Gem Dictionary

Abalone

Abalone is a stunning shell known for its iridescence and unique, vivid color palette. It has been used in jewelry for thousands of years and continues to be popular in modern designs. Affordable and distinctive, it's the perfect choice to give color to your wardrobe.

Agate

From Gemstones.com

Agate is the term used to describe the banded form of chalcedony. The term also covers translucent chalcedony varieties like moss agate, dendritic agate, and phenomenal varieties like fire agate and iris agate. Agate has long been used to carve cameos, beads, cabochons, and decorative objects. Agate's name is derived from the site of its discovery, the river Achates (now Dirillo) in southwest Sicily."

Its name is derived from the place where Theophrastus, an Ancient Greek philosopher, found it around the 3rd or 4th century BCE. This place is the Dirillo River, formerly called the Achates River, in Sicily, Italy.

At one time, people considered Agate as an immeasurable treasure. They thought that it is the most precious stone there ever was. They used it in many ways. Agate amulets were used to fight and throb malevolent spirits. Its fragments were also used to cure nasty injuries, specifically venomous bites. The stone also brought calmness in the storm and conquest in battle.

The world quickly fell in love with Agate. The Ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Chinese loved them. Whether they needed medicine or just amusement, they relied upon Agate's amazing capabilities.

Presently, Agate is believed to magnify an individual's life energy. When such happens, everything that a person does is commendable. This stone is also beneficial in alleviating anxiety, stress, angst, and fear. Emotions are also prospered with an Agate talisman.

The various colors that play around Agate's silky surface are often compared with that of the rainbow. Its vibrations are comforting, and they promote peace. For people who have troubled lives, Agate can be of enormous help.

Agate is a stone fortune; that's what many gemstone fanatics believe in. The layers of colors and texture that this stone flaunts are considered to represent the different tiers to wealth. If you want to be blessed with prosperity and success, an Agate gemstone is your starting point.

Amethyst

Amethyst was prized by ancient civilizations and was strongly associated with spirituality, faith, and wisdom. Purple has long been associated with royalty and the aristocracy. It is the birthstone for February. The color of Amethyst ranges from light to intense purple. The lighter lilac or lavender variety is often called Rose de France amethyst. The most prized Amethyst is transparent and exhibits an intense, uniform, purple color with red flashes.

Amazonite

Amazonite is a variety of microcline that is a member of the potassium feldspar group. Amazonite is typically light green to greenish-blue or bluish-green. It is used in cabochons, beads, and decorative items. It has been found at archeological sites in the middle east that date back 2000 years. Some of the best mineral specimens come from Pikes Peak in Colorado, United States of America.

Ancient Egyptians considered Amazonite to be a stone of courage and used it extensively in jewelry and as decorative accents. The 27th chapter of the Egyptian Book of the Dead was carved on Amazonite, and it's agreed that it is the third stone in the breastplate of Moses. Some cultures believe Amazonite is named after the matriarchal societies of centuries ago. The image of a strong and powerful woman has its appeal when connected to the boy-blue-green of Amazonite. People who believe in the metaphysical properties of stones consider Amazonite to be a soothing stone. While we have no scientific evidence of this benefit, we agree that its easy color has a soothing appeal.

Amber

Amber is one of the older organic gemstone materials. Amber is designated organic because it is the fossilized resin from a now-extinct species of coniferous trees that flourished more than thirty million years ago. The amber from the Baltic States and the Dominican Republic is 30 to 50 million years old. Copal is a hardened form of resin that is less than 10 million years old. Amber is sometimes included with extinct plants, reptiles, and insects that give scientists a snapshot of the prehistoric past. Amber can be fashioned into a wide variety of items and has been popular in jewelry and decorative objects for centuries.

Amber is millions of years old and glowing with golden warmth. Treasured for its clear beauty and inviting color, amber ranges from pale yellow to deep orange and occasionally even green, red, or blue. Most often clear, amber can have smokey swirls within it. Some amber also contains insects or bits of flora. Amber with these inclusions is highly desirable. Amber is an organic gemstone made from tree resin, then preserved

for millions of years and turned to stone. Most of the world's amber is mined in the regions on the coasts of the Baltic and North Seas. When mined in those regions, amber is sometimes called Baltic Gold. Amber is also mined in the Dominican Republic.

Ametrine

Ametrine is a bi-color quartz variety that, as its name suggests, is a unique combination of Amethyst and Citrine within a single crystal. How the gem forms are still a bit of a mystery, but the differences in color are believed to be the result of the presence of iron in different states of oxidation from natural heating. Combining the golden sunburst of Citrine with the violet sunset of Amethyst, this naturally colored gem is commercially mined at a sole source: the remote Anah mine in Bolivia and is shrouded in fascinating local legends and lore.

Modern folklore tells us that Ametrine combines the awareness of Amethyst and the energy of Citrine. Some believe that these stones stimulate intellect and mental activity. Those who believe in the power of gemstones say that Ametrine encourages optimism and promotes joy.

