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    Tanzanite Earrings

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    Tanzanite Earrings

    by Madhubanti Rudra

    If the essence of a perfect woman is summarized by the words, beauty with brain, a perfect piece of jewellery shows of a tricky combination of affordability and aesthetics. The Tanzanite earrings are examples of perfection, where size of your purse never becomes an impediment on the way of your appreciation for fineries.

    Summary: If the essence of a perfect woman is summarized by the words, beauty with brain, a perfect piece of jewellery shows of a tricky combination of affordability and aesthetics. The Tanzanite earrings are examples of perfection, where size of your purse never becomes an impediment on the way of your appreciation for fineries.

    Appearance of Tanzanite

    Tanzanite

    Jewelleries are the manifestation of a woman’s inner voice. As such, every woman, especially the liberated woman of today, who loves to live the life on her own terms, always prefers to make a distinctive style statement. This endless craving for the new and exclusive is creating new currents every day international fashion circuit. The jewellery industry exemplifies the same trend. Hot favorites of today are a matter of clichi tomorrow. For example, bold and ethnic motifs which have been ruling the international fashion scenario for quite some time seems to gradually taking the back seat. On the other hand, colorful, semi-precious stones have made a grand entry, creating quite an influential impact on the fashion-savvy youngsters. From an elaborate necklace to a tiny piece of earring, these dazzling semi-precious stones find a place of pride. Of course, in this race of grabbing the bigger share of admiration, a few gemstones are running ahead of the others. Tanzanite is one of them. This comparatively new entrant in the world of gemstones seems to steal the show everywhere with its unusual velvety blue hues.

    Tanzanite earring: a unique choice

    The earrings are not only the oldest form of ornament; they are also the most basic part of a lady’s wardrobe. Leaving aside all other jewelleries, only a pair of small earrings can make all the differences to your sense of dressing. If the essence of a perfect woman is summarized by the words, beauty with brain, a perfect piece of jewellery shows of a tricky combination of affordability and aesthetics. The Tanzanite earrings are examples of perfection, where size of your purse never becomes an impediment on the way of your appreciation for fineries.

    Buying guide of tanzanite earrings

    Possession of jewelleries fills you with a feeling of security and confidence and of course lots of happiness. This joy of possession increases many fold, if you make a guided decision. First of all, each piece of ornament is supposed to perform its unique function. The earring, which stays at the closest proximity of the face is supposed to hide the facial flaws. Therefore, shape or size of the earrings must be in accordance with the face cutting, eye colour and hair style of the individual.

    An advantage with a Tanzanite earring is that, because of the richness and depth of the colour of this gemstone looks nice in any shape. Only in the bigger stones bluish tone is more prominent, while the smaller stones more purple. However, an earring with a large tanzanite is just perfect on a chubby face. On the other hand small tanzanite stud earrings go well with slim face and high cheek bones. Secondly, so far as the shape is concerned, tanzanites are available in any shape ranging from square, round, pear or heart shapes.

    Tanzanites are admired mostly because of its unusual colour assortment- a lavender blue hue that gives it a distinction among the crowd of variety of semi precious stones. The cutting and shape of the stones should be such that it should reflect this splendid colour in its fullest effect. But in the time of picking up a tanzanite earring, choose according to the shape and type of your face. While a big, round tanzanite stud earring will highlight the roundness of one’s face even more, a square stone can make the face look sharper by creating an edgy impact. While floral designs bring an essentially feminine touch, the geometrical patterns emphasize on a vintage look. Thirdly, for a tanzanite earring the choice of the metal is very important. In order to contain and complement the luxuriousness of the stone the metal should be equally rich in its look and element.

    Although the use of white gold is most common for tanzanite jewelleries, platinum gives it a touch of sophistication. The beauty of this rare gem can best be complimented by glossy and high polished metals. Fourthly, hoops and studs may be the safest option regarding the design of an earring. But as long as tanzanite is concerned one cam experiment with plethora of designs available in the market. Shoulder brushing earrings with small beads of tanzanite, suspended by thin white gold chains, speaks of someone with highly fashionable bend of mind. A chandelier which is considered the most gorgeous among all types of earrings can be made of with small pieces of tanzanite along with dollops of snow white pearls. Such creations are sure to add extra colour to your moments of celebration. Fifthly, fixing a budget and collecting information about the comparative prices is always a good idea.

    Tanzanite Stones

    The blue tanzanites are rare and they occur only in the bigger sizes in the range of 10 carats. These stones command higher prices in the international market, while the lavender coloured tanzanites which are available in smaller sizes in 3 – 4 carat range cost lesser. The next important point regarding a tanzanite earring is its scare. Since tanzanite is a softer variety of gemstone like emerald, it is very susceptible to knock and pressure. It is generally recommended that tanzanite should be mounted in a bezel and protected with heavy prongs as much as possible. The gem is also very heat sensitive and likely to develop cracks with sudden temperature change. At the time of wearing and taking it off, protect it from abrasion as much as possible. The contact with harsh chemicals can harm the stone. So always keep it separately in a cotton stuffed box and clean it with ionic solution.

    Lastly, while buying the jewelry of your choice beware of the imitation tanzanites. Although artificial tanzanites have not appeared in the market, synthetic corundum and synthetic spinels are often sold in the name of tanzanites. So always choose the jewellery shop carefully. It is important to collect from the jeweler a certificate on the authenticity of the gem stone and a buyback guarantee.

    How to care for Aquamarine jewelry

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    How to care for Aquamarine jewelry

    by Ritika Changrani

    Aquamarines are beautiful gems encasing the myriad colors of the sea. Safeguarding them against harmful chemicals and sharp blows is of primary importance. Timely cleaning will ensure the longevity of the gems and help maintain their unique luster.

