Ruby Jewelry Gemstones

Ruby Jewelry Gemstones Rubies have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Among the natural gems only moissanite and diamond are harder, with diamond having a Mohs hardness of 10.0 and moissonite falling somewhere in between corundum (ruby) and diamond in hardness. Ruby is α-alumina (the most stable form of Al2O3) in which a small fraction of the aluminum3+ ions are replaced by chromium3+ ions. Each Cr3+ is surrounded octahedrally by six O2- ions. This crystallographic arrangement strongly affects each Cr3+, resulting in light absorption in the yellow-green region of the spectrum and thus in the red color of the gem. When yellow-green light is absorbed by Cr3+, it is re-emitted as red luminescence.

This red emission adds to the red colour perceived by the subtraction of green and violet light from white light, and adds luster to the gem's appearance. When the optical arrangement is such that the emission is stimulated by 694-nanometer photons reflecting back and forth between two mirrors, the emission grows strongly in intensity. This effect was used by Theodore Maiman in 1960 to make the first successful laser, based on ruby. All natural rubies have imperfections in them, including color impurities and inclusions of rutile needles known as "silk". Gemologists use these needle inclusions found in natural rubies to distinguish them from synthetics, simulants, or substitutes. Usually the rough stone is heated before cutting. Almost all rubies today are treated in some form, with heat treatment being the most common practice. However, rubies that are completely untreated but still of excellent quality command a large premium. Some rubies show a 3-point or 6-point asterism or "star".

These rubies are cut into cabochons to display the effect properly. Asterisms are best visible with a single-light source, and move across the stone as the light moves or the stone is rotated. Such effects occur when light is reflected off the "silk" (the structurally oriented rutile needle inclusions) in a certain way. This is one example where inclusions increase the value of a gemstone. Furthermore, rubies can show color changes — though this occurs very rarely — as well as chatoyancy or the "cat's eye" effect This article is about the mineral. For other uses, see Ruby (disambiguation). Ruby Natural ruby crystals from Winza, Tanzania General Category Mineral variety Chemical formula aluminium oxide with chromium, Al2O3:Cr Identification Color Red, may be brownish, purplish or pinkish Crystal habit Varies with locality. Terminated tabular hexagonal prisms. Crystal system Trigonal (Hexagonal Scalenohedral) Symbol (−3 2/m) Space Group: R-3c Cleavage No true cleavage Fracture Uneven or conchoidal Mohs scale hardness 9.0 Luster Vitreous Streak white Diaphaneity transparent Specific gravity 4.0 Refractive index nω=1.768 – 1.772 nε=1.760 – 1.763, Birefringence 0.008 Pleochroism Orangey red, purplish red Ultraviolet fluorescence red under longwave Melting point 2044 °C Solubility none Major varieties Sapphire Any color except red Corundum various colors Emery Granular A ruby is a pink to blood-red colored gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminium oxide).

The red color is caused mainly by the presence of the element chromium. Its name comes from ruber, Latin for red. Other varieties of gem-quality corundum are called sapphires. The ruby is considered one of the four precious stones, together with the sapphire, the emerald, and the diamond. Prices of rubies are primarily determined by color. The brightest and most valuable "red" called pigeon blood-red, commands a huge premium over other rubies of similar quality. After color follows clarity: similar to diamonds, a clear stone will command a premium, but a ruby without any needle-like rutile inclusions may indicate that the stone has been treated. Cut and carat (weight) are also an important factor in determining the price http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby

Zircon jewelry Gemstones

Zircon jewelry Gemstones Zircon Jewelry Zircon provides the wearer with wisdom, honor and riches.

Jewelry Zircon Mystical power: Zircon supposedly helps one be more at peace with oneself. Zircon is believed to provide the wearer with wisdom, honor and riches. The lost of luster on a Zircon stone is said to warn of danger.
Jacinth helps rising one's self-esteem.

Zircon Stone's names: The orange variety of zircon is called jacinth.

Jewelry Zircon Color: Zircon is known as a colorless stone used to imitate diamonds, but also comes in: blue, yellow, orange, red, brown and green.

Zircon Description: ZrSiO4 Zircon is a silicate mineral, zirconium silicate.
The high refractive index and dispersion of zircon cause it to approach diamond in fire and brilliancy. Zircon is widespread as an accessory mineral in acid igneous rocks, it also occurs in metamorphic rocks and, fairly often, in detrital deposits.

Jewelry Zircon The name's origin: The name Zircon is originated from Persian Zargun which means "gold color".

Jewelry Zircon Birthstone: Zircon along with turquoise are birthstones of Sagittarius (Archer): Nov. 22-Dec. 21.

Jewelry Zircon Varieties: Zircon is quite widely used in its three varieties. The first variety is called jacinth (also spelled hyacinth) and was used to a great extent in classical antiquity. It occurs in the clear, transparent red, orange, and yellow colors.
The blue variety is called starlite or Siam Zircon, while the third colorless variety is called Ceylon or Matura diamond.

Care and treatment: Zircon will chip and crack rather easily though it has a hardness rating of 7. As with all gems, protect zircon from scratches and sharp blows. Avoid hot water, sudden temperature changes and household chemicals. Store a jewelry made of zircon in separate boxes.

