What is a good name for a gemstone?
Below are some of the popular gemstones with their names as well as their pictures and colors. ALEXANDRITE. AMETHYST. AQUAMARINE. CITRINE. DIAMOND. EMERALD. GARNET.
What is a green gemstone?
In a green gemstone, the primary hue is green, but gems often have secondary hues, too. Green gems may have blue or yellow secondary hues present. In general, a pure green hue is the most desirable (and more expensive). For secondary hues, most people prefer a hint of blue to a yellowish green stone.
What is the art of making gemstones called?
Apart from jewelry, from earliest antiquity engraved gems and hardstone carvings, such as cups, were major luxury art forms. A gem maker is called a lapidary or gemcutter; a diamond cutter is called a diamantaire .
What is a water grade gemstone?
This is a recognized grading of the gem's luster, transparency, or "brilliance". Very transparent gems are considered " first water ", while "second" or "third water" gems are those of a lesser transparency. Gemstones have no universally accepted grading system.
What are gems in rocks called?
A gemstone is usually a mineral, but it is one that has formed crystals and then been cut and polished professionally to be made into a piece of jewelry. The study of gemstones is called gemology.
What is a gold gemstone called?
Citrine and Lemon Quartz By far, the most popular yellow gemstone is citrine, the modern November birthstone. This variety of quartz is yellow to orange or brown, and, due to the abundance of quartz in the Earth's crust, it's an inexpensive option.
What are the 4 most prized stones?
The four most sought-after precious gemstones are diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.
What are jewelry stones called?
gemstoneA gemstone (also called a fine gem, jewel, precious stone, or semiprecious stone) is a piece of mineral crystal which, in cut and polished form, is used to make jewelry or other adornments.
What's a yellow gemstone called in the Middle Ages?
topazIn fact, through the Middle Ages, the word “topaz” referred to any yellow gemstone.
What is a orange gem called?
Spessartite garnet is considered the finest of the orange gems, but a number of other gems can be found in shades of orange, including sapphire, spinel, imperial topaz, tourmaline, citrine and mexican fire opal.
What are the big 3 gemstones?
Emeralds, Sapphires, and Rubies (the “big 3”) are generally considered precious gemstones where as most other gemstones are considered semi-precious. ( apart from some Spinels). There are several reasons for this.
What is the rarest gem stone?
Painite : Not just the rarest gemstone, but also the rarest mineral on earth, Painite holds the Guinness World Record for it. After its discovery in the year 1951, there existed only 2 specimens of Painite for the next many decades. By the year 2004, there were less than 2 dozens known gemstones.
Which is rarer ruby or emerald?
Ruby: Untreated natural rubies are extremely rare. They are actually significantly rarer than sapphires, which is why they are even more expensive. Emerald: Like sapphires and rubies, emeralds are among the rarest of all gemstones. They are rarer than sapphires but not quite as rare as rubies.
What are all the gems called?
List of 24 Gemstones with Names, Pictures, and ColorsALEXANDRITE.AMETHYST.AQUAMARINE.CITRINE.DIAMOND.EMERALD.GARNET.JADE.More items...•
Is opal a gemstone?
OPAL GEMSTONE INFORMATION. Opal is one of the birthstones for October (along with Tourmaline) and is the gemstone given on a 14th wedding anniversary. The characteristic bright colors given out by Opal are caused by tiny amounts of moisture and silica trapped within the stone.
What are types of stones?
The most common types of natural stone are granite, marble and limestone, but there are a few others that are often used in residential applications – quartzite, soapstone, travertine and onyx. The vast majority of Man-Made Stone can be divided into one of two types, Engineered Quartz slabs or Porcelain slabs.
How many gemstones are there in the Gemstone Encyclopedia?
Our Gemstone Encyclopedia has information on over 300 gemstones, from traditional and popular jewelry standards to collector’s stones that rarely appear for sale. Each entry has photos and detailed information about the gem’s properties. Entries for jewelry stones also have price guidelines and discussions of their most important value factors.
What is IGS certification?
The International Gem Society (IGS) offers several online courses for people interested in learning more about gemstones. If you’re interested in starting a career in the world of gemstones, our Professional Gemologist Certification Course will give you the knowledge and skills you’ll need.
Why are semi precious stones not considered precious stones?
Semi-precious stones were everything else. Today, gemologists don’t use these terms because they imply that some gems are better or worth more than others. In fact, some so-called semi-precious stones would be worth far more than so-called precious stones. Read this article to learn more.
What gemstones are available at IGS?