    Aquamarine – The sea stone. The vivid hues of the sea are captured in this stone and said to be reflected in the personality of the wearer. It is a member of the Beryl family, to which emeralds also belong.

    If you want to preserve the original beauty of these gemstones, certain simple guidelines need to be followed.

    WEARING

    Caring for aquamarines begins with knowing how, when and where to wear them. You must remember the golden rule for jewelry : ALWAYS PUT IT ON LAST AND TAKE IT OFF FIRST (LIFO- Last In First Out).

    This means that jewelry should be put on after completion of make-up, which includes hair-spray and perfume. They contain certain harmful chemicals that may lead to damage of the aquamarines. Try to handle the gems as little as possible as natural oil secreted by the skin will dull the their luster over time. Look for any loose gems or clasps before finally putting on the jewelry.

    While doing domestic work or any kind of manual labor, remove your jewelry. Take care to remove aquamarine rings while doing gardening. Necklaces or bracelets can break easily if they get caught in a hook or a sharp edge. Aquamarines may crack if they are subject to blows. A sudden mistaken hit may cause the loss of one of your treasures.

    When going to the parlor for hair styling remember to remove any aquamarine earrings that you are wearing. The same holds for when you get your hair colored. The chemicals used are often harsh and contain ammonia and alcohol which may tarnish your gem.

    Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as aquamarines tend to become pale. Always take jewelry off before going swimming. The chlorine content of water hinders its sheen.

    Follow the golden rule and you shall never go wrong.

    CLEANING

    Like most other gemstones, aquamarine requires regular care to ensure that it maintains its semblance. A yearly visit to your jeweler is advised for professional cleaning. He is the best person to detect even tiny damages in its early stages. Timely correction will result in your gems looking their finest all the time.

    However, there are some things that you can do in your home too. After each use wipe the jewelry with a soft cloth to remove any make-up or skin oil that it may have acquired. Make sure that the cloth used is pure cotton as coarser fabrics tend to graze the surface of the aquamarines. Also avoid using finger-nails while wiping.

    In addition to the above, follow this simple cleaning procedure regularly. Soak aquamarine jewelry in Luke-warm water. Add some mild liquid soap and leave for some time. Gently pick up piece by piece and clean it with a soft brush till all traces of grime disappear. Finally, wash off with plain water. Take care not to use a metallic brush as it may scratch the gem. Do the cleaning on a table or flat surface and not in the sink. A slight slip and it may roll into the drain and be lost forever.

    Toothpaste, alcohol, acetone and ammonia are often advised as cleaning agents for gems. These tips are best ignored. These products may damage the surface of aquamarines to an extent where professional help would be required to return the gem’s original look.

    Avoid using the ultrasonic cleaner for aquamarine jewelry. These machines clean jewelry by a giving out a series of sound waves which crack the gems irreparably. If the instructions specifically state that the particular piece is safe for ultrasonic cleaning, only then go ahead and do it.

    STORING

    Gemstones are most vulnerable when they are worn. However, incorrect storage methods may also hamper them.

    What is the correct storage technique, you may ask. Well, the same thumb-rule applies to all jewelry including those set with aquamarines. Each piece should be carefully wrapped in a soft fabric. Alternatively, it may be kept in a box with individual compartments. Harder stones can scratch the surface of aquamarines. On the other hand, aquamarines may cause marks on other stones.

    Store your jewelry box in a safe place. Keep aquamarines away from sunlight. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.

    REPAIRING

    Aquamarines are very sensitive to sudden temperature changes. Any sort of repair, especially soldering should be done away from the gems.

    What can be done if a piece of jewelry set with aquamarines needs to be mended? The stones may be coated with a substance called borax or any other heat-shielding matter to avoid damage while soldering. Immense care must be taken while doing this. If the aquamarines are too valuable, then it is advisable to unset them before applying heat to the piece of jewelry. Unsetting is itself a dicey affair so treat these gems with greater care than diamonds or rubies.

    Aquamarines should ideally be set in 18 carat gold or platinum. Nine or even 14 carat gold should be avoided.

    Acquisition of good quality aquamarines is an art and the inexperienced should consult a trusted jeweler before making the final purchase. Such valuable gems should be preserved for posterity. Proper and timely care will guarantee a long life.

    So go ahead and flaunt your sea stones but remember to handle them with care and stock them safely!

    Aquamarine-a gemstone with good qualities

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    Aquamarine-a gemstone with good qualities

    by Preeti Sharma

    The iron impurities are located in the beryl crystal structure. The color of Aquamarine is mainly because of hint amounts of iron impurities in beryl structure. The different colors of Aquamarine depend on the concentration of iron in the stone.

    Any thing and everything of this world have an end, but the beauty, luster and qualities of Aquamarine seem to be endless. Not only they are incessant, they are paramount too. Aquamarine is a multi faceted and multi quality gemstone. Aquamarine may be hard to describe, but the real fun lies in owning it and savoring its great beauty and qualities.

    Aquamarine – A quality stone

    Aquamarine Be3Al3 (SiO3) 6 is a gemstone of transparent variety of beryl. It has a soft blue or blue green color. It is suggestive of the tint of sea water, as blue as the Caribbean. It is related closely to gem emerald. Beryl is a mineral made of beryllium aluminum silicate, a marketable source of beryllium. Aquamarine is the most familiar variety of gem beryl. it appears in pegmatite, an igneous rock. There, it becomes really large and clear crystals than the emerald. Aquamarine has a hexagonal crystal structure and chemical formula of Be3Al2Si6O18, a beryllium Aluminium silicate mineral.
    Aquamarine Stone
    Aquamarine gemstone has long been of great interest because it has many varieties that are valued in a gemstone. Though Aquamarine belongs to the same family as the emerald, but emeralds are much brittle in comparison. Along with bloodstone, Aquamarine is a birthstone of Pisces birth sign (Fish) (Feb. 19 – March 20).