Ammonite

Ammonites were marine animals that existed during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods and are related to modern-day octopi, squid, and cuttlefish. The same event that wiped out dinosaurs was the end of this species, as well. On rare occasions, the fossilized ammonite shells became mineralized, exhibiting a striking iridescent play of color. Ammonite is typically found as fossil specimens or as iridescent gems cut from the fossils under the trade name Ammolite.

When dinosaurs roamed the Earth, ammonites lived in the sea. They are related to modern-day octopi, squid, and cuttlefish. The same event that wiped out dinosaurs marked the end of this species as well. On rare occasions, the fossilized ammonite shells became mineralized, exhibiting a striking iridescent play of color. A creature of the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, ammonite today is typically found as fossil specimens or as iridescent gems cut from fossils and marketed under the trade name Ammolite.

Apatite

Dive into the cool, inviting color of the wonderfully sea-blue Aquamarine. Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family and a "sibling" stone to emerald and morganite. How can stones from the same family appear so quite different? A gemstone's natural color typically comes from trace elements. In the case of Aquamarine, its color comes from iron. Color is also impacted by gem treatments. Aquamarine is often heated to bring out the most desirable shades. Aquamarine is pleochroic, which means it shows assorted colors in different crystal directions. Heat treatment helps eliminate pleochroism in Aquamarine. Savvy lapidaries cut Aquamarine to minimize the effects of any pleochroism and to optimize its fall-in-love-with-me-blue hues. Aquamarine is typically found in exceptionally large crystals, which makes it a tempting stone for collectors. Measuring 7 ½ - 8 on the scale of gemstone hardness, Aquamarine is very wearable, which makes it ideal for jewelry lovers. The most sought-after Apatite right now is neon blue Apatite. Its beauty has no boundaries.

Consider it as a fine gown, store it carefully and wear it when the event calls for something truly special. Gem-quality Apatite is a unique stone whose assorted colors are often due to the presence of rare-earth elements or natural irradiation. Apatite cat's-eye is highly sought-after and seldom found. It exhibits chatoyancy that is best displayed in a cabochon cut, according to Gemstones.com. Consider creating Apatite as an alternative to the mother-earth stone. It's hard, very wearable, and perfect for those who want to enjoy its enticing colors every day.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is the blue to green-blue gemstone variety of beryl. It is the birthstone for March. The name aquamarine comes from two Latin words, aqua Marinus meaning "water of the sea." The color comes from trace amounts of iron in the stone. Aquamarine is typically greenish-blue in nature, so it is heat-treated to remove the yellow component and to produce a true-blue color. Brazil is the largest producer of Aquamarine, but excellent quality stones can be found around the world.

Dive into the cool, inviting color of the wonderfully sea-blue Aquamarine. Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family and a "sibling" stone to emerald and morganite. How can stones from the same family appear so quite different? A gemstone's natural color typically comes from trace elements. In the case of Aquamarine, its color comes from iron. Color is also impacted by gem treatments. Aquamarine is often heated to bring out the most desirable shades. Aquamarine is pleochroic, which means it shows assorted colors in different crystal directions. Heat treatment helps eliminate pleochroism in Aquamarine. Savvy lapidaries cut Aquamarine to minimize the effects of any pleochroism and to optimize its fall-in-love-with-me-blue hues. Aquamarine is typically found in large crystals, which makes it a tempting stone for collectors. Measuring 7 ½ - 8 on the scale of gemstone hardness, Aquamarine is very wearable, which makes it ideal for jewelry lovers.

Aventurine

From Gemstones.com

Aventurine is a form of Quartz, distinguished by its translucent to opaque appearance and the presence of mineral inclusions that give a shimmering or glittery effect termed aventurescence. The phenomenon of aventurescence is caused by small leaf-like or plate-like inclusions; usually, mica, distributed throughout the host material. Light striking the surface of these inclusions is reflected by the viewer, creating an eye-catching sparkle. While customarily green in color, aventurine may also be found in colors ranging from blue, orange, white, yellow, reddish-brown to gray.

Aventurine is distinguished by its translucent to opaque appearance and the presence of mineral inclusions that give a shimmering or glittery effect termed "aventurescence." The phenomenon of aventurescence is caused by small leaf-like or plate-like inclusions; usually, mica, distributed throughout the host material. Light striking the surface of these inclusions is reflected to the viewer, creating an eye-catching sparkle. While customarily green in color, aventurine may also be found in colors ranging from blue, orange, white, yellow, reddish-brown to gray.

Beryl

The name Beryl is derived from the ancient Greek term for the same gem, beryllos; also, the etymology for the element beryllium that is part of its chemistry. Some scholars believe the word beryl is related to the ancient trading city of Belur or has ancient Indian origins (being derived from the old Hindi word velurya or the Sanskrit word vaidurya). Varieties include emerald, bixbite (red beryl), morganite, Aquamarine, heliodor (golden beryl), and goshenite.

Black Onyx

Black Onyx brings the deepest and truest reflection of your soul. It filters the shallow perception from the people that surrounds you, and it lets them see the depths of your personality. The Onyx is also a mysterious crystal that guides you in your spiritual journey bringing the hope of light in the tunnel of darkness. It is a powerful stone that protects the mind and the body from the negative fields that drain that carriers' energy resulting in a positive emotional and physical well-being. It has countless healing and spiritual properties that date back hundreds of years.

