Legends say that it is an all-purpose healer, used to reduce stress, develop confidence, imagination and improve prosperity. A legend from ancient Tibet says that aventurine was used to improve nearsightedness and to increase the wearer's creativity.

Many believe that aventurine has the capacity to calm a troubled spirit and bring

It is interesting that the name for the stone is derived from an accident. Sometime during the 18th century, Venetian glass workers were preparing molten glass when copper filings accidentally fell into the batch producing a glass with sparkles. The name aventurine comes from the Italian "a ventura," which means"by chance".

Deposits are found in Brazil, India, Austria, Russia, and Tanzania.

While references in mythology to Aventurine specifically are scarce, Quartz, because of its abundance of worldwide sources, occurs often in ancient myths.  For instance, Persian folk lore maintains that placing a quartz stone on a baby will ensure intake of mother's milk. 

Australian tribes use quartz crystals in rainmaking ceremonies. Native American cultures used quartz for arrowheads, knives, divining stones and ornaments.  Some West African tribes created ceremonial seats from a single piece of quartz.  Finally, early inhabitants of what is now Britain used quartz for their curative powers to purify water and cure sterility.

Around 2.5 million years ago in the Omo valley of Ethiopia, some of the earliest primitive stone tools such as axes were made of Quartzites -- Aventurine found among them.  These materials were used because of their hardness and their isotropic brittleness which made it possible to shape the tools with relative ease. 

 Aventurine has been used for many centuries in the making of jewelry, vases and bowls, and other ornamental pieces.  A very unique ancient vase made of bright Aventurine is displayed in the Hermitage Art Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Sometimes called "Indian Jade" or the "stone of heaven," Green Aventurine is like the "good luck shamrock of the mineral kingdom".  It is known as the "gambler's stone" because it is the luckiest of all stones in games of chance.  It is often placed in charm bags to bring good fortune and money.  Aventurine can also be used to induce psychic dreams, to bring answers or to see into the future; it increases clairvoyance.  It is a good source of Earth energy; hold it in the opposite hand from your pendulum when divining.  Leave it as a gift for Nature Spirits.

Green Aventurine is an alternate birthstone for the month of August, and is also the anniversary gemstone for the 8th year of marriage.

It is not known widely as a birthstone, but several references indicate it may have been used as a birthstone for the sign of Taurus.

The pink variety is known as Morganite, red is very rare and known as Bixbite, Goshenite is the colorless form. Golden beryl is a yellow-green and called Heliodor. Aquamarines and emeralds are actually a variety of  beryl. Beryls are some of the most valuable of all the colored gemstones. 

Carnelian was said to bring luck, protection and comfort in the 1700's.

In the 1800's, Carnelian was said to help those who needed courage to speak.

Mohammed, Napoleon I, and Napoleon III wore carnelian.

In the United States, deposits are located in Texas, MD, Florida Colorado and North Carolina. Descriptions of American Carnelian, Texas Carnelian, Maryland Carnelian, North Carolina, Indian Carnelian, Brazilian Carnelian, Uruguayan and Japanese.

Among Crystal healers, Carnelian is frequently known as a stone of great spirituality. It has been said to be a healing gem with a wondrous capacity for mental and physical healing properties.

Celestite

 Called the "Stone of Heaven" partly due to its soft celestial color, Celestite was once believed to have been created by "angel song from the celestial choirs".  Even today it is thought that one may access the angelic realms through communing with Celestite, and that the stone has beneficial "stories to tell" through channeling angelic wisdom.  Some even say it originally came from the cluster of stars known as the Pleiades (commonly called the "Seven Sisters") and that it holds celestial wisdom. 

Known to expand creativity and the expression of such through initiating ease of communication with the higher realms, Celestite has often been used by those in the arts.  It is believed that the stone decreased negativity by putting an end to stress, anxiety, worry and fear, while helping to put a focus on the spiritual, thus attracting goodness and purity.  It has been known to accelerate spiritual development, stimulate clairvoyant communication, aid in dream recall and astral travel, and to bring one a general sense of peace.

Celestite (also known as Celestine), from the Latin "caelestis" meaning "celestial" or "heavenly", was aptly named, for these dusky sky blue crystals have a very ethereal appearance.  Found in sedimentary rock and mostly in crystal form, the best Celestite specimens are found in cavities in Sandstone or Limestone (often as geodes) and are in high demand by collectors.  It can also be found as tabular or granular crystals or in fibrous veins of sedimentary rock.  Gypsum, Fluorite, Calcite, Dolomite and Galena are other minerals often found near Celestite deposits.  The first Celestite was discovered in 1791 near Frankstown, Pennsylvania, by the German mineralogist A.G. Werner, and in February of this year was adopted as Pennsylvania's official state mineral.

Celestite is a great tool for meditation, as it help focus on that other than of this world and block out distracting "noise". Celestite purifies the aura, and perfects the chakras. It is a stone that brings balance, especially to thought processes and communication. Psychically, celestite is an excellent tool for astral travel. In the physical realm, celestite is used for healing eye problems, mental disorders, cellular order, eliminating toxins, digestive problems. Celestite is associated primarily with the throat and crown chakras.

Citrine

I am CITRINE, daughter of Amethyst. Deep in the heart of a primordial jungle, as my mother cradled me in her arms, the sun's brilliant rays kissed my face and bestowed on me an aura of golden radiance. Gaze upon my sunny glow and I will banish thoughts of evil from your mind. Wear me as a talisman and I will protect you from the venomous bite of the serpent. At all times, my energy will focus your mind, emotions and intuition into singular harmony.

The name citrine is derived from the French word citron - lemon. Very wide color range -- colorless, yellow, brown, purple, pink, greenish. Cryptocrystalline quartz often displays exotic color bands, swirls, and other patterns.  In ancient times, citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts.

Although the darker, orange colors of citrine, sometimes called Madeira citrine after the color of the wine, has generally been the most valued color, in modern times, many people prefer the bright lemony shades which mix better with pastel colors. Citrine is generally more inexpensive than amethyst and is also available in a wide range of calibrated sizes and shapes, including very large sizes.
Citrine can be easily scratched and permenantly changes color if left in the sunlight for several hours, hence citrine jewelry should be kept away from prolonged exposure to strong light or heat. 

Citrine is a gemstone which has been used in Greece since the Hellenistic period (end of the 4th to the end of the 1st century BC).  Citrine symbolizes light-heartedness, joy and happiness. Citrine is a great protective talisman. It calms and soothes.  Citrine is valuable in the treatment of depression, it eliminates self-destructive tendencies. Citrine is said to stimulate memory. Citrine is found in Brazil, Madagascar, Spain, Uruguay, Scotland, USA (California, Colorado, North Carolina, Georgia, and Nevada) and Russia.  Brazil is the main source of citrine. 

Gems and Gemstones have great value as per Indian Mythology and Ayurveda. Ayurveda is a Therapy book for Life. Most of the communities in Rural India, Urban India go to Ayurveda Doctors for treatment and they use the gemstone powders finely meshed with other natural herbal ingredients for treatment of chronic diseases like Cardiac problems, Breathing troubles, Arthritis etc. They use each gemstone powder for different problems. There is another segment, Gemologists, Therapists those who suggest various gemstones for treatment of disease or for well being of seekers. 

Even Accu Pressure experts, who practice this technique as a therapy, refer to the utility and benefits of wearing specific color, quality gemstones. Rings used in hands fingers and feet suggest therapeutic acupressure for the nerves, which bring relief and fortify efficiency of certain organs. During a talk Radio Station,  which was sponsored by a University,  One of the speakers with the background of acupressure techniques highlighted the importance of rings, necklaces, and pendants with jewels, suggesting that therapeutic value of acupressure is happening by use of these jewels.  Another speaker having knowledge of gemstones explained the  planetary effect of stones for different birth signs of  people.  The Citrine is be ruled by Jupiter, and is in the yellow color family. Therapists use this for obtaining blessings of Jupiter.

There are few references in history to Citrine, perhaps because of the stone's rarity. The first occurrences seem to be the use of Citrine by Romans for intaglio and cabochon in the first centuries after the birth of Christ. The Naphtali tribe of Israel is associated with Citrine. During the Romantic Period of history (1837-1860), Citrine saw increased use as a gemstone in jewelry.

There are many associations in Astrological symbols and symbolism of Astrology, Ayurvedic, Hindu Astrology, Lucky Charms that are associated with gemstone or crystals, crystal healing, spiritualism, new Age, gems, minerals, mining, spirits vibrations and Chakra, as well as mystical numerology and psychic supernatural investigations. It is rare in Bangkok, Bones, Broach and Chandeliers.

Symbols of Citrine are prevalent because of its popularity.  For example,the 13^th year wedding anniversary is represented by Citrine. Some have considered citrine to symbolize lightheartedness and joy. In ancient times, people carried Citrine was as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. It was one of the stones on the breast plates of high-priests of old.

Months
Citrine is a secondary stone for the month of November as a replacement for the more expensive Topaz.

Western Astrology
Citrine symbolizes Gemini, Virgo and Libra signs. It is an important stone for Astrologists for the sign Virgo. They believe Virgos to be susceptible to digestive disorders and self-esteem problems and, because of Citrine’s association with the second Chakra and its power for increasing self-esteem, place emphasis on this stone for those born under this sign.

Eastern Astrology
Vedic Astrologers Assign Citrine to Pisces and Sagittarius which are both ruled by Jupiter in their system of beliefs. Vedic signs differ from Eastern Astrological signs. To find your Eastern Astrological sign, see a Vedic Astrologer.

Planetary Astrology
Citrine is an Earth stone.

Numerology
The numerological association for Citrine is six. Crystals have different effects upon people based upon their associated numbers.

Citrine and the Chakras
According to healers, Citrine’s power is primarily located in the third Chakra the area slightly down from the navel and associated with the formation of the personality, feeling, being and the combining of spiritual and earthly aspects of the person. Citrine’s golden yellow is the same as this Chakra’s color. In this area, Citrine is supposed to unblock the flow of energy. A blocked third Chakra can result in a greedy, manipulative and abusive person. When the energy of this area is unrestricted in its flow, they say it brings a balance to those negative characteristics and can make a person more confident, caring and more in touch with the higher self.

Citrine’s Vibrations

Citrine is associated with the first, third and eighth vibrations.

Coral

The name as such, however, is still puzzling to linguists. Some are convinced that the Greek word "koraillon" is the root, as this signifies the hard and calcareous skeleton of the Coral animal. Another possible source is “kura-halos”, meaning “mermaid”, and after all, the fine Coral branches sometimes remind us of the shape of people. Other experts favor the theory that the word comes from Hebrew, “goral”, the name for the stones used to cast an oracle, and in fact the Coral branches were used for casting oracles in former times in Palestine, Asia Minor and the around the Mediterranean.

Coral has played an important role in religious and magical rites throughout the Pacific Islands.  It is often placed on graves to guard the deceased, and temples were sometimes built of lava rocks and coral.

In the Mediterranean, coral was thought, like amber, to contain the "life essence" of the Mother Goddess, who dwelled in the ocean in a "tree" of coral.

There is a Hindu belief that the ocean is the home of human souls after death, and so coral is considered a powerful amulet for the living.  It is also place on the body of the deceased to prevent "evil spirits" from occupying it.   In ancient Norse mythology, coral is again linked with deity. 

One of the ancient Greek names for the coral was gorgeia, from the legend that when Perseus cut off the head of Medusa (the Gorgone), blood dripping from it fell into the sea where it was gathered by the sea nymphs and planted underwater to grow into coral. 

A special use of coral was popular in ancient Egypt and Greece.  Powdered coral was mixed with seed and sown or scattered over newly planted fields.  This protected the growing crops from inclement weather and insects.  Coral was also hung on fruit trees to increase their yield.

