and because of this low hardness, it is suspected to chipping and scratches, and that’s why it is quite important to handle this stone with care.

Just with common sense and little bit care, one can add considerable life and luster in one’s gemstone and other precious jewelry.

Handmade Lapis Tiles

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Lapis Mosaic Tiles More often lapis lazuli tiles are handmade and that’s why a slight difference in their texture and color can often be seen. One must inspect these tiles before their installment to some place.

In the past various civilization have been using this stone of azure for various purposes. Some have been reckoning it the stone of peace, harmony, and tranquility, while others were of the view that it could intensify sexual desires. Similarly, we have also heard that beauty queen Cleopatra used its pulverized form as eyeshade and some great spiritual leaders would use lapis lazuli for better meditation and its associated healing powers. Lapis lazuli was also used for medicinal purposes and often used for the treatment of fever, weakness, and to strengthen legs and arms.

In middle ages, lapis lazuli became an essential part of paintings because of its vivid blue pigment that often expressed the true energy of blue colors and showed it quite prominently in the pictures. As we know well that lapis lazuli is known for its elegant blue color, as blue can be seen at its best in this stone.

These days Lapis lazuli is being used in beads, jewelry items and many other decorative items. Lapis Lazuli is available in different shapes and its tiles have become a part and parcel in many homes who like to give a true blue touch to their surroundings. Now a large number of houses are decorating their walls, bathrooms, pools, fountains and floors with this stone.Now the trend of lapis lazuli furniture is also emerging in some parts of the world and in many houses various furniture items made of this stone can be seen. No doubt, this furniture seems to give a real blue artistic touch to your home with all its liveliness and vividness.

Use of Lapis Lazuli tiles in a...

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If it is said that lapis lazuli is as old as hills, nothing wrong with it. Because of its matchless beauty and associated powers, this royal blue stone has been widely used for various purposes in almost all the well-known human civilizations. Babylonians, Egyptians, Chinese, Romans, Indians and many others used that stone even thousands of years back.

The stone was also reckoned as sapphire in ancient times, and aside from jewelry and healing purposes, the stone was widely used in various forms for decorative purposes. The remnants of lapis lazuli tiles can still be seen in many ancient tombs in Egypt, Syria, Iran and Iraq.

Himalayan Peridot

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Ancient Egyptians used to call it the gemstone of the rising sun. This stone is quite well known for its mystical properties and also quite well known for its powers related to anxiety, speech articulation enhancement and to bring harmony in marriage and relationships. The stone was widely used in jewelry by the Romans and Greek. Egyptians have also been mining that stone nearly 1500BC back. The stone was mined in the areas around Red Sea.

Usually, the mining of this charming stone is done at night as it becomes more prominent because of its natural glow at night. Egyptians miners also believed that peridot could be seen even in the natural sun rays. Many renowned personalities throughout the history had quite an impressive collection of that stone. Cleopatra and Sultans of Ottoman were quite well known for such collections.

In Himalayan mountain regions peridot was abundantly found and its powdered form was used to treat asthma and fever in these areas. People of this region also believed that if something was drunk in a goblet made of peridot could enhance the potency of the drug taken with it. Pirates also used peridot to keep themselves away from evil spirits. Peridot is one of those stones that even men have been wearing in jewelry for quite some time, as they believe that this stone can be very effective for their vitality and strength.

Peridot is available in a wide range of colors including yellow green, sharp green and olive green. It bends and splits rays in such a way that when light passes through it, it gets a sleepy and velvety appearance. A rich glow with impressive luster could also be seen in this stone. In Pakistan a really exciting new deposit of this stone has been found few years back. These Pakistani Peridots are quite unique in their appearance and beauty and they are no doubt, the finest perditos that have ever been seen. This new mine has been found in the Nanga Parbat region in that is located in west of Himalayan Mountains.

Different types of gemstones

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gemstones have been identified, and they have also been divided into many different categories, so a collector or gem enthusiast can easily add some spice in his/her list of collection. Usually gemstones are divided into precious and semi precious categories, but some of them have such a composition and structure that it becomes quite difficult to classify them. But most of them can be easily classified and here are some well known kinds of precious and semi precious gemstones.

Diamond:

Diamond is no doubt the king of the gemstone kingdom which has been ruling not only on gemstones world, but also on human hearts for quite some time. Diamond is also quite well known as the hardest natural substance. It’ s the most precious gemstone in the world at present.

Chrysoberyl:

Chrysoberyl is also quite well known for its hardness that has higher quantities of beryllium in it. Apparently, it’s a nice looking gemstone that offers green and yellow shades, and they also have the tendency to change colors in different kinds of light. Alexandrite and Cat’s eye are to well known chrysoberyls that are widely used in different kinds of jewelry.

Quartz: Quartz is considered the most common type of mineral in the world. It is available in a wide range of colors. Quartz is abundantly found, but it is still reckoned a valuable gemstone and the reason is that it’s quite hard to find flawless and perfect quartz to use in jewelry and other decorative items.

Corundum:

Corundum is known as the second hardest gemstone in the world. Corundum is reckoned a composition of different trace minerals and aluminum oxide. Different kinds of corundum take their form because of the trace minerals. Sapphires and rubies are two popular examples of this kind of stone.

Aside from these well-known gemstones, many other precious and semi precious gemstone including beryl, jade, feldspar, lapis lazuli, topaz, peridot are being widely used in different decorative items and jewelry.

Some organic gemstones are also quite well known for their matchless beauty and rich colors pearls and amber are two well known examples of these organic gemstones which do not occur in mineral source, but have an organic source instead. Various kinds of organic gemstones are being widely used in different kinds of and other decorative items.

Diamond cutting styles

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Our love of diamonds and admiration of their fire and brilliance has given rise to many different cuts of diamonds. While we still see some of the earliest styles of diamond cuts – such as the round and emerald-cut, there are many more cuts today, some of them patented by their designers and costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The most popular cut for a diamond ring today is still the round, brilliant cut. It was developed in the 17^th century in Venice. It is still preferred when the raw crystal is in an octahedron formation. Even though as much as 50% of the stone is cut away in the process, often two stones can be carved from an octahedron. More unusually-shaped stones are used for fancy cuts, such as a marquise, pear or heart-shaped diamond. The earliest brilliants had 17 facets on the top of the stone and were called double-cut. This was soon improved with stones cut with 33 facets and were called triple-cut brilliants.

In the 19^th century, with the development of better gem-cutting tools, more innovations in diamond cutting styles were developed. In 1919, Marcel Tolkowsky combined the art of cutting with the science of light and refraction and published his book, Diamond Design. These relatively recent geometric calculations were the forerunner of much of diamond cutting work today and led to other, more precise mathematical models engineered to enhance the fire and brilliance of diamonds.

