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How are Gemstones Classified?
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| • Chemical Composition
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| • Crystal Structure
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| • Optical Characteristics
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| • Specific Gravity
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| • Durability
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| • Gem Care |
| • Quality and the "Four C's" |
| • Clarity |
| • Enhancements |
| • Zodiac Birthstones |
| • List of Healing Gemstones |
| • Gemstone Enhancement Codes |
| • Gemstone Properties |
| • Birth Stones |
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| • Chemical Composition
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| A gemstone may be a pure chemical element (diamond is essentially
pure carbon), a relatively simple chemical compound (quartz is silicon dioxide,
SiO2), or a more complex mixture of various compounds and elements (the garnet
family includes a highly variable mix of iron, magnesium, aluminum, and calcium
silicates). The great majority of familiar gem materials are oxides or
silicates (i.e., they contain oxygen and perhaps silicon) and formed as
crystals during the cooling of the earth's crust over past millenia.
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| [Back to Top]
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| • Crystal structure
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| Gemstones may be formed in single or multiple discrete crystals
(such as diamond), in massive collections of microscopic crystals
(cryptocrystalline ) (such as chalcedony), or in amorphous (non-crystalline)
masses (such as opal). In general, larger crystals were formed in areas of slow
cooling of molten rock, and smaller crystals in areas of more rapid cooling.
There are several classes of crystal structure based on symmetry of the
resulting crystals, and there are also noncrystalline (amorphous) minerals used
as gem materials. In addition, there are some organic materials (such as shell
and bone) that have been used traditionally as gem materials.
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| Crystal systems
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| Cubic
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| Crystals in the cubic, or isometric, system have three mutually
perpendicular axes of equal length. Common forms in the cubic system are the
tetrahedron (4 faces), the cube (6 faces), the octahedron (8 faces), the
dodecadehedron (12 faces), the trapezohedron (24 faces), and the hexoctahedron
(48 faces). Gemstones occurring in cubic crystal forms include diamond, the
garnets, pyrite, and spinel.
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| Hexagonal
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| Crystals in the hexagonal system have four axes, three of which are
of equal length and intersect at 60 degree angles within a plane, and the
fourth of which is perpendicular to the plane of the other three. Gemstones
occurring in hexagonal crystals include beryl, corundum, quartz, and
tourmaline. Some crystallographers further identify two subdivisions of
hexagonal crystals: trigonal (corundum) and rhombohedral (quartz).
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| Tetragonal
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| Tetragonal crystals have three axes intersecting at 90 degree
angles, two of which are of equal length. Examples include zircon, rutile, and
scapolite.
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| Orthorhombic
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| Orthorhombic crystals have three axes at 90 degree angles , all of
which have different lengths. A typical example is topaz.
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| Monoclinic
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| Monoclinic crystals have three axes of unequal length, two of which
intersect at an angle other than 90 degrees, and both perpendicular to the
third. Jadeite and nephrite are common examples.
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| Triclinic
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| Triclinic crystals have three axes, all of unequal length and
intersecting at angles other than 90 degrees. Examples include labradorite and
microcline feldspar.
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| • Optical characteristics
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| Optical characteristics of gemstones are primarily derived from
their chemical composition and crystal structure.
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| Color
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Color is the apparent result of selective absorption or
transmission of different frequencies of visible light. Color can be described
as the combination of three characteristics: hue, tone, and intensity. Hue is a
function of the frequency of light and is described by familiar terms such as
red, orange, yellow, blue, green, indigo, and violet. Tone is a variation from
very light to very dark. Intensity is a measure of saturation, or purity, of a
color. The typical human eye can identify approximately 150 pure hues, but
around one million colors. The differences among colors may be immediately
obvious or so subtle that direct comparison under controlled conditions is
required to discern them. Color acuity is also highly affected by fatigue,
diet, and other factors, so it is unwise to attempt judging subtle color
differences in gemstones such as diamond without attention to the physical and
emotional condition of the observer, as well as properly graded comparison
stones and careful control of lighting conditions. Pleochroism is the apparent
change in color of a doubly refractive gemstone when viewed through different
directions of the crystal structure. In most cases, the color variations are
not obvious to the unaided eye and must be viewed through a polariscope or
dichroscope, but in some cases, the pleochroic colors are strikingly obvious.
