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Gemstones have played numerous roles in the myths and tales of human societies
throughout history. Although some are believed to have unique powers, each
shares a typical beauty, distinct with a unique color, birthplace, and story.
Gems come in every color of the rainbow and are gathered from all edges of the
globe, with each colored gemstone possessing a one-of-a-kind production of lovely color.
Amethyst
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that Amethyst would prevent
Bacchus's invigorating powers and keep the user clear-headed and quick-witted.
For centuries, amethyst has been related to several myths, tales,
and religious beliefs in many cultures. It is considered the birthstone
for February.
Not only is it the beautiful color that makes this gem so prominent, but
it is also extensively offered in different shapes and sizes, making it
more affordable. Amethyst matches warm and cool colors, and therefore,
it looks terrific in yellow and white metals. This one-of-a-kind ability
suggests that it boosts practically every color in your wardrobe.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family of minerals, which also includes
emerald. It is valued for its clarity, brilliance, and exquisite color
variations that range from pale blue to deep blue-green. The most prized
aquamarines possess a vibrant, intense blue hue reminiscent of a clear sky
or a tranquil tropical lagoon.
In terms of its physical properties, aquamarine has a hardness rating of
7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a relatively durable gemstone suitable
for everyday wear. It has a vitreous luster and is often faceted to enhance
its brilliance and reflectivity.
Citrine
Citrine is a beautiful and vibrant gemstone that is known for its
warm and sunny yellow color. It is a variety of quartz, which is
one of the most abundant minerals on Earth. The name "citrine" is
derived from the Latin word "citrus," meaning "yellow," which perfectly
describes the gemstone's hue.
Citrine ranges in color from pale yellow to deep golden tones, and some
specimens may exhibit hints of orange or brown. The intensity of the
color can vary, and the most valuable citrines are those that display
a rich, vivid yellow hue.
One of the unique features of citrine is that it is often found in
larger sizes, making it a popular choice for statement jewelry pieces.
Its hardness rating of 7 on the Mohs scale makes it relatively durable
and suitable for everyday wear.
Emerald
Emerald is a captivating and highly prized gemstone known for its
mesmerizing green color. It belongs to the beryl family of minerals,
which also includes gemstones like aquamarine and morganite. The name
"emerald" is derived from the Greek word "smaragdos," meaning "green gem."
What sets emerald apart is its rich and vibrant green hue, which ranges
from a soft, pale green to a deep, intense green. The color is often
described as "emerald green," and it is caused by trace amounts of
chromium and sometimes vanadium within the crystal structure.
Emerald is known for its exceptional beauty and transparency. It has a
vitreous to oily luster and is often cut into various shapes, including
step cuts like the classic emerald cut, as well as round, oval, and pear
shapes. Emeralds can also be found in cabochon cuts and used as beads in jewelry.
Garnet
Garnet is a beautiful gemstone that comes in a variety of colors,
with the most commonly known being deep red. However, it is important
to note that garnet is actually a group of closely related minerals
rather than a single gemstone. The name "garnet" is derived from the
Latin word "granatum," meaning "seed," as the red garnet crystals were
thought to resemble pomegranate seeds.
While red garnet is the most well-known variety, garnets can also be
found in shades of orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, and even colorless.
The different colors are caused by varying chemical compositions within the
garnet group of minerals. Each color variation within the garnet family has
its own unique name, such as almandine (red), spessartite (orange), and tsavorite (green).
Quartz
Quartz is a mineral that is one of the most abundant on Earth.
It belongs to the silica group of minerals and is composed of
silicon dioxide (SiO2). Quartz comes in a wide range of colors
and varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and uses.
One of the most well-known varieties of quartz is clear quartz,
which is colorless and transparent. Clear quartz is prized for its
clarity and often used as a substitute for diamond in jewelry.
It is also commonly used in the production of optical instruments,
such as lenses and prisms, due to its high clarity and ability to transmit light.
Quartz can also occur in a variety of other colors, including smoky
quartz (brown to gray), amethyst (purple), citrine (yellow to orange),
rose quartz (pink), and aventurine (green). Each color variation is caused
by different impurities or trace elements present during the formation of the quartz crystals.
Ruby
Ruby is a precious gemstone known for its vibrant red color and
exceptional beauty. It is a variety of the mineral corundum,
which is composed of aluminum oxide with traces of chromium that
give ruby its characteristic red hue. The name "ruby" is derived
from the Latin word "ruber," meaning "red."
Ruby is highly valued for its intense red color, which can range
from a deep crimson to a lighter, more pinkish shade. The finest
rubies are often described as "pigeon's blood" red, which is a rich,
pure red with a hint of blue. This color is highly sought after and
commands premium prices.
The hardness of ruby is second only to diamond, scoring 9 on the Mohs
scale. This exceptional hardness makes ruby a durable gemstone suitable
for everyday wear. Ruby has a vitreous to subadamantine luster and is
often faceted to enhance its brilliance.
Sapphires
Sapphires are exquisite gemstones known for their captivating blue color,
although they can actually be found in a range of colors, including yellow,
pink, purple, orange, and green. They belong to the mineral species corundum,
which is composed of aluminum oxide with traces of different elements that give
sapphires their various colors. The name "sapphire" is derived from the Latin
word "sapphirus," meaning "blue stone."
Blue sapphires are the most well-known and highly sought-after variety.
They come in a spectrum of shades, from light sky blue to deep royal blue.
The intensity and saturation of the blue hue are important factors in determining
the value of a blue sapphire. The most valuable blue sapphires exhibit a rich and
vivid blue color.
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