Zircon From the stone history: Zircon has been around in jewelry for hundreds of years. It is known for its high dispersion and for many years was used to imitate diamonds.

Zircon Shopping guide: Be ware of colorless glass and synthetic spinel zircon imitations.

Jewelry Zircon Healing ability: Zircon relieves pain. It is said to whet one's appetite. Zircon also prevents nightmares and ensures a deep tranquil sleep.

Zircon Deposits: It occurs in beach sands in many parts of the world, particularly Australia, India, Brazil, and Florida. Gem varieties occur in stream gravels and detrital deposits, particularly in Indochina and Sri Lanka, but also in Burma, Australia, and New Zealand. Zircon forms an important part of the syenite of southern Norway and occurs in large crystals in Quebec. Zircon is also found in Cambodia, France, Myanmar, Thailand, Nigeria and Tanzania.

Emerald Jewelry

Gemstones: Emerald Emerald Jewelry
Emerald is the perfect emblem of an everlasting love.
Emerald Color: Emeralds occur in a variety of green colors. The magnificent green color that gives extraordinary value to this gem is due to small amounts of chromium and vanadium. Some emeralds have yellowish to bluish overtones.
The stone loses color when strongly heated.Description:Emerald is grass-green variety of beryl that is highly valued as a gemstone. The physical properties of emerald are essentially the same as those of beryl.
Emeralds and are cut in a variety of different shapes, ranging from the traditional rectangular step-cut, known as the "emerald cut," to rounds, ovals, squares and cabochons.
Because of emerald's high value, attempts were long made to manufacture it synthetically. These efforts finally met with success in the mid of thirties in Germany. Nowdays synthetic emeralds are manufactured in the United States. Aquamarine crystals are placed in a water solution and used as a seed to produce emeralds. The crystals thus grown appear very similar to natural crystals and rival them in color and beauty.
Emerald The name's origin: The name emerald comes indirectly from the Greek smaragdos, a name that seems to have been given to a number of
Birthstone: Emerald is the birthstone of Taurus (Bull): April 20 - May 20.
Wedding anniversary: Emerald is the anniversary gemstone for the 20th, 35th and 55th year of marriage.

Emerald Varieties: Uralian emerald is in fact yellowish green or emerald-green andradite (variety of garnet).

Care and treatment: Clean your emerald with a soft, dry cloth. Oil is used during the stone treatment, therfore you should never clean an emerald with an ultrasonic cleaner because this oil could be removed or damaged. In addition, do not clean emerald in hot soapy water since it too can remove this oil.
Avoid sudden temperature changes as emeralds lose their color when strongly heated.

Emerald From the stone history: The ancients appear to have obtained emeralds from Upper Egypt, where it is said to have been worked as early as 2000 BC, during the life of Pharaoh Sesostris III.
Greek miners were working the mines in the time of Alexander the Great, and later the mines yielded their gems to Cleopatra. Cleopatra was an avid emerald collector. Remains of "Cleopatra's Mines" were discovered about 1817, they are situated on the Red Sea coast.
South America's rich bounty of emeralds was discovered by 16th Century Spanish explorers, who found large emeralds in the possession of the Aztecs and Incas.
The Moguls of India, including Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal, loved emeralds so much they inscribed them with sacred text and wore them as talismans. Some of these sacred stones, called Mogul emeralds, can still be seen in museums and collections today.
For example, one talismanic emerald is deep green and weighs 78 carats. Around the edge in Persian runs the inscription: "He who possesses this charm shall enjoy the special protection of G-d."

Shopping guide: Emeralds have long been cherished for their brilliant green beauty. Highly valued and desired, the brilliant green color of emerald has never ceased to dazzle. For centuries only those of great wealth could venture upon so priceless a gift, the symbol of faith, kindness and purity. A fine quality emerald of good color and clarity is more valuable than diamonds.
There are a lot of unknowns about emeralds that may confuse you, as a consumer. Consult a professional, independent retail jeweler to insure you are getting the real thing.

Emerald Healing ability: Though not meant to replace traditional medical treatment, emerald is extensively used for physical and emotional healing.
Emerald has refreshing soft green color, which has amazing healing powers for eyes, and it is a good talisman for any eye trouble.
If worn about the neck or finger, emerald prevents convulsions in children. Emeralds are also an antidote for poisons and poisonous wounds. It aids with ailments of the spine. Emeralds help fighting all mental illness and neurological disorders.

Emerald Mystical power: Many virtues are ascribed to emerald. It is said to drive away evil spirits, and to preserve the chastity of the wearer. Emerald is said to bring wisdom. Believed by the ancients to empower the owner with foresight into the future, an emerald is regarded as an amulet for good fortune.
The emerald gives faith, success in love, and discovery of false friends. It changes color in the presence of false friends or false witnesses. It promotes constancy of mind, true friendship, and felicity in domestic life. As a love token, it registers the degree of love. If pale, love is waning. An emerald symbolizes rebirth and youth.
According to legends, emeralds strengthen the owner's memory, quicken the intelligence and assist in predicting the future.
When worn, the stone is supposed to prevent epilepsy attack, and when held in the mouth it is believed to be a cure for dysentery. It is supposed to assist women at childbirth.