List of Gemstones and How to Clean Them

Here is a list of some of the popular gemstones and how to clean them.

1. Turquoise: this gemstone has a chalky texture and is regarded as fragile. This gemstone should have a separate box to prevent chipping and scratching. Never handle it roughly. Avoid immersing it in water because it negatively reacts with chemicals. The surface can be wiped using a smooth and damp cloth. Don't use jewelry dips or even ultrasonic cleaners.

2. Lapis Lazuli: just like turquoise, this gemstone is easily chipped. It must be stored separately. Protective coatings of the lapis lazuli gemstones are easily removed so avoid immersing it in water. The cleaning procedures are the same as that of turquoise.

3. Coral: this is a porous and organic gemstone. Don't expose this gemstone in direct sunlight especially for long hours and you should also avoid large temperature variations. Simply wipe it with a damp smooth cloth.

4. Pearl: this is less durable as compared to other gemstones. Pearl is sensitive to dryness, acids, and humidity. After using pearl jewelries, you have to wipe it because they are easily discolored. You should have one pearl jewelry box. Don't mix it with other harder gemstones. If you have a cultured pearl, you can wash it in soapy yet mild water. Never dry the pearl in heat. Make sure you restring it every two years.

5. Larimar: you can keep this in a tissue or chamois bag, or in a separate box. Avoid direct contact with perfumes, hairsprays, and other chemicals. Color fading occurs when exposed to bright sunlight. You can use a drop of ammonia and soapy water to clean it; you can also soft brush to clean it.

6. Labradorite and Moonstone: these stones are primarily stored in oils before made into jewelries. Because of this, the gemstones don't crack or dry out easily. However, it is easily scratched. Wipe it with smooth and damp cloth and never use ultrasonic cleaners or jewelry dips.

7. Onyx and Chalcedony: avoid contact with harsh chemicals. Chipping and scratching can be avoided if the jewelry has a separate container. Use a soft brush and soapy water to clean it. Rinse the gemstones well.

8. Rose Quartz: avoid prolonged sun exposure to prevent color fading. Don't soak the gemstone and you can clean it using soapy water and soft brush. Never steam clean the gemstone and rinse it well.

9. Topaz: this is a very durable stone and does not easily chip nor scratch. Avoid too much heat and chemical exposure. Don't use ultrasonic cleaners, steam clean, nor soak. Use soft brush and soapy water to clean the gemstone.

10. Garnet: this gemstone is brittle. Avoid chemicals. Ultrasonic cleaners can't be used with an andradite but all other garnets can be cleaned with it. Don't soak.

11. Peridot: avoid too much heat exposure, harsh chemicals, and extreme temperature changes. Use soft brush and soapy water to clean it and then rinse thoroughly. Don't use ultrasonic cleaners nor steam clean.

The list of gemstones in this article are considered semi precious. These stones are less expensive as compared to the precious stones but still needs extreme and proper care. Gemstone jewelries are great investments and even the ancient people believed that the stones bring good luck. So if you have several different pieces of gemstones, be sure to get a jewelry box with different compartments so that you can place the gemstones in separate bins.

Do Gemstones really have meaning?

Gemstones and their meaning

A lot of people are skeptical about the healing powers and mystical powers of gem stones and crystals. How can an inanimate object possibly have power? Have can gem stones possibly have meaning? Well, there is no definite proof that gem stones have power and meaning. There is, however, a massive Scorpius of anecdotal evidence that indicates that gems have a powerful positive influence on peoples` lives.

I am none to argue with the countless people throughout history who have been convinced of gem stones` power, but let`s imagine for a minute that gem stones have no physical power. Does that mean that gem stones have no meaning? Not at all! Gem stones have power to focus your thoughts and energy on what is really important to you in life. I once purchased a new tiger eye tumble stone for its power to strengthen conviction and confidence, and promote financial and professional success. Simply possessing that small tumble stone made me focus my mental energy on the self-improvement goals I had set for myself, to build confidence and use that confidence to build financial power. That mental energy translated into action, and I successfully improved my confidence and financial situation. The gem stone you choose, and its meaning, are symbols of and reminders of your commitment to improve your life.

Gemstones have been cherished ever since man first saw them glow in sunlight.