Coral comes from the Greek words meaning "daughter of the sea."  Italian woman used to wear it near the groin to regulate the mestrual flow, and their cycles.  The coral, usually red, was believed to grow pale duriing the flow, then grow brighter afterward.  It could have been used to predict their periods.  Coral used for these purposes was carefully hidden from the eyes of men, for, if seen by them, it lost all its magic power.

Corals live in depths between three to three thousand meters in the seas around Japan, Taiwan and the Malayan Archipelago, in the Red Sea, the Biscayan Gulf and around the Canary Islands, but also in northeastern Australia and off the Midway Islands. In the Mediterranean there are Coral reefs all around the Tyrrhenian Sea, along the coastline of Sardinia and also off the shores of Tunisia and Algeria, Yugoslavia and Turkey.

When talking about Coral, the Coral reefs of the Pacific Ocean or of Australia are the first images, which come to mind – reefs, banks, atolls that are some of Nature’s most impressive miracles of beauty.  But it is not these protected kinds of Coral, which we are taking a closer look at here. For jewelry purposes, only Corals of the species e.g. “Corallium rubrum“ or “Corallium japonicum“ are being used.

Like pearls, Corals also belong to the organic jewelry material. It is an interesting phenomenon indeed that both are products of the element water, and are in fact chemically related. Both consist of over 90% carbonic lime. It is a virtual miracle that Nature manages use the same dull material to create fiery red Coral and to let grow beautiful pearls.

What are Corals?

Corals are produced by tiniest life forms, which settled in the depths of warm seas in vast colonies, long before our time. The Coral cnidarian is covered by a fleshy skin and secretes a calcareous substance, from which there are built the branchlike structures of the Coral stems. They can grow up to 40 cm in height, the thickness of the branches, however, hardly ever amounts to more than four cm. Only at the forks the structures are a little thicker. And from these parts the valuable raw material is gained which will then be turned into pieces of jewelry, large Coral balls or carved objects.

The fragile Coral trees are traditionally brought to the light of day from the depths of seas by means of dragnets. Since first class Coral, however, has become rather rare, today a more environment conscious approach is generally applied and divers will collect the fragile Coral branches. In the next step, the pieces are cleaned, sorted, and treated with saws, files and drills. Coral is hardly ever cut like other gemstones.

When unfinished, Coral appears dull and matted. Only after polishing it receives its beautiful gloss. Often Coral is porous, sometimes with fissures and thus of lower quality. To some extent, such qualities can be improved by application of colored wax, which enhances the optical impression. Good quality Coral shows an even coloring and has no fissures, spots, bands or cavities. Since genuine untreated Coral is rare, the price it achieves is quite high. Therefore any bargain should be met with distrust. Top quality Coral jewelry is best bought in a well-reputed shop.

Colorful and sensitive world of Coral

Corals need not necessarily be red, although the name "Coral" denotes a pinkish-red color. Nature creates Coral in a wide range of shades and hues from red and white and blue to brown and black. Most coveted are the red shades, ranging from palest petal pink via salmon to deep velvety red. The height of fashion are currently black Coral and golden Coral, and extremely rare the blue variant. Especially valuable is also the white Coral with a slight blush of pink, the so-called “Angelskin Coral”. Other famous specimen are the deeply satiated red Japanese “Moro Coral”, pale pink “Boke” and the red “Sardena”.

Corals are not too sensitive, but with their hardness of only 3.5 they are considerably softer than any other gemstone material. Their beauty will suffer from inappropriate treatment. Cosmetic products, hot water and bright daylight are detrimental to their beauty. Coral jewelry should be carefully stored and be cleaned from time to time with a soft, wet cloth. Should the surface be scratched in spite of all care, a jeweler will be able to polish it up.

Attractive lightweights: Root and Foam Coral

Lighter in weight and less expensive than the Fine Coral are Root and Foam Coral. Root Corals are in fact a special Coral species – no root as such, but rather a special Coral bush. It is sometimes mixed up with Foam Coral. The latter, however, are those parts of Japanese Moro Coral, which are embedded in sand or mud, and which is that part in-between the Coral foot and the Coral stem. This Foam Coral has been in the market for a long time, has a higher weight than Root Coral and is also somewhat higher priced. Both kinds are supplied in large quantities by China and Japan. Because of their size and relatively low weight they are popular wherever color and volume are in demand at low prices.

Coral on the bare skin – irresistible

For ages now Coral has been used as jewelry and worshipped as a protective charm. Nowadays Coral is still used as a talisman in many cultures in order to ward off evil spirits. The modern teachings of healing with gemstones appreciate Coral for its positive effects. Coral is reported to soothe fears and tensions, and to encourage positive ways of living together.

 Diamond

I am DIAMOND, considered an awe-inspiring "symbol" in our culture, I was equally wondrous in ancient times. Though what we know about diamonds belongs more to legend than to fact, the tales exemplify the power of the diamond. In India, I was sometimes set in the eyes of Hindu statues. Monarchs competed with one another for me and the possession of renowned gems, using them as instruments of diplomacy. They wore me as a symbol of status by sewing me into clothing or using me as a sign of power, by decorating their swords and scabbards. Centuries ago, it was also believed that diamonds protected from harm and actually brought luck and success to the wearer, counteracting the effects of unfortunate astrological events and endowing the wearer with charm and the ability to attract others. Plato wrote about diamonds as living beings, embodying celestial spirits. Through the centuries, rings have perpetuated the talismanic role of the diamond. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance period, every ring that was set with a precious stone was not so much a piece of jewelry, but an amulet that conveyed the magic powers of the stone upon the wearer. The diamond acquired its unique status as the ultimate gift of love as far back as the fifteenth century. It was said that Cupid's arrows were tipped with diamonds, which had a magic that nothing else could equal.

Diamonds were first discovered in India over 2000 years ago. The word "diamond" comes from the Greek word "Adams," meaning unconquerable. Diamonds are the hardest known substance on earth, which is how they earned their name.

Diamonds have been used symbolically because of their extraordinary physical properties.  There are many ancient myths about diamonds.  In Greek mythology, the Greeksbelieved diamonds were tears of the gods.In Roman mythology, diamonds were splinters from the stars that Eros (the god of love) had made into tips for his arrows.  Romans believed they were splinters of fallen stars.  In Tibetan Buddhism, also known as Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle), diamonds are an important symbol and the Diamond Sutra is one of the most popular texts.   In ancient India, diamonds were not cut for fear that they would lose its magical properties.  During the Middle Ages, it was believed that diamonds would grow darker in the face of guilt and shine brightly for the innocent.  Another belief is that in the presence of poison, diamond would also change color.  The rainbow colors of the prism were thought to give one magical power over Evil Eyes.

However, the symbolism of diamonds goes beyond romance. Through centuries diamonds have been a symbol of love, excellence and purification. Diamond, because of its remarkable hardness and clarity, also still reigns supreme in its symbolism of power, strength, brilliance and unparalleled beauty. Diamonds are enchanting treasures that have fascinated mankind throughout the centuries. Many regarded them as magical.  Not only were they rare and beautiful, no tool could cut them and even the fiercest fire would leave the diamonds unscathed.

According to occultist myths, it was believed that diamonds possess several supernatural powers, e.g. a diamond's hardiness can only be broken by smearing it with fresh goat's blood. Or a diamond gives victory to he who carries it bound on his left arm, no matter the number of enemies.

It was also believed to have been used as a healing stone. Such as a way of detecting and detoxifying poison, opening spirituality channels and assisting calming creatures.

In some cultures, before engagement rings became popular, a man and a woman might divide a piece of silver or gold in half when they became engaged. Each would keep a half to broadcast their engagement to be married.  Eventually, this evolved into the custom of the engagement ring.   It was the Italians who improved on this tradition by attaching a diamond to the ring to symbolize enduring love.  The popularity of the diamond engagement ring grew rapidly after 1477, when Archduke Maximillian of Austria slipped one on the finger of his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy.  At that time, the diamond was used in its natural crystalline structure. The octahedral or eight-sided formation, like 2 pyramid joined at the base, was mounted with the lower pyramid completely hidden in the ring setting and the upper half rising out of it.  Light would be reflected from all four sides of this exposed upper point. The structure of this diamond mirrors the symbolism of the Egyptian pyramids.  The union in 1477 was celebrated by the exchange of a diamond betrothal ring which would have been an early example and perhaps the first royal one.

Other early example of betrothal jewels incorporating diamonds include the Bridal Crown of Blanche (ca. 1370-80) and the Heftlein brooch of Vienna (ca. 1430-40), a pictorial piece depicting a wedding couple. In the 19th century, Napoleon gave his wife Marie Louise an exquisite diamond necklace on the birth of their son. Perhaps the most published romantic diamond gifts in modern times have been the jewels given by Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor. These include a 33 carat diamond worth over $9 million and the pear-shaped 69 carat Taylor-Burton diamond.

 Emerald

I am EMERALD, sacred goddess of the Incas. The ancients gave me to their young women as a talisman to grant them my protection and give them ease in childbirth. Cleopatra has known me well and I have soothed the eyes of Emperor Nero as he watched the Coliseum games. My cool touch will remind you of spring and give you eternal youth. If you honor me and my daughters I will make your true love faithful and smooth the road you travel. Why Emerald? - Emerald has long been regarded as an amulet of good fortune. Emerald is treasured as a gift for May birthdays and a talisman for the sign of Gemini. Emerald is one of the most valuable, and historically one of the most interesting, gemstones. It is known as the Queen of Gems and the gem of queens. Cleopatra's Emerald Mine near the Red Sea in Egypt has been mined since 2000 B.C. According to legend, the wearing of Emerald not only cured a wide range of ailments, including low I.Q., poor eyesight and infertility, but also enabled the wearer to predict the future. Emerald is found mainly in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Chemical composition:Be3Al2Si603 + Cr	Hardness:7.5 - 8
Density:2.68 - 2.78	Refractive index:1.577 - 1.593
Birefringence:0.005 - 0.009	Pleochroism:Weak to strong dichroism
Color:From light yellowish green to dark bluish green and everything in between	Occurrence:The finest emeralds are from Colombia at Chivor, Muzo, Gachala and Coscuez mines. Other fine emeralds come from Brazil, Zambia, Pakistan, Russia, Tanzania (Lake Manyara). Colombian emeralds from Muzo and Coscuez can be distinguished in a general way because Muzo material is blue-green, whereas that from Coscuez is yellowish green.

Astrological Properties: Planet: Mercury  Sign: Gemini & Virgo   Element: Earth  Day: Wednesday  Time: Sunrise

Cosmic Color: Green  Number: 5  Chakra: 1st, Sahasrana  Mercury Mantra "Aum bum bhudaya namah" repeated 9 times at the time of wearing a Mercury talisman.

Many legends surround a tablet carved from a giant emerald. The Greeks say Hermes composed the tablet for Venus. The Egyptians say Thoth had such a tablet. In the Koran, Arabs called it the Preserved Tablet. Moses was said to have carried down an Emerald tablet with the 10 commandments.

In Revelations, Emerald is said to compose the throne of God, and the Holy Grail is said to be carved from a huge emerald which fell from Satan's crown on his banishment from Heaven. Hebrew legend says Emeralds were one of the four precious stones given to Solomon. In India, emeralds are thought to be the bile of the demon God Vala as it was taken through the air by the serpent God, Vasuki.

Western Astrologyassociates Emeralds with the Zodiac sign of Taurus, whereas Jewelers assign Emerald as the May birthstone. In Eastern Astrology, Emeralds are associated with Mercury who rules both Gemini and Virgo.