    Aquamarine Etymology

    Aquamarine has had its name in an interesting way. its name comes from Latin language, aqua marina, meaning, “water of the sea”. It is called as heliodor; rose pink beryl, Morganite, white beryl and goshenite.

    Historical Qualities and lore

    Since the ancient time, Aquamarine is credited with a stone that offers courage, treatment for laziness and reviving the intellect. It was called the treasure of mermaids having a great power to keep sailors at sea safe. It is said to have a peculiarly strong charm when it is kept immersed in water the power that sailors need the most.

    The ancient people used to believe that Aquamarine is said to have a great pacifying influence on land, on the married couples particularly. Such was its power that helped husbands and wives to work out their differences. It ensures that the couple has a long and happy marriage. Thus, it is a best anniversary gift for the love birds!

    Aquamarine allegedly protects the wearer against the wiles of devil. A dream of aquamarine had the significance that you will meet new friends. People believed Aquamarine can reawaken love not only in long married couples but also in the new friends.

    Others reportedly say that Aquamarine is the right stone for meditation. In middle ages, Aquamarine was believed to impart the wearer with great insight, foresight and freedom from insomnia. From any years, it was credited with great reputation of offering its wearers with happiness and eternal youth.

    Aquamarine Color

    The colors of Aquamarine are great and charming. You can find them in a wide range of blue shades. They range from the palest pastel to greenish blue to deep blue. The deep blue gems are, in fact, rare. Aquamarine is pastel gemstone whose color can be greatly intense in large gemstones. A small Aquamarine stone can often be less vivid. The choice of color depends more on your taste and preference. Mostly natural Aquamarine is cool greenish blue.

    The iron impurities are located in the beryl crystal structure. The color of Aquamarine is mainly because of hint amounts of iron impurities in beryl structure. The different colors of Aquamarine depend on the concentration of iron in the stone.

    The jewelry industry has devised many advanced methods to improvise the color of Aquamarine gemstone. The modern methods get Aquamarine heat treated to drive the color out of the stone. It then leaves a much pleasing dark blue color. The process can be reversed through irradiation. The yellow and green colors can be thus restored. Generally, it calls for a stone of a definite size to have a dark shade.

    The treatment methods of Aquamarine stones are mostly a permanent treatment. Though a dark and pure blue aquamarine stone has become desirable these days, but if you prefer a little natural green gems, you can find that they are not heat treated and mostly less expensive. The Aquamarine having dark blue color is often the most valuable, but the color generally ranges from light turquoise blue to bluish green. The Aquamarine stone with green color is less valuable and thus cheaper than other stones.

    Remedial qualities

    Aquamarine is best against all sorts of nerve pain, gland diseases, toothache and troubles in the jaw, neck and throat. It gives strength to liver and kidneys. Aquamarine reduces problems of eyes, ears and stomach. It also relieves cough. Aquamarine defends the wearer from perils of the sea, as well as seasickness. It can help to ease depression and pain.

    Aquamarine Sizes and price

    Aquamarine is found in many sizes and qualities. Gems are cut that weigh about many hundred carats. They are too large to be worn by anyone. Thus, the price of aquamarine gemstone doesn’t differ in sizes more than a carat. Aquamarine is generally worth the same price for each carat as a one carat gem of good quality. Its price depends on its clarity and the profoundness of color.

    Shopping Tips-How to find Aquamarine with good qualities

    Aquamarine is a remarkable and affordable gemstone of great quality. aquamarine is a transparent and hard gemstone that makes it a great choice for beautiful jewelry such as rings, earrings or pendants. With its delicate color and perfect clarity, Aquamarine is best exhibited in a better prominent mold.

    For many years, aquamarine is the favorite gemstone of many consumers. When you go out in the market to choose high quality aquamarine for yourself, it may become a bit difficult for you. you may get very confused as to how to decide about the qualities of Aquamarine. Here are some worthy tips-

    1. Buy Aquamarine only with a reputable and reliable jeweler. The jeweler must be well familiar with aquamarine in particular and also gemstones in general. They are the only people who may sell Aquamarine of real good quality.

    2. To make out the best quality of Aquamarine, you must ask if the stone is treated in any way. the common treatments can be heat treatment, irradiation, coating and dyeing. Though not all the treatments may devaluate the stone, you must always ask the seller about the qualities of Aquamarine what you are buying.

    3. Check the color, clarity and cut of the stone. Look at the stone from all different angles. Aquamarine displays a light pastel color. You can check that the light reflects evenly from the surface of gem. There must not be any scratches on the gemstone. Only, after a close look at all the features of the stone you must conclude about the quality of the stone.

    More Aquamarine Resources
    About Aquamarine in wikipedia
    Gemhut Store

    Amethyst Chemical Properties

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    Amethyst Chemical Properties

    by Ritika Changrani

    Amethyst is a macro crystalline variety of Quartz with the chemical formula SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide). Mostly occurring as purple, lilac or mauve in colour, the purest form is colorless. Experts attribute the purple color of amethyst to small amounts of iron (Fe4+) impurities (approximately 40 parts per million) at specific sites in the crystal structure of quartz.

    Once adorned on the Crown Jewels of England, Amethyst is a royal gem – a symbol of sincerity, security, spirituality and peace of mind.

    A purple variety of quartz, amethyst is a semi – precious yet popular gemstone. If it were not for its abundance in nature, amethyst would be very expensive. Its royal colour makes it desirable and can be compared to the most expensive of purple crystals. So if you want a gem that is easy on your pocket and yet glamorous, amethyst is the perfect choice.