Many people attribute supernatural powers to gemstones. Gemstones have been used to heal physical ailments, bring spiritual power and gain emotional health.

Zuni fetishes are small animal carvings from the Zuni Indians of New Mexico. These carvings are said to have supernatural power including the power to heal. Zuni fetishes are often carved from gemstones such as lapis, turquoise, malachite and are the most valuable when carved from these special stones.

Agate – Courage, symbolizes 3rd Eye, gives a spiritual love of truth, banishes fears and hardens tender gums.

Alexandrite – Inner and outer regeneration, works on the crown chakra, brings general good fortune.

Amazonite – Strengthens the nervous system, used in ancient Egypt

Amber – Grounds and stabilizes, healing agent, acts as a filter, radiates light and heat.

Amethyst – Protection, spiritual attunement, gives visions or opens spiritual and psychic centers, reduces mental tension, induces pleasant healing dreams, prevents over indulgence and encourages transformation and breaking of bad habits.

Apatite – Clears confusion in the mental strata’s

Aquamarine – Gives one direction in life and spiritual visions, lifts ones spirit, calms the nerves, protection at sea. Courage in social group situations, adventures in love and life, gives luck where perception is required.

Azurite – jewel of wisdom, revitalizes damaged tissue, good use in hypnosis, stimulates thought and gives mental control.

Carnelian – Gives feeling of well-being, recycles past-life experiences, speeds up law of karma.

Cat’s Eye – Insight into one’s own faults, treats the eyes

Celestite – Communication with cosmic beings and beings of light.

Chrysoprase – Tranquilizer.

ChrysacoIla – Helps alleviate personal fears and guilt, gives clear-seeing, aids in Cancer therapy.

Citrine – Cheerfulness, control over emotions, clear thought, overcomes mental blocks.

Coral – Good for keeping thoughts in control for visualization and while meditating, helps arthritis.

Diamond – Respiratory problems, attunement to higher forces, best worn with other stones, opens Ajna and Crown Chakra.

Emerald – Meditation, healing, business success, it totally rejects evil; gives power to foretell future events, a link with spiritual forces.

Fluorite – Grounds, holds, directs excess energy for highest efficiency and to be used when needed, centering tool.

Garnet – Aids in remembering dreams, for going backwards in time, attracts profound love, gives persistence, cures depression and works on liver to relieve toxins in the body.

Hematite – Bestows wisdom, idealism and unselfishness on wearer, strengthens stomach and intestines when worn on solar plexus, helps stop bleeding.

Jade – Peace, tranquillity, soothes the eyes and emotions, for going backwards in time, wisdom, universal attunement, gives long-life and a peaceful death.

Jasper – Improves sense of smell strengthens one’s will to do good, balances the emotions.

Jet – To relieve depression, eliminate fearful thoughts, protection, provides direction in relationship with one’s soul and spirit

Kunzite – Balances emotional and mental bodies.

Laboradorite/ Spectrolite – Symbol of opened Third Eye, gives one desire to perfect self balance and aura.

Lapis Lazuli – Stone of friendship, helps one to be more kind and helpful, spiritual attunement, connects us to our resonating star, it is a stone of fidelity.

Malachite – Prosperity, treats the eyes and abnormal blood sugar levels, treats circulatory diseases.

Moonstone – Calming, good for meditation, spiritual guidance and protection while travelling, prophecy, love stimulator, brings happy experiences to those who are sensitive.

Onyx – Stone of separation can be used for purpose of release, to end a bothersome relationship.

Opal – Divination and prophecy, balances chakras, used for centering self, aids in channelling and teaching truths to others, psychic journeys, anchor of hope, stone of cupid.

Padparadsch – Knowledge of human nature, helps one to see through false friends, brings honor, wealth and friendship

Pearl – Associated with the ministry, wisdom through experience, quickens the law of karma, brings engagements and love relationships.

Peridot – Gift from the Sun, helps us open our inner sight to the spiritual Sun, develops inner vision and the ability to look into the future, frees one of jealous thoughts and counteracts negative emotions.

Quartz Crystal – Raises one’s vibration, bridges the material world with other realms, it has the ability to store and transmit energy, excellent for healing on all levels and for meditation.

