Posts

Composition   Green amethyst, also known as prasiolite is a green type of quartz; a silicate mineral. Most green amethyst extracted is used in jewelry environments, where it may act as an inexpensive replacement for more costly precious gemstones. Prasiolite is rare in nature; and heat treated purple amethyst is synthetic alternative  Some amethyst can turn yellow or orange when processed and produces citrine as well as green amethyst. Currently, all prasiolite generated on the market is heat processed and ionized by X ray.     History   Since 1950, natural green amethyst was only identified at a small mine in Brazil, but its...

Composition   Belonging to the silicate mineral group, green Kyanite usually appears as a long-blade-shaped crystal. Gold, yellow, white, pink, grey, blackish, and blue are the most popular colors present in this type of gem. Of all the coloring kyanite can make, green is considered to be the rarest. Valued in the industrial sector owing to its resistance to temperature, it is used in high refractory bricks, mortars, foundry molds, bathroom fixtures, dentures, as well as in the automobile and railroad industry.     History   Until the 20th century, kyanite was frequently mistaken for sapphire. This is  why it hasn't established a history of...

Composition   Green onyx refers to a green variety of the silicate mineral chalcedony. Onyx consists of a fine blending of quartz and moganite.   History   Onyx has a long history of use in hardstone carving and jewelry. It was used in Egypt as early as the Second Dynasty to make bowls and other pottery items. Onyx is mentioned in the Bible many times. The ancient Romans brought onyx amulets containing the likeness of Mars, the god of war, into battle. Onyx derives from the Latin term onyx meaning "claw" or "fingernail" since it was thought Onyx was the discarded nails...

Composition   Moonstone is a type of feldspar that is opalescent and pearly in appearance. Its name refers to an optical illusion of light diffraction. The most popular type of moonstone is of the orthoclase feldspar called adularia, found at Mount. Adular, Switzerland, a former mining site.     History   Moonstone has been used for jewelry for more than 2000 years and in Asia for even longer. The stone was a favored choice among jewelers during the Art Nouveau era. For thousands of years in India, moonstone has held a special significance for couples. It was believed that wearing Moonstone...

Composition   Hematite, also known as haematite, is a common iron oxide found in rocks and soils. Hematite is polished to steel or silver-gray, brown to reddish-brown, or red. Hemaitite is processed as an essential ore of iron. Hematite can be found in  South Africa, Brazil, and  Switzerland.     History   The name hematite is Latin for "blood stone," as the color red is often found in hematite. Legend states that hematite can be found at the sites of  ancient battles where much blood was spilt. Hematite's color makes it easy to use as a pigment. The red chalk writing of this mineral was among the earliest by...