    Although it must always be purple to be amethyst, it is available in an expansive array of purple shades. Intensely colored amethyst may have red flashes. It may also have color zones. By looking at its color, transparency, crystal habit, occurrence, hardness, and lack of cleavage, one can determine the authenticity of an amethyst.

    In nature, amethysts appear long and prism-like with a six-sided pyramid at either end or as crystalline crusts with only the pointed terminations (druzes). The amethyst is appreciated for its imperial shades and variety of cuts that lend it a dazzling look.

    A premium amethyst is purple, bluish purple to reddish purple in hue, vivid in intensity and medium dark in tone. Heating the amethyst removes the colour or converts it to yellow Citrine, depending on the site and original oxidation state of the iron impurities present and the intensity and duration of heating. The iron impurities need to be re-oxidized to return the original colour. The process is called irradiation. Irradiation may be done by two means: natural and synthetic. As a rule the process is reversible, but there are exceptions. Application of extreme or disproportionate heat may alter the existing pattern of iron impurities. In that case the amethyst is lost and cannot be retrieved by any chemical process. However, it is not possible to state whether an amethyst has undergone irradiation or not. Therefore, buying from your trusted Jeweler or getting it checked with a gemstone laboratory first, is the safest way to go.

    Amethyst in its purest form is colorless and transparent. Experts are of the opinion that the rich purple colour of the amethyst is to its high content of Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) impurities. It contains more iron than any other form of quartz. Quartz makes up about 12% of the earth’s crust, making it the single most abundant mineral on earth. It is present in an extensive range of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Based on the size of crystals, quartz is mainly divided into two categories: macro crystalline quartz, in which the individual crystals are easily distinguishable and cryptocrystalline quartz, in which the crystals can be distinguished only under a powerful light microscope. All forms of quartz (including amethyst) are piezoelectric, which have important applications in electronics. This is a rare property, possessed by only one other gemstone called tourmaline.

    Found in abundance, amethyst is a variety of macro crystalline quartz. It has been found in quartz veins and siliceous volcanic as geodes. However, it is not the same everywhere. Amethysts are unique to geographical regions or even mines. Different areas have different types of formations and iron distribution patterns. Experts can often identify the source mine that a particular amethyst came from. The key to this is the color, shape of crystal, inclusions, associations and formation of the amethyst.

    Properties At A Glance:

    MineralQuartz
    Chemical CompositionSiO2 (Silicon Dioxide)
    ClassTectosilicate
    ColourClear, Lilac, Mauve, Purple, Rose
    LusterVitreous
    transparencyTransparent to Translucent
    Crystal SystemHexagonal-R; 32 (Trigonal-Trapezohedral)
    Hardness7
    Specific gravity2.65
    Index of Refraction1.54-1.55
    Birefringence0.009
    CleavageNone
    PleochroismDistinct
    FractureConchoidal

    The characteristic hardness of amethyst makes it an ideal choice for almost any type of jewelry setting. Normal plating and pickling solutions do not alter its nature. While it poses no significant problems, care must be taken while soldering, as amethyst is sensitive to sudden temperature changes. A persistent or sudden application of heat could cause a crack or colour alteration in the gem.

    The amethyst is sufficiently durable and can be worn confidently without worry. It does not break easily due to absence of cleavage planes. However, sharp blows must be avoided. Clean your amethyst with warm water, soap and a soft bristle brush. Extended exposure to sun must be avoided or else the gem will become pale.

    Amethyst is the trendiest purple gemstone. Its distinctive colour complements almost any complexion and wardrobe. Designers advocate amethyst as the chic choice for jewelry because of its regal hue, affordability, and variety in sizes, shapes and tones.

    Since no two amethyst crystals are alike in colour or composition, its uniqueness makes it a covetable gem. So go ahead and get yours!

    Different Amethyst Treatment

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    Different Amethyst Treatment

    by Yuman Hussain

    Different Amethyst treatment tells about different laboratory treatments of Amethyst including heat treatment and irradiation process and its effect including its commercial value.

    Different Amethyst Treatment, its Effect and respective Commercial Value

    Amethyst has been the most sought after stone from time immemorial. It was the favorite stone of British monarchy and sparkled in the crown of Catherine the Great and ancient Egyptian royals. Amethyst being birth stone for the month of February is the common quartz used in jewelry. The healing and magical properties of Amethyst made it valuable right from the middle Ages. Amethyst was considered symbol of celibacy and piety by the Christian Priests in the western countries. Considered as a strong antidote against drunkenness it literally meant ‘not to intoxicate’ in ancient Greece. Violet and Purple varieties of Amethyst are considered as symbol of heaven, as they are related to the constellations of Pisces and Aries.

    Amethyst is transparent quartz having the presence of manganese, which produces the stunning purple color. It also has iron content which adds variation to the colors. Its brilliant color is therefore often compared with most expensive gemstones. Generally cut in a six sided prismatic crystal shape it produces a sparkling cluster. Amethyst are available in wide range of sizes, shapes and colors from deep purple which are considered valuable particularly a rich purple with rose flashes to pale colors like Lilac.

    This hard and versatile stone is available world wide however different regions produce their own unique varieties. Most of these stones are mined in Latin American countries like Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Bolivia as well as in some African countries like Zambia and Namibia. The stones from the mines of South America are usually larger in size but the African stones are considered better in color and saturation. Some dark colored small sized amethysts are mined in Australia also. These stones are graded according to clarity and color. The Siberian stones belong to higher grade outclass all other competitors in richness and depth of their violet and purple hues. Uruguay mines produce medium grade stone having properties of medium to dark tone and moderate to strong saturation. The lower grade Amethyst in light to medium color is found in Brazil.