Rhodochrosite – Rescue remedy stone, holds force fields with the aid of the Devic Kingdom, inspires forgiveness and heals emotions, attracts love into our life.

Ruby – Spiritual wisdom focuses mental concentration on a specific thing, confidence – stone of life and energy.

Rutilated Quartz – Rutile in quartz magnifies the basic energy of the quartz and aids in the healing process.

Rose Quartz – Brings more love into the life, skin rejuvenation, kidneys. Sapphire – Treats mental illness, it attracts good people into the life, calms the nerves, suitable for meditation, gives pure insight and God truth, stone of chastity.

Sardonyx – Bands together those of like natures, links loved ones on an emotional level, ties up loose ends.

Smokey Quartz – Helps one get more in touch with nature, excellent for meditation and healing on the mental and etheric levels, carries an ultra sound frequency which enables one to develop clairaudience and medium ship.

Sodalite – Balances glands and metabolism, good for competitive sports, gives courage and endurance.

Staurolite – Protection, a sweet stone.

Topaz – For contacting astral beings, develops psychic abilities, gives glimpses of the beyond, overcomes fear of death, restores sense of taste, stimulates appetite, calms emotions, relieves tension and restores physical protection from falls and drowning.

Tiger Eye – Purifies the system after over-indulgence, protective stone, treats diseases of the eyes.

Tourmalinated Quartz – A light bringer, breaks up existing habits and conditioning standing in the way of one’s spiritual and physical progress.

 

Tourmaline – Balances and Protects.

Watermelon Tourmaline – Balances emotions, good for relationships and for those who are counselors, balances the metabolism.

Green Tourmaline – Business success, soothes the nerves, brings the brow and crown chakras into balance.

Pink Tourmaline – Works on the heart chakra, increases the will to love and to sacrifice.

Black Tourmaline – Very protective, good for those who have to deal with negativity.

Turquoise – Reminds us of our spiritual nature, gives protection, stone of friendship.

Zircon – Gives the ability to read images and symbols, a stone for communicating with the angels, gives safe passage wherever one travels and assures a warm reception.

 Color of Stones Meanings

White Stones – Purifies physical, emotional, mental or etheric bodies.

Pink – Love, self-respect and self-worth.

Red – Energy, sex, courage.

Orange – Cheerfulness, frees one from too many responsibilities.

Yellow – Mental awareness, nerves.

Green – Healing, abundance, balance self-control.

Turquoise – Flashes of intuition, encounters from the past.

Sky Blue – Increases spiritual awareness.

Dark Blue, Indigo – Protection, strength, occult work, calms

Violet, Purple – Transformation, elevates the soul.

Gold – Wisdom, self-confidence, strengthens the heart.

Brown – Practicality, stabilizes.

Black – Abstract thought, protective, material world.

BIRTH STONES by Sign

Aries – Ruby, Jasper – Red Stones

Taurus – Emerald – Green Stones.

Gemini – Diamond, Herkimer, Quartz – Yellow

Cancer – Moonstone, White Coral – White Stones.

Leo – Peridot, Gold Quartz, Citrine, Gold or Orange Stones.

Virgo – Sapphire, Carnelian, Agate – Dark Blue Stones.

Libra – Opal, Aventurine, Tourmalines – Pink Stones.

Scorpio – Garnet, Beryl, Topaz – Deep Red Stones.

Sagittarius – Topaz, Zircon, Turquoise – Sky Blue Stones.

Aquarius – Lapis Lazuli, Drusy Chrysacolla – Electric Blue.

Pisces – Aquamarine, Amethyst – Purple, Blue-Green Stones.

Birth Stones By Month (Conventional)

January – Garnet

February – Amethyst

March – Aquamarine

April – Diamond

May – Emerald

June – Pearl

July – Ruby

August – Peridot

September – Sapphire

October – Opal

November – Topaz

December – Turquoise

Identifying Gemstone Effects

Techniques in cutting and shaping gemstones are vital to add brilliance to the defiance of the stone itself. Experts call it special effects. These effects are responsible for the different shapes, sizes, and shine of a particular gemstone. Like in the movies, some effects can trick you into believing something that isn't there.
Pleasing the optical sense through special skills of cutting the gem can enable the enhancers to hide the undesirable characteristics and let the good ones shine and be more elaborated. The phenomena of a specific gemstone, as what gemologist call it, can be addressed through these effects.