For example, many green tourmalines appear black through the C axis of the
crystal, and iolite shows a striking combination of blue-violet and near
colorless. Dichroism refers to the display of two ("di") pleochroic colors in a
gemstone.
Alexandrite-like color change, or photochroism, is the marked change in
perceived color of a gemstone under different lighting conditions. As the name
implies, the most famous example appears in alexandrite, a form of chrysoberyl
that typically appears blue or green in daylight and red or purplish in
incandescent light, but similar color changes may be observed in sapphire,
garnet, and tourmaline. The phenomenon is due to selective absortion of
different wavelengths of light, and the predominance or absence of those
wavelengths in the prevailing light (incandescent light has proportionately
higher quantities of reddish wavelengths and less of blue or green).
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| Optic Character
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Gemstones may affect the passage of light differently through
different directions in the crystal structure. If the velocity of light is
constant through all directions in the stone, the stone is said to be singly
refractive, or isochroic, and has one refractive index. This is characteristic
of isometric crystals. If the velocity of light varies with direction, the
stone is doubly refractive, or anisotropic, and has two refractive indices. In
anisotropic materials, light is separated into two polarized components, the
ordinary ray and the extraordinary ray. Anisotropic materials can be further
characterized as uniaxial, biaxial positive, and biaxial negative.
Amorphous (non-crystalline) materials, such as opal, amber, and glass, may
scatter light in unusual directions due to internal stress and display a
phenomenon known as anomalous double refraction.
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| Refractive Index
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| Refractive index, or R.I., is the ratio of the velocity of light in
air to the velocity of light through a transparent material. If light passes
from air into a transparent material at an angle of incidence other than a 90
degree angle, it is deflected at a different angle (the coincident angle)
according to the R.I. Gemstones with higher R.I. are generally more brilliant
than those with low R.I. For example, diamond has an R.I. of about 2.4; quartz,
about 1.54-1.55. The R.I. of most gemstones is easily measured using a simple
optical instrument known as a refractometer.
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| Birefringence
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| Birefringence is the difference in value between the highest and
lowest refractive indices in a doubly refractive (anisotropic) material.
Depending on the orientation of a faceted stone, this can result in a "fuzzy"
appearance and apparent doubling of facets viewed through the stone.
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| Dispersion
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| Dispersion is the ability of a gemstone to separate light into its
component colors; that is, the quality of passing different wavelengths of
light at different velocities. Dispersion is the quality in a diamond that
produces sparkles of color in an otherwise colorless stone. Quartz, which has a
dispersion of 0.013, shows much less of this effect than diamond, which has a
dispersion of 0.044. Diamond, in turn, shows much less color play than
sphalerite, which has a dispersion of 0.156.
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| Fluorescence
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| Many materials are fluorescent. That is, when exposed to
ultraviolet light or X-rays, they transform some of the incoming energy into
visible light. The color and intensity of the fluorescence is often indicative,
but not conclusive, of the identity of the material. For example, natural
yellow sapphires from Ceylon show a distinctive apricot-colored fluorescence,
while synthetic yellow sapphires generally show no fluorescence or a dull red
when exposed to long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light. Most natural emeralds are
inert (non-fluorescent) under long-wave UV, and most synthetic emeralds show a
moderate to strong red fluorescence. Because of the prominent exceptions, this
test alone is inconclusive.
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| Phosphorescence
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| If a fluorescent material continues to emit light after the
exciting UV or X-ray light is removed, it is said to be phosphorescent. This
phenomenon usually lasts only a few seconds but may occasionally persist for
much longer periods. This is a relatively rare characteristic in gemstones.