    To enhance the beauty many gemstones are treated to various processes since antiquity. These human initiated processes are basically done to improve the nature and color of the stones. These are usually undetectable and somewhat irreversible processes. The two main processes are heat treatment and irradiation which if done properly can dramatically change the Amethyst’s clarity.

    Heating

    Heating is the most common treatment which can alter the color of a stone to lighten, darken, or change completely. Very dark amethyst is heated to produce lighter shades. Most of the amethyst available in the gem market is enhanced to get exotic shades. On treating Amethyst under controlled conditions one can produce some very astonishing colors or intensify the royal purple color at 400c to 600c. This heat treatment causes inclusions to expand causing tiny fractures in the crystal surrounding them. It is a permanent and common Amethyst treatment and last forever. Most of the large darker stones exhibiting color zoning are often heat-treated to produce dramatic color changes.

    Citrine from Amethyst

    Citrine, yellow colored quartz though occurs naturally is produced by heating amethyst with the proper iron content under controlled conditions. It was discovered long ago that by heat-treating light colored amethyst or smoky quartz a small percentage would turn into attractive golden yellow color. The only difference between amethyst and citrine is the oxidation state of the iron impurities present in the quartz. When heated, the iron impurities are reduced to make amethyst’s purple color to fade and turn yellow to reddish-orange (citrine). This process depends on various factors including the percentage of the iron impurities present and the heating duration and time. Much of citrine which comes from Brazil is heat-treated. Some unusual like golden orange or Rio Grande citrine or dark sherry colored or Madeira citrine are highly prized. On subsequent heating amethyst looses color and turns grey or white making it worthless.

    Vermarine or Prasiolite

    There is green quartz called ‘Greened’ amethyst or Vermarine also known as Prasiolite having light to medium color. It is produced by careful heating of Brazilian amethyst. A collector’s item though inexpensive is not available easily. The heat treatment of Amethyst between 878 and 1382 degrees F may produce light yellow, red, brown, green or colorless varieties of stones. The result of heat treating these gems are stable so they hardly require any special care while wearing .But they should not be steam-cleaned due to their susceptibility to heat.
    Irradiation

    Sometimes irradiation an uncommon treatment is used to get unusual colors like clear green or dark/black smoky quartz. This process involves penetrating material with subatomic Gamma rays. These rays invade the electrons of the gems making them lose and captured by other atoms. It changes the light absorbing pattern and hence the change in the color. In the irradiated quartz crystal the color distribution would be more at the terminations and less at the roof. Through this process Amethyst can get its original purple color from the yellow citrine which re-oxidizes the iron impurities. This irradiation occurs either by synthetic means in the lab, or through natural radioactive decaying of minerals present in close vicinity. In most cases this is a reversible process. But excessive heat can change the distribution of the iron impurities within the quartz making it impossible to convert it back to amethyst.

    Though considered at par with precious gemstones like Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald , Amethyst has lost much of its value due to easy availability and discovery of vast deposits in some Latin American countries like Brazil. Earlier Amethyst was a prized possession due to its scarcity. In the recent years the technological advancements have led to its wide spread imitation in the labs making it the most market friendly stone.

    Tanzanite Stones

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    Tanzanite Stones

    by Erum Ali Qureshi

    Popular for its intense deep violet to blue color, Tanzanite is actually the commercial name given to the mineral Zoisite. This beautiful gem is increasingly being used in fine jewelry across the globe instead of the much-used and hugely popular blue sapphire . Here we take a look at the properties and characteristics that distinguish it from other similar looking stones like iolite and blue sapphire.

    Tantalizing Tanzanite

    Popular for its intense deep violet to blue color, Tanzanite stone is actually the commercial name given to the mineral Zoisite. This beautiful gem is increasingly being used in fine jewelry across the globe instead of the much-used and hugely popular blue sapphire . Here we take a look at the properties and characteristics that distinguish it from other similar looking stones like iolite and blue sapphire.

    Tanzanite Stone

    The stone Tanzanite, named after its country of origin Tanzania actually occurs as the mineral Zoisite. Its chemical composition is hydrous calcium Aluminium silicate. Zoisite occurs in many colors such as pink, brown, yellow, green, blue and a peculiar color described as ‘khaki’. Only the deep violet to blue colored variety is referred to and marketed as Tanzanite. All these shades of color are liable to turn to the favored blue on careful heat treatment and this is usually carried out.

    Tanzanite as we know it was discovered only in the year 1967 in the Meralanie hills of the Lelatema district of Tanzania. Prior to this the only varieties of Zoisite that had some claim to being a gem material were the massive pink variety known as thulite and the green chrome-rich material, which occurs as matrix for large hexagonal crystals of ruby found in Tanzania. This variety however is used as an ornamental material and prized for its rich green-red color combination.

    Tanzanite Stone

    Much of traditional India considers blue sapphire an astrologically effective stone. Therefore its use in modern fine jewelry is limited. People prefer to wear it only if it suits their sun sign or on the advice of an astrologer. This is one reason why tanzanite is gaining popularity in traditionally motivated markets such as India. It has no astrological significance and its color matches closely with blue sapphire sometimes even exceeding its allure due to its (tanzanite’s) violet tinge.

    Heat treatment

    All colors of Zoisite crystals are heated at temperatures up to 380 degrees Celsius, as the stones tend to disintegrate at higher temperatures. Therefore care must be taken while cleaning jewelry set with Tanzanite in ultrasonic cleaners as they might fracture badly therein. Since heat treatment is universal, it has no effect on price, and most finished gems of this variety are assumed to be heat-treated.