There are now cuts such as the princess cut, trillions, ovals, pear and heart-shaped. Some innovative cutters have even fashioned star or butterfly-shaped diamonds! One patented cut, the Ashoka diamond, is an oblong cut with rounded, brilliant ends, and requires a stone 3 carats or larger. It’s an exceptionally beautiful (and pricey!) diamond shape. Tiffany has also patented a cut of diamond called the Lucida cut. It’s the lucky bride whose fiancé gives her one of these highly coveted stones!

Beryl

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The beryl is the family of crystal that creates emeralds and aquamarines, when its color is green or blue-green, respectively. Red beryl is bixbite or red emerald or scarlet emerald, pink beryl is morganite, white beryl is goshenite, and a clear bright yellow beryl is called golden beryl. Other shades such as yellow-green for heliodor and honey yellow are common. It can also come in violet.

The earliest known source of emerald was near the Red Sea in Egypt, the so-called Cleopatra's emerald mines. They were probably worked from about 2000 B.C., apparently the location of them was lost in the middle ages, and not rediscovered until 1818. Most emeralds used in ancient jewelry are believed to have come from these mines. They are not worked nowadays because of the low quality of crystals found.
Emeralds have been found in Austria since Roman times; these are no longer commercially mined.

Columbia is generally recognized as the source of the world's finest quality emeralds, both in the past and the present. The Columbian Indians were using them before 1537, when Quesada conquered Columbia. Russia has been another important source of emeralds in the past. Emeralds were discovered in Australia in 1890 in New South Wales. Emeralds were discovered between1927 and 1929 in South Africa, followed by other sources. Another important source of superb quality emeralds, usually only of small size, is in Zimbabwe formerly Southern Rhodesia. These were discovered only in 1956. Emeralds were known in India from antiquity, but their source is not certain. The quality of Indian emeralds is very variable, but most are polished as beads. Other sources of emerald include Norway, North Carolina, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, although none of these are very important. But if you’re vacationing in any of those states, we best you’ll keep your eyes peeled for any stray beryls!

Well I Like Saving Money...But Will My Jewelry Look as Nice?

2009-07-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

If you could acquire earrings that looked the same as earrings that sell for $10,000 but only cost you $25 would you be interested? If this opportunity would interest you let's discuss how you can make jewelry that looks the same as jewelry selling for $10,000 but only costs $25. In short, how do we get More Bling for Less Cha-Ching?

1. Solid gold is expensive and wasteful. You can't see the gold inside the jewelry, only the gold on the outside. Why pay for gold that you can't see or touch? The answer to this question is very simple -- don't pay for gold that you can't see or touch.Use gold-filled wire and findings. Our gold-filled wire and findings have the outside 5% of the wire or the finding made of 14k gold alloy. This is the part you can see or feel. The inside of the wire is a gold tone metal, but you can't see or touch this metal so why pay more for solid gold?

2. Don't support the diamond monopoly. Diamonds are naturally rare, but are made even rarer still by the monopoly.Simulated diamonds (cubic zirconia) have almost the same optical properties as a diamond. The cubic zirconia (CZ) stones are as bright as a diamond and can not be distinguished from a diamond by appearances alone. A pair of two carat flawless white diamonds can sell for over $10,000. Why pay a lot for a diamond when you can pay a little for a 2 carat, flawless, white CZ and not be able to tell the difference?

3. Jewelry can be expensive because of the labor involved in making the piece. You can easily reduce your labor costs by a>. We will show you how. For the pieces shown here the steps involved are very easy. The instructions can be found starting with the link at the top and bottom of this page.

4. Most jewelry is sold after passing through many middle-men between the source and the end customer. By cutting out several of the middle men, you can make jewelry at a much lower price. We purchase CZ's directly from the factory in China. This allows us to offer the formaking jewelry at very reasonable prices.

Why Should I Make My Own?

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Let's begin our discussion on how to get More Bling for Less Cha-Ching with a few words on why finished jewelry costs so much. First and foremost, jewelry costs a lot because the materials used to make it are rare and therefore the materials are expensive. At this time, the price of gold is well over $500 an ounce. Any jewelry made with gold is therefore going to be expensive and the more gold in the jewelry, the more the finished jewelry will cost. Second, jewelry can be expensive because some jewelry components (diamonds) have their prices set artificially by a monopoly that controls the commercial price of diamonds by limiting the number of stones available on the market at any time. A third reason that jewelry can cost a lot is that there may be a lot of labor that goes into making the item. A final reason that jewelry is expensive is that there are many companies involved between the source and the consumer and each company has to make a profit. All of these reasons are well documented and well known.

The Bridge that brought fame to Sri Lanka

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Fifty one years ago on December 18, 1957, was released a cinema classic that made Sri Lanka famous as an ideal movie location and boosted the island’s tourism image.

Today it is mainly the older generation of Kithulgala who cherish fond memories of the shooting of the Bridge on the River Kwai directed by David Lean and produced by Sam Spiegel. Many have talked about the movie but only a few remember the making of it in Sri Lanka. The film was a Theatrical smash-it won seven academic awards and grossed 10 times its $3 Million cost .

In addition to the Hollywood team, four Sri Lankans figured prominently in the making of this cinemascope film .They were Gamini Fonseka, Vijaya Abeydeva ,Willie Blake and Chris Greet.In addition to being an assistant cameraman in this Columbia Pictures Production, Willie Blake was also the chief cameraman of the documentary film made on the shooting of the Bridge on the River Kwai. Gamini Fonseka and Vijeya Abeydeva worked as assistant directors.

I had the priveledge of associating with the Gamini for over 25 years and also working under him when he was the Governor of the now demerged North-East Province.

“We as young men were extremely fortunate for having had the opportunity to work under directors like David Lean”. He used to say “One gets a better start in one’s film career by getting behind the camera rather that by getting in front of it.

Sri Lankan Chris Greet got a title billing in this cinemascope movie starring , William Holden ,Alec Guiness, and Jack Hawkins.

Some locals in Kitulgala gave up their job to work on the bridge. Everyone in the area was so thrilled and excited about it . They have never seen anything like that in their entire lives.They were engaged in the project for six months. Many Sri Lankans were recruited as extras for the film.

It was the first time in Sri Lanka that a film company bought an entire train and destroyed it. The train was one of those that ran on the then narrow gauge kelani valley line.The wooden bridge that spanned the Kelani river at Kalugotenne, Kitulgala was named after the actual steel and concrete bridge on the river Kwai in Thailand .Yet it was the Kitulgala bridge that brought the real Kwai Bridge back into the lime light .It revived painful memories of hundreds of those that died building the Burma-Siam Death Railway in world war II.

In fact there were two bridges built over the Kelany at Kalugotenne . One was built in order to film a scene which shows the bridge collapsing while under construction . While this was being built one worker was injured.