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| Clarity
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Gemstones can vary from complete opacity to lucid clarity and may contain few
or many inclusions such as crystals of other minerals, gas- or liquid-filled
cavities, or even insects! (Large, perfectly preserved insect specimens in
amber are highly prized.) In some gemstones, such as emerald, certain
inclusions are highly distinctive and can be used as reliable indicators of
identity. A gemological microscope (a binocular microscope with a typical
magnification of 10X to 40X) is one of the most useful tools in identifying
many gemstones, as well as grading them on relative clarity.
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| • Specific gravity
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| Gem materials vary greatly in density -- amber may float in salt
water (density near that of water), while hematite is more than five times the
density of water. This is why two different gemstones may have the same size
but different weights and vice versa -- a one carat round brilliant diamond of
typical proportions will be approximately 6.5 mm in diameter, while a round
brilliant ruby of the same size (6.5 mm in diameter) and proportions will weigh
approximately 1.55 carats. Generally, gemologists refer to specific gravity, or
relative density -- the ratio of the density of a gemstone relative to that of
water.
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| • Durability
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| The two most familiar qualities of durability -- hardness and
toughness -- are often misunderstood. Hardness is resistance to scratching or
piercing. Toughness is resistance to breakage. The combination of the two
largely defines the durability of a gemstone. Diamond is the hardest naturally
occurring material and is also quite tough; however, it can be broken by a hard
blow. Jadeite and nephrite (the jades) are much softer and relatively easy to
scratch but are perhaps the toughest gem materials. Hardness is often
represented on the Mohs scale, a nonlinear scale of scratch resistance varying
from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond). The Mohs scale can be misleading -- there is a
much greater difference in hardness between 9 (corundum) and 10 (diamond) than
between 9 and 1 (talc). More precise, and less familiar, measurements of
hardness are done using other systems, such as the Knoop scale of resistance to
indentation. Because of the likelihood of physical damage, hardness tests are
NOT recommended for gem identification. Resistance to chemical degradation or
to changes in temperature or humidity are important. Turquoise is often quite
porous and can be discolored by exposure to oils. Opals are heat-sensitive and
have a high water content; sudden temperature changes or extremely dry
conditions can cause them to crack or craze. Thermal conductivity (the ability
to conduct heat) is very low in most gemstones but is extremely high in diamond
(from 1.6 to 4.8 times as great as in pure silver!). This unusual property of
diamond is the basis for several popular diagnostic probes that are used to
distinguish diamond from its numerous imitations.
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| [Back to Top]
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| • Gemstones - Gem Care
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Gemstones are durable substances, still, they do need some care.
Follow a few general rules and they'll last for generations still looking brand
new.
Keep your jewelry clean! Rings in particular tend to collect dirt behind the
stone, especially if you wear them on a regular basis. You can clean
transparent gemstones by simply soaking them in water with a touch of soap. Use
a soft toothbrush to scrub the stone.
Even the hardest gemstone variety can be vulnerable to breakage if it has
inclusions that weaken the crystal structure. Exercise common sense: if you
have a ring set with a softer gem variety or an included stone, take it off
before strenuous activity.
Even the hardest gemstones like Diamonds, Rubies and Sapphires can shatter with
a single well-placed blow especially if they have inclusions, which weaken the
crystal structure.
Think twice before putting gems in an ultrasonic cleaner. Diamonds, rubies and
sapphires will be fine but many other gems may not be: when in doubt, leave it
out. Diamonds, rubies and sapphires, and other single-crystal gems can be
cleaned with a touch of ammonia in water to remove all films and add extra
sparkle.
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner or ammonia for cleaning such opaque gemstones
like lapis, turquoise, malachite or onyx. They should be wiped clean gently
with a moist cloth. These gemstones can be porous and may absorb chemicals,
even soap, which may build up inside the stone and discolor it.
The reason why these materials need more care than transparent gemstones is
that these materials are essentially rocks, not crystals of a single mineral.
Think about it: when you put a rock in water, it absorbs the water and is moist
all the way through. A single crystal gem like sapphire will not absorb water:
all the molecules are lined up so tightly in the crystal that there is no room
for water to enter.
Opals also require special care. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner or ammonia,
and avoid heat and strong light which can dry out the water in opals.