Emeralds are used by Natural Healers to subdue an over-active Heart Chakra (4th Chakra).

Said to favor men named Edmund and women named Elizabeth.

The guardian angel associated with Emerald is Amriel.

Emeralds are the traditional gift for the 55th Wedding Anniversary.

Dreaming of emeralds is said herald good times to come.

Emerald is the national stone of Peru and thought beneficial to those of Peruvian descent.

Said to govern the hour of 2 p.m. 

Healing Properties:  Thought to protect pregnant women in Ancient Egypt.  Often thought to help eyesight.  Sometimes mentioned as helping with dizziness and vertigo.

Scientific Properties:  Emerald is composed of Beryllium Aluminum Silicate (Beryl). The beautiful, rich green coloring is attributable to chromium. When heated, Emeralds lose their color, only to regain it upon cooling. A flawless Emerald is an impossibility.

Found in Colombia, Brazil, Africa, India, Pakistan, Russia and Egypt. Hardness: 8.0 on the Moh's Hardness Scale

 

Rome

A Roman legend tells of a king whose only fortune was a single magnificent emerald, which he threw into the sea as a sacrifice to gains the gods' favours. The next day, the emerald was found again in the stomach of a fish that had been served at the king's table. Later on the latter became Emperor Augustus and encased the miraculous stone at the foot of the altar dedicated to the goddess of Concord.

Christian lore

In the Christian tradition, the emerald fell from Lucifer's helmet during his battle with Archangel Michael. The Graal, the mythical vase with 144 angles, was sculpted in an emerald, which then became the symbol of divine revelation.

Emeralds are fascinating gemstones. They have the most beautiful, most intense and most radiant green that can possibly be imagined: emerald green. Inclusions are tolerated. In top quality, fine emeralds are even more valuable than diamonds.

The name emerald comes from the Greek smaragdos via the Old French esmeralde, and really just means 'green gemstone'. Innumerable fantastic stories have grown up around this magnificent gem. The Incas and Aztecs of South America, where the best emeralds are still found today, regarded the emerald as a holy gemstone. However, probably the oldest known finds were once made near the Red Sea in Egypt. Having said that, these gemstone mines, already exploited by Egyptian pharaohs between 3000 and 1500 B.C. and later referred to as 'Cleopatra's Mines', had already been exhausted by the time they were rediscovered in the early 19th century.

Written many centuries ago, the Vedas, the holy scriptures of the Indians, say of the precious green gems and their healing properties: 'Emeralds promise good luck ...'; and 'The emerald enhances the well-being ...'. So it was no wonder that the treasure chests of Indian maharajas and maharanis contained wonderful emeralds. One of the world's largest is the so-called 'Mogul Emerald'. It dates from 1695, weighs 217.80 carats, and is some 10cm tall. One side of it is inscribed with prayer texts, and engraved on the other there are magnificent floral ornaments. This legendary emerald was auctioned by Christie's of London to an unidentified buyer for 2.2m US Dollars on September 28th 2001.

Emeralds have been held in high esteem since ancient times. For that reason, some of the most famous emeralds are to be seen in museums and collections. The New York Museum of Natural History, for example, has an exhibit in which a cup made of pure emerald which belonged to the Emperor Jehangir is shown next to the 'Patricia', one of the largest Colombian emerald crystals, which weighs 632 carats. The collection of the Bank of Bogota includes five valuable emerald crystals with weights of between 220 and 1796 carats, and splendid emeralds also form part of the Iranian National Treasury, adorning, for example, the diadem of the former Empress Farah. The Turkish sultans also loved emeralds. In Istanbul's Topkapi Palace there are exhibits with items of jewellery, writing-implements and daggers, each lavishly adorned with emeralds and other gems.

The green of life and of love

The green of the emeralds the colour of life and of the springtime, which comes round again and again. But it has also, for centuries, been the colour of beauty and of constant love. In ancient Rome, green was the colour of Venus, the goddess of beauty and love. And today, this colour still occupies a special position in many cultures and religions. Green, for example, is the holy colour of Islam. Many of the states of the Arab League have green in their flags as a symbol of the unity of their faith. Yet this colour has a high status in the Catholic Church too, where green is regarded as the most natural and the most elemental of the liturgical colours.

The magnificent green of the emerald is a colour which conveys harmony, love of Nature and elemental joie de vivre. The human eye can never see enough of this unique colour. Pliny commented that green gladdened the eye without tiring it. Green is perceived as fresh and vivid, never as monotonous. And in view of the fact that this colour always changes somewhat between the bright light of day and the artificial light of a lamp, emerald green retains its lively vigour in all its nuances.

Fingerprints of nature

The lively luminosity of its colour makes the emerald a unique gemstone. However, really good quality is fairly rare, with inclusions often marring the evenness of the colour – signs of the turbulent genesis which has characterised this gemstone. Fine inclusions, however, do not by any means diminish the high regard in which it is held. On the contrary: even with inclusions, an emerald in a deep, lively green still has a much higher value than an almost flawless emerald whose colour is paler. Affectionately, and rather poetically, the specialists call the numerous crystal inclusions, cracks or fissures which are typical of this gemstone 'jardin'. They regard the tender little green plants in the emerald garden as features of the identity of a gem which has grown naturally.

So where do they come from and how is it that they exist at all? In order to answer these questions, we need to look far, far back into the time of the emerald's origin. Emeralds from Zimbabwe are among the oldest gemstones anywhere in the world. They were already growing 2600 million years ago, whilst some specimens from Pakistan, for example, are a mere 9 million years young. From a chemical-mineralogical point of view, emeralds are beryllium-aluminium-silicates with a good hardness of 7 to 8, and belong, like the light blue aquamarine, the tender pink morganite, the golden heliodor and the pale green beryl, to the large gemstone family of beryls. Pure beryl is colourless. The colours do not occur until traces of some other element are added. In the case of the emerald, it is mainly traces of chromium and vanadium which are responsible for the fascinating colour.  Normally, these elements are concentrated in quite different parts of the Earth's crust to beryllium, so the emerald should, strictly speaking, perhaps not exist at all. But during intensive tectonic processes such as orogenesis, metamorphism, emergences and erosion of the land, these contrasting elements found each other and crystallised out to make one of our most beautiful gemstones. The tension involved in the geological conditions conducive to the above processes produced some minor flaws, and some major ones. A glance through the magnifying-glass or microscope into the interior of an emeraldtells us something about the eventful genesis of this unique gem: here we see small or large fissures; here the sparkle of a mini-crystal or a small bubble; here shapes of all kinds. While the crystals were still growing, some of these manifestations had the chance to 'heal', and thus the jagged three-phase inclusions typical of Colombian emeralds were formed: cavities filled with fluid, which often also contain a small bubble of gas and some tiny crystals.

Logically enough, a genesis as turbulent as that of the emerald impedes the undisturbed formation of large, flawless crystals. For this reason, it is only seldom that a large emerald with good colour and good transparency is found. That is why fine emeralds are so valuable. But for the very reason that the emerald has such a stormy past, it is surely entitled to show it - that is, as long as only a fine jardin is to be seen, and not a rank garden which spoils both colour and transparency.

The world of fine emeralds

Colombia continues to be at the top of the list in terms of the countries in which fine emeralds are found. It has about 150 known deposits, though not all of these are currently being exploited. The best known names are Muzo and Chivor, where emeralds were mined by the Incas in pre-Columbian times. In economic terms, the most important mine is at Coscuez, where some 60 faces are being worked. According to estimates, approximately three quarters of Colombia's emerald green unimpaired by any kind of bluish tint. The colour may vary slightly from find to find. This fascinatingly beautiful colour is so highly esteemed in the internationalemeraldemerald mines throw up rarities such as Trapiche emralds with their six rays emanating from the centre which resemble the spokes of a millwheel.

Even if many of the best emeralds are undisputedly of Colombian origin, the 'birthplace' of a stone is never an absolute guarantee of its immaculate quality. Fine emeralds are also found in other countries, such as Zambia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Russia. Zambia, Zimbabwe and Brazil in particular have a good reputation for fine emeralds in the international trade. Excellent emerald crystals in a beautiful, deep emerald green and with good transparency come from Zambia. Their colour is mostly darker than that of Colombian emeralds and often has a fine, slightly bluish undertone. Emeralds which are mostly smaller, but very fine, in a vivacious, intense green come from Zimbabwe's famous Sandawana Mine, and they often have a delicate yellowish-green nuance. And the famous emerald mines of Colombia currently face competition from right next door: Brazil's gemstone mine Nova Era also produces emeralds in beautiful green tones, and if they are less attractive than those of their famous neighbour it is only by a small margin. Brazil also supplies rare emerald cat's eyes and extremely rare emeralds with a six-spoked star. Thanks to the finds in Africa and Brazil, there are more emeralds on the market now than there used to be - to the delight of emerald enthusiasts.

A sophisticated gemstone

Whilst its good hardness protects the emerald to a large extent from scratches, its brittleness and its many fissures can make cutting, setting and cleaning rather difficult. Even for a skilled gem cutter, cutting emeralds presents a special challenge, firstly because of the high value of the raw crystals, and secondly because of the frequent inclusions. However, this does not detract from the cutters' love of this unique gem. Indeed, they have developed a special cut just for this gem: the emerald cut. The clear design of this rectangular or square cut with its bevelled corners brings out the beauty of this valuable gemstone to the full, at the same time protecting it from mechanical strain.

Emeralds are also cut in many other, mainly classical shapes, but if the raw material contains a large number of inclusions, it may often be cut into a gently rounded cabochon, or into one of the emerald beads which are so popular in India.

Today, many emeralds are enhanced with colourless oils or resins. This is a general trade practice, but it does have the consequence that these green treasures react very sensitively to inappropriate treatment. For example, they cannot be cleaned in an ultrasonic bath. The substances that may have been used by the cutter during his work, or applied subsequently, seal the fine pores in the surface of the gem. Removing them will end up giving the stone a matt appearance. For this reason, emerald rings should always be taken off before the wearer puts his or her hands in water containing cleansing agent.

A matter of trust

Unfortunately, because the emerald is not only one of the most beautiful gemstones, but also one of the most valuable, there are innumerable synthetics and imitations. So how can you protect yourself from these 'fakes'? Well, the best way is to buy from a specialist in whom you have confidence. Large emeralds in particular should only be purchased with a report from a reputable gemmological institute. Such an institute will be able, thanks to the most modern examination techniques, to differentiate reliably between natural and synthetic emeralds, and will inform you as to whether the stone has undergone any treatment of the kind a purchaser has the right to know about.

And one more piece of advice on the purchase of an emerald: whilst diamonds generously scintillate their fire in sizes below 1 carat, you should go for larger dimensions when acquiring a coloured gemstone. True, there are some lovely pieces of jewellery with small coloured gems to set decorative accents, but emeralds, like other coloured gemstones, do not really begin to show that beautiful glow below a certain size. How large 'your' emerald ends up will depend on your personal taste, and on your budget. Really large specimens of top quality are rare. This means that the price of a top-quality emerald may be higher than that of a diamond of the same weight. The fascination exuded by a fine emerald is simply unique.

 

Garnet

I am GARNET, the talisman of warriors. Knights and soldiers the world over have placed their destiny in my hands, trusting that I would protect them from death and injury and that my presence would bring them swift victories and guarantee them tranquility after battle. Dream of me and I will reveal the answers to your questions. Give me to your loved ones and I will bestow upon them loyalty and affection. 

