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Visual Guide to Gemstones & Minerals
This gemstones glossary provides a wealth of information about gemstones and minerals plus the different types of stones that are used in jewellery making.
A
ABALONE – with Paua and Red illustrated below:
Gemstone Physical Composition: Abalones are members of the Gastropoda class of mollusks that have one- piece shells. Abalone shells have a dichroic, tortoise shell like appearance. They are a source of mother of pearl. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Gemstone Colour Variations: The Paua shell is part of the abalone family, but has deeper colors of blue, green, and purple. Gemstone Sources: Australia, Japan and the United States. Gemstone Hardness: Gemstone History: Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: The mother of pearl is used for the treatment of high blood pressure, dizziness, and heart palpitations Birthstone: n/a Marriage: n/a Zodiac Sign: n/a.
AGATE – with Branded, Blue Lace, Condor, Dendritic, Fire, Green, Honey Brush, Moss, Polka Dot, Red, Rossette and
Scottish Agates illustrated below: Gemstone Physical Composition: Agate is a member of the Chalcedony or Quartz family characterised by its fineness of grain, brightness of colour, and dramatic banding. It consists of amorphous or cryptocrystalline silica alongside the aforementioned mineral Chalcedony. They are typically associated with volcanic rocks or ancient lavas where they occur as nodules forming from solutions of silica at relatively shallow depths and low temperatures. They are extremely sensitive to the physical and chemical conditions around them forming in concentric layers and filling cavities in a host rock. The results are round bands similar to the rings in tree trunks, whilst also appearing as eyes, scallops, or as landscapes with dendrites that look like trees. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Hard, durable stones which can be dyed, sliced very thinly, can be highly
polished, occur in a very wide variety of colours, and are generally affordable. Varies from extremely translucent to opaque. Gemstone Colour Variations: Ranges from transparent to opaque and all colours in between including blue, brown, gray, green, purple, and white. Gemstone Sources: Africa, Asia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, England, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Nepal, and the United States. Gemstone Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History: The word Agate comes from the Greek name for a stone originally found in the Achates River in Sicily (now known as the Drillo River). Agate has been found with the remains of Stone Age man in France from as early as 20,000-16,000 B.C. The Egyptians used agates prior to 3000 B.C. for talismans, amulets, rings, seals, and vessels. Early civilizations used eye beads made from carved agate discs to protect them from evil and to bring good luck. Gemstone Uses: Their fluid forms lend themselves to attractive cabochons and similar flat or rounded jewelry formats. Gemstone Care: It is often dyed or stained in a wide range of colors using colour-fast aniline dyes. These dyes can fade when exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Soothing both mind and body as well as improving memory, concentration and perspective. With benefits for courage, honesty and stamina. It is also said to help discern truth, prevent insomnia, and is a strong emotional healer. Individual Agate types have their own specific properties. Birthstone: September. Marriage: 12th and 14th Years. Zodiac Sign: Gemini and Virgo.
