Alexandrite is a rare and expensive color-changing gemstone from the Chrysoberyl family. Highest quality natural alexandrite gemstone shows sharp change in color from Green-Blue in daylight to Red / Purplish-Red / Brownish-Red color in incandescent light (yellow bulb light). Alexandrite is a very rare and highly valuable gemstone, and until recently was extremely difficult to obtain due to its rarity. However, new sources in Brazil and Tanzania and India have made this gemstone available and more mainstream on the gemstone market. Alexandrite Alexandrite Alexandrite was believed to be the stone that could bridge the physical and spiritual world. It is a stone associated with the crown chakra and so it carries strong, warm healing energies and is believed to be able to strengthen creativity, imagination and intuition. Alexandrite is the birthstone for June, and whoever wears alexandrite will reap the many benefits and astrological powers it possesses. It is an alternate (modern) Zodiac stone for the constellation of Gemini. The 755 nm alexandrite laser for hair removal.Due to its depth of penetration and its affinity for melanin, lasers utilizing this crystal are among the most widely used. The Q-switched alexandrite 755 nm laser is similarly absorbed by tattoo pigment and can be used to treat dark-colored body art. Alexandrites are a hard and durable stone, and so they are ideal for any jewelry design such as rings, earrings, pendants, brooches, pins and pendants. Alexandrite was originally discovered in the Sanarka River in the southern Ural Mountains of Russia.It is said that the was named after the Russian tsar, Alexander II (1818 - 1881), but was discovered by a French mineralist called Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld (1792 - 1866). New deposits have been discovered in Brazil, Tanzania,India, Sri Lanka, India and Madagascar, with the Brazilian sources being the most significant. Brazilian alexandrite is known to be highly saturated and exhibits a blue to purplish color change. Alexandrite gemstones are typically untreated, but imitation stones are occasionally, dyed or oiled, but this is not very common. Many alexandrites are synthetic (lab-grown) and others may be natural ’simulated’ gemstones.It is very expensive to create synthetic alexandrite, so even lab-grown stones can be very costly. Alexandrite was named after Prince Alexander because it was discovered in 1830 on the day of his coming of age. Alexandrite was originally discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830. The old Russian Imperial Colors were red and green and so Alexandrite was only mined for the royalty at that time.
Name of the Gemstone : AZURITE INDIGO Brief about the Gemstone : Azurite is a rare variety of gemstone-quality copper ore. Azurite is one of two basic copper carbonate minerals (malachite is the other). Azurite is rarer than malachite and is considered more valuable. Azurite is a fairly soft stone and its use in jewelry is actually quite rare. In fact, azurite is more sought-after by gem and mineral collectors, rather than jewelry designers. The name azurite of this stone is derived from the Persian word “lazhward” which means distinctive blue color. Due to its intriguing color and enrich properties the above gemstone is being widely used for the jewelry purpose. Substitute Stone : Average Price of 20 cent stone ( Medium grade) Natural Treated Synthetic Trade Name : Blue Bird Treatments & Enhancements : Azurite is not typically treated. There are no known official or approved enhancements. Some specimens may be coated with a colorless wax to improve luster. Astrological Significance : Azurite is particularly associated with the third-eye chakra, but it is also believed to help align all seven chakras. Additionally, it can be used on the 6th Chakra (third eye). Indigo Azurite is aligned with planet Mercury and Neptune. A mix of blue and violet, it is the color of knowledge, dignity and Intuition Use in Modern Times : Azurite is used occasionally as beads and as jewelry, and also as an ornamental stone. The intense color of azurite makes it a popular collector's stone. However, gentle heating of azurite produces a deep blue pigment used in Japanese painting techniques. Legends Legends claim Azurite to be one of the most powerful healing stones in Atlantis where its psychic powers were so potent the secrets to its use were known only to priests. In ancient Egypt, Azurite was valued by high priests and priestesses to raise their awareness to a god-conscious state, using the pigment to paint the protective eye of Horus, the young sky god, on their foreheads. Ancient Romans, as well the Egyptians, used Azurite for greater insight, for visionary powers, and particularly for hypnosis.The ancient Chinese called Azurite the Stone of Heaven believing it opened celestial gateways.