Black Spinel

In the world of gemstones, Black Spinel has taken the world of gemstones/jewelry by storm! Black Spinel, although lesser-known, is one of the most exquisite gems in the world. Spinel comes from a Greek word that means to sparkle. And that it does. More recently, it has been called "The Impostor" and "The New Black Diamond."

The color is all-natural. Having few inclusions adds to its durability.

Although out of all diamonds, black diamonds have a few traits that make them less than perfect. It takes time and effort to polish a black diamond.

Black Spinel is an intriguing newcomer to modern jewelry, reflecting that jet black luster that nature made. However, beware when purchasing, modern technology hasn't helped Spinel's confused identity as far as the public is concerned. This is due to the widespread use of synthetic Spinel to imitate many other gems. Most customers aren't even aware that there's a natural version of the stone.

Blue Topaz

Blue Topaz sparkles with a beautiful azure hue of the sky. The pastel blue gem is as affordable as it is beautiful. Its cool blue color and remarkable clarity are like the ocean sea. Legend says that topaz dispels enchantment. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz has the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in times of an emergency.

Carnelian

Carnelian is a translucent orange to red variety of chalcedony. Uniformly colored cryptocrystalline Quartz, its red tints are caused by traces of iron oxide. The name is derived from the Latin word for flesh, carne, due to its orangey-red color. Carnelian has been appreciated since antiquity and is one of the first known materials ever to be used as a gemstone.

Set your jewelry collection on fire (figuratively, of course) with a carnelian. A member of the chalcedony sub-group, this Quartz is a blazing orange-to-red in its color. It's beautiful, wearable, and affordable - an unbeatable combination in a gemstone. Carnelian is one of the first known gemstones.

For as far back in time as we know, folklore has joined carnelian and good fortune. The Middle Eastern people considered the carnelian a stone of kings and royalty. Due to its warm, rich orange-red color, they also associated it with fire. In Egypt, believers wore carnelian to ward off the evil eye and bring peace to the wearer.

Chalcedony

Chalcedony is the microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline variety of Quartz. Chalcedony can be separated into the translucent category known as agate and the opaque category jasper. Within agate and Jasper, there are numerous varieties that can be separated by color, appearance, and phenomenon. Some of the best-known chalcedonies are lace agate, bloodstone, carnelian, chrysoprase, and Onyx.

Chrome Diopside

From Gemstones.com

Chrome Diopside is a vibrant green variety of diopside that is colored by chromium and, to a lesser extent, iron. Clean, bright stones above 2 carats are rare. The only known commercial deposit is in the Republic of Sakha in Siberia, Russia. Yakutsk, the capital city, has the coldest winter temperatures for any major city on Earth. Mining can only take place during the summer months due to the extreme winter conditions in Siberia.

You will fall in love with the eye-catching green of chrome diopside. This stone is pleochroic and changes color when viewed from different angles. Its color is natural, which gives it a strong appeal to those who seek untreated stones. It's also refractive, which means that when we cut, chrome diopside is quite brilliant. And it's occasionally seen with cat's-eye chatoyancy. This beautiful stone was discovered in Siberia. The part of Siberia that produces this gem is so teeth-chattering cold that miners can dig down to it only when the temperature warms up enough to thaw the frozen Earth that locks it in.

Citrine

Citrine is like owning a piece of the setting sun – it always radiates golden light! Citrine is prized for its excellent transparency and is one of the most popular gemstones in the quartz group.

Citrine dates all the way back to the Medieval Celts and Scots. They believed that citrine pendants would protect them against many things, including the plague, bad skin, and evil thoughts. Medieval Scots even believed that Citrine would heal snake bites from Scotland's only venomous snake, the adder. In the 17th century, Scottish men would use Citrine on the handles of their swords and daggers for decorative purposes - can you blame them?

In 1556, Citrine's name changed from 'yellow quartz' to what it is known today. Citrine gets its zesty name from the French word 'citron,' which means lemon due to its beautiful yellow colors.

Coral

Coral reef ecosystems are intricate and diverse collections of species that interact with each other and the physical environment. Coral is a class of colonial animal that is related to hydroids, jellyfish, and sea anemones. Throughout the centuries, coral has held steady as a medium in jewelry. According to the book Gems and Gemstones by Lance Grande and Allison Augustyn, "The use of coral as a gemstone is an extremely ancient practice, going back at least 25,000 years. Coral has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs and prehistoric European burial sites."

Cushion-Cut Gemstone

The cushion cut is a brilliant cut in which the girdle has the form of a square with rounded corners.

Druzy Quartz

Drusy (Druzy or Druse) is a coating made up of numerous small mineral crystals. Drusy quartz sparkles in the light like grains of sugar. Many drusy quartz specimens form on the inside of geodes—Druse forms when mineral-rich fluids meet a rock's surface. When the water evaporates, it allows quartz crystals to form on the surface of the rock. Drusy Quartz is often dyed or CVD coated to give it a metallic luster.