AMAZONITE – with Chinese, Pale Green (with grey inclusions) and Russian Amazonite illustrated below:
Gemstone Physical Composition: Amazonite is blue-green variety of microcline (a feldspar mineral). Its brilliant colour is attributed to the presence of lead or iron in its composition. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: It is an opaque to translucent stone, often found with white, yellow or gray inclusions and a silky lustre or silvery sheen. The most prized colour is a rich clear watery blue, with large clear stones amongst the most valuable semi-precious gemstones available. Gemstone Colour Variations: It varies in colour from greenish blue to light blue, to soft green, pink and yellow. Gemstone Sources: Russia and the United States. Gemstone Hardness: 6 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History: Its name is derived from the Amazon River, although no deposits have actually been found there! The most sought after amazonite historically come from Russia, where deposits are found in granite along the Ilmen Mountains. Europeans familiar with the Russian stone confused it with another green stone from South America’s Amazon Basin, which turned out to be a form of Nephrite Jade but b then the name had stuck. The Pike’s Peak district of Colorado, USA, became the most important source of amazonite after 1876 eventually put competing Russian mineral vendors out of business. Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: Because Amazonite is slightly soft, and can be scratched easily by other stones, it is wise to store Amazonite separate from other gems. It is also sensitive to chemicals, abrasives, acids, ammonia, and heat. Never use hot water, a steamer, or ultrasonic cleaners with this stone. Use mild soap and room temperature tap water with a soft cloth so you do not diminish the luster of the gemstone. Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Encourages truth, sincerity, honour, self-love, communication, eloquence, integrity, trust, clairvoyance, clarity, prophecy and openness. Believed to improve one’s married life, calms nerves, and enrich creativity. Birthstone: n/a Marriage: n/a Zodiac Sign: n/a
AMBER – with Baltic, Black Sarawak, Chiapas, Dominican Blue, Golling, Lee Creek, New Jersey, and Sabah Ambers
illustrated below:
represent High, Medium and Low grade samples respectively. This is regardless of the actual source. Because of the patchiness of the colour distribution in the crystals, Amethyst is often cut as brilliant round cuts to maximize the colour. Other cuts are used when the colour is better distributed. Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Used for meditation, cleansing, whilst giving relief from insomnia, grief, and addictions. The Greeks and Romans used it as way to remain sober. Birthstone: February (Wisdom, spirituality, sobriety, security). Marriage: 4th, 6th and 17th Years. Zodiac Sign: Aquarius and Gemini
APATITE – with Asparagus Stone (Spanish), Blue, Cats Eye and Violet Apatite illustrated below:
Gemstone Physical Composition: This is a group of phosphate minerals, usually referring to hydroxyapatite, fluorapatite, chlorapatite and bromapatite. It is found in igneous sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. This mineral is also found in the teeth and bones of humans, fish, birds, cows, and other vertebrate animals living and extinct. It typically grows in hexagonal shapes. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: A soft stone, which can also be brittle. It is usually found in tones of green. Gemstone Colour Variations: Typically green but also found in browns, blues, pinks, violets and yellows. Gemstone Sources: Brazil, Burma, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Mozambique, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, and the United States. Gemstone Hardness: 5 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History: In the last 100 years this mineral has found greater use as a fertiliser or as a means of preserving detail in the structure of fossils than it has as a of beauty. Prior to that its history remains vague. The name Apatite comes from a Greek word meaning ‘to deceive’ in allusion to its similarity to other more valuable minerals such as Olivine, Peridot and Beryl. Gemstone Uses: Because of its soft and brittle nature Apatite is only occasionally used as a gemstone with transparent stones of clean colour usually being faceted whilst chatoyant specimens are cut for cabochons. Chatoyant stones are known as cat’s-eye apatite and transparent green stones are known as asparagus stone with the blue stones called Moroxite. It is primarily used as a source of phosphorous to be used in fertiliser. Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Encourages communication, concentration and clarity of thought. It increases confidence and your ability to learn as well as improving co-ordination. It has also been used as a hunger suppressant. Birthstone: n/a. Marriage: n/a.
AQUAMARINE – with Light Blue Aquamarine illustrated below:
Gemstone Physical Composition: Belongs to the Beryl gemstone family and has a more evenly distributed colour than its close relative the emerald. Aquamarine is coloured by trace amounts of iron. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Gem quality aquamarine is usually free of inclusions and possesses a superior brilliance, while bead grade aquamarine tends to have interesting inclusions and opaque areas. The more intense the colour of this stone, the higher its value. Gemstone Colour Variations: A brilliant clear gemstone that ranges from blue to blue green. Gemstone Sources: The best quality stones come from Brazil, but they are also found in Afghanistan, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Russia, Zambia, and the United States. Gemstone Hardness: 7.5 to 8 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History: Legend suggests that Aquamarine was found in mermaids’ treasure chests, making it renowned as a lucky stone for sailors, with its name derived from the Latin words for water and sea. Gemstone Uses: Gem quality Aquamarine is usually free of inclusions and possesses a superior brilliance, while bead grade Aquamarine tends to have interesting inclusions and opaque areas. The more intense the color of this stone, the higher its market value. It is a hard gemstone, which makes it the perfect choice for jewellery that is worn
frequently. Gemstone Care: Most gem Aquamarines have been heat treated to produce the popular blue green colours from less desirable yellow or pale stones. Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Denotes hope, health and youth. It is said to ward off seasickness and to safeguard travellers particularly over water and as such has been a favourite of mariners through the ages. In addition it helps relieve anxiety, fear and restlessness. Birthstone: March (Beauty, honesty, loyalty, happiness). Marriage: 16th and 19th Years. Zodiac Sign: Pisces.