Organic gems like pearls, coral, and amber should only be wiped clean with a
moist cloth. Due to their organic nature, these gems are both soft and porous.
Be careful about chemicals in hairspray, cosmetics, or perfume: they can, over
time, damage pearls in particular.
Store each piece of gemstone jewelry separately so that harder stones don't
scratch softer ones. Almost every gemstone is much harder than the metal it is
set in. Gems can scratch the finish on your gold, silver or platinum if you
throw your jewelry in a heap in a drawer or jewelry box.
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| [Back to Top]
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| • Gemstones - Quality and the "Four
C's"
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Within each gemstone variety, quality dramatically affects price: a
gem can sell for $100 or $2,000,000. When buying a gemstone - buy the best
quality, most experts recommend. Choose a smaller stone of higher quality over
a larger stone of lower quality, or buy a higher quality gem from an unusual
variety if your budget is too small.
Well-known gemstones like rubies, emeralds and sapphires - which have been
known for centuries - are more valuable than more recently discovered gemstones
which are also beautiful and rare. You may be surprised how beautiful and
affordable garnets, tourmalines, tanzanites, and other exotic gemstones can be.
Value factors: Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight
Gemstone quality and value are evaluated according to the "four Cs": color,
clarity, cut, and carat weight.
• Color is the key factor. A common misperception in judging gems is people
assume that the darker the color, the better the stone. That isn't true: color
can be too dark, like some sapphires that look more black than blue. If a gem's
color is too dark, it is subdued and lifeless. A much better rule of thumb is
the brighter and more rich and vivid the color the better. In general, within
each gemstone variety, a clear, medium-tone, very intense and saturated primary
color is the most preferred. Muted colors or colors between hues, which you
might find very attractive, are usually less expensive. Look at the color in
different kinds of light.
• The next most important factor affecting value is clarity, with clear
transparent gemstones with no visible flaws being the most valued. Some
gemstone varieties, notably emerald and red tourmaline, are very rare without
inclusions of some kind so the price structure takes this into account.
• Some gemstones are valued for their inclusions! Phenomenal gemstones owe
their stars and eyes to inclusions. Tiny inclusions reflecting back light put
the eye in cat's-eye chrysoberyl and the star in star sapphire. Inclusions can
also be a birthmark, telling us where a particular gemstone was mined.
• A good cut is something that may not cost more but can add or subtract a lot
of beauty. A well-cut faceted gemstone reflects light back evenly across its
surface area when held face up. If the stone is too deep and narrow, areas will
be dark. If it is too shallow and wide, parts of the stone will be washed out
and lifeless.
Gemstones are generally sold by weight, and not by size. The price will be per
carat, which is one-fifth of a gram. Some gems are heavier than others so the
same weight stone may be a different size! The carat weight also affects the
price: large gemstones are more rare, so the price per carat is higher.
In general, gemstone pricing within each variety follows common sense: the more
beautiful the gemstone, with the final visual effect of all the quality
factors, the more valuable it is. Don't be afraid to choose what looks best to
you!
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| • Clarity
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Following is the list of the abbreviations we use for "Clarity"
that appear in the details section for each Gemstone we offer, listed in
ranking order from our highest clarity rating (Loupe Clean) to our lowest
clarity rating (Minor Inclusions):
1. Loupe Clean: No detectable inclusions at 10x magnification.
2. Almost Loupe: Clean Only very, very slight inclusions
detected at 10x magnification and no eye-visible inclusions.
3. Clean Only: slight inclusions detected at 10x magnification
and no eye-visible inclusions.
4. Eye Clean: No eye-visible inclusions (gemstone face-up).
5. Very Slight Inclusions: Only very slight eye-visible
inclusions (gemstone face-up).
6. Slight Inclusions: Slight eye-visible inclusions (gemstone
face-up).
7. Minor Inclusions: Eye-visible inclusions that are apparent.
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| • Enhancement
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Following is the list of the abbreviations we use for "Enhancement
" that appear in the details section for each Gemstone we offer:
Bleaching: Indicates that Bleaching of the gemstone has been
done. Bleaching is the use of chemicals or other agents to lighten or remove a
gemstone's color. Example: "Blonde Tigereye" is enhanced in this manner.