An Indian company undertook the contract to build the main bridge . The sub contract was given to a local firm . The villages in the vicinity who worked on the project earned nearly seven times more than what they were paid a day for tapping rubber trees.

However when the day came for the big blow up, the police chased the villagers away from the vicinity . The people could not comprehend why the bridge that was built at a massive cost ,was to be destroyed along with the train. As they watched from a safe distance. They saw the Japanese troop train passing the bridge twice , nothing happened. As it approached the middle of the bridge for the third time , a thundering explosion shook the area and broke the bridge in to two. The steam locomotive was the first to hit the water followed by the rest of the train.

The villagers were allowed to go to the spot only after an hour after the blast. The carriages which were in the water almost formed a bridge spanning the river . Young boys walked on the half sunk carriages , picking up khaki uniform dummies made of rubber. The dummies were Japanese soldiers being transported by train to the battle front in Burma.

The entire film was shot on location in Sri Lanka and the Mount Lavinia Hotel was among the places where filming was done. This country figured in the story itself , which was linked to actual events in World War II. [During the war the Mount Lavinia Hotel was a place of rest and recuperation for Allied troops and Kandy was the headquarters of the Supreme Commander South-East Asia , Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten.]

Writer-Producer Carl Foreman optioned French Novelist Pierre Boulle’s little known original novel “The Bridge on the River Kwai” and wrote a script which he sold to producer Sam Spiegel. Next Calder Willingham altered it and finally Michael Wilson put it into shape. Screen writer Robert Bolt also had a hand in it during the shooting here.

The story centers on a group of British Prisoners of War who built a bridge for the Japanese Army to move their troops across the river Kwai to the Burma front. One of the prisoners escape and returns to blow up the bridge on the very day it is opened for traffic.

Sri Lanka : The Competitive Advantage

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Sri Lanka possesses competitive advantages in South Asia in terms of :

Location

Investment Entry

Fiscal Incentives

Human resources and quality of life

Duty free access to India, Pakistan and EU

Situated at the center point of major shipping routes to South Asia and Far East , Colombo is already a transshipment center and a hub port.

Sri Lanka hopes to leverage on its locational advantage by implementing a policy framework to position the country as a ’services hub’ to the Indian Subcontinent . Based on this concept the main activities to be carried out over the next few years include:

Positioning Colombo as a regional hub for communications/IT/BPOs

Expansion of the port of Colombo as a center for transshipment

Expansion of the Colombo International Airport

Promotion of Colombo as a regional financial center

Construction of a new Airport in the South

Investment Entry

The Board of Investment (BOI) is the primary entry point for foreign investment into Sri Lanka. The procedures are simple and transparent, providing ease of entry.

Fiscal Incentives

The Sri Lankan Government offers a wide range of incentives for investors. Incentives are offered for export oriented manufacture and services, infrastructure, agriculture and for rural economic development and investors may be eligible for incentives provided by the BOI.

When an agreement is signed with the BOI, the incentives granted and commitments made , cannot be changed by successive governments.

Achieving US$ 1 Billion Export Revenue in 2010

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By Chanaka Ellawala

Chairman – Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association

In 2007 the government put in to place a progressive policy and regulatory framework to develop the industry and thereby creating the necessary platform for rapid growth . Several strategies need to be implemented to launch the industry from this platform on to a path of rapid growth.

It is the goal of the industry and the expectation of the government to accelerate export growth to achieve 3 main objectives, which are to achieve an annual growth rate of over 20% over the next several years, to surpass annual export revenue of US$1Billion by 2010 while increasing the share of value added exports, particularly jewellery exports.

During the 5 year period from 2002 to 2006 the industry registered an average annual growth rate of 13% and assuming that rate is maintained the industry is forecasted to reach US$1 Billion in 2013.

The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association has identified several strategies to increase the growth of gem exports from 14% to 45% and jewellery exports from 23% to 40% while maintaining the growth of diamond exports at the current rate of 12%.

Increasing the supply of gemstones, building manufacturing capacity in lapidary and jewellery manufacture and implementing a concrete marketing effort are the main strategic directions that are required to achieve the target . It is also imperative that the issues of financing and human resource development are addressed substantially to meet the state objectives .

Supply Development Strategy

The aim of the supply side strategy is to increase the supply of gemstone raw materials available to the industry which would lead to an increase in the volume of goods exported.

Increasing the supply from domestic sources can be achieved by increasing the availability of state and plantation land for gemming, providing tax exemptions for gemming, carrying out a national gem deposit survey to identify new gem deposits and increase mining productivity through technological development.

The supply of imported raw materials could be increased by facilitating the free flow of imported raw materials by eliminating exchange control , import control and customs regulations at entry points , granting indirect exported status to gemstone importers, establishing a special purpose vehicle [SPV/ Consortium] with a revolving credit facility to finance the import of raw materials and negotiating bi-lateral gem trade agreements with other source countries.

Building Strategy for Manufacturing Capacity

Increasing the industry capability for value addition to local gemstone raw materials is an important objective in the development of exports.

The manufacturing capacity building strategy aims to rapidly increase the capacity for cutting and polishing of gemstones and expanding jewellery manufacturing by the existing factories and by establishing new factories.

This could be achieved by redressing the financial constraints faced by investors in the industry, designating contract cutting, (re-export) as an export activity , increasing the supply of skilled personnel through delivery of high quality training , assisting local machinery manufacturers to improve their products and expand their capacity.

The capacity building strategy could target investment from three investor groups namely, foreign investors from Europe (foreign direct investment) , existing domestic manufacturers (expansion) and gem exporters (forward integration)

Market Development Strategies

The demand side strategy is aimed at expanding the market for gems and jewellery from Sri Lanka and increasing the value (per carat price) of Sri Lanka gems in international markets.

Branding Strategy

Increasing the demand for and value of gems from Sri Lanka could be achieved by registering a geographical indication for Ceylon sapphire and rolling out a branding program to position Ceylon sapphire as a premium product and establishing an internationally accredited Laboratory to issue reports and certificates on gems to build buyer and consumer confidence.

Repositioning Strategy

The repositioning strategy aims to build the image and awareness in selected markets, of Sri Lanka as a major jewellery production center.

By organizing attractive national pavilions at major trade fairs in target markets and launching an international media campaign targeting both the trade and consumers in selected markets . Sri Lanka can be repositioned as a jewellery manufacturing hub.

Marketing and Promotion Strategy

To support the specific strategies aimed at accelerating export growth , it is also essential to undertake a focused approach to marketing and promotion of gems and jewellery from Sri Lanka , not only to grow sales in existing markets such as USA , Germany, UK, Japan, but to augment these with sales from new markets such as India, Russia and China.