ARAGONITE – with Blue, Brown and Orange Agates illustrated below:
Gemstone Physical Composition: Aragonite is a polymorph of Calcite, which means that it has the same chemistry as Calcite but it has a different structure, and more importantly, different symmetry and crystal shapes. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Aragonite is a constituent of many sea creatures’ shell structures. Most bivalve animals and corals secrete Aragonite for their shells and pearls are composed of mostly Aragonite. The pearlization and iridescent colours in seashells such as Abalone are made possible by several minute layers of Aragonite. Other environments of formation include hot spring deposits, cavities in volcanic rocks, caves and mines. Gemstone Colour Variations: Can be white or colourless or with usually subdued shades of red, yellow, orange, brown, green and even blue. Lustre is vitreous to dull. Gemstone Sources: Austria, England, Germany, France, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, Scotland, Spain and the United States. Gemstone Hardness: 3.5 to 4 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History: Aragon in Spain is where Aragonite was first discovered and from where it gets its name. Gemstone Uses: Used in cement and in steel production, beads, ornamental carvings and as mineral specimens. Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Birthstone: n/a. Marriage: n/a. Zodiac Sign: n/a.
AVENTURINE – with Blue, Green and Red Aventurine illustrated below:
Gemstone Physical Composition: Another member of the Chalcedony or Quartz family. Easily identifiable by its colour and the flecks within the stone produced by mineral inclusions most usually iron oxide (hematite), or green mica (fuchsite). Its granular appearance and translucence are its most striking characteristics. Most aventurine is naturally reddish brown or yellow, though a green variety is also known. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: It is most commonly found in a reddish brown or yellow colour though a forest green colour is also found. Gemstone Colour Variations: Also found in blue, brown, grey, orange, white and yellow variations. Gemstone Sources: Brazil, China, India, Japan, Russia, Tanzania, and the United States. Gemstone Hardness: 6.5 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History: The mineral is named for its resemblance to the Aventurine glass of Venice, Italy created around the 1700s. This glass is said to have been named when a Murano workman accidentally dropped copper filings into molten glass, creating an attractive new material. This glass was named Avventurino for the Italian word avventura, which translates as ‘by chance’. Gemstone Uses: The green Aventurine found on the market, as well as the red and blue, is almost certainly dyed to achieve its colour. Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Said to increase libido, reduce stress, and strengthen blood and muscle tissue. It is also seen as a talisman for gamblers. Birthstone: n/a. Marriage: 8th Year.
Gemstone Physical Composition: Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Gemstone Colour Variations: Gemstone Sources: Gemstone Hardness: Gemstone History: Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Birthstone: n/a Marriage: n/a Zodiac Sign: n/a
C
CALCITE – with Blue, Golden Mangano, and Yellow Calcite illustrated below:
Gemstone Physical Composition: Calcite is an anhydrous carbonate, and one of the most widely distributed minerals on the Earth’s surface. It is a common constituent of sedimentary rocks. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: In crystallised form, Calcite has a vitreous lustre. Gemstone Colour Variations: Calcite is colourless or white but can become green, pink, peach, golden, orange, yellow, red, blue, grey, or black when other compounds blend with it during formation. Gemstone Sources: Gemstone Hardness: 3 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History: Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Birthstone: n/a Marriage: n/a Zodiac Sign: n/a
CARNELIAN or CORNELIAN
Gemstone Physical Composition: Carnelian is a variety of the silica mineral chalcedony coloured by impurities of iron oxide. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Gemstone Colour Variations: The colour can vary greatly, ranging from pale orange to an intense almost black coloration. Brighter colours are usually the result of heat treatment. Gemstone Sources: Brazil, India, and Uruguay. Gemstone Hardness: 7 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History: The name carnelian is said to be derived from the Latin word carnis, or ‘flesh’, due to its colour.
Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: It brings good luck, happiness, success, and prosperity. Increases awareness and improves memory. It also helps settle disputes and enhances accomplishments. Carnelian energises the blood, protects against illness and is generally beneficial for tissue regeneration, infections, and inflammations. Birthstone: July (Luck, safety) Marriage: n/a Zodiac Sign: Virgo.
CHALCEDONY – with Blue, Grey and White Calcedony illustrated below:
Gemstone Physical Composition: Chalcedony is a form of quartz crystal. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Gemstone Colour Variations: Brown, blue, black and white to grey. Gemstone Sources: Gemstone Hardness: 7 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History: Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: In general, Chalcedony gives success in lawsuits, good health, safe travels, and protects against harmful spirits. However, there are many varieties of Chalcedony each with its own particular properties. Birthstone: n/a Marriage: n/a Zodiac Sign: n/a.
CHOURITE
Gemstone Physical Composition: Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Translucent to opaque. Gemstone Colour Variations: Lilac coloured to violet. Gemstone Sources: Gemstone Hardness: Gemstone History: It was named after a river in Siberia, Russia and was recognized in 1978 as an independent mineral. Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: It can be used to treat disorders of the eyes and heart, to allay headaches, and general aches and pains. It is said to improve degraded conditions of the liver and the pancreas, and to stimulate and regulate the blood pressure and pulse rate. Birthstone: n/a Marriage: n/a Zodiac Sign: n/a
CHRYSOBERYL
Zodiac Sign: n/a.
CHRYSOTINE
Gemstone Physical Composition: Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Gemstone Colour Variations: Gemstone Sources: Gemstone Hardness: Gemstone History: Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Birthstone: n/a. Marriage: n/a. Zodiac Sign: n/a.
CITRINE
Gemstone Physical Composition: Citrine is a clear yellow variety of Quartz. It occurs in proximity to Amethyst and the two can be found mixed as Ametrine. In fact much of the citrine on the market today is actually heat-treated amethyst. All that is required is for a kiln to reach and hold a specific temperature for long enough and a purple amethyst will turn to citrine. Natural citrine is not common and occurs in lighter hues than the heat-treated material. It is found in only small deposits and is therefore quite rare. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: A clear yellow gemstone, which ranges from light to dark. Gemstone Colour Variations: Variations across the yellow colour spectrum – ranging from pale yellow to yellow brown, and occasionally deep red. Gemstone Sources: Brazil, France, Hungary, Russia and Spain. Gemstone Hardness: 7 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History: The name citrine comes from the French citron, or ‘lemon’, after its colour. Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Good for digestion as well as the heart, liver and muscles. It is said to encourage clarity of thought and creativity. It is energizing, invigorating, and positive. It increases motivation and relieves feelings of inertia. Birthstone: November (Hope, cheerfulness, youth, health, fidelity). Marriage: 13th and 17th Years. Zodiac Sign: Scorpio.
CORAL – with Apple, Fossil and Red Coral illustrated below:
Gemstone Physical Composition: Gemstone Physical Characteristics:
Gemstone Colour Variations: Gemstone Sources: Gemstone Hardness: Gemstone History: Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: Keep away from harsh chemicals and chlorine in swimming pools. Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Birthstone: n/a Marriage: 35th Year. Zodiac Sign: n/a.
CORUNDUM
Gemstone Physical Composition: Corundum is the crystalline form of aluminium oxide and one of the basic rock- forming minerals. Corundum is naturally clear or coloured by impurities. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Gemstone Colour Variations: Gemstone Sources: Gemstone Hardness: 9 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History: Gemstone Uses: Due to its hardness, Corundum is used as an abrasive in sandpaper. Emery is an impure and less abrasive variety of Corundum. Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Birthstone: n/a. Marriage: n/a. Zodiac Sign: n/a.
CRYSTAL
Gemstone Physical Composition: Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Gemstone Colour Variations: Gemstone Sources: Gemstone Hardness: Gemstone History: Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Birthstone: April (Eternity, courage and health) Marriage: 3rd and 15th Years. Zodiac Sign: n/a.
D
DIAMOND
from illness. Birthstone: n/a. Marriage: n/a. Zodiac Sign: n/a.