Heat: Indicates the stone has been heated to effect desired
alteration of color, clarity, and/or phenomena. Example: Sapphire is commonly
enhanced in this manner. Example: Citrine is commonly enhanced in this manner.
Irradiation: Indicates the gemstone has undergone some form of
Gamma or Electron Irradiation. This is the use of gamma and/or electron
bombardment to alter a gemstone's color. May be followed by a heating process
("H"). Example: Blue Topaz is commonly enhanced in this manner.
None: Indicates that this Gemstone has not been enhanced.
Oiled: Indicates the introduction of a colorless oil, wax,
natural resin, or unhardened man-made materials into fissured or porous
gemstones was made to improve appearance. Example: Commercial grade Emerald is
commonly enhanced in this manner.
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| • Zodiac Birthstones
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| Hindu Version |
Aquarius
(Jan.21 - Feb.21)
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Garnet - guarantees true friendship when worn by
an Aquarian
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Pisces
(Feb. 22-Mar. 21)
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Amethyst - protects all Pisces from extremes of
passion
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Aries
(Mar. 22-Apr. 20)
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Bloodstone - provides an Aries wearer with wisdom
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Taurus
(Apr. 21-May 21)
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Sapphire - protects from mental disorders if worn
by a Taurus
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Gemini
(May 22-June 21)
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Agate - guarantees long life, health and wealth
to a Gemini
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Cancer
(June 22-July 22)
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Emerald - guarantees everlasting joy to a
Cancer-born
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Leo
(July 23-Aug. 22)
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Onyx - protects a Leo wearer from loneliness and
unhappiness
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Virgo
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
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Carnelian - guarantees success in virtually
anything a Virgo wearer tries
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Libra
(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
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Peridot - will free a Libra wearer from an evil
spell
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Scorpio
(Oct. 24-Nov. 21)
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Beryl - guarantees protection for a Scorpio from
"tears of sad repentance"
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Sagittarius
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
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Topaz - protects Sagittarians, but only when they
show the stone
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Capricorn
(Dec. 22-Jan. 21)
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Ruby - protects a Capricorn wearer from any
trouble
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| It was believed that some planets influenced different stones and
that stones transmit the powers given to those corresponding planets.
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Capricorn
(Dec. 22-Jan. 21)
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Chalcedony
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Aquarius
(Jan.21 - Feb.21)
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Amethyst
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Pisces
(Feb. 22-Mar. 21)
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(unknown)
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Aries
(Mar. 22-Apr. 20)
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Crystal (quartz)
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Taurus
(Apr. 21-May 21)
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Ruby and Diamond
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Gemini
(May 22-June 21)
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Sapphire
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Cancer
(June 22-July 22)
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Agate and Beryl
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Leo
(July 23-Aug. 22)
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Topaz
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Virgo
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
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lolite
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Libra
(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
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Jasper
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Scorpio
(Oct. 24-Nov. 21)
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Garnet
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Sagittarius
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
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Emerald
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| [Back to Top]
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| • List of Healing Gemstones
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| Gem Stone
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Powers
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| Agate
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General: Good for transmutation; helps with the emotion of
acceptance; gives a mellow, blended aspect; beneficial in stomach area.
Botswana Agate: Use with high-pressure oxygen therapy; smoke inhalation. Fire
Agate: Master healer with color therapy; enhances all essences; grounds and
balances; sexual & heart chakra binder; burns energy.
Moss Agate: Emotional priorities; mental priorities; colon, circulatory,
pancreas & pulses; blood sugar balance; agriculture.
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| Alexandrite
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Low self-esteem & difficulty centering imply need; central
nervous system disorders; spleen & pancreas.
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| Amber
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Memory loss; eccentric behavior; anxiety; inability to make
decisions; thyroid, inner ear & neuro-tissue strengthener; activates
altruistic nature; realization of the spiritual intellect.