Establishing the proposed Gem and Jewellery Trade Promotion Council , a public private partnership that will unify the industries marketing and promotion activities by carrying out these activities in a planned , organized and coordinated manner will maximize the impact of limited resource .

Developing FACETS SRI LANKA rapidly into a major international event is also important.

Financing

Substantial investment in fixed and working capital is required to achieve the forecasted growth . The lack of access to debit finance via the financial sector coupled with high rates of interest is a major constraint. Access to competitive financing can be facilitated by providing collateral support for fixed and working capital loans by establishing a credit guarantee fund, mitigate the financing cost by introducing an interest rebate scheme and by permitting banks to grant precious metal loans (e.g. Gold Loans).

Human Resource Development

The shortage of skilled cutters and craftsmen is a major constraint that impedes the development of the industry . Around 1000 persons will have to be trained per annum in gem cutting, jewellery making and gemmology to meet the increased demand for trained/skilled personnel. Establishing an accredited school of excellence , offering a scholarship scheme for students who enroll in training programs and carrier prospects awareness programs are some of the actions that are required.

Rapid implementation of these proposed strategies to increase the global competitiveness of the industry could accelerate the current growth of 13% to 22% , which would lead to reaching $ 1 Billion by 2010.

News in Brief

The National Gem and Jewellery Authority “NGJA” participated at the “Sri Lanka National Treasurer Exhibition ” organized by M/s Ryokusei Japan Company in Shizuka , Japan with the collaboration of Sri Lanka Embassy in Japan, from 21st to 23rd March 2008. The main objective of this event is to promote fine quality gems of Sri Lankan origin in Japan. The 393-carat Star of Lanka” and the 105-carat Cats eye “Ray of Treasurer” were displayed at the exhibition .The exhibition drew large crowds and the image of Sri Lanka as a leading producer of fine quality gems was further enhanced.

The Kimberly Process Workshop

The representatives from the NGJA attended the Kimberly process workshop held in March 2008

Navaratna Rings, Gemstones ,Jewelry ,News

2009-07-29T21:25:00.000-07:00

There are three main ways in which gems can be used -firstly as body ornaments, or to show rank and status and secondly, as a symbol of wealth.Thirdly- depending on ones superstitious beliefs -to bring blessings and good fortune ; to ward off evil and even to cure certain illnesses and diseases.

Navaratna, literally a sanscrict compound word meaning Nine Gems is a talisman or accessory set with Nine Gemstones.

From ancient times most of the people in Sri Lanka and elsewhere in the world believed that gemstones influenced their lives in a number of ways. Accordingly people could achieve success and gain good health by wearing an appropriate stone in a piece of jewelry.

In India a man of outstanding qualities is called Purusha Ratna(Gem of a Man) and woman of outstanding qualities is called Sthree Ratna(Gem of a Woman). The highest award given by the Indian Government to its citizens in recognition of their services to the nation is called Bharata Ratna (Gem of India). In India Navaratna is known as Maharatna or Divine Gem Stones.

Navaratna setting system, an introduction

Navaratna was a term applied to a group of nine extraordinary people in the Royal Court in India. During the reign of Wickramadhitya among the most notable of nine such person was Kalidasa . Others included Waraha Mihira who was greatly honored by the King for his learning and accurate predictions.

Superstitions linked to gems have been common in Thailand since the Ayutthaya period and some have this belief even today.Among the most common superstitions is that nine different coloured gems are a blessing. A symbol of this belief was the sash of Nine Gems-a royal decoration used to hold the reigning monarchs sword. It was believed that this sash would bring victory to the wearer in battle. The sash is also worn by the King as a decoration of rank at the time of coronation .Since days long past Thais, Indians, and Sinhalese have used the nine gems to invoke blessings and good fortune. It is beleived that these precious stones can bring blessings to the wearer and protect him/her from all danger such as fire, harm from weapons, enemies, poisonous animals, and insects. Besides these gems can bring success in Business and Agriculture , give charm to the wearer and attract followers . When the nine gems are combined , they give the owner power and influence .

Navaratna Gemstones

In Indian Astrology a number of factors are taken into consideration and the horoscope has to be drawn up according to planetary positions and their influence during various periods of life .The gems that a person should wear is decided based on these predictions.In astrology the nine planets have been assigned nine different gemstones . The rationale of the use of gem stones to avert evil effects of planets depends on a planet’s colours and vibrations. The colour of the planet is reflected on the human body through the gem . The absorption and reflection of the rays and vibrations has an effect on the wearer . The gem acts as a filter and produces good or evil effect depending on the physical requirements . If a planet emanating a ray the vibration of which is harmful to the person it is counteracted by the ray that the gem absorbs. The evil effect is thus neutralized . The correct stone deflects the maletic rays allowing beneficial rays to enter the body.

Thais use Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Topaz or Yellow Sapphire, Garnet, Blue Sapphire, Pearl or Moonstone , Zircon and Cat’s Eye (Chrysoberyl) as nine stones. In India the Navaratna stones are Ruby, Diamond, Pearl, Red Corel, Hessonite Garnet, Blue Sapphire, Cats Eye, Yellow Sapphire and Emerald. In Sri Lanka the following gems are used: Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, Ruby, White Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, Hessonite Garnet, Pathmaraga and Cats Eye.

Ring set with nine Navaratna Gemstones

Today these nine gems are are popular not only in Asia but also in Europe . Apart from the use of these nine gems in making jewelry such as rings, pendants, bracelets and belts they are also used in Royal Households to decorate utensils. In Thailand they are quite often wrapped in a piece of white cloth or tri-coloured cloth of red, yellow and blue and buried beneath the central pillar of the house. Whereas the wealthy use a diamond to represent white gems the less wealthy use a white zircon or a white sapphire. Navaratna is also seen in the foundation of Hindu Temples.

The solar system comprises the Sun and all the celestial bodies that revolve around it. Each of the nine planets around the sun supposedly have an influence throughout an individuals course of life . Hence it is believed that wearing these nine gems is beneficial to an individual.

PLANET | ASSOCIATED GEMSTONE

Sun | Ruby

Moon | Natural Pearl

Mars | Red Corel

Mercury | Emerald

Jupiter | Yellow Sapphire/ Topaz

Venus | Diamond

Saturn | Blue Sapphire

Rahu | Hessonite Garnet

Ketu | Cats Eye

According to Indian Astrology , one of the more common setting has the ‘Ruby’ representing the Sun in the center. Ruby is said to give name, fame and power to its user. Diamond representing Venus is in the East. It is said that a person who wears a diamond leads a luxurious life. Diamond is also supposed to enhance the name, fame and artistic talents of the wearer . Blue sapphire representing Saturn is in the west . Blue sapphire removes evil effects of Saturn . It is said that this stone has magical power to eleviate its user to a higher status . Cat’s eye representing Ketu is in the North, this protects its wearer from hidden enemies , mysterious dangers and diseases. Coral representing Mars is in the South. It is said that Red Coral instills courage . It also helps to cure blood related diseases. Emerald representing mercury is in the North East. Emerald improves faculties related to the brain such as communication, intellect and ability to learn . Hessonite garnet representing Rahu is in the South West. The shadow planet Rahu is supposed to be responsible for all sorts of delays or very late fulfillment of ambitions . This stone improves relations with people and protects the wearer from sudden misfortunes . Yellow sapphire representing Jupiter is in the North . This stone is one of the most widely used gems that help achieve better financial status . It improves vision, gives life security and protects a person from poverty and misfortune.