Origin / Sources Azurite is found in many locations in the world. The most important origins include Utah, Arizona and New Mexico (USA). Other sources include Mexico, Namibia, Congo, Morocco, France and Australia. One of the first major sources of azurite was in Chessy, a small commune in the eastern suburbs of France. Gemological Aspects : Chemical Formula Cu (CO ) (OH) 2 3 3 2 Colour Azure-blue, Berlin blue, very dark to pale blue; pale blue in transmitted light, Indigo Colour of Streak Light blue Moh’s Hardness 3.5 to 4 Crystal System Monoclinic Cleavage Perfect on {011}, fair on {100}, poor on {110} Fracture Conchoidal Refractive Index nα = 1.730 nβ = 1.758 nγ = 1.838 Double Refraction δ = 0.108 Dispersion relatively weak Pleochroism Visible shades of blue Density Transparency Transparent to opaque Luster Vitreous Absorption Fluorescence None Mineral Class ROUGH POLISHED Substitute Finished Jewellery
Name of the Gemstone : IOLITE (Indigo) Brief about the Gemstone : Iolite is the gem variety of the mineral Cordierite. It describes the transparent to translucent form of Cordierite, and it has recently become a popular gemstone. Iolite can be light to deep blue, and usually has a purplish tinge to it. Deeper colored stones are more valuable. Iolite is very affordable and durable, and can be used as a substitute for more expensive blue gemstones such as Sapphire. It is named from the Greek \"violet\", alluding to the purplish tinge often exhibited by this gemstone. Substitute Stone : Average Price of 20 cent stone ( Medium grade) Natural Treated Synthetic Trade Name : Treatments & Enhancements : Iolite gemstones are natural and not treated or enhanced. Astrological Significance : Iolite also known as the Neeli in the sacred texts is the uparatana for Blue Sapphire. In some dialects it is also known as Kaka Neeli . Profound in its impact wherein may people consider its powers equivalent to the Blue Sapphire this Gem in Sanskrit is also called as Shani Priya - Much Loved by Saturn. In crystal healing and Chakra healing Iolite is used for the crown Chakra. Use in Modern Times : Iolite is cut into gemstone facets and cabochons, and is used in all types of jewelry, especially rings, earrings, and pendants. Iolite (Cordierite) is a mineral with very few industrial uses. It can be used as an ingredient for making ceramic parts used in catalytic converters. Legends Iolite is known as the compass of the Vikings. The Viking Sailors used very thin Iolite pieces to look at the hazy sky or overcast conditions to determine the exact position of the Sun to set the course. n ancient days it was believed that creativity of a artist was enhanced when wearing Iolite. It helps to open the doors of a persons soul. Some scholars believe that Iolite helps in getting knowledge about the previous birth. It is known as the gem of self vision, creativity and constructive ideas. Origin / Sources Iolite deposits can be found in numerous locations around the world. Most of the iolite gemstones available today come from India, but some other significant sources include Australia (Northern Territory), Brazil, Canada
(Yellowknife), Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Tanzania and the United States, including Wyoming and Connecticut Gemological Aspects : Chemical Formula Mg Al Si O (Magnesium Aluminium Silicate) 2 4 5 18 Colour Blue n various hues, Purple, Grey Colour of Streak Moh’s Hardness 1.53-1.55 Crystal System Orthorhombic; short prisms Cleavage imperfect Fracture conchoidal, uneven, brittle Refractive Index 1.53-1.55 Double Refraction -0.01 Dispersion Pleochroism Density Transparency Transparent, translucent Luster Vitreous Absorption Fluorescence Mineral Class Cordierite ROUGH POLISHED Substitute Finished Jewellery
Name of the Gemstone : SAPPHIRE -PURPLE Brief about the Gemstone : Sapphire is the most precious and valuable blue gemstone. It is a very desirable gemstone due to its excellent color, hardness, durability, and luster. However, the term Sapphire encompasses all other gem varieties and colors of Corundum. Purple or Violet Sapphire is known as a “stone of awakening”. Violet Sapphire awakens and enhances spirituality by pulling higher vibrations down into the Crown and Third-Eye Chakras. Purple sapphires are an often misunderstood and underappreciated gem. They are actually quite extraordinary and far rarer than the more traditionally recognised blue sapphires. Substitute Stone : Average Price of 20 cent stone ( Medium grade) Natural Treated Synthetic Trade Name : Treatments & Enhancements : Heating natural sapphires to improve or enhance color. Unlike most blue and pink sapphires, which need to be heat treated in order to obtain their best color, purple sapphires very rarely require any heat treatment and some are able to naturally change color in different lighting. Astrological Significance : Voilet Sapphire is the traditional birthstone of September. Sapphire which is violet in color is one of the natural birthstones of those born between December 21 - January 19.. Violet crystals bring you intuition, magic, dreams, and imagination. Voilet Sapphire is a zodiac stone for those born in the heart of spring under the sign of Taurus, from April 20 - May 20. Taurus is depicted as a bull because of its characteristics of being strong but quiet, and is ruled by the planet Venus that also rules Libra. It is associated with Third Eye Chakra and Crown Chakra. Use in Modern Times : Sapphire is one of the most popular gemstones, and is used extensively in Jewelry. Fine colored Use as substrate for semiconducting circuits, Use for endoprostheses. Sapphire is used in all forms of jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings. It is used both as centerpiece gemstone in pendants and rings, as well as a secondary stone to complement other gemstones such as Diamonds. Star Sapphires are polished as cabochons, and, if clear, are extremely valuable. Legends There is no legendary information specific to Violet Sapphire. In the ancient world it was referred to as Oriental Amethyst. Other colors of Sapphire were called the same name as a popular gemstone of that color with the term “Oriental” added, thus the Oriental Amethyst was actually a Violet Sapphire,