 
Here are the popular gemstone effects that are often used for better stone definition.

Fire

This type of effect that is commonly used by cutters allows separation of true light from the original color. Because of dispersion, fire enables light to scatter like a prism and is refracted. Zircon and diamond are among those that show elaborated fire abilities. Fire is usually defined as the color of highlights.

Fluorescence

Effects pertaining to fluorescence are defined, as the events when directed UV rays or colors that aren't visible on first sight becomes visible. A special effect like this is desirable to transform the dull color of a stone to a different glow. This will account to the extravagant price a stone may have. Majority of diamonds have this fluorescence that makes other pale stones seemingly white.

Color change

Some gemstones have certain color changes especially when put in different aspects of light especially when faced with sunlight. This is due to a gemstone's ability to absorb wavelengths strongly.

Iridescence

There are two special effects that are considered under the umbrella of iridescence: Labrador scene that means flashes of blue and gold upon light movement and Schiller that means playing of colors. Iridescence means all effects of a specific gem that shines in rainbow colors. This happens when interference of strands of light arises from layers of the material.

Schiller

As mentioned above, Schiller is the moment when color playfully flickers along the surface of a gemstone when interacted with light. The most popular gem that is known for this trait is the Opal. No tricks within the stone itself. The cue is that the interference of light is based on the structure of the object.

Asterism

If minerals are cut in domes of high quality, asterism occurs. This will follow if and only the inclusions of fibrous densities align in more than two different directions. The most popular gemstone known for this effect is the star sapphire.

Cat's Eye

Derived from the French term "chatoyance" Cat's eye is caused by impurities within the gemstone arranged like fibers and line up forming axes. Quartz is famous for its cat's eye property when struck by light. Traces of fiber within the mineral give this effect a special twist.

Aventurescence

If inclusion flaws in gemstones create such sparkles that would enhance its appearance, it is called as aventure scene. Plain quartz, for example, can be alive and have an appealing glittering effect if numerous petite flakes of hematite protrude.

Labradorescene

This has become quite popular with the masses because this effect converts dramatic flashes of gold and blue upon movement of light. If the interference of light in the layers of crystals arises, this happens. Colors are considered strong and limited with regards to its direction and orientation.

All About Green Gemstones

People value durability and beauty very much and because of this, they love gemstones. What are gemstones anyway? These are minerals highly prized by many individuals because of their beauty, toughness/hardness, rarity, and the cut of such precious minerals. Green gemstones are also quite popular and if you do like this stone, you should get emerald.

Minerals come in different color varieties and if you prefer the green varieties, you have to purchase emerald. Ancient people who had eye diseases believed that with the help of emerald stones, their eye conditions will be cured or healed.

Beryl is the mineral where emerald is derived. The properties and composition of emerald is just like that of other beryl types. A very important composition of beryl is chromium and this is responsible for the gemstone's green color.

 If you try to examine emerald stones, you will notice that it has feather like materials. Some people call it Silk and this is responsible for the stone's mossy appearance.

Some individuals prefer to purchase the flawless emerald specimens because of the size and beautiful color. However, these specimens are very rare and the price is even higher than diamonds of the same weight.

 

Ancient people of Egypt loved emeralds. In fact, the emerald gemstones were chiefly mined there. However, a large deposit of emerald has been found in Siberia. At present, most of the emerald gemstones can be found in Columbia and it is primarily mined there. In the US, particularly in North Carolina (Mitchell and Alexander counties), emeralds are also being mined. You can also find significant deposits of emerald in Afghanistan and some emerald mines in Brazil, Zambia, Australia, Pakistan, India, and South Africa.

Not all emeralds sold in the market are genuine stones. Other gemstones are also referred as emeralds although they are not exactly emerald. For instance, tourmaline's green variety is called Brazilian emerald. Spodumene also has a green variety and it is called hiddenite or Lethia emerald. Corundum's green variety is called oriental emerald and andradite's green variety is Uralian emerald.

Nowadays, a lot of people desire for the bluish green emerald. If you were born in May, then your birthstone is emerald. The 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries are also symbolized by emerald.