Stones used for astrological reasons may have some natural inclusions , but all these stones should be transparent, translucent and flawless.

Wearing Navaratna depends on three factors ,purity of the stone is very important to transmit the vibrations to the wearer . It is believed that gemstones with cracks will block the path of the light or the rays.. These gems should be natural without any treatment. Larger stones are recommended to convey the ,maximum benefit to the wearer . The will power and the belief of the wearer are also important .

According to the Vedic Sanskrit Authority only pure top quality gems are considered to be desirable. Sri Agni Puranam Chap:246 states “A gem free from all impurities and radiating its characteristic internal luster should be looked upon as an escort of good luck . A gem which is cracked and devoid of luster or appearing rough or sandy should not be used at all.

Sri Garuda Purana chapter 70 states that ” if anyone wears a gem with many flaws out of ignorance , then, grief, anxiety, sickness, death, loss of wealth and other evils torment them.”

Physical Properties of the Nine Gems

Corundum

Out of the nine, five stones namely Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pathmaraga, White Sapphire and Yellow Sapphire belong to the Corundum family.

Crystal system: Trigonal

Refractive index:1.759-1.760

Hardness: 9.0

Chemical composition: Aluminium Oxide

Density 3.98

Name derived from Sanskrit, “Kuruvinda”. Corundum is a crystalline form of Aluminium Oxide .It has different colours when impurities are present. Transparent specimens are used as gems , called Ruby if red, Padmaraga if pinkish orange while all other colours are called sapphires, usually with the colour specified as a prefix to the word sapphire for example Yellow Sapphire.

Pure corundum is colourless often called white sapphire. Chromic oxide causes brilliant red , thereby producing rubies. Ferric oxide causes yellow colouration , titanium oxide produces vivid-blue. Some corundum in Sri Lanka have patchy colours and colour bands . Sri Lankan corundum typically carries zircon crystals as inclusions known as ‘zircon haloes’.

Pearls

Hardness: 2.5-4.5

Chemical composition: calcium carbonate.

Natural Pearls are organic gems formed in bodies of certain salt water and fresh water Mollusks . They are made up of mostly fine platy crystalline layers called Nacre causing the distinctive pearly luster . Appearance is translucent to opaque . Body colour is white or cream, pink green black and blue colours are also available . The cause of colour is due to the interference of light reflected off platy crystal layers in nacre. Identification characteristics are gritty to cutting edges of teeth. Most imitations are smooth. There are cultured pearls. There are also glass and plastic imitations in the market.

The shapes of pearls are categorized as round, pear shaped, egg shaped and drop shaped.

Hessonite Garnet

Crystal System: Cubic

Refractive Index: 1.740

Hardness 7.25

Specific Gravity: 3.5-3.7

Chemical Composition: Calcium Aluminium Silicate.

It is a variety of grosular garnet

The colour of hessonite is like the colour of honey shining under a ray of light. The colour is due to the presence of Manganese. This gem contains inclusions which look like scattered island of flat bubbles . The best hessonite garnets are found in Sri Lanka, as the Spessartite too, occurs in deep goden yellow and yellow brown colours ,these could be mistaken for hessonite.

Tourmaline

Crystal system: Trigonal

R.I : 1.624-1.644

Hardness: 7.5

S.G: 3.5

Chemical Composition: A complex Borosilicate of Aluminium

It exhibits more range of colours than any other mineral . It has colours such as red, blue ,yellow, pink, black and green. Green is from Iron ,Chromium and Vanadium. Pink is from Manganese. Its original- Sinhala name is Thora- malli. Mal is the Sinhalese term for flower . Thora is the name of a plant .Tourmaline is a pyroelectric mineral , meaning when warmed it attracts dust and light weight particles.

Varieties:

Rubellite: Pink to red Tourmaline

Indicolite: Light to dark Tourmaline

Dravite: Brown Tourmaline

Anchorite: Colourless Tourmaline

Schorl: Black Tourmaline

Water melon Tourmaline: Tourmaline with red center surrounded by a green layer.

Verdelite: Name rarely used to describe green tourmaline.

Sybarite: Purple variety.

Paraiba Tourmaline: Neon blue variety

Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye

Crystal system: Orthorhombic

R.I : 1.746-1.755

Hardness: 8.5

S.G 3.5-3.8

Chemical composition: Berryllium Aluminium Oxide

Ordinary chrysoberyl is a yellowish green , transparent to translucent. In Sri Lanka chrysoberyls are found as water worn pebbles. Cymophane is popularly known as cat’ eye. This variety exhibits a pleasing chatoyant effect that reminds one of an eye of a cat. When cut to produce a cabochon the mineral forms a light green specimen with a silky band of light extending across the surface of the stone . Chatoyancy , like Asterism is a reflection effect brought about by the stone inclusions . Some common colours in which cat’s eye occurs are milky white to grey, bluish or greenish white and apple green and greenish orange.

Why are most minerals not popular as gems?

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There are millions of minerals that exist on the earth, but few of them are prized as gems and used for adornment. Many of them aren’t in colors that are usually highly prized for jewelry. Or they’re not able to be cut and polished to be made wearable as jewelry.

Often it’s a matter of changing taste and times. In Imperial Russia and in the Victorian era, the mineral malachite and other opaque minerals were highly valued as gemstones jewelry. It is often a by-product of copper mining, and is distinguished by a brilliant green color, with dark concentric circles of color swirling through it. It’s not as highly valued because it’s easily available and not as expensive as an emerald or ruby. But there is an entire room devoted to malachite in the Russian museum, the Hermitage, as testament to its desirability among the most privileged class of people.

There have been discoveries that indicate that malachite was mined in Egypt as early as 4,000 B.C. It’s a soft gem, and easily carved and shaped. It polishes to a beautiful, rich sheen. But still is not highly prized in the U.S. as a gemstone.

Very often some minerals simply shouldn’t be used as gemstones, but because of their beauty, people wear them as such anyway. A moonstone is one such gem. It’s relatively soft, with a rating of 6 on Moh’s scale of mineral hardness, compared to a diamond’s hardness rating of 10. It’s a type of mineral called orthoclase, but when it exhibits a translucent, milky quality, it’s then called moonstone.