Whether you choose a pendant or earrings, or even a ring, drusy stones take advantage of the natural way quartz crystals form. Over time, water deposits mineral crystals onto the Quartz, and drusy Quartz is born! These tiny crystals can be set in jewelry without faceting or almost any treatment at all. Savvy designers take advantage of Druzy's many reflective surfaces in their creations. Drusy stones may be set in their natural state. They may also be dyed or color-enhanced to improve the marvelous effects of mother nature.

Many believe that Druzy Quartz holds all the properties and benefits of Quartz but is particularly beneficial for balancing as well as enhancing the energies. It can help with self-exploration, patience, and beginning new projects. It can help one keep balanced while learning to move forward carefully. Druzy Quartz is used to increase one's natural extrasensory perception abilities, helping with psychic awareness, telepathy, and clairvoyance.

Glass Beads from Italy

During the 1st century B.C., when Roman Empire conquered Egypt, Roman experts learned the glassmaking craft. They introduced hotter and larger ovens enabling the production of a more fluid glass mixture. Then Romans started using glass-blowing pipes, which revolutionized the glassmaking process and made it possible to produce enormous quantities of glass articles cheaply.

Glassmaking in Venice

The decline of the glass bead-making in Europe continued until the 12th century when the growing power of the Venetian Republic and its commercial success gave rise to the revival of various forms of arts got established on the industrial scale supported by the formation of the glass-makers guild with many privileges and honors bestowed upon its members and aided by continuous innovation in the search for lost Roman secrets. The first glass beads produced in the Venetian Republic were used for rosaries. And an ancient document was found specifying that a large quantity of them was exported from Venice in 1338. These early Venetian beads were produced by dripping hot glass onto a wooden or iron rod covered with special non-stick paste.

Green Quartz

Green Quartz is a lovely variety of the quartz gemstone family. The most significant aspects that you should consider in buying this crystal are its fine clarity and the intensity of its color.

Green Quartz has a lot of meanings, including the following:

Heals thirst for love.
Adjusts energy balance
It enhances the possessor's intuition.
Enhances the owner's creativity

Some people believe that green Quartz may also help with digestive problems and alleviate nausea. It may also benefit immunity. What's more, it enhances and cleanses all the organs and makes all systems in the body stronger.

Moreover, it is also said that the gemstone is essential for arthritis, chronic fatigue, depression, intestinal problems, bone injuries, and fibromyalgia.

Green Jasper

The Green Jasper stone is a green colored gemstone belonging to the oxide mineral group, quartz. This beautiful green gemstone can be found almost anywhere in the world, but the richest deposits exist in Uruguay, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Australia, Indonesia, Russia, Venezuela, the United States, Madagascar, and India.

For those believing in a higher level of healing and tuning into the ancient powers of the earth, Green Jasper is a must-have in any crystal collection. It opens up a world of lessons and healing from the world around you due to its deep connection with nature and the earth. It is also a powerful grounding force that will be of great benefit if you choose to meditate.

This green crystal can also protect you from negative energies and evil forces that may surround you but seek to restore balance and level out any physical or emotional issues. This can include negative thoughts, self-destructive ideas, harmful spells, and any other unpleasant intentions directed towards you. While this stone is deeply connected to the earth, it is also offering a powerful connection to the spirit world.

People believe that Green Jasper is like a cleansing stone said to bring about rain and get rid of malevolent forces, the green jasper stone is a good place to start. It’s also believed to help restore balance in our lives and have powerful healing abilities.

Grey Agate

Grey agate stone has been used for making jewelry, amulets, and talismans since ancient times. First mentions of this stone for healing purposes date back to Greece and Egypt. In literature, grey agate is often called "Fossil Agate." Many say that Grey agate is a stone of strength, grounding, and protection. It is used for relieving fatigue, releasing positive energy, and removing the influence of negative thoughts and energy. It is often used as a calming stone that brings hidden meaning and information to the surface.

Hematite

From MyCrystals.com

Hematite is one of the most common minerals. The color of most red and brown rock, such as sandstone, is caused by lesser amounts of Hematite. It is also responsible for the red color of many minerals.

Hematite is a grounding stone that is mostly used for protection and stability. The word "hematite" is derived from a Greek word that means "blood." As a result, it is known as the "bloodstone" and has been employed as a talisman against excessive blood flow. Hematite is a kind of iron ore that is made up of iron oxide crystals. It is a trigonal crystal system member that may be found in rocks and soil. Hematite has a metallic sheen and comes in a variety of colors ranging from black to grey and silver, as well as reddish-brown variations. Hematite has the properties of grounding and protection.

Jasper

Jasper is an opaque, fine-grained species of chalcedony comprised of myriad microscopic quartz crystals intermixed with various impurities. Jasper can come in any color, and it takes on many appearances. Many varieties of Jasper are named for the location they are found. Many stones that are called Jasper in the gemstone trade are rhyolite or other stone materials. The best-known jaspers are bloodstone, picture jasper, porcelain jasper, and brecciated Jasper.