    Tanzanite Pendant

    Imitations

    Tanzanite is often confused with a similar looking gemstone called Iolite. However when viewed through a dichroscope the pleochroic colors of iolite (blue, violet and pale yellow) distinguish it from tanzanite whose pleochroic colors include (violet, green and blue). A dichroscope is a small tube like gemological apparatus that is used to view the colors of the ordinary and extraordinary rays in colored gemstones. (See box for the definition of Pleochroism.)

    There are also other differences between tanzanite and Iolite. for one, the specific gravity of tanzanite (3.15 to 3.38) is much more than that of iolite (2.57 to 2.61) meaning that the heft of a stone purported to be tanzanite will be considerably more than that of iolite. The refractive index too shows a marked difference Tanzanite- 1.69 to 1.70) as compared to iolite1.54 to 1.60). Of course measuring these two properties (specific gravity and refractive index) requires gemological training and knowledge and is best left to the experts. The information given here is solely for reference purposes.

    Tanzanite Necklace

    A table of tanzanite simulants is given below along with their identifying features.

    MaterialComment
    IolitePleochroic colors- Blue, violet and pale yellow usually seen simply as almost colorless and deep blue.
    Refractive index- 1.54 to 1.60
    Specific Gravity- 2.57 to 2.61
    Blue GlassBlue glass cannot be much of a convincing simulant for tanzanite, for one the typical inclusions in glass (gas bubbles, mold marks) chips and breakages will give it away. Also it will not display Pleochroism.
    Blue YAG (Yttrium Aluminium garnet-a synthetic crystalline material)Refractive index- 1.83
    Specific Gravity- 4.6 (approximately) affording it substantial heft as compared to tanzanite. Also it will not display Pleochroism.
    Purplish-blue synthetic corundumPleochroism- purplish-blue to light grayish-blue.
    Refractive index- 1.76 to 1.78
    Specific Gravity- 3.80 to 4.05
    Synthetic blue forsteriteStrong Pleochroism, blue to pink.
    Refractive index- 1.63 to 1.67
    Specific Gravity- 3.2

    Grading

    There is no universally accepted method of grading colored gemstones. Tanzanite One, a major commercial player in the tanzanite market, through its no-profit subsidiary, The Tanzanite Foundation, has introduced its own color grading system. The new system’s color-grading scales divide tanzanite colors into a range of hues, between blue violet and violet blue.Clarity grading in colored gemstones is based on the eye-clean standard, that is, a gem is considered flawless if no inclusions are visible with the unaided eye (assuming 20×20 vision). The Gemological Institute of America classifies tanzanite as a Type I gemstone, meaning it is normally eye-flawless. Expect gems with eye-visible inclusions to be traded at deep discounts.

    Pleochroism
    Pleochroism is a phenomenon associated with colored gemstones. What happens is light reacts differently as it enters a gemstone creating two or three different colors that can be viewed when the gemstone is viewed through a device known as the dichroscope. Some stones, for instance untreated tanzanite roughs display this property even without using the dichroscope. Simply rotating the stone against a light source will exhibit colors in the different orientations.

    Amethyst Facts

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    Amethyst Facts

    by Sheweta Dhanuka

    This good-looking gemstone has to be purple in colour. However, different shades of purple are found as it is procured from diverse parts of the universe that have different climatic conditions, nature of the chemical composition and temperature levels etc. With the shade of purple colour of the stone, the country could be identified from where the respective stone is acquired.

    Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz. Its name is derived from the Greek word ‘amethystos’ that means ‘not intoxicated’. It possesses wine colour thus name implies that it protects the wearer from alcohol. It is perfect for those born in the 2nd month of the year that is February and those celebrating their 4th & 6th year of marriage.

    Royal families adore this fascinating gemstone as it embellishes their power and lushness. It is even very popular amongst other groups of the society due to its lovely colour, affordable price, versatile shapes and durability. Altogether it is a simple gem but it is not simple to get hold of a genuine gemstone. In order to make the purchase of a real amethyst buyer needs to be familiar with the facts and other details about the stone. This content is presented with the aim of providing all-purpose information that would assist the buyer in knowing the gemstone fully. We would first start with the four important Cs and then other characteristics.

    Colour – This good-looking gemstone has to be purple in colour. However, different shades of purple are found as it is procured from diverse parts of the universe that have different climatic conditions, nature of the chemical composition and temperature levels etc. With the shade of purple colour of the stone, the country could be identified from where the respective stone is acquired. Sometimes, in the chemical composition of the stone few traces of iron are found due to which the colour of the stone turns violet. Blue and gray are other colour possibilities. Colour other than shades of purple is considered below quality standard therefore is valued less.
    Few dark purple colored stone produce red flash effect when swiveled under any direct light source. With decrease in the depth of the purple colour the value of the stone in terms of money also decreases. While buying the gemstone, one should always opt stones having saturated distribution of colour all over the surface.

    Clarity – It is the gemstone with crystal clear appearance. It gains an edge over other affordable semi precious gemstones due to its transparency. By and large it is free from inclusions and flaws but there always exists the prospect that few stones might have some defects. If the stone is bright purple in colour then few minor inclusions can be neglected and should be neglected as such defects seldom harms the beauty of the stone. Overall it is a clean and clear stone.

    Cut – Cutting is not very difficult for this stone, it can be given varied shapes and sizes. These days many innovative shapes are seen like that of a leaf, star and new moon etc. Some common cuts are pear, oval, emerald, square, round and triangle etc. When the colour is spread evenly throughout the stone the cutter could give any desired cut as demanded by the jewelry designers and buyers. In case of uneven colour distribution round cuts are the best to maximize the beauty and minimize the colour defects. No matter what cut is given to the rough, the final stone must have even facets and finely polished.