By weight, emerald is the most precious and valuable of all gemstones. For many years, emerald is quite 

popularly known as a gemstone. If you want to find an ideal emerald stone, choose a highly transparent stone with an even color. If you find certain flaws like fissures and cracks, you can treat it with cedar oil. The oil will show the stone's vibrant color and conceal the flaws. Because of today's advanced technology, the flaws of most emerald gemstones are hidden with the use of epoxy resin.

Perhaps you know Cleopatra right? Did you know that she had vast collections of emerald? That is a fact since the Egyptians were the very first ones to mine emerald. If you have an emerald gemstone, your life will surely be filled with love. Couples who give each other an emerald jewelry will have everlasting love.

There are other beliefs associated with emerald gemstones. It can help pregnant women deliver normally; it can help you concentrate more; increase wealth or social stature; and increase career opportunities.

Now you know many things about the green gemstones.

Tips When Purchasing Gemstone Rings

Rings are perfect gifts for your special someone, especially for the ladies. They adore gemstones so much that you could feel their heart jump and their eyes sparkle when faced with a high carat jewelry.

A ring can be bought for many special occasions and numerous purposes. It could either be a gift for your mom or wife on her birthday, anniversaries, mother's day and a lot more. Or it could be a bridge to a brighter future between lovers. As the saying goes, "say it with a ring," it applies when someone proposes. Rings are also popular in nuptial ceremonies.

Until now, diamonds are the best choice for rings. For their many different characteristics, they indeed are forever. But that would be conventional. In this modern world, diamonds are not only used as a sign of undying love and loyalty. There are quite more.

But how can you choose the best kind of ring for your special someone?

There are several factors that you must first consider before buying a ring. Here are some:

Budget

Depending on the kind of ring that you're planning to buy, you must consider how much it would cost. Does it fit the money at hand or are you short? You can risk your entire trust fund just by purchasing a single shiny ring. It just wouldn't define the meaning of your purpose. There are rings that can be quite expensive just determining on its simplicity and elegance.

Color

Knowing the kind of person to which you'll purchase the ring for, you must know what color she likes or hates. This would add up to the thrill of the whole event because she would think that you know her that much to know her favorite color.

Kind of stone

If you have decided which color to buy, now you have to think of what kind of gemstone that person would appreciate most. After considering the color and how much you can afford, look for a stone that she would be able to wear every day. A stone that would further enhance the beauty of her eyes, her lips, and her smile. Your gemstone must be vibrant with a saturated look. And the most important characteristic is that they should possess translucence and not opaqueness. The cut of the gemstone must also be considered.

Occasion

Now if you still can't choose which kind of gemstone to buy, you could base your choice on the kind of occasion that fits it. If it's an engagement, buy an engagement ring. You could choose from diamond, ruby to sapphire with trinkets of diamond. If it's a wedding, buy a wedding ring. You can also base your choice by thinking when her birthday is. There is a particular gemstone for every birthday. You can browse through the net or ask someone in the jewelry department of your store the different kinds of birthstones.

Personality

A person's personality is seen by those who heartily know them. If you just met the person of your dreams, you could have at least an idea on what her personality is. Base your choice on that. If she's passionate and loving, fiery ruby works perfectly. Sapphire can be given if she gives you peace of mind or something like that. Gemstones do have personalities too. So choose well.

Gemstone Facts

What people don't know about gemstones is that they are just a bunch of colorful stones and rocks polished and precisely cut to be made into jewelries. Attractive as they seem, these stones are usually minerals dug out of the planet, others are tossed out. These gemstones posses certain characteristics that made them valuable to those who adore them. 

These crafted rocks go a long way. They have soft textures but majority are mostly hard. Lustrous ones are used for jewelry making. Some would address to these stones as semi-precious or precious. These stones are also used for therapeutic or aesthetic purposes.

 Mineral value would most likely depend on the rarity of the stone and how hard it is to find. The more exotic and difficult the area and location where the stone was found, the more expensive it is to purchase. Pebbles are also addressed as gemstones in some way. Some would come out big some just the right size.

Who identifies gemstones?

Gemologists are the ones who identify these stones. They have the authority to describe the minerals using terminologies that is within the scope of gemology. These people are the ones who give out certain gemstone characteristics and identify them according to their composition as chemicals.