The documented uses of garnet and reported findings of garnet jewelry have been evidence of the widespread availability and importance of this semiprecious jewel throughout history. Some of these findings of garnet use do not solely pertain to jewelry and healing crystals. In fact, in India during a rebellion on the Kashmir territory, tribal soldiers fired at the British army with garnet bullets. The effect of this type of ammunition was thought to be more fatal and more efficient for battle. In even earlier writings garnet had been mistaken for rubies and were said to fend off evil spirits. It is also noted that Crusaders adorned garnets, as protection in battle and a symbol of safe return to there loved ones. Garnet has also been noted to adorn the belongings of powerful royalty. Some of these include the wives of the Russian Czars, Queen Victoria of Great Britain and Mary Queen of Scots.

Garnet and Ancient History

Garnet jewelry has been found that date back to the Bronze Age (~3000 BC). The majority of this ancient jewelry was a very primitive style of lapidary found among the graves of a village of lake dwellers. Other documentation of ancient jewelry containing garnet have been found among remains located in Sweden between 1100 and 2000 B.C., in Samaria around 2300 B.C. and in Egypt in 3100 B.C.

Garnet and Greek History

As early as the later years of 400 B.C., garnet jewelry was found in Greece. More specifically, signet rings found (in this area of Europe) were discovered. It is believed that Greeks were the first to use garnet at this capacity. Garnet has also been documented as a largely admired treasure in Greece during the 3rd and 4th centuries. The other history that Greece holds with garnet is its role in providing the root nomenclature for the garnet family of stones.

Garnet and Egyptian History

 

As mentioned above, garnet had been found as early as 3100 B.C. in Egypt. It has further been noted that early Egypt popularly adorned garnet in amulets and talismans. Garnet was also believed to be buried within the tombs of the dead for protection and light through the passage of after death experience.

Garnet in Biblical History

 

It is believed that in n the Old Testament when Noah set forth in the Ark he utilized garnet to light his path and to illuminate the Ark. The garnet is also one of the twelve stones, which represent today's birthstones, which adorn the breastplate of the high priest Aaron (Exodus 39). It is said the original breastplate of the High Priest was made by Moses in mid 1200 (B.C.) according to divinely inspired instructions he received during forty days in the wilderness. Around the middle and late 1300 (B.C.) twelve stones had been chosen to be representative of the twelve tribes of Israel. (Exodus 28: 17-21) Among these stones garnet was chosen as the gem representing the tribe of Judah one of the sons of Jacob. These two biblical references became part of the first association of a particular semi-precious gem with a particular month. Garnet is also believed to have been worn by King Solomon in times of battle.

Garnet, the Middle Ages and Medieval History

Garnet is believed to have served many medicinal purposes some of which were recorded throughout Medieval History. Documents dating from this time period state that garnet had been believed to protect one from poisons. Other sicknesses were believed to be cured by garnet including those dealing with blood and infection. Many curing huts of the Middle Ages were believed to carry garnets. Often mistaken for rubies, garnet was found among corpses found to date back to the Middle Ages.

The mythology and legends surrounding garnet date back as far as prehistoric times. They have  said to existed among a village of "lake dwellers" around the area now known as Europe who fashioned neck ornaments from it. Garnet was also among the first semiprecious stones to be mentioned in the writings of ancient time.   It has a deep history with warriors and journeyers. Garnet has been known for centuries to contain compelling healing powers and majesty in their luminescence and adornment of the powerful.  The name garnet comes from the Latin word for grain or seed: "granatus." It took on this name for it's similarity in looks to a pomegranate seed. Pomegranate's association and symbolism with garnet has been a long standing one and has been referenced and related to in many works of literature up to and including those of Greek Mythology. Garnet has also been known to be used as bullets (India rebellion of 1892) because of the belief of the severity of their effect on a victim.  It's rich mythical and historical background contribute to the brilliance of it's beauty.

Garnet and Greek Mythology

Many of the names of the various stones of the garnet family evolve from Geek nomenclature (litho-meaning stone in all of the gems ending in -lite, such as Rhodolite). This isn't the only relationship that Ancient Greece has had with garnet.  The pomegranate, in very close relationship and symbol of garnet, is referenced in Greek myth. These references have given garnet some of it's legendary characteristics. The most notable reference where garnet is thought to be symbolized by a pomegranate,  involves Hades and Persephone. It is as follows:  After Hades had abducted Persephone and taken her down into the underworld, Zeus, on the behalf of Demeter, commanded him to release her. Zeus sent Hermes to ensure the safety of Persephone's passage. Hermes found Persephone seated next to Hades. Upon the sight of Hermes, Persephone was elated to be released from underworld. Hades knew he must head the command of his brother and had no choice but to let her go. Hades was eager to ensure her return. Before leaving, Hades gave, as a gift to Persephone, a pomegranate. She willingly accepted it and Hades knew that once she experienced the sweetness of the ripened seeds that she would return to him. In fact Persephone did return to Hades for three months of every year forever. Persephone's return caused the winter to arrive for the three months for which she remained with Hades. The pomegranate (and garnet) is associated with eternity in many Greek Myths. Many have associated the gift of the pomegranate seeds with the gift of fine garnet gems. It's meaning has given symbolism to garnet as a gift of love's attraction, a gift of quick return or as a gift of  estranged love. This myth gave partial rise to the belief that garnet is a stone for loved ones who travel and a crystal that can heal the broken bonds between lovers. 

Garnet Legends

Garnet has long been associated with fire and illumination for many ancient cultures. It is said to be a jewel with the capacity to illuminate the night sky. Garnet was believed to be hung in the Ark by Noah to light the path and the inside of the boat. There are many similar legends that involve garnet and it's lighting capabilities. Eastern Indians rubbed garnet on themselves in order to obtain their glowing qualities. Another legend references an elderly lady who came upon an injured bird in her path during her travels. She took the bird home with her to nurse it back to health. After it's recovery, it flew away. The lady thought she'd never see it again when it came to her house bearing for her a gift. It dropped on her lap a red colored stone which she put at her bedside. To her surprise, she awoke in the night to see it shining as bright as a torch showing the creature's gratitude for her kindness. Garnet has also been said to light the palace of the medieval monarch of Abyssinia.   It continually remains a symbol today of faith, truth and light.  It has been known to be buried, in jewelry form (necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, pendants and amulets) with the dead of Scandinavia to light their passage to the next life. 

Garnet and Modern Myth

Garnet has been used by various Indian tribes to enhance the potency of fire and to heal and enlighten their people. Among these tribal groups are Mayans, Aztecs, certain African tribes, Native American and South American Indians. It has also been said that garnet has been ground up into a soft silky mass and heated to act as a medicinal remedy for fever (even yellow and other dangerous forms of fever). Many healers continue to use garnet today as a supplimental cure for nightmares, attacks, jaundice and unclean auras.

Many times garnet is mistakenly thought of as a single gem when in reality it is actually a family of gems that range in colors of every shade with the exception of blue. Garnets can be found all over the world and some members of the garnet family are exclusive to the area from which they come. The most common type of garnet, a deep highly saturated red, has, throughout time, also been mistaken for ruby. Some garnet has been found in the streams where metamorphic rock has eroded and left crystals for collection. Among some of the garnet sources are Latin America, Africa, India, Australia, Asia and some parts of Europe. 

Garnet in the U.S.A. (United States of America)

Garnets are found in the U.S. in Arizona and largely in Idaho. The Garnet Queen Mine in Idaho produces a highly saturated dark red almandine/pyrope garnet. Arizona is a pyrope garnet ranging in color and clarity from fiery red to reddish lavander. Other states that have notable occurrences of garnet include: New Mexico, Utah, Arkansas and Kentucky. 

African Garnet 

Many members, old and newly discovered have come from Africa. A grossular garnet named Tsavorite is found in Kenya around the Tsavo National Park area. It is also said to be found in East Africa in Tanzania from which it was imported into the United States by Tiffany and Company. Tavorite comes in shades of green mainly because of it's chromium and vanadium composition and has, at times, been mistaken for emeralds for this reason. Malaya garnet, an orange to saturated yellow, also has deposits in Tanzania and Kenya. Mandarin, another orange garnet of the spessartite class, is found in Namibia along with Andradites. Another rare form of garnet found in Africa is the Imperial garnet, which of the grossular classification. Other garnets ranging in color from browns and yellows to greens as in African Jade found in parts of South Africa.  Other sources for garnets reside in Zimbabwe and Mozambique (produces a medium pink to muave/purple garnet, a combination of pyrope and almandite).

European Garnets

Spessartite is one of the most common forms of garnet found in Europe. The main spessartite deposits are located in a garnet mining district in Bavaria, Germany. The name "spessartite" comes from the name of the mining district Spessart from which the central deposit of this variation of garnet is found. There are also notable garnet deposits in Spain and Czechoslovakia.

Garnet and Sri Lanka

Both Hessionite and Rhodolite garnet come from Sri Lanka. The hessionite garnet from this region varies in color from a brilliant yellow to yellowish brown. Rhodolite mines in Sri Lanka have produced garnet in shades of pink through reddish lavander. Sri Lanka is also home to some Imperial garnets.

Garnet in Russia

The Ural Mountains in Russia are the main site for garnet  deposits. Forms of garnet similar to Andradite (of the demantoid structure) are found in shades of green and are rare due to their proximity in structure to diamonds. The member Uvaroite, was discovered in Russia and was named for a Russian nobleman (a count) by the name of Sergei Uvarov. This green-colored garnet occurs in fine crystal clusters that are not often of the proper size to be faceted. 

Other Notable Deposits of Garnet Around the World

Garnet can also be found in South America. Adradite, mined in Brazil, is named for a South American minerologist named J.B. D'Andrada. Argentina is another source in South America. Other deposits are located in India, Madagascar, Bohemia, Switzerland, Scotland, Asia, Saxony, Canada, Pakistan, Burma and Mexico.

Etymology

Sanskrit root gar, "transport", became in Greek gerôn, "old man" and in Latin granum, "seed". From there came the adjective granatus, "having many grains", and granatum: "pomegranate", which has red seeds.   It is by comparison with the fruit that garnet gained its name.

 Iolite
Gem of the Vikings

When Leif Eriksson and the other legendary Viking explorers ventured far out into the Atlantic Ocean, away from any coastline that could help them determine position, they had a secret gem weapon: iolite. The Viking mariners used thin pieces of iolite as the world's first polarizing filter. Looking through an iolite lens, they could determine the exact position of the sun, and navigate safely to the new world and back.

The property that made iolite so valuable to the Vikings is extreme pleochroism. Iolite is different colors in different directions in the crystal. A cube cut from iolite will look a violetish blue almost like sapphire from one side, clear as water from the other, and a honey yellow from the top. This property led some people to call iolite "water sapphire" in the past, a name that is now obsolete.

The name iolite comes from the Greek ios, which means violet. Iolite is usually a purplish blue when cut properly, with a softness to the color that can be quite attractive.

Iolite is readily available and surprisingly affordable. The better and richer the blue, the better. It is mined in India, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Brazil. The Vikings probably mined iolite from deposits in Norway and Greenland.  

 Lapis Lazuli

Lapis is a gemstone straight out of fairy tales of the Arabian Nights: deepest blue with golden shining Pyrite inclusions, which twinkle like little stars.

This opaque, deep blue gemstone looks back at a long history. It was one of the first stones ever to be used and worn for jewelry. Excavations in the antique cultural centres all around the Mediterranean provided archeologists with samples for jewelry, which was left in tombs to accompany the deceased into the hereafter. Again and again this jewelry consisted of necklaces and objects crafted from Lapis lazuli – the clear indication that thousands of years ago the people in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome cherished deep blue Lapis lazuli. It is reported that at the legendary city of Ur situated on the Euphrates River, there was a busy trade in Lapis lazuli as early as four thousand years BC. In those days the stones were mined in the famous occurrences in Afghanistan. But in other cultures Lapis lazuli was also worshipped as a holy stone. Especially in the oriental countries it was considered as a gemstone with magical powers. Numerous seals, rings, scarabs and objects were crafted from the blue stone, which was introduced to Europe by Alexander the Great. Here the color was called "ultramarine", meaning "from beyond the seas".