    Carat Weight – This is an important price determinant. With the increase in carat weight the price of the stone also increases. As this stone is moderately priced, high carat weight stone can be selected. With the larger stone the look of the jewelry items gets blown up that makes the wearer center of attraction. The ideal weight for all the ornaments is more than 2 carat. Moreover, almost all the designs cater to every size stones. Stones with less than one ctw are not that effective in looks thus should be preferred less.

    Price – This startling semi precious gemstone is easily affordable for the people having reasonable budgets. Price is ascertained on the basis of all the four Cs that is colour, clarity, cut and carat weight. Bright deep purple colour, crystal clear transparency, innovative cuts and high carat weight are the zenith of all these four characteristics that fetches high price. When the quality reduces from the zenith the cost also comes down. One more important factor is rarity. Dark colored stone producing red flash effect are very rare thus priced more.

    Occurrence – It occurs as long prismatic crystals in the metamorphic and igneous rocks consisting of coarse-grained silicon minerals. Sometimes the composition might contain certain impurities that are responsible for the colour change from purple to violet. The impurities are nothing but the iron mineral present in the composition.

    Source – It is found throughout the world hence is quite affordable. Few countries to name are Brazil, Canada, India, Madagascar, Australia, Argentina, Bolivia, Russia and Sri Lanka. Large stones consisting of saturated colour all over the facade are obtained from different states of United States of America like Colorado, Georgia, Montana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia. Few African countries also produce fair amount of this versatile gem that are Namibia, Uruguay and Zambia.
    Enhancements – Dark shades are preferred over the lighter shades thus stone with pale colours are heat treated or stained to improve the colour. The treatments do not proffer the look as created by nature but it is satisfactory and last for quite long. Enhanced stones are priced less over the natural colours.

    Imitations – It is easily created in laboratories through modern methods and techniques. These synthetic stones are widely spread in the gemstone market and sold under the fancy names like Japanese Amethyst, Desert amethyst, False amethyst and Lithia amethyst. Poor quality purple sapphire is treated and sold as Bengal amethyst. These imitations are very much identical to the real gems therefore buyers should ensure the reputations and truthfulness of the dealer before making the final purchase.

    Use – It is widely used for making heart breaking jewelry item viz. rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings, broaches and bracelets. This gemstone jewelry could be worn for daily use. It gets very well paired with diamonds and pearls. Sterling silver, 18K yellow gold and 14K or 18K white gold are different metals used for jewelry making but for amethyst, yellow gold is much better as it compliments the look of the stone. Females as well as males love wearing rings holding this fine-looking gemstone. It makes spectacular jewelries that are in demand in every corner of the globe.
    Precautions – This astounding gem is rated 6.5 – 7.5 Mohs on the hardness scale. The hardness rate implies it as a sturdy and firm stone. It does not require any special care but too much exposure to the scorching sunlight would ruin its beautiful colour. Sharp blows, scratches and hard hits certainly splits the stone into two thus the wearer ought to be careful while using it. Being slightly sensitive towards the heat it is prone to damage under high temperature changes and excessive heat. It is recommended to prevent the stone from such conditions.

    It can be cleaned in home ultrasonic cleaner but still this method should be avoided, as it is wiser to clean it with warm soapy water and soft bristle toothbrush. Cleaning should be done only once in a while as regular cleaning deteriorates the natural shine of the stone and its jewelry. It should be stored in a fabric-lined jewelry box wrapped in cotton. These few precautions offer longer life for this captivating gem.

    Beliefs – In ancient time, many kings and emperors had this marvelous gemstone mounted in their crowns and other jewelry pieces. It also possesses religious associations such as-at the time of middle age it was an important part of the ornamentation of Catholic Church and is mentioned in bible too. Many bishops still continue the traditions and regularly wear amethyst rings. It symbolizes sincerity and sobriety. Few people believed that wearing this stunning gem in rings would protect death from any sort of poison.

    Astrologers suggest this stone for those suffering from the negative feelings like insecurity, anxiety etc. Wearing this stone in any of the jewelry piece on the body helps the wearer to attain peace of mind by overcoming the odds he/she possesses. It facilitates in curing common health related problems such as headaches, blood sugar imbalance and mental disorders. It also aids in growth in the path of meditation and spirituality. As the name suggest it lends a hand in protecting the wearer from all sort of intoxication and fights off the effects of alcohol from the body. It stimulates positive thinking and inspires one to be creative, courageous and brave.

    Craze for this awe-inspiring gemstone is continuing from past to present and mostly the same or more enthusiasm shall move from present to future as well. This purple beauty from the treasure of Mother Nature surely would beautify you with elegance and modish. Get your hands on amethyst soon and look gorgeous!!

    Amethyst Facts

    Chemical CompositionIt is silicon dioxide and the chemical formula is SiO2.
    ColoursAll shades of purple. Sometimes found in violet, blue and gray.
    Hardness6.5-7.5 Mohs.
    Refractive Index1.544-1.553
    Specific Gravity2.65 – 2.91
    LusterVitreous.
    Solid StateTransparent.
    Crystal SystemTrigonal crystal system.
    Heat SensitiveYes.
    CleavageNone.
    FracturesConchoidal.
    LuminescenceNone.
    Birefringence0.009
    EnhancementEnhanced sometimes to improve the colour.
    SourceBrazil, Australia, Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Zambia, Canada, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Russia, Sri Lanka and USA.
    PrecautionsProtect from excessive heat, sunlight and sharp blows, scratches and hits.

    How Amethyst can treat alcoholics

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    How to care for Amethyst jewelry

    by Ardamun Ramdeva

    Amethyst in rings will collect soap film, oil and dirt at the back and between the prongs of the mounting and the gemstone. Film from lotions, powders, and skin oils dulls Amethyst and reduces its brilliance.