Jasper is found all over the world, but most specimens come from India and Australia. When we speak of the "meaning" of a stone, it looks at the esoteric qualities that the stone embodies.

These qualities are usually recognized as being part of the crystal's effects on the human mind and/or body and have come into being after thousands of years of observation by people in all sorts of situations or cultures. One of the most common interpretations of the spiritual meaning of Jasper is that it carries energy, or vibrations of peace, calm, and tranquility. It confers patience and understanding for all who connect with it. Jasper is also widely held to be a very nurturing stone, bringing comfort and reassurance to the wearer.

Keisha Pearls

From PurePearls.com

Keshi Pearls are quite unique in the way they are formed when compared to the standard method of pearl formation. Usually, a pearl is formed when a substance such as a piece of the shell becomes embedded in a mollusk, such as an oyster. A type of infection ensues, and the oyster heals itself by developing a layer of nacre over the intruding substance, walling it from irritating further. Keshi pearls – also known as poppy seed pearls or seed pearls, as Keshi means poppy seed in Japanese – may result from either freshwater or saltwater pearls. Keshi pearls are usually quite small. There is usually a large degree of variance in the shape of Keshi pearls.

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli has been used since ancient times and remains popular today. This gemstone has been prized for its bright, blue color and used for inlay and intarsia, as well as for pigments for cosmetics and paintings. Its contrast and eye appeal are irresistible. Today, jewelry is its predominant use.

The colors of lapis range from a medium, grayish-blue to intense, royal blue, to deep indigo, with varying amounts of white and brassy gold from calcite and pyrite inclusions. Some purists desire a specimen that's entirely lazurite, a deep and uniform blue, but must seek a piece with a moderate to a generous sprinkling of golden-colored pyrite.

A stone of wisdom, intuition, and truth, the Lapis Lazuli meaning is known as a powerful crystal for anyone seeking to deepen their connection to self. The Lapis Lazuli properties are known for opening the third eye chakra, the center of intuition and inner wisdom. By enhancing your ability to turn inward and uncover your truth, the energy of the Lapis Lazuli crystal meaning can support anyone ready to step into their power and authentic self.

Lavender Jade

Lavender Jade is a sort of jadeite – that is 1 of the two different and unalike minerals, which are called jade. It is the erratic sort of jade – it is more expensive. It also happens in various hues of lavender.

Jade, in all its forms, is treasured most for its metaphysical properties. This is the ultimate dream stone – revered in ancient cultures and even in today's day and time.

Lavender jade is a gem of the angels. This stone derives pure energy of the highest etheric spectrum, as well as draws angelic beings to the light. Further, it also provides spiritual nourishment to those who touch or even just gaze on it. The stone's soft lavender color attunes harmonically to Kwan Yin –the Goddess of

Compassion, as well as encourages charitable and loving actions in this world. In this article, we will be discussing more facts about lavender jade, including its amazing benefits.

Lavender Quartz

Lavender Quartz is a rare variety of Rose Quartz with a light purple hue. It is a stone of unconditional love and lifelong friendship. It helps us to understand and nurture the people we care about, and it reminds us to give that same loving care to ourselves. Lavender Quartz offers us strength and a deep feeling of security. It reminds us that whatever happens in life, we can always count on love to be there.

Exuding both beauty and femininity, Lavender Quartz's pinkish-purples meld with a soft, silky brilliance due to this gem's translucency. Delightful lavenders shimmer and dance throughout this gem, akin to the appearance of opalescence in Opal and adularescence in Moonstone. Please note this is a visual similarity only; Lavender Quartz possesses no optical phenomena. Brazil is not only home to much of the world's Quartz gemstones, but by default, also home to some of the world's best Quartz lapidaries. This is the secret to unlocking the soft, colorful brilliance of Lavender Quartz. Semitransparent to translucent, Lavender Quartz is finished eye-clean, the highest quality clarity grade for colored gemstones.

Lemon Quartz

Also known as Oro Verde Quartz, lemon quartz is created by heating amethyst, yellow Quartz, and iron together at extremely elevated temperatures. This heating process is what gives lemon quartz its brilliant, yellow color. The radiant beauty of lemon quartz is truly dazzling, particularly when the light catches the facets and it truly comes to life. Quartz is said to help structure, focus and amplify thoughts and information. It is also thought to transmit energy. Because yellow is associated with clarity, communication, and happiness, lemon quartz is believed to help balance and strengthen these aspects.

Magnesite

From Gemstones.com

Magnesite, a member of the calcite mineral group, is often found in massive form, as well-formed transparent crystals are rare. Pure magnesite crystals are colorless, and any impurities present affect their color, which is typically light yellow to brown or gray. Magnesite has perfect cleavage in three directions, making faceting extremely difficult. Faceted gems are often found in private collections or museums.