Most expensive blue of all times

The evocative name is a compound of "lapis", the Latin word for stone, and the Arabian word "azul", denoting the color blue. So it is basically just a blue stone – but what a special blue! The value of this color for the world of art was for example enormous: in fact the ultramarine blue paint used by the Grand Old Masters was nothing else but pulverized Lapis lazuli. It was pulverized and added to a mixture of binding agents, thus turning the marble-like gemstone into a bright blue paint, suitable for watercolors, tempera and oil paintings. Before it became possible in 1834 to manufacture this color also artificially, the only kind of valuable ultramarine in the market had to be made from real Lapis lazuli, which still displays its splendor in many works of art. For example, many portraits of the Virgin Mary would have been impossible to create without Lapis lazuli blue. However, even in those days ultramarine blue was not only considered fine and rare and so powerful that it dulled all other colors; it was also very expensive indeed. But contrary to all other material employed to create the color blue, Lapis lazuli has not lost anything of its brilliance, while other compositions have long since paled. Currently the blue pigment derived from Lapis lazuli is still applied especially for renovations, restorations and for those who love historical colors.

Stone of friendship and truth

For many people all over the world Lapis lazuli is considered a stone of truth and friendship. The blue stone is reputed to bring about harmony in relationships and to help its wearer being an authentic individual who may openly state his or her opinion.

Lapis lazuli is an opaque stone consisting mainly of Diopside and Lasurite. It was created millions of years ago in the course of metamorphosis process turning chalk into marble stone. When unpolished, Lapis lazuli seems dull and dark blue, often with golden inclusions and whitish veins from marble. Contrary to former theories, however, the small twinkling and shining inclusions which lend the stone the attractive appeal of a star-spangled sky, are not gold but Pyrite, i.e., they are caused by iron. The blue color, on the other hand, is caused by the sulfuric contents of Lasurite, and may result in purest ultramarine to pale blue shades. In comparison to other gemstones, the hardness is not too high and amounts to something between 5 and 6 on the Mohs’ scale.

When the cutter inhales the stone …

Many a cutter will make a face when cutting Lapis lazuli, because as soon as the stone comes into contact with the cutting wheel, it will emanate a typical, slightly foul smell. An experienced cutter will thus recognize from the smell alone the satiation of color shown by the stone. When polishing the stone it must be treated gently and without too much pressure due to its low hardness. But no need to worry: a Lapis lazuli, which has dulled because of having been worn too often, may be easily polished up. Lapis lazuli is often surface sealed with colorless wax or synthetic resin. As long as no color is added during this procedure, the sealing only serves to improve the resistance of the stone against wearing. Still, it should definitely be protected from contact with acid substances or from extravagant exposure to sunlight.

Just like over 50,000 years ago, the best rough stones are still mined in the rough Hindukush Mountains of Afghanistan. Forcefully extracted from the rocks, the blue stone nodes are transported on donkeys from the rough mountain ranges in Northeast Afghanistan down to the valleys in the summer months. Other occurrences have been provided by Nature in Russia, west of Lake Baikal, and in the Andes in Chile, where the blue stones are often veined with white or gray chalk. Lapis lazuli is also found in smaller amounts in Italy, Mongolia, the USA and Canada, in Myanmar and in Pakistan. In really good qualities, however, it is rare everywhere. Lapis lazuli jewellery is therefore available in widely differing price ranges, from luxurious to affordable. The price demanded for the gemstone depends mainly on the stone’s beauty and intensity of color. The most favored color is a deep and intensive blue. Women with a fair complexion, however, often prefer the lighter blues. Finely distributed crystals resembling glimmer, from golden Pyrite, will increase the value of the gemstone, while an irregular, pronounced or spotty patterning will reduce it.

Lapis lazuli is a highly appreciated stone suitable for many purposes, which shows remarkable stability ion the light of quickly changing fashion trends. This is not too surprising, after all, its fairy-tale color and its golden Pyrite light reflections have been fascinating men and women for thousands of years.

Mystical Properties: Lapis was a very important gemstone in ancient Babylonia and Egypt; the deep blue color was often associated with royalty and deity.

Interestingly enough, Christians, Egyptians and ancient Sumerians all associated this stone with motherhood. To Christians, the stone is associated with the Virgin Mary and Jesus. In Egypt, with Isis and her child Horus.

Hindus believe Lapis strung on gold wire and worn by children will protect them from all manners of evils, even night frights.

Christian legend says God's throne is composed of Lapis, that the 5th stone of Aaron's breastplate was Lapis.

Egyptians called the stone chesbet commonly fashioning scarabs from Lapis. The Chief Justice of ancient Egypt wore a Lapis amulet carved with the Goddess Mat (Goddess of Truth).

Thought to give wisdom and fairness to its wearer and increase spiritual love.

Lapis is associated with the 6th Chakra, or 3rd Eye. It is considered an important gemstone in subduing an overactive 6th Chakra. Thought to stimulate creativity.

Catherine The Great of Russia had all the walls in a ballroom decorated in solid Lapis Lazuli.

Ancient Sumerians are said to believe that carrying a piece of Lapis, meant carrying a piece of the Gods.

Crushed lapis used to comprise the ancient and very valuable pigment ultramarine.

Healing Properties: Most commonly thought to bring peace and soothe depression.

Scientific Properties: Composed of Lazurite (Sodium Calcium Aluminum Sulfate Silicate) with various other minerals, such as pyrite.

Distinguished from Sodalite by its richer navy color and its invariable association with Pyrite, whereas Lazulite and Sodalite (often would-be imitators) are not associated with pyrite.

The most famous locale is in Badakshan, Afghanistan, which has been mined for over 6000 years. Other locales include Russia and Colorado in the U.S. Hardness: 5.0 - 5.5 on the Moh's Hardness Scale.

Peridot

I am PERIDOT, born from the tears of Pele, divine Hawaiian goddess of the volcano. My mystical powers have been summoned by Egyptian priests in their ancient rites. My presence helped to gain the pleasure of their gods. As time passed, crusading knights held me forth as a symbol of wisdom and purity. Some have even called me "heavenly stone," for my presence has been discovered in meteorites fallen from the night sky. Cherish me and I will give you courage and bring you great wealth. My gentle touch will brush away your unpleasant thoughts and ease your moments of solitude.

The vivid, slightly golden shimmering green of Peridot is the ideal gemstone color to complement a light summertime outfit. This is no surprise – Peridot, after all, is assigned to the summer month of August.

Peridot is an ancient and yet currently very popular gemstone. It is so old that it can be found even in Egyptian jewelry from the early second millennium BC. The stones used in those days came from an occurrence on a little volcanic island in the Red Sea, about 70 km off the Egyptian coast, off Assuan, which was rediscovered only around 1900 and has been completely exploited since. Peridot, however, is also a very modern stone, for only a few years ago Peridot occurrences were discovered in the Cashmere region, and the stones from there show a unique beauty of color and transparency, so that the image of the stone, which was somewhat dulled over the ages, has received an efficient polishing.

The ancient Romans were already quite fond of the gemstone and coveted the brilliant green sparkle, which does not change either in artificial light. They already named the stone “Evening Emerald”. Peridot is found in Europe in many medieval churches decorating several treasures, like, for example, in the Cologne Cathedral. In the era of Baroque the deep green gemstone experienced another short flourishing, before it became forgotten.

Spectacular “Cashmere Peridot”

But suddenly, around the middle of the 1990s, Peridot was the great sensation on the Gemstone Trade Fairs all around the world. The reason: In Pakistan there had been found a sensationally rich occurrence of finest Peridot on a rough mountainside, in about 4,000 m height. The extremely hard climatic conditions only allowed mining to go on through the summer months, and yet the unusually large and fine crystals and rocks were brought down into the valley. These stones were of finer quality than anything else ever seen before, and the occurrence proved so rich that the high demand can be met without problems at present.

In order to underline the outstanding quality of such Peridot from Pakistan the stones have been termed “Cashmere-Peridot”, reminding of the fine Cashmere Sapphires. Creative gemstone cutters have in fact succeeded to create fascinating and beautiful unique stones of over 100 karats from some of the larger and fine crystals in a deep and breathtakingly beautiful green.

The depth of green depends on iron

The gemstone is actually known under three names: Peridot, Chrysolith (derived from the Greek word “goldstone”) and Olivin, because Peridot is the gemstone variety of the Olivin mineral. In the gemstone trade it is generally called Peridot, a name derived from the Greek “peridona”, meaning something like “giving plenty”.

Peridot is one of the few gemstones, which exist only in one color. Finest traces of iron account for the deep green color with a slight golden hue. Chemically Peridot is just an iron-magnesium-silicate, and the intensity of color depends on the amount of iron contained. The color as such can come in any variation from yellow-green and olive to brownish green. Peridot is not especially hard – it only achieves about 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs´ scale – and yet it is easy to care for and quite robust. Very rare treasures indeed, however, are Peridot-Cat’s Eye and Star-Peridot.

The most beautiful stones come from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border region. Peridot as gemstone does also exist in Myanmar, China, the USA, Africa and Australia. Stones from East Burma, today’s Myanmar, show a vivid green with fine silky inclusions. Peridot from the American state of Arizona, where it is quite popular in Native Indian jewelry, often shows a yellowish to golden brown shade.

Uncomplicated – but not for the cutter

Peridot is cut according to its crystal structure, usually in classical table and facetted cuts, round, antique, octagonal or oval shaped. Smaller crystals are cut as calibrated stones, larger ones are shaped by gemstone designers to fancy unique specimen stones. The material, which is rich in inclusions, is worked as cabochons, because this shape will provide the best effect for the fine silky inclusions.

Gemstone cutters know that this stone is not easy to process. The rough crystals can be devious and are easy to break. The tensions existing inside the crystal are often quite considerable. When the cutter has removed the most disturbing inclusions, however, Peridot is a jewelry stone, which is excellently suited to daily wear, without requiring special care.

Ideal summer stone

eridot is a gain for the green gemstone’ color palette. There is trend to use it not only as individual stone, but also in jewelry series. And since the world of fashion has just discovered a preference for the color green, the popularity of this deep green gemstone has increased accordingly.

And the rich occurrences in Pakistan and Afghanistan have provided the market with sufficient raw material, so that the individual taste and each budget can be met. But if the “right” stone for you is a large and transparent one, intensely colored, is prepared: they are quite rare and valuable. Peridot is a gemstone which one should definitely get to know.

Etymology

Peridot comes from an old French word peritot, possibly from Arabic faridat, "gem". It only appeared in Western Europe with the Crusades, and is sometimes called "emerald of the Crusaders". When the Spaniards brought back emeralds from the Americas, interest in the peridot diminished, and a saying of the time went: "Whoever has two has one too many".

Quartz

Quartz has been an important crystal in history, primarily from the standpoint that it is extremely useful in industrial and commercial applications. However, compared to the nation-shaping effect that elements such as Gold have had upon the countries where they are found, Quartz’ historical presence is limited.

In ancient Egypt, glazed Quartz served as a substitute when no high quality examples of Turquoise could be found. The Greeks had originally named Quartz, Krystallos, the word for ice, but this soon came to mean any crystal. Quartz appears to be from the German “Quarz” but that word’s origin is not known. In China’s Ming Dynasty, Quartz often showed up as stone in jewelry work. In Pre-Columbian America, explorations of Mixtec graves have uncovered Quartz use for ear jewelry. In European history, Queen Elizabeth I’s court spiritualist’s crystal ball was Smoky Quartz, which is also the national gem of Scotland, whose national scepter included a large Smoky Quartz on its top. In modern times, it was the first crystal used in radio transmission and reception and was essential in the development of computers.