DUMORTIERITE
Gemstone Physical Composition: A hard fibrous blue or green mineral consisting of hydrated aluminium borosilicate. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Displays a vitreous to dull lustre and is translucent to transparent. Gemstone Colour Variations: Dark blue, violet blue or reddish brown. Gemstone Sources: Canada, France, Italy Madagascar, Namibia, Norway, Sri Lanka, Poland, and the United States. Gemstone Hardness: 7 to 8.5 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History: Dumortierite was named in 1881 after Eugène Dumortier, a 19th-century French paleontologist, who discovered it in the Rhone Alps region of France. Gemstone Uses: Commonly used as a semi precious ornamental stone, in the manufacture of high-grade ceramics or porcelains, and as mineral specimens. Large specimens are carved into cabochons, beads, sculptures, eggs and spheres and in China it has been used as a lapis lazuli imitation. Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Promotes harmony, orderliness, precision, self-discipline and the ability to organize. It helps people become more businesslike, systematic, tidy and methodical. Birthstone: n/a. Marriage: n/a. Zodiac Sign: n/a.
E
EMERALD
Gemstone Physical Composition: Emerald is a green variety of Beryl. The green coloration is caused by small amounts of chromium and enhanced by traces of iron. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Unlike other Beryls, Emeralds often contain inclusions and other flaws. These flaws are not considered negative aspects but are instead considered part of the character of the stone. However these inclusions can cause Emeralds to be brittle and they need to be protected from hard contact. Emeralds also tend to have thin scratches on their surface requiring the application of a layer of wax or oil to smooth out their appearance and enhance their colour. Gemstone Colour Variations: Gemstone Sources: Gemstone Hardness: 8 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History: Its name is derived from the French esmeraude, which in turn goes back, via Latin, to the Greek root word smaragdos, meaning ‘green gemstone’. It has been treasured since 4000 B.C., when it was traded in the early gem markets of Babylon. Egyptian Emerald mines were worked as early as 2000 B.C. and were the main source of emeralds in Europe until the 16th century. By this time finer quality Emeralds were being mined in Colombia, and eventually they became the world’s most coveted emeralds. Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Emeralds promote love, romance, joy, cleansing, clairvoyance, clear vision, memory, faith, intuition, serenity, intelligence and communication. It is a truth promoting stone, inspiring deep understanding from within. Birthstone: May (Patience, understanding, foresight).
Marriage: 20th and 55th Years. Zodiac Sign: Capricorn and Taurus.
F
FLOURITE
Gemstone Physical Composition: Fluorite is a mineral composed of calcium fluoride. It is an isometric mineral with a cubic crystal habit. Fluorite is named for its property of fluorescence, or its ability to fluoresce under ultraviolet light. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Not technically a gemstone due to its softness but still a beautiful mineral. In its pure form it is white or colourless but trace elements provide the different hues that make up the variations in colour. Gemstone Colour Variations: Clear in its purest form but also blue, green, pink, purple, red and yellow. Gemstone Sources: Found in Austria, Canada, England, Mexico, Norway, Switzerland and the United States. Gemstone Hardness: 4 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History: Ancient Egyptians used fluorite to carve statues and scarabs whilst the Chinese have used it in carvings for more than 300 years. Gemstone Uses: It has limited use as a gemstone because it is relatively soft and easily scratched. Despite its fragility, stones are faceted and can be polished very brightly. Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: It is said to promote healing emotionally, mentally and spiritually. As well as being an ancient cure for cancer it is said to heal bone ailments including arthritis. In addition it helps the libido, the menopause and pre-menstrual tension. It benefits the heart, teeth, bones, spleen, and blood vessels. Birthstone: n/a. Marriage: n/a. Zodiac Sign: n/a.