Another magnificent pretender in the gemstone world, magnesite, is often dyed and disguised as other stones. How versatile this porous gemstone can be! Magnesite not only takes dye well, but it also often has lovely veining that enhances its beauty. Magnesite is a member of the calcite mineral group and is often found in massive form. Well-formed transparent crystals are rare. Magnesite has perfect cleavage in three directions, which makes faceting extremely difficult. It is so difficult to facet that the rare, faceted stones are often found in private collections or museums. Magnesite is a three ½ - 4 ½ on the Mohs scale of hardness. In its natural state, magnesite is too soft to wear in jewelry. It is often stabilized to protect it. Whether dyed or in its natural white state, magnesite is intriguingly pretty. Contemporary stabilization processes help ensure that the color you select - and love - remains true for years to come.

White Magnesite

The most commonly occurring color of magnesite is white, with an appearance like unglazed porcelain. This variety of magnesite has long been valued for its ability to be carved. Native Americans, including the Pomo Tribes of California, carved white magnesite gemstones into beads for jewelry and currency.

White magnesite is known for its calming properties, helping to improve creative visualization and imagination. It is also commonly believed to bring deep peace and silent relaxation during meditation, stimulate passion in the heart and help strengthen bones and teeth. White magnesite is said to open the heart chakra, bringing a sense of personal happiness and love for oneself, therefore increasing self-esteem.

Marcasite Jewelry

Marcasite is a type of gemstone that has been used in jewelry for centuries. Marcasite jewelry refers to the gemstone, but it also means a type of jewelry – setting tiny pieces of pyrite in designs into silver. Marcasite jewelry has a distinct look and is popular in vintage jewelry pieces.

The brittle, brassy colored metallic stone is called pyrite, a.k.a Fool's Gold (more on this confusion between marcasite and pyrite).

Marcasite itself is a granular stone with low hardness (6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale) and a very distinct cleavage. That, together with its brittle nature, makes it quite unsuitable for most jewelry purposes.

The marcasite jewelry of the 1920s is the second most trendy style for this jewelry type. The 1920s saw newer marcasite jewelry designs start going far and beyond nature-themed motifs and began to explore shapes, geometric forms, and designs.

Large gemstones were used as centerpieces of stylish, angular designs, with marcasite used to accent the design.

To this day, a hundred years later, jewelers are still experimenting with new, modern marcasite jewelry designs.

Peridot

Peridot, the birthstone for August, truly shines in the name given by the Egyptians: The Gem of the Sun. Others have called it "the evening emerald," for the way peridot seems to shine in the darkness. Peridot's energetic color, incredible origins, and fantastic prices make this gemstone a perfect addition to any collection. Peridot only comes in green, but we're not complaining. The color of peridot varies from yellowish-green to dark olive. It all depends on the iron content within the individual gemstone. The more iron in the peridot, the darker it will be. A yellow tint of peridot gives it spring-time vibrancy, while darker olive stones radiate sophistication and longevity.

The name "olivine" is mentioned with peridot, but peridot is simply gem-quality olivine. Olivine that isn't gem quality can have a greenish tint to it but is usually mixed in with browns and greys.

Mahalo Ruby

A Mahalo Ruby is a real ruby, but it is one that has been fissure-filled. This means that any cracks get filled with lead glass. Before the process, a Mahalo ruby has so many cracks that it may appear dense, even opaque. And its color will be closer to brown than red.

Ruby reduces blood pressure and treats psoriasis. It helps during nervous breakdowns and drives away night fears. Ruby renders the surrounding air microbe-free, thus helping to fight epidemics. Magical properties Ruby helps to overcome forces of darkness, to fight fear. It is a stone of authority, excellence but also of vanity.

Manchurian peridot - Found in the Manchuria region of northern China, this type of peridot has also been known as Changbai peridot, named after the mountain range in which it is found. This peridot is green like all other peridot but has lime-colored flashes of light when examined.

Peridot is said to heal many things, but its key healing component is how it cleanses. This gorgeous green stone repels the negative feelings that cause you to feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and not yourself. In doing so, the positive vibes take their rightful place in your heart, mind, and your personal relationships.

Peridot is a gemstone that is also great for recentering your focus. Studying the apple-green hue of peridot is said to help you re-energize your mind and find the clarity to keep moving forward, step by step.

Pink Topaz

From TopazFacts.com

Pink topaz is the rarest topaz that is found on the Earth, along with the red one. This is exclusively found only in the Brazilian town of Ouro Preto and attracts the attention of anyone who encounters it. This is due to the hue of the stone, and we understand pink is a women's color and preferred by women.

Due to its rarity, this precious-colored topaz is expensive and valuable and is often cut to maximize rough yield. The vibrant pink color topaz is the most beloved and costs around $3500 for a carat, whereas more than 5 carat gemstones of this type are hard to find. Due to the increasing demand, these pink-colored topaz are also produced through chemical processes in laboratories, which do not cost a lot of money.

It is said to revitalize the wearer's energy.
Due to the inherence of the mystical properties, it was used in major ceremonial proceedings and prayers in ancient times.
This stone is also carried, or people wear it, believing that it enhances creativity and widens our thoughts.
It also strengthens your willpower and guides you to follow the right path making you believe in yourself and attaining your dreams.
It clears your head and brings you to the most valid perspective in different situations, making your decisions simple.
Some people wear this due to the belief that it protects the wearer from all kinds of injuries or mishappenings.