If you’re interested in learning about a specific type of gemstone, the IGS also offers mini-courses on a wide variety of popular gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, pearls, and more.
What is a gemstone?
Gemstones are minerals that have been chosen for their beauty and durability, then cut and polished for use as human adornment. Of course, there are exceptions to this definition. Pearls and amber are well-known gemstones but they’re not minerals. They have organic origins.
Why do some minerals form more rarely than others?
However, some minerals form more rarely than others in nature, because they either require very specific conditions to form or contain elements that occur rarely on Earth.
Do all gemstones make good jewelry?
However, not all gems make good jewelry stones. Some are just too fragile to wear.
What are some examples of ruby?
For example, ruby is the red variety of the species corundum, while any other color of corundum is considered sapphire. Other examples are the emerald (green), aquamarine (blue), red beryl (red), goshenite (colorless), heliodor (yellow) and morganite (pink), which are all varieties of the mineral species beryl .
What color are sapphires?
Even the same named gemstone can occur in many different colors: sapphires show different shades of blue and pink and "fancy sapphires" exhibit a whole range of other colors from yellow to orange-pink, the latter called " padparadscha sapphire ". This difference in color is based on the atomic structure of the stone.
Why are gems treated?
Gemstones are often treated to enhance the color or clarity of the stone. Depending on the type and extent of treatment, they can affect the value of the stone. Some treatments are used widely because the resulting gem is stable, while others are not accepted most commonly because the gem color is unstable and may revert to the original tone.
How does heat affect gemstones?
Heat can either improve or spoil gemstone color or clarity. The heating process has been well known to gem miners and cutters for centuries, and in many stone types heating is a common practice. Most citrine is made by heating amethyst, and partial heating with a strong gradient results in " ametrine " – a stone partly amethyst and partly citrine. Aquamarine is often heated to remove yellow tones, or to change green colors into the more desirable blue, or enhance its existing blue color to a deeper blue.
What is the name of the gem maker?
A gem maker is called a lapidary or gemcutter; a diamond cutter is called a diamantaire .
What are diamonds made of?
For example, diamonds are made of carbon (C) and rubies of aluminium oxide ( Al. 2O. 3 ). Many gems are crystals which are classified by their crystal system such as cubic or trigonal or monoclinic. Another term used is habit, the form the gem is usually found in.
What gemstones did the Greeks use?
Ancient Greeks, for example, greatly valued asteria gemstones, which they regarded as powerful love charms, and Helen of Troy was supposed to have worn star- corundum. Aside from the diamond, the ruby, sapphire, emerald, pearl (not, strictly speaking, a gemstone), and opal have also been considered to be precious.
What is the primary color of a green gemstone?
In a green gemstone, the primary hue is green , but gems often have secondary hues, too. Green gems may have blue or yellow secondary hues present. In general, a pure green hue is the most desirable (and more expensive). For secondary hues, most people prefer a hint of blue to a yellowish green stone.
What is the most durable gemstone?
By far, jade (both jadeite and nephrite varieties) is the most durable gemstone around. It’s so tough, in fact, that you can hit it with a hammer without breaking it! While this isn’t recommended while you’re wearing it, this iconic green gemstone is actually renowned for its musical properties, ringing like a bell when struck. Jade ’s beautiful translucence has mesmerized people for centuries, becoming one of the world’s most popular gems for carving. Avoid lower-quality treated jades , though. Inexpensive jade is heavily treated and can have low durability. Consult our jade buying guide for more information.
What is the best color for garnets?
If you prefer a green gem with a lot of sparkle, the garnet family of gems might be your best option. Although this January birthstone is best known for its brownish red hues, garnets come in every color, and green is a top choice. Depending on their chemistry, green garnets go by different names. Green grossular garnets can be deeply colored tsavorites or lighter mint garnets. A favorite of many jewelers, tsavorites have great color and can provide a lot of sparkle when properly cut.
What is a green grossular garnet?
Green grossular garnets can be deeply colored tsavorites or lighter mint garnets. A favorite of many jewelers, tsavorites have great color and can provide a lot of sparkle when properly cut. Green garnets are rare in larger sizes, making this 5.09-ct tsavorite a unique and rare center stone. © Aharoni Jewellery.
What is the best stone for October?
A top choice for an emerald alternative, this modern October birthstone often receives an emerald cut .
What is the color of tourmaline?
These gems are a bit more expensive than verdelites, but their saturated green colors are worth the extra cost. Their color comes from chromium, the same rare element that colors emeralds.
Is garnet more expensive than other types of garnet?