 

How are they characterized and what are their classifications?
Gemstones are characterized through:

・Chemical composition
・Dispersion
・Cleavage
・Refractive index
・Specific gravity
・Hardness
・Fracture
・Luster

These stones may exhibit double refraction, luminescence and a particular spectrum that is distinct from other typical stones. Gems may have flaws that are presented as inclusions.

Classifications may vary. They may be introduced as the cubic crystal system, trigonal crystal system and the mono-clinic crystal system. But the general approach for classifying is according to varieties, species and groups.

Gemstone values

The most valuable gemstone of all time is the diamond. Amounting up to millions of dollars, diamonds are priced based its properties which would be its brilliance and defiance. Unlike other gemstones, the diamond has its purpose. This magnificent yet available resource can cut through glass without being broken into tiny pieces.

A gemstone's value is based on its characteristic and rarity. It all depends on how clarity is shown, the cut and phenomena to its optical reasons. Great demand in the market lessens the price of the gemstone unless situations may occur. Example, the diamond would be a need by millions, yet the supply offers only thousands.

 

With this kind of situation, distributors can increase the price of the material. It is only when the stone is that scarce that people tend to adjust its value. But other than that, there are a wide variety of gemstones these days. Some are surprisingly cheap.

To determine the value of a particular gemstone, water is used. Water is referred to as the combination of different colors and transparencies marked in gemstones. First water would pertain to the finest of all stones. Bye water would be the opposite of the latter.

Some of the most precious stones are the emerald, ruby, opal and sapphire and are precious enough to reach such a surprising amount.

Size also matters when predicting a price of a particular stone.

 

In this era, gemstones are placed on a pedestal to be known as fashion material. Designers have used such stones to include in their piece of artwork thus making it priceless and elegant in such a manner. 

 

Finding the Right Gemstones

Finding the Right Gemstones

A lot of people nowadays purchase gemstones for different reasons. It can be for personal and physical adornment, it can be for business reasons, or you simply want to give it as a gift. The sources of gemstones are minerals and they are mined in different parts of the world. If you're trying to find the right gemstones, you have come to the right place.

Thousands of gemstones are being sold both in the online and offline market (local physical stores). They are available in different yet beautiful and attractive colors. Because of this, many people don't hesitate to purchase gemstones regardless of the price.

If you have plenty of diamond and gold jewelries, it's time to make a change. Using gemstones will truly change your physical looks. If you don't want to be bored with your old set of jewelries, you can always find a suitable gemstone that will compliment your looks. You can purchase different gemstones with various cuts and sizes.

Finding the right gemstone may take some time especially if this is your first time to purchase one. You have to look for the exotic and extraordinary gemstones that will suit you. If you can find local jewelers, then you can personally look at their collections of gemstones.

You get to check the actual appearance of the stones. If there are several jewelry stores in your area, you can shop around first and canvas. You can compare the gemstones in terms of price and quality. The good thing about gemstones is that you can wear them in any occasion, whether in formal or casual occasions. It all depends on the cut and beauty of the stone.

If you have a hard time finding the right gemstone locally, you can try shopping online. Beware though that some of the pictures of the gemstones are deceiving and once you receive the package, you will be dismayed by the appearance. When shopping in online jewelry stores, you have to find reputable retailers or sellers.

You can also check on customer testimonials to make sure that the customers are satisfied with the seller's or retailer's gemstone items. You should also look into the shipping arrangements especially if the store is from a foreign country.

As mentioned earlier, there are many gemstones sold all over the world. You have to know a great deal of information about them. You have to know about the history, the structure, luster, and colors. You should also determine where precious and popular gemstones are mined. Aside from that, you have to know about the imitation and synthetic gemstones because not all gemstones sold in the market are genuine.

If you have friends and relatives who love gemstones, you can ask help from them so that you池e shopping will be a lot easier. Try to find out about the different birth stones so that you can also get a gemstone that corresponds to your birthday. Some say that birth stones can bring good luck, wealth, and health.

Some of the popular gemstones include diamond, emerald, ruby, sapphire, topaz, and many others. You simply have to choose which one to purchase. If you have enough money, you can even buy different kinds of gemstone jewelries and have your own collection.

Finding the right gemstones is so easy nowadays because you have two alternatives shopping locally and through the internet.