The ancient mythology beliefs, crystal mythology, and references to crystals, minerals, metals, semi-precious stones and rocks in Greek, Roman, Native American, and Egyptian Mythology are many. There are also Mineral Legends, mining folklore, heroes in mining, myths about jewelry, stories of buried treasure, Vedic Myths, and more.

The ancient Japanese, who revered Dragons as a major part of their creation myths, believed Quartz formed from the breath of a White Dragon. To them, Quartz was representative of perfection, which, while unattainable, was worthy of pursuit. Indian culture believed it could detect food poison. Quartz played essential roles in the rain rituals of Native Americans and the Australian Aborigines. Quartz also graced the temples of Ancient Chinese. In Western culture, Christian relics were often made of Quartz or other members of the Quartz family and many thought it was ice in fossilized form.

Etymology

The word "crystal" comes from Greek krustallos meaning "ice"; indeed they believed that rock crystal was water frozen by so intense a cold that it can no longer thaw. 

 White quartz crystals are regarded as rain-stones by certain Queensland, Australia, tribes and are attached to the rain-sticks in the rain-making ceremonies. The people in Northern Queensland search for the white crystals in the mountains, pulverize them, and use the powder to simulate, or *be*, rain in their mimetic rain-making rite. The powder is showered over the women by the men while the women hold wooden troughs over their head to keep off the "rain". Th people of New South Wales also regard quartz crystal as a rain-stone. The rain-maker holds a fragment of it in his mouth and spits it toward the sky during the ceremony.

      Quartz was in common use among the North American Indian centuries before the white man came among them. Arrowheads, knives, and ornaments of quartz have been found in the investigated mounds. Quartz crystals surmounting ceremonial wands have been unearthed in Southern California.. The Cherokee used them for divining stones. In Ife (West Africa) there are still ceremonial stools carved from a solid piece of quartz. Among the Hottentots, where iron is tabu to the priest, he uses a sharp quartz implement for sacrificing animals and circumcising young boys.

      In early British folk belief quartz pebbles were called star-stones and were constantly sought for their curative properties. Nine star-stones collected from a running brook, boiled in a quart of water from the same brook, would impart their curing power to the water, which was given to the patient for nine successive mornings. In the Shetland Islands quartz pebbles were said to cure sterility; they were collected by women and thrown into a pool wherein they washed their feet. In Persian folk practice quartz crystals are sometimes put on babies to ensure their getting enough mother's milk.

   The Crystal Skulls have caused a huge stir within the New Age movement since they began to mysteriously appear in modern society. Believed by New Agers to possess magical properties and to have been created by the inhabitants of Atlantis, the skulls are of varying composition and craftsmanship. The most famous is the Mitchell Hodges skull, which its owners claimed to have discovered in a Mayan temple in the 1920s. This claim later turned out to be a hoax when investigators found that instead of finding it in the Mayan Temple as they had claimed, the owners had purchased the skull at an auction in London in 1924. Recent scientific studies have concluded that because of the complexity of creating them, the skulls are probably not ancient artifacts. However, these studies have been unable to determine their exact origins. Regardless of the fact that the skulls are not ancient, but rather new creations, the carving work is undeniably exquisite. Being generally well-grounded in their beliefs and unmoved by scientific evidence, followers of the New Age continue to revere them as living entities. 

There are many associations in Astrological symbols and symbolism of Astrology, Ayurvedic, Hindu Astrology, Lucky Charms that are associated with gemstone or crystals, crystal healing, spiritualism, new Age, gems, minerals, mining, spirits vibrations and Chakra, as well as mystical numerology and psychic supernatural investigations. From El Paso and Dallas, Texas to Massachusetts, it can make good cocktail conversation. 

Clear Quartz-In Western tradition, it is a common birthstone for the month of April, the medicine wheel birthstone for December 22 to January 19 and in Western Astrology, it is the birthstone for Libra. It is an alternate stone for April and November and Taurus. In Vedic Astrology, Clear Quartz is the secondary gemstone for Taurus and Libra. Its planetary rulers are Pluto, the Sun and the moon in Planetary Astrology. It symbolizes both the fire and water elementals. As a symbol, it is for men named Robert and a lucky stone for those of Japanese or Swiss ethnicity. It is associated with the number 4.

Rose Quartz-Rose Quartz is the common birthstone for January, also associated with Taurus and Libra. It is a lucky stone for the names Raymond and Rose. The number 4 is its number and Water is its elemental.

Rutilated Quartz-A Leo stone. It is a Fire elemental associated with the numbers of 2 and 8.

Smoky Quartz-Western Astrology associates it with Sagittarius, Libra and Capricorn, the numbers 2 and 8 and the water elemental. It is a stone that symbolizes Autumn, rules the hour of 1 a.m. and is the national gem of Scotland.

I am RUBY, "Ratnaraj," King of Precious Gemstones. Thousands of years ago I was released from the magical egg of Naga, a ferocious dragon from ancient Burma. My eternal flame has adorned the thrones of great royalty the world over. Wear me as an amulet and I will preserve your health, dispel your fears and bring abundant passion to your life. Touch me to the four corners of your land and I will turn away tempests and disaster... your harvests will be plentiful.

Which color would you spontaneously associate with love and vividness, passion and power? Obviously this will evoke the color red. Red symbolizes love; it emanates warmth and a strong sense of life. Red is also the color of Ruby, the King of gemstones. After all, in the fascinating realm of gemstones rubies are the generally accepted emperors.

For thousands of years Ruby has been considered on of the most valuable gemstones of our Earth. It has got all it takes for a precious stone: a wonderful color, excellent hardness and an overwhelming brilliance. Besides, it is an extremely rare gemstone, especially in the finer qualities.

For a long time India was considered as the classical country of Rubies. The literature of India contains a rich and varied knowledge collected and handed down for over two thousand years. Even the term "corundum” which we use today is derived from the Sanskrit word "kuruvinda”. In the Sanskrit language Ruby is called "ratnaraj”, which does in fact translate as "King of Gemstones”. And it was a royal welcome indeed which used to be prepared for this King of Gemstones: Whenever a spectacular Ruby crystal was found, the emperor sent out his notables to meet the precious gemstone and welcome it in appropriate style. Today Rubies decorate the insignia of many Royal Houses. But are they really all Rubies? Read on to find out more!

Only a Bit of Chrome

Ruby is the red variety of the corundum mineral, one of the hardest minerals on Earth, which also includes Sapphire. Pure corundum is colorless. Slight traces of the color creating elements such as chrome, iron, titanium or vanadium are responsible for the color. These gemstones show an excellent hardness. On the Moh’s Scale they achieve a hardness of 9, second only to diamonds. And only red corundum may be called Ruby, any other color is denominate as Sapphires. The close relationship of Ruby and Sapphire has been known since the beginning of the 19th century. Up to that time, also red Garnets or Spinells were thought to be Rubies – and due to this misclassification the so-called "Black Ruby” as well as the "Timur Ruby” decorating the British Crown Jewels are probably actually no Rubies at all, but Spinells.

Ruby, this magnificent red variety of the multi-colored corundum family, consists of aluminum oxide and chrome as well as smallest proportions of other trace elements - depending on the respective occurrence. In really fine colors and good clarity, however, this gemstone is mined only rarely all over the world. Responsible for this scarcity is in fact the color-creating element chrome. Millions of years ago, when the gemstones were being created, chrome was the element awarding Ruby its wonderful color deep inside the core of the Earth. But at the same time it is also responsible for causing a multitude of fissures and tiny irregularities inside the crystals. Only very few ruby crystals could grow undisturbed to considerable sizes and crystallize to form a perfect gemstone. Therefore, then, fine Rubies are quite scarce in sizes above 3 karats. Thus it is no miracle that Rubies with hardly any inclusions are so valuable that in good colors and larger sizes they will achieve top prices at auctions, which surpass even those paid for diamonds.

Some Rubies show a wonderful silky shine, the so-called "silk” of the Ruby. The reason for this phenomenon is finest rutilum needles. And now and then we will come across one of the very scarce Star Rubies. Again the rutilum mineral is involved here: it is embedded asterisk-shaped within the Ruby thus causing the charming light effect, which is termed "Asterism” by the experts. If such Rubies are cut as half-dome shaped cabochons, this will result in six-ray stars, which seem to magically glide across the surface of the moving stones. Star Rubies are expensive rarities Their value is assessed according to beauty and attractive color, while transparency is secondary. Fine Star Rubies, however, should always display rays, which are completely shaped including the rounding, and the stars should be situated right in the center.

Ruby-red means Passion

Red like Ruby. Ruby-red. The most important characteristic about that valuable stone is its color. There is of course a reason for this: the name "Ruby” was derived from the Latin word "rubens” meaning "red”. The red of Rubies is in a class all by itself: warm and fiery. Two magical elements are associated with the symbolism of this color: fire and blood, implying warmth and life for mankind. And thus Ruby-red is not just any old color, no, it is the epitome of color: hot, passionate and powerful color. Like no other gemstone Ruby is the perfect symbol of powerful feelings. A ring set with a precious Ruby does not really symbolize a calm and moderate sympathy, but rather passionate and unbridled love which two people feel for each other.

Birthplace of Fine Rubies

Which is the most beautiful Ruby? This is an excellent question. After all, a Ruby may show very different shades of red depending on its origin. The range of the different reds is quite considerable; compared to hotel categories one might say it ranges from luxury accommodation to simple and plain inns. For example, id the gemstone experts talk about Burmese Ruby this indicates the top luxury category. However, it does not necessary follow that the stone has to be of Burmese origin. It is basically an indication of the fact that the color of said Ruby is the typical shade originally shown by stones from the famous occurrences in Burma, nowadays called Myanmar: a satiated red with a slightly bluish hue. Sometimes "dove-blood-red” is also mentioned, but the term "Burma-color” is far more precise. An expert will immediately associate this color with the legendary "Mogok Stone Tract” and the gemstone center of Mogok in the North of Myanmar. Here we will find the famous Ruby occurrences of the country situated in a mountain valley surrounded by high summits. By hard labor gemstones are brought to daylight in the "valley of Rubies”, stones with a fascinating brilliance second to none. Unfortunately, fine qualities are quite scarce here, too. The color of Burma Ruby is considered to be exceptionally vivid. It is said to display its unique brilliance in any light, natural or artificial.

The journey to the most important Ruby occurrences of the World leads us further on to the small city of Mong Hsu in the North-East of Myanmar, where we can find the most important Ruby occurrences of the nineties. Originally these were hardly considered adequate to be used for jewelry, as Mong Hsu Ruby crystals show two colors when untreated: a purple to blackish core and a bright red brim. Only when it was discovered that the dark core would disappear after heat treatment and only the deep red would remain, Rubies from Mong Hsu could find their way to the jewelry market. Today the Mong Hsu gemstone mines are still among the most important Ruby suppliers. They mostly offer heat-treated Rubies in commercial qualities and sizes between 0.5 and 3 carats.

Ruby occurrences exist also in the neighboring country of Viet Nam, near the Chinese border. Rubies of Vietnamese origin generally display a slightly purplish hue. Rubies from Thailand, another classical supplier of Rubies, however, produce Rubies, which are often dark red tending towards brown. This "Siam color” - an elegantly modulated deep red - is considered almost as beautiful in Rubies as the Burma-color, and is especially cherished in the USA. The Ceylon-Rubies, however, which are quite scarce nowadays, were mainly light red, like ripe raspberries.