Other minerals exist, but are simply not prized for gemstones. Among the more common minerals, quartz stands out as one that can be used for jewelry, as well as decorative items.

Colors of gems

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Gems come in every color of the spectrum. While sapphires, rubies and emeralds are what come to mind first when one thinks of a colored gem, there are so many other beautiful colored gemstones to consider. Even among gems normally associated with one color, there are gradations and variations to them. A sapphire, for example, comes in many different hues of blue, depending on where it’s from. But sapphires can also come in pink, yellow and green.

The most highly prized colored gems are in the very deepest, richest hues of the color. While sapphires can range from pale blue to near-black, the most valuable are a rich, deep blue. The same holds true for rubies. While they too can range in color from pale to very dark and murky, the most highly-valued color is what’s called pigeon’s blood, a deep blood-red ruby that is mined in what was once known as Burma.

The most expensive emeralds are a deep green, although emeralds themselves come in a broad spectrum of hues, from yellow-green to blue-green. All colored gems, and clear gems, depend on expert cutting and polishing to showcase the colors in all their subtleties and brilliance.

Generally the deeper and richer the color, the more valuable the stone. The best amethysts will be a dark, royal purple. A lighter-colored amethyst simply isn’t as valuable.

But many people prefer these lighter or darker gradations in color. And, they tend to be more affordable. A slightly lighter-colored amethyst is much easier to obtain than the “ideal” color, but is still a beautiful gemstone.

Oddly enough, diamonds are rated by how colorless they are. The less color, the higher the grade of diamond. Unless of course it’s a defined color such as a pink diamond or a canary diamond. These are almost as highly prized as a near-colorless diamond.

Cost Cutting GemStone Ring Tips

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Gemstones have been sought after and treasured throughout history. They have been found in ruins dating several thousand years. They are valued as gifts symbolizing love.

Generally, the price of any gemstone is determined by: size, cut, quality (color/clarity/treatments), and type. Here are some questions to ask about quality:

Has it been treated? (See treatments listed below)

Is the stone natural or synthetic?

Are there any noticeable scratches, chips or inclusions?

Is the color even throughout the stone?

How good is the color? (Is it vivid?)

If you are buying the stones for earrings or cufflinks, are the stones well matched?
There are many ways that dealers treat gemstones. The savvy buyer asks lots of questions and hopefully tests the results. Here are some treatments to look for:

Irradiation: It is common to irradiate Aquamarine, London Blue Topaz, Emerald, and Diamond as well as other stones. This treatment brings out color and removes imperfections. Many dealers know if the stones they are selling have been irradiated. Honest ones will tell you if they are aware of the treatment.
Heat Treatment: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Ruby, Tanzanite and Topaz are often heated at high temperatures to enhance color.
Dye: This is the most common treatment used. On clear stones, dye may be visible in cracks that are darker than the rest of the stone. Sometimes dye appears as a residue that rubs off or white patches. Lapis and Rose Quartz are commonly dyed. Amethyst and Citrine are often dyed. Black Onyx is permanently dyed in normal processing.
Coatings: Jasper is often dipped in petroleum products to bring out color and to seal it. Emerald is oiled; turquoise is waxed.
Fake stones: Some dealers will try passing off fake stones instead of natural ones. There are fake stones for most gemstones on the market. Always ask what stone something is if you are not certain. Honest dealers will tell you. If a stone looks too perfect it may be fake, irradiated or dyed. I avoid Laboratory made products are known as synthetics.

Gemstone rings are a personal gift used to show love and caring. Friendship rings, promise rings and wedding rings can all be made with gemstones. The most popular gemstone ring is a diamond ring as it has been used to symbolize love for centuries. Other popular choices are aquamarine, emerald, and ruby.

gemstone fashion

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Lithium Quartz

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Tumbled Polished Lithium Quartz

Lithium quartz occurs as a prismatic quartz crystal with lavender inclusions of lithium-bearing. This rare stone is found only in the remote location of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Lithium Quartz is a very gentle, but very powerful stone. It brings an easy state of relaxation without diminishing one's energy level.

Enhances deep meditation
Releases one from tension
Activates any of the chakras and particularly the heart chakra and third eye chakra
Awakens Higher Self

Lithium Quartz brings harmony to relationships.

This stone is beneficial for anyone seeking more harmony in a relationship - whether it be a friend, spouse, lover or family member. Place a lithium quartz under the pillow of each person to enhance intimacy and passion.

Lithium Quartz healing properties

Reduces panic or anxiety attacks
Reduces stress
Offers support for people using anti-depressants

Larimar

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Larimar (dolphin stone, atlantis stone) meaning

Larimar is a relatively new find that occurs one place on earth - on the island of Hispaniola, in the Caribbean Sea.

Larimar was originally discovered in 1916 by a Spanish priest who reported the discovery but no mining was done. Then, in 1974, the American Peace Corps Volunteer, Norman Rilling, and the Dominican, Miguel Mendez, rediscovered the stone on the beaches of Barahona. It was determined by geologists that larimar is a rare form of blue pectolite.

Named for Mr. Mendez’s daughter “Larissa” and the Spanish word for sea “Mar”, Larimar contains the blue hues of the caribbean sea, with white and gray 'clouds'. It is a stunning stone.

The available quantity at the mine is unknown, which makes the future supply of Larimar uncertain.

Some believe that larimar is the blue stone with extraordinary healing powers that Edgar Cayce predicted would be discovered in the Caribbean, where he said part of Atlantis could be found.

Larimar awakens feminine power and soothes the emotions.

Created by volcanic activity, it balances water and fire energy
Powerful throat chakra stone, assists in expression of emotions
Teaches respect, love and nurturing
Cleanses unhealthy emotional blocks, releases attachments
Excellent for pregnant or new mothers to relieve depression and stress

Kyanite

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Kyanite Gemstone meaning

Kyanite is an interesting gem that was discovered during the nineteenth century. The most highly prized kyanite is the vibrant blue or blue-green hue. It is also found in shades of gray, yellow, white and a colorless variety that is considered quite rare.

It was once believed that a kyanite suspended from a human hair could follow the earth's magnetic force. Early travellers sometimes used it as a compass when exploring unknown territories.

Healing properties of kyanite

The fan like clusters or blades that are formed by kyanite make it an ideal stone for restoring energy balance. It is a very effective energy conduit that can balance most systems of the body. It can quickly create stillness and tranquility, making it an excellent stone for meditation.

Sources of kyanite

Kyanite is found in mountainous regions in the United States (Montana and North Carolina), Switzerland, Brazil and Myanmar.

Yellow Jasper

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Yellow Jasper Gemstone meaning

A strong protection gemstone, jasper sustains and supports during times of stress. Jasper is one of the oldest known gemstones. It is mentioned in the Bible several times. Jasper is a strong securing gemstone. It is a stability gemstone. It is a powerful protection against things that are not good for you and it eases emotional stresses, making it a wonderful gemstone to have in your home.