Origin / Sources Significant sapphire deposits are found in Eastern Australia, China (Shandong), East Africa, and in North America in a few locations, mostly in Montana, Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar, Tanzania and Australia. The Kashmir region of India/Pakistan was famous for its Kashmir-blue Sapphire, but little material comes from there today. Purple/violet Sapphires are mainly located in Australia, India, Madagascar, Pakistan, Russia and Tanzania. Gemological Aspects : Chemical Formula (Al2O3) Aluminum Oxide with inclusions Colour Purple, Voilet Colour of Streak Moh’s Hardness 9.0 Crystal System Trigonal Cleavage Fracture Refractive Index Conchoidal, splintery Double Refraction nω=1.768–1.772 Dispersion nε=1.760–1.763, Pleochroism 0.008 Density Transparency Strong Luster Absorption Fluorescence Vitreous Mineral Class ROUGH POLISHED Substitute Finished Jewellery
Name of the Gemstone : SPINEL Brief about the Gemstone : Spinel is most famous for its deep red variety that closely resembles Ruby. These two gemstones can be very difficult to distinguish. Until the late 19th century, there was no distinction made between Ruby and red Spinel, as they look identical and are found in the same localities. Spinel occurs in a range of colors, such as rose pink to rich red; lavender to deep violet; light to deep blue, orange, yellow, brown and black. The name spinel is thought to have come from either the Latin word, \"spina\", meaning thorn, due to its pointed crystal form, or the Greek word for \"spark\", in reference to its bright color. Spinel has been mined for centuries and one of the most famous historical spinel gemstones is known as \"the Black Prince's Ruby\" acquired by Edward, Prince of Wales in 1367. Substitute Stone : Average Price of 20 cent stone ( Medium grade) Natural Treated Synthetic Trade Name : Treatments & Enhancements : While spinel is not usually treated or enhanced. Most synthetic spinel can be separated from natural spinel by the use of a magnet. Natural spinel shows a weak to moderate response to magnets due to its iron content. Some light-colored and orange spinel is colored by chromium, which causes it to be diamagnetic (repelled by a magnet). Astrological Significance : Spinel is a non-traditional zodiac stone for Gemini and is associated with the planet Mercury. Dark blue to violet Spinel is linked to Sagittarius, red is told to be effective for Scorpio, symbolizing purposefulness, as well as to help one to collect the needed information, recognize what is right and granting one the energy to act accordingly, even if one feels lethargic. Red Spinel being most effective on the 1st, Root/Base Chakra, and Blue on the 6th, Third Eye/Brow Chakra, Violet of course on the 7th, Crown Chakra. Use in Modern Times : Spinel is incredibly versatile due to its variety of colors and sizes. It is ideal for almost any type of jewelry, such as spinel rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, hair pins and other beautiful ornaments. The deep-red variety, often called Ruby Spinel, is the most prized form, and is a very good substitute for Ruby. Spinel is also an important pink gemstone. The opaque, black variety, known as Pleonast, has a good luster and is used as a black gemstone. Spinel naturally occurs in octahedral crystals. In well-shaped red crystals, gem cutters may even out a crystal into a perfect octahedron. These \"crystals\" are occasionally be worn in jewelry without any further faceting.The deep-red variety, often called Ruby Spinel, is the most prized form, and is a very good substitute for Ruby. Spinel is also an important pink gemstone. The opaque, black variety, known as Pleonast, has a good luster and is used as a black gemstone. Spinel naturally occurs in octahedral crystals. In well- shaped red crystals, gem cutters may even out a crystal into a perfect octahedron. These \"crystals\" are occasionally be worn in jewelry without any further faceting. Legends Spinel gemstones have a significant history, but the red variety was actually believed to be Ruby up until 200 years ago. Spinel is the great imposter of gemstone history: many famous rubies in crown jewels around the
world are actually spinel. The most famous is the Black Prince's Ruby, a magnificent 170-carat red spinel that currently adorns the Imperial State Crown in the British Crown Jewels after a long history Origin / Sources The name spinel is thought to have come from either the Latin word, \"spina\", meaning thorn, due to its pointed crystal form, or the Greek word for \"spark\", in reference to its bright color.The most outstanding Spinel in size, color, and quality is from Burma. Other sources of gem Spinel are Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Tadjikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Madagascar. Indigo blue is found in Myanmar, Pink-violet from Sri Lanka. Gemological Aspects : Chemical Formula MgAl2O4 Magnesium aluminum oxide Colour Red, orange, yellow, brown, blue, violet, purple, green, black Colour of Streak White Moh’s Hardness 8 Crystal System Cubic; octahedron, twins, rhombic dodecahedron Cleavage Indistinct Fracture Refractive Index 1.712 to 1.762 Double Refraction None Dispersion Pleochroism Density 3.54 to 3.63 Transparency Transparent to opaque Luster Vitreous Absorption Fluorescence Red spinel, strong: red. Blue spinel, weak: reddish, green Mineral Class Spinel ROUGH POLISHED Substitute Finished Jewellery
SiO2 silicon dioxide Blue White 6.5 to 7 Hexagonal, cryptocrystalline None Uneven 1.530 to 1.543 Up to 0.004 None Absent Usually translucent. Occasionally transparent or opaque. Greasy, waxy to vitreous Dyed green gems show weak lines at 6450 and 6700 nm. Others not diagnostic. Fluorescence varies with bands. Somewhat strong: yellow, blue-white Quartz
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