Precious And Semi-Precious Gemstones

The ruby draws its name from the Latin word "ruber" meaning the red color of passion. This colored gemstone ranges from pink to deep red and its price is determined by color, clarity, size, cut, and overall quality. The brightest and most valuable "red" ruby is called pigeon blood-red. Similar to diamonds, rubies have natural imperfections in them known as "silk". Since ancient times, rubies have been adorned by royalty and it is said that a good quality ruby will bring its owner a life of peace and harmony. Burma is Southeast Asian country renowned for producing some of the highest quality rubies on Earth.

The sapphire is a colored gemstone named after the Hebrew and Arabic root word "safir" meaning blue. This precious gemstone is most often thought of as only being blue, however "fancy colored sapphires", as they are called, can be found in most every color of the rainbow. The cost of natural sapphires will vary depending on their color, clarity, size, cut, and overall quality with the most sought-after ones being of the cornflower blue variety. Many kings of yesteryear were known to wear sapphires as a powerful defense from harm. These gems were thought to have healing powers and to attract divine favor.

The emerald is colored gemstone that is found in various shades of green, deriving its name from the Greek word "smaragdos' which means green stone. To be considered a top gem, an emerald must posses a pure green hue and a high degree of transparency (crystal). Traditionally emeralds were worn to promote healing and enhance love and contentment. Its rich shades of green bring to mind feelings of rejuvenation and new beginnings. Colombia has become the leading source of emeralds for the past couple of centuries.

The topaz is a semi-precious, transparent stone that comes in an assortment in colors. A pure topaz is clear, meaning it has no impurities. A typical topaz can be found in blue, brown, orange, gray, yellow, green, and although very rare, reddish pink. A gift of this gemstone is said to symbolize friendship. It is also said to make one cheerful, light hearted and hopeful. Brazil, Australia and Mexico are major mining countries for this mineral.

Pure quartz, traditionally called rock crystal (sometimes called clear quartz), is a colorless and translucent mineral. There are different color varieties of quartz including citrine, rose quartz, and amethyst. Natural quartz has been used by healers to fortify the nerves and is believed to be a powerful tool for memory improvement. Rose Quartz is a type of quartz with a pale pink to rose red color. It has been called the "love stone". It has also been said to be a very soothing and happy stone raising one's self-esteem and sense of self worth.

Citrine is a type of quartz with a color that ranges from pale and vibrant yellows to deep reddish oranges. This gemstone derives its name from the French word "citron" meaning lemon. Natural citrines are rare and are mostly found in Rio Grande do Dol, Brazil as well as Bolivia. The color of a citrine, reminiscent of a beautiful sunshine, is believed to help boost self esteem and one's ability to deal with negative attitudes.

Amethyst is a purple or violet variety of quartz and is often used in jewelry. This gemstone derives its name from the Greek word "amethystos" which means not drunken, as it was used in mythology to keep its wearers sober and more aware. The ideal color of an amethyst is called "Deep Siberian" and has a primary purple hue. There are also green quartz varieties which are called green amethyst. This semi-precious gemstone is largely produced and mined in various South American countries and Russia. The rich purple amethysts were a favorite of royalty, as it was a symbol of their heightened stature in society. Legend has it that amethysts can make the wearer shrewder in business dealings as well.

Chalcedony is a mineral that has a wide range of colors. The colors most predominately used in the creation of jewelry are white to grey, grayish blue and shades of brown. Chalcedony has a soft luster and may be translucent. Native American Indians believed chalcedony was a sacred stone and was used in the spiritual ceremonies of the tribe. It has been thought to promote vitality and stamina.

Agate is a variety of chalcedony with multi-colored curved banding. Agates have bright colors and a waxy luster, and is the oldest stone in recorded history. They were prized gems in Biblical Babylonian times. Agates are considered a protection stone and is said to ward off stress.

Peridot is a gemstones that is available in only one color only- green! The intensity of the green on an individual stone can vary from yellow-green through olive green to brownish green. The most valuable and ideal peridot is considered a dark-olive green color. Peridots have a glassy luster. It is thought to bring the wearer good luck, peace and success. These gemstones have been found in Egyptian jewelry from the early second millennium BCE.

Garnets are known to be one of the most diverse gemstone groups in color and physical characteristics. Tsavorite is a variety of the garnet group that has a light to deep green color. Until 1974, tsavorite was unknown to mineral specialists until a tsavorite deposit was first discovered in Tanzania.

Tourmalines come in almost any color and rarely are colorless. Accordingly. tourmalines come from the Sinhalese word "tumali" meaning mixed colors. Parti-colored tourmalines exhibit two or more colors in a single gem. One such type is the "watermelon tourmaline" which may be green at one end and pink at the other; or green on the outside and pink on the inside. Some forms of tourmaline are dichroic which means they change colors when moved in different positions or angles. Scientists have been fascinated with tourmalines because it changes its electrical charge when heated- it becomes a magnet and can attract light objects. Rubellite, indicolite, chrome and Paraiba are just a few of the different types of tourmalines available today.

The name "iolite" comes from the Greek word for violet. Gem quality iolite ranges in color from sapphire blue to blue violet. Iolite can sometimes be used as an inexpensive substitute for sapphire. Iolites have been referred to as the "Vikings Compass". On a cloudy day, the Vikings were able to located the position of the sun by looking through a thin colorless slice of iolite. The stone cancelled out haze and mist. It has been said to attract happiness and help build long standing relationships.

Coral is an organic gemstone found deep in the ocean, and is treasured because of its slow growing process. Precious coral is distinguishable because of its bright and intense red or pink hue. Coral is available in a range of colors from range of warm reddish pink to pale pink. It has been used in jewelry since the times of the Ancient Egyptians and prehistoric Europeans.

Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral. It derives its name from the French word "torques", because it was originally thought to be brought from Turkey. Turquoise makes for great jewelry because it is soft enough to be shaped and polished with simple tools. The popularity of turquoise jewelry in contemporary fashion has been increasing in recent years.