Yellow Jasper offers protection during spiritual work and physical travel. It channels positive energy. It stimulates the solar plexus chakra.

Healing properties of Jasper

Yellow Jasper releases toxins and helps with digestion in the stomach.

Ocean Jasper

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Ocean Jasper (Orbicular Jasper)

Ocean Jasper (also called Orbicular Jasper) is an unusual jasper found only at a remote location on the coast of Madagascar that can only be mined at low tide! The colors vary widely - including white, green, pink, red, black, blue. The wild polka dots, wavy lines, multi colored floret patterns of Ocean Jasper make this a gorgeous and exciting stone.

The positive vibrations of Ocean Jasper make it a stone of joy.

Stimulates solar plexus, heart and throat chakras
Increases expression of love in words and actions
Gently brings into focus the positive aspects of one's life
Brings relaxation and cooperation to the home or workplace

This powerful stone lifts negativity so one can fully appreciate blessings.

Red Jasper

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Red Jasper Gemstone meaning

A strong protection gemstone, red jasper is known to protect against hazards of the night. Red jasper is very lucky for actors. Jasper is one of the oldest known gemstones. It is mentioned in the Bible several times. Jasper is a strong securing gemstone. It is a stability gemstone. It is a powerful protection against things that are not good for you and it eases emotional stresses, making it a wonderful gemstone to have in your home.

Jasper gives one the courage to speak out and have personal independence. It also protects from fears in the night. Red jasper is thought to help balance the energy in the body. All jaspers help balance the emotional energy in the body.

Healing properties of Jasper

Red Jasper helps with the sense of smell. It also promotes physical energy.

Leopard Skin Jasper

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Leopard Skin Jasper Gemstone meaning

There are many types of jasper; it is one of the oldest known gemstones. It is mentioned in the Bible several times. All jaspers are strong securing, stability stones. It is a powerful protection against things that are not good for you and it eases emotional stresses, making it a wonderful gemstone to have in your home.

Leopard skin jasper is associated with shaman travel and spiritual discovery. It helps you to connect with your spiritual animal totem and traverse between the worlds in order to learn the lessons of your personal totem.

Healing properties of Jasper

Jasper comes in many colors. All colors of Jasper will help balance the vibrations of the body. Jasper is slow to show a change to the person, but is such a basic "good" stone that one should always have it on hand. Leopard skin jasper is said to assist in self-healing.

Rainbow Jasper

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Rainbow Jasper Gemstone meaning

Healing properties of Jasper

Jasper comes in many colors. All colors of Jasper will help balance the vibrations of the body. Jasper is slow to show a change to the person, but is such a basic "good" stone that one should always have it on hand. Rainbow jasper is said to ease emotional stress. Carry rainbow jasper and feel relaxed and secure.

Putting a rainbow Jasper in a glass of water for 3 days and then drinking the water is considered a tonic for good health.

Iolite

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Iolite Gemstone meaning

Iolite is a fascinating stone with an interesting past. Ancient mariners used iolite as a compass to guide their way to sea. They noted that it would show different hues of blue-violet when held to the northern and southern skies. Ancients believed that it could unlock creativity in an artist.

Iolite opens a path to your deep inner self

Use this stone to discover the lost parts of self and your inner treasures. It is an excellent stone for shamanic journeying or to assist in recovering information from past lives.

It clears the third eye chakra. It is a stone of vision and creative expression.

Healing properties of Iolite

Iolite supports the healing of the eyes, stimulates memory and helps with sleep imbalances.

Infinite

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Infinite Stone

Infinite is a tradename for a variety of green serpentine (mixture of Serpentine and Chrysotile) found in South Africa. It's energies are believed to be superior to those of other serpentines and it has come to be known as the "Healer's Stone".

Repatterns the auric field
Increases the potency of reiki and other energetic healing methods
Activates kundalini energy
Provides a nurturing energy from the Base Chakra to the Heart

Infinite stone is a powerful earth element stone that renews energy and aligns one's energy with the Earth.

Use a small piece of Infinite as a worry stone, put a larger piece next to or under your pillow for more restful sleep, and try using extra large pieces as massage tools.

See Infinite Massage Wand...

The unique energy of Infinite works on all levels of the self. It stimulates physical, emotional and spiritual healing and makes an excellent tool for the healing of loss, separation and betrayal. It is a beneficial grief stone. This stone also aids in the connection to the Angelic realms.

Sources of Infinite

This stone is found in South Africa.

Vesuvianite Sphere

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Vesuvianite Sphere

Vesuvianite (also known as Idocrase) is named for Mount Vesuvius in Italy where it was initially discovered. It is usually found in green but also can occur in purple, red, white, brown or yellow.

This very energetic stone aligns the will with the heart, bringing a wholeness and integrity that is quite healthy for the individual.

It encourages enthusiasm for life and imparts the courage to change. More benefits of this beautiful stone include:

Releases negative attachments
Helps one find a true path in life
Refurbishes courage by releasing hidden fears
Aligns truth with daily life

Howlite

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Howlite Gemstone meaning

Howlite can be found in green, white and blue. It is a super-calming stone and many people use it to releive stress of all kinds. It makes an excellent antidote to insomnia due to an overactive mind.

Focusing on a piece of howlite can assist in journeying outside the body and gaining insight from past lives. Placed on the third eye, it opens memories of previous times and lifetimes.

Howlite teaches patience

Place a howlite stone in your pocket to absorb your own anger - or another's anger that is directed toward you. It helps to overcome critical or selfish behaviour.

Healing properties of howlite

Relieves insomnia
Balances calcium levels
Strengthens teeth and bones

Nirvana Quartz

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Nirvana Quartz (Himalayan Ice Quartz)

This rosy quartz was recently discovered (in 2006) high in the Himalayan mountains in a region that had previously been submersed in ice all year round.

The crystal formation is chunky and irregular - a result of calcite and other mineral deposits having once been attached to the crystal, but dissipating over time. This type of crystal formation is known as "growth interference crystal" and is generally used to release blocks and limitations imposed by oneself on goals or purposes.

This quartz contains many tiny caves and grooves that create a fascinating view to the inner crystal. The coloring is quite delicate with shimmering pinks and whites.

This is a rare and especially exciting crystal. Very limited quantity.

Herkimer Diamond

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Herkimer Diamond

The Herkimer diamond is double pointed Quartz Crystal that has already been faceted by nature.

very strong power
used in out of the body travel
assists in communicating with other planes and kingdoms

Herkimer Diamonds help connect the astral plane with the earth plane.