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| Amethyst
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Headaches; blood sugar imbalance; L brain imbalances; edginess;
facilitates healing; inner peace; psychic insight; stimulates third eye; aid
for meditation, spiritual opening & internal surrender.
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| Aquamarine
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Fluid retention; coughs; fear; thymus gland; calms nerves;
problems with eyes, ears, jaw, neck, stomach, teeth; mental clarity;
meditation.
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| Beryl
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Laziness; hiccups; swollen glands; eye diseases; bowel cancer.
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| Bloodstone
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Circulation; all purpose healer & cleanser; stomach &
bowel pain; purifies bloodstream; bladder; strengthens blood purifying organs.
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| Carnelian
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Grounding; stimulates curiosity & initiative; focuses
attention to the present moment; use with citrine on lower 3 chakras;
digestion.
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| Chalcedony
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Touchiness; melancholy; fever; gallstones; leukemia; eye problems;
stimulates maternal feelings & creativity. release.
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| Citrine
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Heart, kidney, liver & muscle healer; appendicitis;gangrene;
red & white corpuscles; digestive tract; cleanses vibrations in the
atmosphere; creativity; helps personal clarity; will bring out problems in the
solar plexus & the heart; eliminates self-destructive tendencies.
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| Diamond
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All brain diseases; pituitary & pineal glands; draws out
toxicity, poison remedy.
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| Emerald
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Radiation toxicity; all mental illness; circulatory &
neurological disorders; transmits balance, healing & patience; increases
psychic & clairvoyant abilities; meditation; keener insight into dreams.
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| Garnet
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Rhodolite: Capillaries; skin elasticity; protection from pre-
cancerous conditions. Spessartine: Bad dreams; depression; anger; self esteem;
hemorrhages; hormone imbalances; inflammations; sexual disease.
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| Jade
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Kidney, heart, larynx, liver, parathyroid, spleen, thymus, thyroid
& parasympathetic ganglia healer; strengthens body; longevity.
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| Lapis Lazuli
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Neuralgia; melancholy; fevers; inflammations; penetrates
subconscious blockages; throat chakra; sore throat; energy focuser for
teachers, lecturers & speakers, mental & spiritual cleanser; used on
3rd eye for meditation; eliminates old & negative emotions; use with other
healing stones; thought form amplification; helps in creating mantras.
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| Moonstone
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Soothes & balances the emotions; helps eliminate fear of
"feeling"; encourages inner growth & strength; aids peace & harmony
& psychic abilities; aligns vertebrae; digestive aid.
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| Onyx
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Objective thinking; spiritual inspiration; control of emotions
& passions, help eliminate negative thinking, apathy, stress &
neurological disorders; also used as a heart, kidney, nerve, capillary, hair,
eye and nail strengthener.
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| Opal
|
Cherry: Red corpuscle & blood disorders; depression; apathy;
lethargy; intuition & joy.
Dark: Reproductive organs; spleen & pancreas; filters red corpuscles &
aids white corpuscles; bone marrow; depression, esp. of sexual origin;
balances; amplifies creative & intuitive thought; grounds radical emotional
body.
Jelly: Spleen & abdominal diseases; cellular reproductive problems; helps
absorb nutrients; minimizes wide mood swings; mystical thought amplifier.
Light: Balances L & R brain hemispheres for neuro disorders; stimulates
white corpuscles; helps bring the emotions to mystical experiences; aids
abdomen, pituitary & thymus problems.
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| Pearl
|
Eliminates emotional imbalances; helps one master the heart
chakra; aids stomach, spleen, intestinal tract & ulcer problems.
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| Peridot
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Protects against nervousness; helps alleviate spiritual fear; aids
in healing hurt feelings & bruised egos; incurs strength & physical
vitality; aligns subtle bodies; amplifies other vibrational energies &
positive emotional outlook; helps liver & adrenal function.
|
| Quartz
|
Transmitter & amplifier of healing energy & clarity;
balancer, channeler of universal energy & unconditional love; all purpose
healer; programmable. Rose Quartz: Lymphatic cancer & circulatory problems;
helps the psychologically inflexible. Heart chakra opener; love &
self-acceptance healer for emotional wounds; dissipates anger & tension.