Other Ruby occurrences are located in Northern Pakistan in the Hunza-Valley, or in Cashmere, Tadchikistan, Laos, Nepal, and Afghanistan. But Rubies are also produced in India, wherein the Federal states of Mysore and Orissa there were discovered occurrences with relatively large Ruby crystals, which are, however, full of inclusions, but nevertheless excellently suited to be cut as Ruby beads or cabochons.

Currently East Africa has become an issue concerning Ruby occurrences. Rubies from Kenya and Tanzania managed ton surprise everybody, including the experts, when they were discovered in the sixties. The reason for this was their remarkably beautiful color, which may vary from light to dark red. But also in the African mines fine and clear Rubies in good color and size are rarely found. Usually the qualities mined are more or less simple average.

Color above (almost) Everything

As stated above: color is Ruby’s most important feature, and transparency is secondary only. Therefore, then, inclusions do not affect the quality of a Ruby, unless they decrease the transparency of the stone or are located right in the center of its table. Quite the contrary applies: inclusions within a ruby are something like the gemstones fingerprints, stating its individuality while at the same time proving its genuineness like a certificate provided by Nature. The cut is essential: only a perfect cut will underline the beauty of this valuable and precious stone appropriately to make it really the "King of Gemstones”. But just as true love is rare indeed, so are really perfect Rubies. And if you find one, it is bound to cost a small fortune. Nevertheless: once you found "your” Ruby, do not hesitate: go for it and keep it!

Etymology

 

The Sanskrit word for the ruby is ratnaraj ("queen of gems") or ratnayaka ("first of gems"); it was also named "drop of blood from the motherland". They considered it to hold an inextinguishable internal fire, and this conception is found also in the Greek terms anthrax ("burning coal") and lychnitès (from lychnos "lamp", "light"), which gave lychnis.

I am SAPPHIRE, the world rests upon my shoulders. The ancients have said that the blue of the wide heavens reflects my image; beyond blue my brilliant colors are as varied as the sunrise. I have been a talisman to emperors, saints and sorcerers. I have inspired Buddhist monks to pray and Hindus believe I will unite humanity with the heavenly spheres. Wear me with sincerity for I am a symbol of truth, and I will protect you always. 

The sky is just a gigantic blue Sapphire stone into which the earth is embedded – this belief was cherished in ancient times. And, in fact, does there exist a better image to describe the beauty of an immaculate Sapphire of purest blue? This gemstone exists in all the shades of blue skies, from the deep blue of evening skies to the bright and deep blue of a clear and beautiful summer sky which charms all people. The splendid gemstone, however, also comes in many other colors, not only in the transparent grayish misty blue of far horizons, but also displaying the bright fireworks of sunset colors – yellow, pink, orange and purple. So Sapphires are really and truly heavenly stones, although they are being found in the hard soil of our so-called "blue planet”.

Blue is Sapphire’s main color. Blue is also the favorite color of about 50 per cent of the population, men and women alike. This color, which is strongly associated with sapphire, is also linked to emotions such as sympathy and harmony, friendship and loyalty. These emotions belong to features, which are permanent and reliable – emotions where overwhelming and fiery passion is not the main element, but rather composure, mutual understanding and unshakeable trust. Sapphire blue has thus become a color related to anything permanent and reliable, and this is one of the reasons why women in many countries settle on Sapphire for their engagement rings. Sapphire symbolizes loyalty and faithfulness, while at the same time expressing love and yearning. The most famous musical example for this melancholic shade of blue can be found in George Gershwin’s "Rhapsody in Blue". Sapphire’s blue color is also evoked where clear competence and controlled brainwork are the issue. After all, the first computer ever to wrangle a victory from a chess grandmaster and world champion was named "Deep Blue".

What makes Sapphire a fancy stone?

Its beauty, magnificent colors, its transparency but also its resistance and permanence are characteristics which gemstone lovers and experts assign to this gemstone – however, this does not only apply to blue Sapphire as will be pointed out later on. Sapphire belongs to the corundum group, which is set apart from other gemstones by their very good hardness (Grade 9 on the Mohs’ scale). They are second in hardness to diamonds only, and diamonds represent the hardest mineral on Earth! Because of their good harness, sapphires are easy to care for as gemstones and demand from their wearers only the usual and normal care.

The corundum group consists of pure aluminum oxide, which a long time ago was caused to crystallize into beautiful and splendid gemstones by the pressure and heat in the depths of the ground. Small proportions of other elements, mainly iron and chrome, are responsible for the resulting colors and make the basically white crystals a blue, red, yellow, pink or greenish Sapphire. But this dies not necessarily imply that any corundum is a sapphire. Which stone may be termed a Sapphire – this is a question, which for centuries has fuelled, heated discussions among experts. Finally agreement was achieved to call ruby-red Sapphires "Rubies”, and all other colors "Sapphires".

If we talk about Sapphires, most gemstone lovers will immediately think of a velvety blue. It is an adaptable color, which is attractive on many people. A blue Sapphire is optimally suited to a well-balanced style of life, where reliability is joined with spirit, and where there is openness for new ideas and influences – just like the woman wearing it. The fact that this beautiful gemstone does also exist in many other colors was for a long time a piece of information known to insiders only. In the gemstone trade any non-blue Sapphire is termed "fancy”. And to clear up matters the color denominations are also used, so that when talking about Fancy Saphires, we talk about yellow, purple, pink, green or white Sapphire, etc. Fancy sapphires are the epitome of individualism, the perfect choice for women who love unique colored gemstone jeweler. These Sapphires exist in a charming variety of designs - set in rings, as pendants or earrings, as solitary stones, in elegant line-ups or as sparkling pavée.

But there are even more surprises about Sapphire: for example, there is an orange color variety with a fine pinkish undertone, which has been given the poetic name ”Padparadsha”, meaning "lotus flower”. Another rarity is the star saphires. These are stone cut in half-dome shape displaying a star-shaped light phenomenon, which seems to dance magically across the stone’s surface when the Sapphire is moved. There exist rumors about gemstone lovers who have forever and truly lost their hearts to these sapphire rarities – but then, permanence and loyalty come along with these stones.

Top-Sapphires are rare

Sapphires, these gemstones of the skies, rest hidden away in only few places of the earth and have to be brought to daylight in laborious procedures. Sapphires are found in India, Burma, Ceylon, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Brazil and Africa. From the gemstone mines the rough crystals are supplied to the cutters, where skilled hands turn into the sparkling gemstones. A cutter must draw on all his experience and deftness when cutting sapphire, because these gemstones are not only hard, they also display a different coloring and satiation depending on the perspective. Therefore, then, the cutter must align the orientation of the stone in such a way as to bring about the best possible display of color.

Depending on the place of occurrence the depth of color as well as the shade displayed by the cut stones will vary, which in turn offers a wider range to select from. So shall a woman who has decided on a sapphire go for the medium blue stone evoking the summer skies even on a rainy day? Or should she rather prefer a lighter blue, because it sparkles brilliantly also in the evening? Bright daylight makes most Sapphires shine more vividly than the somewhat muted artificial light. Therefore the most highly cherished color for blue sapphires is not the darkest blue as is often claimed, but a deep and satiated blue, which even in dim artificial light remains to appear blue.

For experts and connoisseurs the Cashmere-color with its velvety sheen is considered the most beautiful and valuable shade. The wonderful Cashmere gemstones, which were found in 1880 after an avalanche had come down in a height of 5000 m, and which were intensively mined then for eight years, have for all times set the standard for our ideas of the color of a top quality Sapphire. Typical for the Cashmere color is a pure and intensive blue, which is enhanced by a fine, silky gloss. It is reported that this color does not change in artificial light. But Burma-color is also considered especially valuable. It ranges from rich royal blue to deep cornflower blue.

The oldest Sapphire mines are situated in Ceylon, today called Sri Lanka, where gemstones were mined in ancient times. The expert recognizes Ceylon sapphires from the luminosity and brilliance of their light to medium blue color. Most blue Sapphires, however, come from Thailand or Australia.

Their value depends on size, color and transparency. For very fine qualities these criteria are supplemented by information on the origin of the gemstone. The color as such is not necessarily linked to the geographic origin of the Sapphire, and this explains why there are such enormous price differences between the respective qualities. The most valuable sapphires are real Cashmere stones. Almost as highly cherished are stones from Burma, followed by Ceylon-Sapphires. Another factor reflecting on the price for a sapphire is a possible treatment, as in our age of gemstone cosmetics a stone, which has definitely not been treated, becomes more and more desirable. And if this rare beauty should be a real Cashmere- or Burma-Sapphire with a certificate to document this, than you will definitely have to pay a collector’s price.

Only rarely some courageous pioneers will succeed in locating a gemstone occurrence of such dimensions as happened in Madagascar some years ago, when in the Southeast of the island there was found a large gemstone occurrence stretching out across several kilometers. Since then, there have not only been enough blue Sapphires on the market, there also appeared some magnificent yellow and pink Sapphires of special beauty and transparency. In the meantime experts also succeeded in finding the first evidence for two larger gemstone occurrences in Tanzania, where good, although not very large Sapphire crystals are found in blue, yellow and orange colors. And recently Brazil has joined the ranks as third country where blue to purple and pink Sapphires have been found. So, Sapphire lovers may rest assured: The "heavenly” gemstones with the fine color spectrum will be available in the future in sufficient amounts. Top-quality Sapphires, however, remain a rarity in the gemstone mines all over the world.

Etymology

 

Sanskrit sauriratna, Chaldean sampir, Hebrew sapphir ("most beautiful of things") gave Greek sappheiros transcribed in Latin sapphirus.

 

Greece

 

In Greek mythology, Hyacinth was a young friend of Apollo who accidentally killed him. He was transformed into a beautiful blue flower, and by analogy; the mineral of the same color took the same name (no longer in use).

 

Christian lore

 

The color blue was a sacred color worn by priests to show their link to the heavens. In the Middle Ages sapphire became this symbol of the union of the priest and the sky, and ornated the rings of bishops.

 

 

 

The Judeo-Christian tradition has it that Abraham wore one around his neck, and that at his death the sapphire rose straight back to the sun.

Topaz 

I am TOPAZ, keeper of the flame. As day dissolves into twilight, search the beaches of the Serpent Isle for the glimmer of my golden beacon. I am waiting for you. Look deeply into my eyes and I will reveal all the knowledge of the world. Hold me gently and my security will wash over your soul and cool the frenzy in your mind. Keep me in your home and I will gather up the sunlight and radiate good health to all your family.

The Egyptians said that topaz was colored with the golden glow of the mighty sun god Ra. This made topaz a very powerful amulet that protected the faithful against harm. The Romans associated topaz with Jupiter, who also is the god of the sun. Topaz sometimes has the amber gold of fine cognac or the blush of a peach and all the beautiful warm browns and oranges in-between. Some rare and exceptional topaz is pale pink to a sherry red.

Wear topaz only if you wish to be clear-sighted: legend has it that it dispels all enchantment and helps to improve eyesight as well! The ancient Greeks believed that it had the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. Topaz was also said to change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink. Its mystical curative powers waxed and waned with the phases of the moon: it was said to cure insomnia, asthma, and hemorrhages.

Perhaps the most famous topaz is a giant specimen set in the Portuguese Crown, the Braganza, which was first thought to be a diamond. There is also a beautiful topaz set in the Green Vault in Dresden, one of the world's important gem collections.

Brown, yellow, orange, sherry, red and pink topaz is found in Brazil and Sri Lanka. Pink topaz is found in Pakistan and Russia.

Today we also have blue topaz, which has a pale to medium blue, color created by irradiation. Pale topaz, which is enhanced to become blue, is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and China. In early 1998, a new type of enhanced topaz made its appearance, the surface-enhanced topaz, with colors described as blue to greenish-blue or emerald green.