Because of its chemistry, this garnet is rarer and more expensive than other varieties. However, if you like the look of a red flash from deep within a green gem, you’ll fall in love with a demantoid. See our demantoid buying guide and our garnet engagement ring guide for more information.
What is the most popular gemstone in the world?
Citrine is one of the most popular gemstones in the world right now and when you see one of these brightly colored beauties you can understand why. Citrine can be found in just about any shape and any cut that is available and can be found in very large carat sizes at much better prices than you might imagine.
What is the most colorful gemstone?
Tourmalines are possibly the most colorful gemstone variety on earth and that includes a delightful yellow version. They are a durable gemstone that can be cut and polished into almost any shape and are very suitable for all types of jewelry although they are often just around a carat or so in size.
How to tell if a sphene is a diamond?
Sphene gemstones can be identified by their intense fire and high luster, both of which are greater than that of a diamond. The deep yellow or green colors can appear to have orange or red flashes as they turn from one angle to another.
What is lemon quartz?
Lemon quartz is a transparent yellow quartz that has usually been treated with a special process to create the unique lemony color. On very rare occasions this gemstone will then display a star affect that can have 4 or 6 rays on the surface of the stone. This quartz can be found in large carat sizes. Hardness.
What is agate used for?
Ideal for use in a variety of ways including classic bezel rings, interesting pendants and eye-catching earrings or any number of experimental jewelry items.
How are pearls formed?
Pearls are formed by the nacre secreted by various shelled mollusks to cover an irritant (like a grain of sand) that has entered the shell.
What is the hardest gemstone?
Diamonds are the hardest of all gemstones. Yellow diamonds are usually completely natural unlike the blue or pink diamonds that can be found at extraordinary prices across the world. This makes the sparkly yellow diamond possibly the best value diamond around.
Why is citrine good for you?
Because Citrine resonates with the Solar Plexus Chakra, it stimulates vitality, willpower, and personal strength. Citrine is said to be one of the only crystals that cannot hold negativity, and experience bears this out.
What is the color of fluorite?
Fluorite is a highly structured crystal that may be clear, green, purple, blue, yellow or a mix of these colors. Green Fluorite is the most common. It has a fresh, clean vibe that matches its spring-green color. Fluorite offers an organized, high spiritual vibration to any person, place, or object it touches. It helps to disperse chaotic or stagnant energy. Fluorite may be used to cleanse and balance the aura, boost mental acuity, and protect the bearer on the physical and psychic levels. Green Fluorite resonates with the Heart chakra and promotes feelings of abundance and well-being. This unearthly stone also helps interdimensional communication, especially with Nature Spirits and Fae folk.
What is blue aventurine crystal?
Blue Aventurine is a naturally colored Quartz crystal. Sometimes called "Blue Quartz" it gets its color and shimmer from tiny inclusions of other minerals. It combines the energy-boosting properties of Quartz with the soothing quality of the color blue. In crystal magick, Blue Aventurine is used for stress relief and healing of the heart and mind. It gently enhances communication and stimulates creativity.
What is clear quartz?
Clear Quartz is possibly the most versatile and magickal of all gemstones. Clear Quartz amplifies energy and thought, acting as a powerful aid to psychic perception. It balances and revitalizes the subtle bodies and brings all the chakras into harmony. Clear Quartz makes an excellent “memory stone” because of its ability to absorb, store, and release energy. It may be used in combination with any other stones, enhancing their effects. Clear Quartz is often used in crystal grids to direct and amplify the energy of the other stones. Special designations like Record Keeper Quartz, Lemurian Quartz, and Phantom Quartz are sometimes used. They may refer either to the shape of the crystal or the patterns of inclusions found within.
What is the purpose of black tourmaline?
A Root Chakra stone, it helps in grounding and releasing stress and emotional baggage. (It is especially useful for empaths.)
What is the color of carnelian?
Carnelian is a red-orange, semiprecious stone that has been prized since ancient times for its captivating color. Its bold energy brings a rush of warmth and joy that lingers, stimulating courage and desire. Carnelian resonates with the Sacral Chakra, and is traditionally worn to inspire love and passion.
What is a Dalmatian stone?
Dalmatian Stone (sometimes called Dalmatian Jasper) is a beige stone with black spots like a puppy dog. You might think, then, that this stone is related to the doggy world--and you would be right. Dalmatian stone is used to cultivate loyalty and enhance family bonds. An earthy stone, it helps ground and connect you to the here and now. Some people use Dalmatian Stone to boost communication with canine familiars.