Purple Fluorite

From WeMystic.com

Have you ever heard of purple fluorite stone? It is intricately linked to fluoride – the standard preventive to teeth' health – and also to the phenomenon of fluorescence, which is present in this stone and is part of its natural beauty. But beyond the physical aspects, this stone also participates effectively in the healing processes of alternative therapies. Know the power of this stone and how to use it. The fluorite stone is so powerful because it collects within itself a little of all other crystals. It is considered a stone of trust, conscience, intuition, cleanliness, luck, and love. Other than purple fluorite, there are many fluorite stone varieties, such as yellow, white, green, blue, pink, orange, brown, and other color blends.

Because of its crystalline system, it is the stone that structures thought and brings clarity to mind. It dissolves fixed ideas. It promotes concentration and is useful for children's learning. It brings innovative ideas. It activates the chakra of the 3rd eye. It strengthens the memory. It is good support for bones and bone marrow. Purple Fluorite makes us more self-determined. It brings inner peace. It helps us find the answers to the difficulties we face.

Rhodium

Rhodium is one of the rarest metals found on the Earth. At only .00002 parts per million in the Earth's crust. There are 25 radioactive isotopes of rhodium, and 18 of the isotopes have half-lives of less than 1 hour. Rhodium has only 1 electron on its outer shell, unlike the other group 9 metals. Rhodium is extremely hard to take out from the ores that contain it. Rhodium is part of the group called Platinum Group Metal(PMG). There is also black rhodium.

Rose Quartz

Rose quartz is a semitransparent to translucent pink Quartz. It is often found tumbled or fashioned into beads or cabochons for jewelry. It was once believed that the color was due to trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese in the material. New research has revealed that the color can be attributed to microscopic inclusions of a fibrous rose-colored mineral closely related to dumortierite.

Ruby

From Gemstones.com

Ruby, the birthstone for July, is perfect for the Ruby is mined all around the world. Myanmar (also known as Burma) was the historical source for Ruby, but deposits are also found in Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Vietnam, Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya, Macedonia, Australia, the United States, and more. Those born in July. It's a vibrant red gemstone that has been a crown jewel for centuries.

Once deemed the "king of precious gemstones," rubies have long adorned royalty and leaders, and the bright red color associates the stone with love and passion. Ruby is believed to encourage love, passion, joy, and confidence, which makes ruby jewelry the perfect gift for someone you love, especially if that someone was born in July!

Sodalite

Sodalite is a mineral used most often for carvings and some types of jewelry. Known for its rich, royal blue hues, sodalite is found in limited areas of the world. Frequently mottled with white veins of calcite, sodalite resembles lapis lazuli in appearance and has been mistaken for it at times. It can occur not only in blue but also in crystals of gray, yellow, green, or pink color.

Tanzanite, one of the world's most valuable stones!

Tanzanite is the purple, violet, and blue variety of zoisite. It was first brought to market by Tiffany & Co. in the mid-to-late 1960s. The only commercial source of the stone is Tanzania and is considered a National Treasure by the Tanzanian government. The future of tanzanite is unclear since the world's production only comes from an area that is barely 6 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide. Tanzanite became so popular by 2002 that it was added to the list of alternative December birthstones. The most valuable stones are an intense, rich blue with high clarity. Tanzanite is strongly pleochroic, and as the stone is rotated, you can see blue, reddish-purple, and bluish-green or greenish-yellow colors.

Among the Masai tribe member, it is said that a magical fire, lit from the heavens, swept through the area at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. What made the fire magical? It had the power to transform the brown rocks found on the ground into brightly colored purple-blue stones. When the dust cleared away and the bluestones were found, it was agreed that the fire brought good fortune to the people. Why do we love tanzanite? It's a spectacular blue, pleochroic, and found in only one place in the world. And it's many times rarer than diamonds. Wow!!!

Smoky Topaz

Smoky Topaz is another name given to smoky Quartz. Smoky topaz is made of silicon dioxide. Smoky topaz resembles clear Quartz in every manner except the color. As the name suggests, smoky topaz has a smokiness to it. Shades can range from light tan to dark chocolate, although the stone is transparent.

Topaz gemstones are considered to have elevated levels of clarity. Most gemstones for sale are what we would call 'eye clean'; that is, any impurities or flaws (known as inclusions) are invisible to the naked eye. As it is a natural gemstone, such inclusions certainly exist but would only be visible under magnification.

Smoky Quartz is a very protective and grounding stone. It brings physical and psychic protection. It is also an excellent stone for protection from negative energy, as It removes negativity and negative energy of any kind and transforms them into positive energy. Smoky Quartz is excellent for elevating moods, overcoming negative emotions, and relieving depression. Smoky Quartz relieves stress, fear, jealousy, anger, and other negative emotions by transforming them into positive energies. It is a helpful stone for enhancing and encouraging courage and inner strength.