G
GARNET
Gemstone Physical Composition: Garnets are a group of common silicate minerals that have similar crystal structures and chemical compositions. These stones are formed under high temperatures and pressures and as such are used by geologists as a gauge for the formation of other rocks in the vicinity. They are also indicator minerals for diamonds. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: This gemstone owes its brilliance to a high refraction of light. Gemstone Colour Variations: They come in a wide array of colour variations, including reds, red pinks, oranges, greens, yellow browns, and some that change colour throughout the stone. Gemstone Sources: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Myanmar, Scotland, South Africa, Switzerland, Tanzania, and the United States. Gemstone Hardness: 7 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History: They are named after the Latin granatus for ‘seed like’, possibly because the crystals resemble the fruit’s colour and shape. Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: A protective stone, which is also said to balance a person’s natural energy. It provides abundance, increases intelligence, and encourages education, honour and change. It helps overcome
Gemstone Physical Composition: Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Gemstone Colour Variations: Gemstone Sources: Gemstone Hardness: Gemstone History: Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Birthstone: n/a. Marriage: n/a. Zodiac Sign: n/a.
HOWLITE
Gemstone Physical Composition: Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Howlite crystallizes in the form of white nodules, compact masses, and tabular crystals. Gemstone Colour Variations: Gemstone Sources: Gemstone Hardness: Gemstone History: Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: It can be used to calm communication, to facilitate awareness and to encourage emotional expression. It can be used to eliminate pain, stress and rage. It encourages subtlety and tact. It is useful for balancing calcium levels in the body and as such it be used in the treatment of disorders of the teeth, bone structure, and soft tissue. Birthstone: n/a. Marriage: n/a. Zodiac Sign: n/a.
I
IOLITE
Gemstone Physical Composition: Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Iolite crystallises in the form of masses, grains, and short prismatic crystals. It also exhibits pleochroic qualities. Gemstone Colour Variations: The colour range includes blue, brown, dark violet, grey, green, and yellow. Gemstone Sources: Gemstone Hardness: 7 to 7.5 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History:
Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Enables independence, success, prosperity and happiness. Eliminates confusion whilst relieving anxiety. It helps overcome flaws and attain accomplishments. Encourages forgiveness. Increases awareness and memory. Birthstone: n/a. Marriage: 21st Year. Zodiac Sign: n/a.
J
JADE – with Soft Canadian, China, Green, Lavender, Nephrite, New, White and Yellow Jade illustrated below:
Gemstone Physical Composition: Jade is a name that for many centuries was applied to gemstones people were bringing to Europe from China and Central America. It wasn’t until 1863 that it was realised that the term ‘Jade’ was being applied to two different minerals. Because of the difficulties in distinguishing between these two minerals, even today they are both still called Jade. The first mineral, Nephrite, is an amphibole silicate (basic magnesium iron silicate) and is usually only green and creamy white. The second, Jadeite, is a sodium aluminum silicate that can have the full range of colours known as Jade. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Gemstone Colour Variations: Gemstone Sources: Jadeite is found in Guatemala, Japan, Myanmar, and the United States. Nephrite is found in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Central Asia, China, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United States, and Zimbabwe. Gemstone Hardness: 6 to 7 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History: It was highly prized as a remedy by Egyptian healers. Axe heads and other tools of made from Jade have been found in archeological sites throughout the world. The Spanish Conquistadors adopted the use of Jadeite when in Central America, often wearing amulets made from it. Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Jade dispels negativity and helps balance emotions. It encourages change as well as promoting heroism, idealism and beauty. It increases fertility and longevity. Provides wisdom when evaluating issues or problems. Improves concentration and in turn encourages education. It benefits eye disorders and kidney stones. Birthstone: n/a. Marriage: 12th Year. Zodiac Sign: Leo and Pisces.
JASPER – with Biggs (USA), Blood, Brecciated, Chinese Painting, Deschutes (USA), Firewood, Florence, Imperial
(Mexico), Kambaba (Madagascar), Leopard Skin, Morrisonite (USA), Noreena (Australia), Ocean (Madagascar), Opal, Owyhee (USA), Peacock, Picasso, Picture, Polychronic, Poppy, Rainbow, Rainforest, Royal Sahara Picture (N Africa), Russian, Sagebrush, Silver Leaf, Spiderweb Imperial and Yellow (China) Jasper illustrated below:
Gemstone Colour Variations: Gemstone Sources: England, China, France, Germany, India, Poland, Russia, and the United States. Gemstone Hardness: Gemstone History: Jet was popular for mourning jewellery in the 19th century because of its somber tone and modest appearance. It has been traditionally fashioned into rosaries for monks again for its visual appearance. Gemstone Uses: Jet takes a good polish and is often faceted. Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Brings success, prosperity, and happiness. It improves memory. Jet dispels fear and cowardice whilst protecting against violence and illness. Benefits headache and asthma sufferers. Birthstone: n/a. Marriage: n/a. Zodiac Sign: n/a.