Smoky Quartz: Stimulates Kundalini energy; cleanses & protects the astral
field; draws out distortion on all levels; good for hyperactivity & excess
energy; grounding.
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| Ruby
|
Heart chakra; balances love & all spiritual endeavors;
self-esteem; strengthens neurological tissues around the heart; prevents
miscarriages.
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| Sapphire
|
Spiritual enlightenment; inner peace; colic; rheumatism; mental
illness; pituitary; metabolic rate of glandular functions; anti- depressant;
aids psychokinesis, telepathy, clairvoyance & astral projection; personal
expression; also for pain.
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| Spinel
|
Leg conditions, when worn on solar plexus; powerful general
healer; detoxification aid.
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| Topaz
|
Balances emotions; calms passions; gout; blood disorders;
hemorrhages; increases poor appetite; general tissue regeneration; VD;
tuberculosis; reverses aging; spiritual rejuvenation; endocrine system
stimulation; releases tension; feelings of joy.
|
| Tourmaline
|
Dispels fear & negativity & grief; calms nerves;
concentration & eloquence improve; genetic disorders, cancer & hormones
regulated; raises vibrations; charisma; universal law; tranquil sleep. Black
Tourmaline: Arthritis; dyslexia; syphilis; heart diseases; anxiety;
disorientation; raises altruism; deflects negativity; neutralizes distorted
energies, i.e. resentment & insecurity.
Rubellite: Creativity; fertility; blanches passive or aggressive nature.
Green: Creativity; opens heart chakra; immune system; psychological problems
with the father; blood pressure; asthma; balancer; eliminates conflict within.
Blue indicolite: Lungs, larynx; thyroid; parasympathetic nerves.
Watermelon: Heart chakra healer; imparts sense of humor to those who need it;
balancer; eliminates guilt; nervous system; integration, security &
self-containment.
|
| Turquoise
|
Master healer; protects against environmental pollutants;
strengthens anatomy & guards against all disease; improved absorption of
nutrients; tissue regeneration; subtle body allignment & strengthening; eye
disorders.
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| [Back to Top]
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|
| • Gemstone Enhancement Codes
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|
GEMSTONE
|
TAG
CODE
|
ENHANCEMENT
METHOD
|
FREQUENCY
USED
|
STABILITY
|
CARE
REQUIRED
|
SPECIAL
ADVICE
|
|
Alexandrite
|
N
|
None
|
-----
|
----
|
Normal
|
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|
Amazonite
|
E
or W
I
|
Impregnated
with a colorless wax, paraffin or oil to improve appearance
Impregnated with plastic and other hardness resins to improve appearance
|
Usually
Usually
|
Good
to fair
Very good
|
Special
Special
|
Avoid
heat, chemical and ultrasonic
Avoid chemicals and ultrasonic
|
|
Amber
|
E
or H
D
|
Heated
to improve appearance, add "sun spangles" or deepen color
Dyed of surface treated to add color
|
Usually
Rarely
|
Very
good to Good
Variable
|
Special
Special
|
Avoid
chemicals and ultrasonic
Avoid repolishing surface, chemicals and ultrasonic
|
|
Amethyst
|
E
or H
|
Heated
to lighten color and/or to remove "Smokey" components
|
Occasionally
|
Excellent
|
Special
|
Some
unheated material may fade in long exposure to sunlight
|
|
Ametrine
|
N
|
None
|
----
|
----
|
Normal
|
|
|
Ammolite
|
I
|
Impregnated
with colorless hardened substances to increase stability
|
Usually
|
Good
to fair
|
Special
|
Avoid
heat, household chemicals and ultrasonic
|
|
Andalusite
|
N
|
None
|
----
|
----
|
Normal
|
|
|
Aquamarine
|
E
or H
|
Heated