Topaz is a very hard gemstone but it can be split with a single blow, a trait it shares with diamond. As a result it should be protected from hard knocks.

Topaz is the birthstone for those born in the month of November.

I am TOURMALINE, the gemstone of many colors. The flowers in the fields, the birds of the air and the essence of the changing seasons are all encompassed within my many hues. I was the final companion to the last Empress of China, her head gently cradled on my lap as she rests in her eternal sleep. My fingers possess a healing touch. Hold my hand and I will restore your "prana," the vital energy of your soul. Wear me as an amulet and I will bring to you both friends and lovers.

Tourmalines are precious stones displaying a unique splendor of colors. According to an ancient Egyptian legend this is the result of the fact that on the long way from the Earth’s heart up towards the sun, Tourmaline traveled along a rainbow. And on its way it collected all the colors of the rainbow. This is why nowadays it is called the "Rainbow gemstone”.

 

 However, the name "Tourmaline” has been derived from the Singhalese expression "tura mali”, which translates as "stone of mixed colors.” The very name already refers to the unique spectrum of colors displayed by this gemstone, which is second to none in the realm of precious stones. Tourmalines are red and green, range from blue to yellow. Often they show two or more colors and are cherished for this parti or multi-colored appearance. There are Tourmalines, which change their color from daylight to artificial light others display chattoyance. No Tourmaline exactly resembles another one: this gemstone shows many faces and is thus excellently suited to match all moods and tempers. It does not come as a surprise, then, that ever since ancient days it has been attributed with magical powers. Tourmaline is supposed to be an especially powerful influence on love and friendship, lending them permanence and stability.

 

 

 

Colors, Names and Nicknames

 

 

 

In order to understand this multitude of colors you will have to polish up your knowledge of gemology: Tourmalines are mixed crystals of complex aluminum-borosilicate varying in their composition. The slightest changes in composition will result in completely different colors. In fact, crystals showing one color only are quite rare; generally one and the same crystal displays several shades and colors. Not only the wide range of colors characterizes this gemstone, it also shows a remarkable dichroism. Depending on the angle of view the color will be different or at least show different intensity. The deepest color always appears along the main axis, a fact that the gemstone cutter has to keep in mind when cutting the stone. This gemstone is excellently suited for wearing and is uncomplicated to care for, since all Tourmalines show a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs’ scale. Thus Tourmaline is an interesting gemstone in many aspects indeed.

 

The different shades of color have been assigned different names in the trade. For example, deep red Tourmaline is named "Rubelite”, provided it shows the same fine ruby-red shade in daylight and in artificial light. Should the color change when the source of light changes, the stone will be called a "Pink Tourmaline”. Blue Tourmalines are called "Indigolith”, "Dravite” is a golden-brown to dark brown Tourmaline, and black Tourmalines are known as "Schorl”. The latter stone is mainly used for engravings and in esotericism, where it is highly cherished because it is reputed to ward off harmful radiation from its wearer.

 

 

 

Very popular is "Verdelith”, the green tourmaline, however, if it’s fine emerald-like green is caused by traces of chromium, the stone is named "Chromium-Tourmaline.” But the outstanding highlight among Tourmalines is of course Pairba Tourmaline, a gemstone showing a vivid deep blue to bluish green, found for the first time in1987 in the mines of the Brazilian state of Paraiba. In good qualities these stones are much coveted treasures. Since Yellow Tourmalines from Malawi of brilliant color have been offered on the market, the formerly missing color yellow has been added in excellent quality to the apparently unlimited range of colors shown by the "Rainbow Gemstone.”

 

These are by no means all the names Tourmaline has achieved: there still have to be mentioned bi-colored and multi-colored Tourmalines Very popular are also slices cut as cross-sections through Tourmalines, as these will render the full splendor of colors embedded in a specific Tourmaline. For example, such slices taken from Tourmalines with red heart and green border are called a "Watermelon-Tourmaline”; slices with a clear heart and a black border are called "Moor’s head –Tourmaline”.

 

Tourmaline are mined everywhere in the world. There are important occurrences in Brazil, in Sri Lanka and South and Southwest Africa. Other occurrences are situated in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Madagascar, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Tourmalines are also found in the USA, first of all in Maine and Utah. But although there are rich occurrences of Tourmalines all over the world, good qualities and fine colors are only rarely offered on the market. Therefore, then, the price range achieved by Tourmaline almost matches its wide range of colors.

 

 

 

The "Ashes-Extractor"

 

 

 

Not only designers are fascinated by Tourmaline because of its incomparable wealth of colors providing unlimited inspiration. Scientists are also intrigued due to its astonishing physical characteristics: by heating and subsequently cooling down Tourmalines will be charged up. The stone will then show positive charge at one end, and negative charge at the opposite pole. This is termed "pyro-electricity”, according to the Greek word "pyros" denoting fire. Pressure will also lead to the stone’s charging, and in the course of discharging the plus- and minus-poles will alternate, so that the stone will show vibrations similar to Rock Crystal, but much stronger. The Dutch, who originally brought Tourmaline to Europe, already knew about this effect long before it was subjected to scientific study. They used heated Tourmalines to extract the ashes from their meerschaum pipes and named the gemstone "Aschetrekker”.

 

Tourmaline is a very special stone indeed and holds an outstanding position in the fascinating world of gemstones. Its excellent availability and unique splendor of colors make it one of the most popular gemstones – and besides almost every Tourmaline is an original.

Turquiose

Mystical Properties: Considered a lucky stone by an amazing array of cultures, including the U.S. Southwestern Indians, Arabic/Turkish Cultures, and Hindus of India.

The Southwestern Indians of the U.S., highly prized Turquoise, even using it as units of exchange. It was powdered for use in sand paintings and native magic ceremonies and often put under Kivas as it was considered a protector from evil magic. Used during vision quests to ground and protect the spirit. Sometimes used as a rain bringer, who cast it into water or a river for the desired effect.

Many legends exist about Turquoise losing its color, and then regaining it. Muslims believe if the color changes, it signals a straying woman. Middle-Agers in Europe attributed loss of color to loss of health and vigor. If later given to someone young and healthy, the stone would regain its beautiful blue color. Others say, when given as a gift of love, if the stone fades, it means the love is also fading.

It is said to protect horses and their riders, often cited as breaking during the fall--taking the injury instead of the rider or horse. Two pieces are required--one on the rider and the other to be placed on the bridle or saddle.

Turquoise is an important gemstone in subduing an overactive 5th Chakra. Natural Healers consider Turquoise a Master Healing gemstone.

Biblical tradition states Isaac first opened the famous Persian Turquoise mines.

The National Gem of Persia and Persians.

Said to favor women called Therese.

To Jewelers, Turquoise is a December Birthstone.

Healing Properties: Called as a balancing stone, it helpsbalance the spiritual and the physical--as the sky connects the heavens to the earth. Ancient Indians believed in its ability to heal and every shaman possessed at least one piece of Turquoise. Sometimes associated with relieving migraines.

Scientific Properties: Turquoise is composed of a Hydrous Copper Aluminum Phosphate. Hardness: 5.0-6.0 on the Moh's Hardness Scale.

Etymology

The Greek name for it was kallalith ("beautiful stone") then callais, and to the Arabs it is feyruz ("lucky stone"). Turquoise from Iran was sold to the Europeans by the Turks, hence the modern name of turquoise.

 

Modern Spiritual Myths

 

Modern Spiritualists consider Turquoise to be a stone of spiritual attunement, cleansing, protection and prosperity and a symbol of the Earth and sky, good fortune and success.

 

Protection - Spiritualists say its change of color from dark to light to its ability to detect poisons, danger, infidelity or sickness. This myth has survived to modern times. It is an excellent token of protection for physical and astral travel and vision quests, during which it acts as a grounding force, strengthening the user against fear of the unknown by enhancing one’s feelings of trust, kindness, wisdom and understanding. It can ward off strong negativity and protect from the evil eye, reptile bites and diseases of the eye. Further, Shamans extend its protective powers to one’s property.

  

Superstitions - Some believe you should avoid wearing turquoise that belongs to a deceased person or that it takes on characteristics of the wearer.

Gender of the Stone - Turquoise is androgynous with a good balance of yin and yang.

 

Attunement - New Age followers believe Turquoise attunes the physical to the higher realms, balances the mind and soul and connects with all life. Some cultures consider it a bridge between heaven and Earth.

 

Middle Eastern Spiritual Myths

 

Because, over the millennia of its use, much of the world’s supply of the stone has come from Persia, the number of superstitions surrounding Turquoise that originate from Persia and the surrounding area of the Middle East is great. To begin, Hebrew tradition states that Isaac opened the first mines in Persia.

 

Good Luck - Having seen the reflection of the new moon in a stone of Turquoise; a person was believed to encounter good luck soon, according to Persian lore. Arabian superstition said it was a lucky stone and that it had good powers of benevolence. They also attributed the accumulation of wealth and prosperity with the stone.

 

Warning - The people of the Afghanistan, Persia, India, and Arabia thought that a Turquoise stone that changed color was an omen of illnesses or death. Muslim beliefs say that a change in Turquoise’s color meant that a woman had been unfaithful. Arab writings from the 12^th century warned that a pale stone meant polluted air or a change in the weather.

 

Healing - Dipping Turquoise in water gave the water the ability to cure bladder ailments. It could heal the eye simply by looking at it.

 

Native American Spiritual Myths

 

As another major source of Turquoise for centuries, Pre-Columbian America is also rich in Turquoise legend. It is one of the most important holy stones in their belief system for protection of the body and soul.

 

Weather - The Navajo culture of New Mexico and Arizona utilized Turquoise in their rain ceremonies, which required the tossing of the stone into a river.

 

War - Some cultures said it was important in ensuring the fortunes of warriors, hunters, and all tribal members. The Apache felt that Turquoise combined the powers of the sky and the sea to help hunters and warriors aim accurately.

 

The Heavens - Others believed it hat the ability to connect the Earth and the Sky, symbols of the spirit and the body. The Navajo believe that a piece of Turquoise is actually a piece of the sky that has fallen to Earth. Archaeologists have recovered Turquoise from burial sites in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Central America.

 

Protection - The superstitions of the Zuni said that Turquoise could protect them from demons.

 

European Spiritual Myths

 

Turquoise has only been known as such recently in its long history. The name Turquoise means Turkish stone and comes from European markets in the Middle Ages, who received it from Turkish traders who brought it from Persia. In antiquity, Pliny had named it callais, Greek kalos lithos for "beautiful stone." European superstitions have long associate turquoise with horses. They believed that it could protect horses from danger and illnesses as well as the rider from any fall that might occur while riding. Europeans of the middle ages said that Turquoise would lose its color when the wearer contracted an illness and was a gauge of the general health of a person. 

 

Eastern Spiritual Myths

 

Most Eastern cultures regard Turquoise as a powerful protector and in general, a very lucky stone. The religion of the Hindus said that it could accumulate wealth and Tibetans believe that while turquoise can ensure good fortune, it can also guard one’s health, and protect against the evil eye.

Egyptian

 

Hathor, of the House of Horace was a woman with the ears of a cow. She was also the goddess of the desert and the Sinai turquoise mines.

 

Aztec

Xiuhcoatl (the Turquoise Serpent) was the burning weapon used by Huitzilopochtli (the Sun God) to kill his older sister Coyolxauhqui, who was attempting to murder their mother as the Sun God was being born. 

Navajo

Estsanatlehi was the turquoise-sky goddess in Navajo mythology.

CREDITS
*most of the descriptions on this page came from excerpts
from Cunningham's Encyclopedia of  Crystal, Gem, & Metal Magic