Swarovski Crystal

Pioneers were always ahead of their time. In their minds, they conceived the inconceivable. In their fantasies, they created the impossible. When he invented the automatic cutting machine at the end of the 19th Century, Daniel Swarovski opened the door to a world of fantasy. The magic word was crystal—a raw material, which even the most ancient cultures ascribed beneficial, valuable, indeed miraculous properties. Born to a glass cutter in North Bohemia, today a part of the Czech Republic, young Daniel Swarovski completed a two-year apprenticeship in his father's small factory. Here, he gained expertise in cutting glass. During this time, in 1892, he invented the machine that revolutionized the process of crystal cutting. He filed for patents soon after.

In 1895, he founded the company, Swarovski. He realized that he needed more water, power, and a factory building for his plans to manifest. In addition, he needed to move away from competitors to keep his inventions a secret. So, he chose to settle in Wattens, Tyrol, Austria. In 1976, the first Silver Crystal Mouse was the first-ever figurine created using chandelier parts. Representative of the Olympic Winter Games taking place in Innsbruck at the time, it also marked a historical step forward in the world of crystal. A Replica Mouse is available today.

Tiger's Eye

Tiger's Eye is a chatoyant member of Quartz used for both decorative and ornamental purposes throughout history. Chatoyancy manifests as a silky, wavy shimmer across the stone. Tigers eye quartz is made up of Quartz with intergrown fibers of amphibole that were altered to golden or rusty-brown limonite. Hawks eye quartz is the grayish-blue variety of tiger's-eye, and its color is due to the presence of crocidolite fibers.

It's hard to be unique when you come from a large family. Tiger's-eye quartz pulls it off. First, it's a rich, golden yellow that's sometimes deep enough to be called bronze. Second, it has an optical property known as chatoyancy. Tiger's eye has intergrown fibers that, when hit with light, reflect a wavy, silky shimmer that almost seems to flow across the gem. The eye of the tiger. Spectacular.

Turquoise

Turquoise is one of the oldest gem materials. Turquoise is a copper ore found in arid or semiarid regions. The earliest turquoise mines were in the Sinai. In the el-Qaa region, archeologists have found turquoise in tombs that are believed to date to 5000 B.C. Turquoise jewelry and objects for ornamentation have been found in Egyptian, Persian, Chinese, and Aztec historic sites. Native Americans in the Southwest United States have a long history of using turquoise in jewelry. Turquoise mining in what is known as the United States dates to 200 B.C. Vast historic trade routes can be traced from the American Southwest into Mesoamerica. Turquoise can be blue or green depending on copper, iron, and zinc content.

Now, Turquoise is in crisis. This beloved gemstone is becoming rarer. It is harder to find. Jewelers who search for gemstones have been saying for a while that the bad news is the price of turquoise is on the rise. The price of Turquoise has gone up as much as 80%. For many years, most of the Turquoise was imported to the US from China. Now that supply is sparse, China is no looking for Turquoise in the United States.

Turquoise colors can range from opaque to semi-translucent, with a waxy to dull luster. Turquoise tones, which are determined by iron and copper content in the stone, span from China blue to deep blue, and from blue-green to yellowy green, with “Persian Blue” being the most valuable. Turquoise sometimes has “inclusions” from the mother stone, resulting in a “matrix” of brown, black, or ochre veins.

American turquoise is characterized by its wide range of blue and green hues and the regular presence of ‘matrix’, distinguishing it from clear blue Iranian turquoise. In general, turquoise with a green to greenish blue color is less desirable — however, there are some designers who actively seek these color.

Types of Turquoise

Today, most mined turquoise requires some degree of treatment in order to make the stones durable enough for use in jewelry. Below are different types of treated turquoise, in order of desirability:

Natural Untreated Turquoise

This type of turquoise doesn’t require any treatment in order to be used by jewelry-makers. Unsurprisingly, it is the most desirable and valuable type of turquoise, especially when it bears a strong color.

Stabilized Turquoise

Stabilized turquoise is the most commonly used within the jewelry market. This type of raw turquoise is usually too soft and fragile for manufacturing. Therefore, is often treated by infiltrating a polymer or other binding material to make it durable enough for cutting.

Composite or Reconstituted Turquoise

Otherwise known as “block turquoise,” composite or reconstructed turquoise is made from small pieces of turquoise that are mixed with a polymer and cast into block-shaped pieces. To achieve the effect, finely crushed turquoise and non-turquoise materials are combined to strengthen the material. The end result is labelled as a “man-made product” rather than “turquoise.”

Dyed Turquoise

This technique is most commonly used for composite and reconstituted turquoise which is porous, absorbing any dyes easily.

So if you see someone selling red or yellow Turquoise, run the other way!

Zebra Jasper

Did you know zebra jasper is called the destiny stone? It is often called zebra marble and zebra agate for its peculiar and unique pattern. One look at the stone, and you will know if it is a zebra jasper. It is a powerful gemstone with many healing uses. Zebra jasper properties with its meanings and uses are described in detail here so that you don't get stuck with this amazing crystal.

*** Some information was provided by Gemstones.com.

For more information on gems, go to Gemstones.com

Gem Dictionary

Types of Turquoise

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Natural Untreated Turquoise

Stabilized Turquoise

Composite or Reconstituted Turquoise

Dyed Turquoise