to remove yellow components
thereby producing a purer blue color
|
Usually
|
Excellent
|
Normal
|
Top
|
|
Beryl
Blue
Pink
Yellow-Green
Red
Yellow
|
R
E or H
N
E or O
R
|
Irradiated blue from pale pink or colorless
Heated to remove yellow component thereby producing a pure pink color
None
The penetration of colorless oil and resins into fissures to improve appearance
Produced by irradiation
|
Always
Commonly
-----------
Commonly
Usually
|
Poor
Excellent
----------
Very good to fair
Variable
|
Extra Special
Normal
Normal
Special
Normal / Special depending on method
|
Color fades, avoid light and heat
Avoid high temperatures steam cleaning, chemicals and ultrasonic
Certain stones may fade in light or heat depending on method
|
|
Chalcedony
Agate
Black (Onyx)
Banded
Blue
Green
Carnelian
Jasper
Chrysoprase
|
D
D
D
D
D
E or H
D
D
N
|
Dyed
Dyed
Dyed
Dyed
Dyed
Heated to produce color
Dyed to produce color
Sometimes dyed to imitate other stones
None
|
Usually
Always
Usually
Commonly
Usually
Usually
Occasionally
Occasionally
----
|
Excellent to Good
Excellent to Good
Excellent
Good to fair
Good to fair
Excellent
Excellent to Good
Excellent
-----
|
Normal
Normal
Normal
Special
Special
Normal
Special
Normal
Normal
|
Certain stones may fade in light or heat
Certain stones may fade in light or heat
Certain stones may fade in light or heat
Top
|
|
Chrysoberyl
Cat's Eye
Transparent Varieties:
Yellow
Brown
Green
|
R
N
N
N
|
Irradiated to change color
None
None
None
|
Occasionally
-----
-----
-----
|
Excellent
-----
-----
-----
|
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
|
For safety requirements, if neutron irradiated, refer to code letter "R" in
gemstone information
|
|
Citrine
|
E
or H
|
Produced
by heating various types of quartz
|
Usually
|
Excellent
|
Normal
|
|
|
Coral
Black
White
Pink
Orange
"Gold"
Red
|
N
E or B
E or W
I
B
D
|
None
Bleached
Impregnated with colorless wax
Stabilized with plastic to improve color and durability
Bleached from black coral
Dyed
|
-----
Commonly
Commonly
Commonly
Usually
Occasionally
|
-----
Good
Good
Good
Very Good
Variable
|
Special
Special
Special
Special
Special
Special to extra special depending on type of dye
|
Avoid chemicals, cosmetics and ultrasonic
Avoid chemicals, cosmetics and ultrasonic: material may discolor in time
Avoid chemicals and ultrasonic
Same as above
Avoid chemicals and ultrasonic
Certain materials may fade in light or heat. Avoid chemicals, cosmetics and
ultrasonic
Top
|
|
Diamond
Colorless
to faint Yellow
Colored
|
L
C
F
HP
L
F
R
C
H
|
Laser drilled to improve appearance
Coated to disguise off-color
Filling of surface cavities or fractures with a hardened substance
Use of heat with pressure to alter color and/or clarity
Laser drilled to improve appearance
Filling of surface cavities or fractures with a hardened substance
Irradiated and/or heated to induce "fancy" colors
Coated to "fancy" colors
Use of heat to alter color
|
Occasionally to common
Rarely
Occasionally
Rarely
Occasionally
Rarely
Occasionally
Rarely
Rarely
|
Very Good
Very good to poor depending on method
Very Good
Unknown
Very good
Very good
Excellent to very good
Fair to poor
Unknown
|
Normal
Variable
Special
Normal
Normal
Special
Normal except green
Special
Normal
|
Recutting, steam cleaning, ultrasonic and occasionally alcohol may adversely
affect color and appearance
Recutting or extreme heat may remove filling material
Recutting or extreme heat may remove filling material
Avoid heating treated green stones as the color may change. Some green stones
have been radium irradiate, for safety requirements refer to the NRC.
Recutting, steaming and ultrasonic may adversely affect color and appearance
Top
|
|
Diopside (Chrome)
|
N
|
None
|
----
|
----
|
| | |