K
KYANITE
Gemstone Physical Composition: Kyanite is a polymorph with two other minerals: andalusite and sillimanite. A polymorph is a mineral that shares the same chemistry but a different crystal structure with another, or other, minerals. Crystals are flat, pinacoid dominated, and prismatic often embedded in metamorphic rocks and quartz veins. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Kyanite has a nearly unique characteristic in that it has a wide variation in hardness in the same crystal face. The hardness of kyanite is approximately 4.5 when scratched parallel to the long axis of the crystal and approximately 6.5 when scratched perpendicular to or across the long axis. It has a vitreous to almost pearly lustre and is transparent to translucent. Gemstone Colour Variations: In its perfect form it has a near sapphire like blue colour but can also be white, grey or green. Colour is often not consistent throughout the crystal and can be blotchy or in streaks. Gemstone Sources: Brazil, India, Kenya, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, and the United States. Gemstone Hardness: 4.5 to 6.5 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History: Gemstone Uses: Manufacture of spark plugs and as mineral specimens and beads. Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Birthstone: n/a. Marriage: n/a. Zodiac Sign: n/a.
L
LABRADORITE
Gemstone Physical Composition: Labradorite is a catch all term for a sodium rich variety of plagioclase feldspar found in igneous or metamorphic rocks. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: A dull stone in the rough that takes on a metallic lustre and sheen when polished. When light hits labradorite from a particular angle it can display striking rainbow coloured reflections known as schiller. Gemstone Colour Variations: Stones usually have a light green grey base but may contain orange, yellow, or red. Gemstone Sources: Canada, Finland, Norway, and Russia. Gemstone Hardness: 6 on Mohs Scale of Hardness.
Gemstone History: The original source for this stone was St. Paul in Labrador, Canada as early as 1770. Gemstone Uses: Stones that show a play of colour, or schiller, is the most popular for use in jewellery. Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Keeps one centred. Brings joy, kindness and good fortune. It is said to be beneficial for healing infections. Birthstone: n/a. Marriage: n/a. Zodiac Sign: n/a.
LAPIS LAZULI
Gemstone Physical Composition: Lapis Lazuli is a semi-precious stone prized since antiquity for its intense blue colour and inclusions that shine like stars. It is composed of grains of several blue minerals, including lazurite and sodalite. This complex, opaque gemstone additionally has a matrix of calcite and speckles of pyrite giving it a distinctive fluorescence. The rich blue color is due to the sulphur inherent in the structure of lazurite. Gemstone Physical Characteristics: The composition and colour of lapis lazuli varies, but it is the intense dark blue, with minor patches of white calcite and brassy yellow pyrite, that is considered to be the best quality. Gemstone Colour Variations: Royal blue to Denim blue Gemstone Sources: Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States. Gemstone Hardness: 6 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Gemstone History: Its name is a combination of the Latin word lapis or ‘stone’ and the Arabian name azul meaning ‘blue’. Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: It is polished with paraffin wax. Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Attracts good fortune whilst bringing inner peace, tranquility, and happiness. It heightens concentration, clarity and instinct. Promotes success in love matters. Encourages cheerfulness, self- confidence and provides sense of general well being. Helps during times of mourning. Releases tension or anxiety and in turn aids sleep. It is said to activate the thyroid gland, benefit blood circulation, childbirth, digestion and feminine discomfort. Birthstone: September (Understanding, protection). Marriage: 7th and 9th Year. Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius.
LAVA STONE
Gemstone Physical Composition: Gemstone Physical Characteristics: Gemstone Colour Variations: Gemstone Sources: Gemstone Hardness: Gemstone History: Gemstone Uses: Gemstone Care: Gemstone Therapeutic Properties: Birthstone: n/a. Marriage: n/a. Zodiac Sign: n/a.
M