Healing properties of Herkimer Diamond

Herkimer Diamond is double terminated crystal (there is a point at each end of the crystal). It is water clear and different from Quartz. It is a very powerful balancer of the body and emotions and should be used carefully. Double terminated equals super power.

Sources of Herkimer Diamond

The Herkimer comes from only one place - Herkimer, New York, in the United States. The bedrock in which the crystals are found began forming approximately half a billion years ago in a shallow Cambrian Sea that lapped against the southern shores of the ancestral Adirondack Mountains (near the town of Herkimer, New York).

Hemimorphite

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Hemimorphite meaning

Hemimorphite is an empathy stone.

Blue Hemimorphite aids in communication of inner feelings toward healing unhealthy or damaged relationships. It is also used to:

encourage compassion
develop the ability to connect with the 'other side' and angelic beings
increase psychic or vision abilities
develop inner strength
excellent for energy in completing projects through to the end

Healing properties of hemimorphite

Healers use this stone to relieve PMS, achieve balance during hormonal-related headaches and other maladies, weight loss, ulcer conditions.

Hematite

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Hematite meaning and properties

Hematite is used to improve relationships. If you need your personal relationship to be better, carry a hematite with you always.

The name comes from the Greek word for blood. It has been used as an amulet against bleeding, and so is known as the "blood stone". When arranged like the petals of a flower, it is referred to as the "iron rose". Native American folklore states that war paint made from hematite will make one invincible in battle. People in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries wore hematite jewelry during mourning.

Scientists of the Mars Exploration Rover Project believe that deposits of hematite on Mars may help prove whether large amounts of liquid water ever flowed on Mars' surface. They say that where water was, life may have had a chance to thrive as well.

Hematite is good for increasing intuition. In jewelry it is best in a ring worn on the left hand.

Healing properties of Hematite

Hematite stimulates iron absorption in the small intestine, which in turn improves oxygen supply to the body. It can be in direct contact with the skin, but results in inflammation for some people, so test it carefully on yourself before use.

Sources of Hematite

Brazil is the most important source of hematite. Other sources include: China, Canada, England, and Germany.

Garnet

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Garnet Gemstone meaning

The Garnet is known as the stone for a successful business. If your business is not as good as it should be, just put 3 or more garnets on your desk. It is believed that if a garnet is put under a pillow it will cure depression. Garnets can be used to make a person popular and have self-esteem when worn as jewelry. It helps protect one on trips. Garnets bring constancy to friendships. Garnets are also known for stimulating success in business.

Types of Garnet

Garnets are a related group of minerals. Members of this group include: almandine (red to violet red); spessartite (yellow, rose, or orange to reddish-brown); pyrope (deep red); grossular (white, yellow, yellow-green, brownish-red, orange or black); andradite (colorless, yellow-green, or brown to black). The most prized garnet is an emerald green variety called demantoid and is a member of the adradite group.

Healing properties of Garnet

Garnet comes in many colors, but now we will speak only about red Garnet. The Garnet is associated with the thyroid and spleen. It helps cleanse and purify both when held over the area. The Garnet is usually held in the hand or placed on top of the head when searching or meditating on past lives. Information that is beneficial and helpful will usually be released for the searcher.

The Garnet is a stone of purity and truth as well as a symbol of love and compassion. The information released in a search may be painful, but it will always be what the searcher needs. The Garnet will help everyone's security level and spiritual awareness.It can help increase the sex drive.

Sources of Garnet

Currently, the world's largest supply of garnets is the continent of Africa. In December 1996, a student in Central Australia discovered what is thought to be the largest single garnet ever found - measuring nearly one hundred feet across! Other sources of garnet include India, Soviet Union, Brazil and the United States.

Galena

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Galena gemstone meaning

Galena is a transformation stone. It is effective when embarking on a personal spiritual journey.

Soul-retrieval, past life recall stone

Galena is sometimes used in past life regression therapy as a guide to inner vision. It assists in facing and overcoming one's deepest fears.

Galena is an Earth stone and as such has strong grounding properties:

Brings strength, courage and ability to face difficult times
Helps one to recover personal power
Assists in countering the ill effects of radiation, electromagnetic pollutiion, long hours in front of the computer

Healing properties of Galena

Galena is used by healers to counter infection, protect against radiation, recover from addictions.

Fuchsite

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Fuchsite (Green Muscovite)

Fuchsite is the green variety of muscovite and carries the properties of muscovite - inspiration, problem solving, intuition, etc. As a heart chakra stone, it links the intellect of the mind with the heart.

Fuchsite allows one to use the gifts of the mind, guided by the heart.

When used by healers, it amplifies the energies of crystals and speeds up the healing process. Benefits of Fuchsite include:

Decreases insomnia
Improves self-worth
Relieves emotional shock
Develops a quick wit
Resilience

Fluorite

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Fluorite Gemstone meaning

Formerly called fluorspar, fluorite has a wide range of colors including yellow, blue, pink purple and green. It is an interesting and beautiful stone because often more than one color occurs in a single stone. The ancient Egyptians used flourite to carve statues and scarabs, the Chinese have used it in carvings for over 300 years. In the 18th century, fluorite was powdered in water to relieve the symptoms of kidney disease.

Fluorite is said to absorb and neutralize negative vibrations. It makes one more receptive to the vibrations of other stones. Fluorite should be kept in every room of the home. Fluorite is known as the "Genius Stone".

increases concentration
helps in decision-making

Healing properties of Fluorite

Fluorite may be used with other stones. It helps to open the way for the power of other stones to be effective. It can be used as a meditation stone to help energize the body and raise the power of concentration.

Healers use it to help with ulcers as well as the respiratory tract by stimulating cell regeneration in these areas. It fortifies bones, improves arthritic or other joint ailments. It can be laid directly on the body.

Sources of Fluorite

Locations where fluorite is found include Canada, USA, South Africa, Thailand, Peru, Mexico, China, Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Norway, England, and Germany.

Fire Agate

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Fire Agate Gemstone meaning

Fire Agate has a deep calming energy that brings security and safety. It is a protection stone with strong grounding powers.

Fire agate links to the fire element and is used as an aid to improve sexual activity, stimulating vitality and opening the base chakra.

Hold a fire agate to inspire inner knowledge to emerge in the resolution of problems. It also helps in overcoming addictions, and other destructive desires.

Healing properties of fire agate

Heals the stomach, nervous, endocrine systems
Strengthens night vision
Reduces hot flashes

Fire agate is said to represent absolute perfection. It instills spiritual fortitude.

Eye Agate

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Eye Agate Gemstone meaning

Also known as Botswana Agate, eye agate has been known to ward off the evil eye. This is the gemstone for people who are sensitive and lonely or easily hurt. It will help you have more self-satisfaction and protect you from hurt.

Healing properties of eye agate

Eye Agate or Botswana Agate enhances sexual energy by giving physical stamina.