    Caring For Amethyst Jewelry

    A member of the Quartz family, Amethyst is its most highly valued and recognizable gemstone. This transparent, purple gemstone is widely regarded as the most beautiful form of quartz. One of the best-known uses of Amethyst is in jewelry. As purple is regarded as the color of royalty, Amethyst is perfect for use in royal jewelry. It has been widely used in the Crown Jewels of England and was also found in the jewelry of ancient Egyptians.

    amethyst jewelryAmethyst is due to the presence of manganese in quartz. The darker colored Amethyst is more valuable and is usually referred to as Siberian. The paler purple gemstone is known as Rose de France. Amethyst is mined in Africa, Australia and some parts of South America. The South American Amethyst is larger in size, but the African gem is known for its darker colors in smaller sizes. It is also found in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, but the quality is not acceptable for use in jewelry.

    Amethyst and Jewelry

    Once ranked along with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds as the most precious gemstones, today, Amethyst is valued much lower than the others because of its abundance. Its affordable price makes it a popular choice for jewelry. It has a hardness of 7 on the Moh’s scale and its color ranges from violet to pale-red violet.

    Caring for Amethyst jewelry is a matter of common sense. Caring involves cleaning of your jewelry pieces. Amethyst jewelry needs to be cleaned periodically. Amethyst in rings will collect soap film, oil and dirt at the back and between the prongs of the mounting and the gemstone. Film from lotions, powders, and skin oils dulls Amethyst and reduces its brilliance. The lost luster and its brilliance can be restored by cleaning your Amethyst jewelry in a gentle dishwashing liquid and a soft brush. A rinse in warm water and drying with a soft cloth will return your jewelry and Amethyst to its former pristine condition.

    Ensure that your jewelry is not subjected to random blows, such as during exercises. Avoid wearing jewelry while exercising. You can cause damage to your beautiful gemstone and dent and/or break the metal of the jewelry. Store your Amethyst jewelry while engaging in such strenuous activities.

    Amethyst in your jewelry, in which your precious gemstone has not been enhanced in any way, may fade with long exposure to sunlight. Before using in jewelry, Amethyst is sometimes subjected to heat treatment to enhance its color. Yellow Amethyst is known as burnt Amethyst, as it turns to yellow when exposed to heat. Care needs to be taken to ensure that Amethyst jewelry, made with Amethyst that has been heated to enhance its color, is not exposed to high heat.

    If cared properly, your Amethyst jewelry will give you years of wearing pleasure. There are chances that chlorine and salt water may discolor and fade the Amethyst in your jewelry. Ensure you leave your Amethyst jewelry at home when visiting your local pool or when spending a day at the beach.

    In jewelry, Amethyst is used with sterling silver or gold. Care needs to be taken to ensure that these precious metals are also not damaged. Sterling Silver tarnishes naturally and needs regular cleaning. Store your Amethyst jewelry with sterling silver mounting, in a self-sealing plastic bag to slow down the tarnishing. Tarnishing can be removed by hand polishing with a soft cloth.

    Hold your jewelry by the mounting and not by the Amethyst in it. This can cause the gemstone to loosen and there is a risk of losing it.

    Amethyst Jewelry – Care and Cleaning

    Fine Amethyst jewelry can last a lifetime. All it needs is proper care and cleaning. Cleaning your fine Amethyst jewelry is one way of keeping it bright and shinning, as it was on the day you first purchased it. Amethyst is fairly durable but still needs proper care:

    * Clean your Amethyst jewelry regularly to remove the oil and soap film that distracts from its beauty.* Remove your Amethyst jewelry while exercising or playing sports. Your gemstone can be chipped or be jarred loose.

    * Before wearing your jewelry, check for loose Amethyst.

    * Avoid wearing jewelry during housework. Contact with household chemicals, specially ammonia-based, may discolor or damage your jewelry.

    * Never store your jewelry in piles or together. This is to avoid scratching the Amethyst in your jewelry as well as the metal mounting. Harder gemstones, such as diamonds, can scratch Amethyst.

    * Store your precious Amethyst jewelry in separate sections of the jewelry box or wrap them separately in soft cloths.

    * Do not wear your jewelry in swimming pools and on beaches. The chlorine in the pool and the seawater can harm and discolor the Amethyst in your jewelry.

    * Gold and sterling silver, the metals used with amethyst in jewelry have low hardness, from 2.5 to 4 on the Moh’s scale. Special care is needed to ensure they are not damaged and dented. Sterling silver being very soft can easily be marred by even fingernails.

    * Do not soak your jewelry for extended periods in soap or other such solutions. It may harm the polish of your gemstone.

    * Never ever use chlorine bleach to clean Amethyst jewelry.

    * Never use toothpaste to clean your Amethyst jewelry. The abrasives in your toothpaste could mar the shine on Amethyst and the mounted metal.

    If you do not want to risk cleaning your precious jewelry yourself, you can always have it cared for by a jeweler. There is no reason to believe that with care you may not be able to enjoy your Amethyst jewelry lifelong.

    Amethyst Trivia

    Amethyst is the birthstone of those born in February. Romans believed that Amethyst would guard against drunkenness. For this reason they had their drinking goblets made of Amethyst! Folklore has it that powers of Amethyst include: dreams, healing, peace, love, spiritual upliftment, courage, protection against thieves, and happiness.

    For reasons of its purple color, in the middle ages only people of noble birth were allowed to wear Amethyst jewelry. Amethyst always played a key role in various cultures throughout history and was highly valued by the ancient Egyptians, the Hebrews and the Christian Church.

    How to care for Amethyst jewelry

    Posted on by admin

    How to care for Amethyst jewelry

    by Ardamun Ramdeva

    Amethyst in rings will collect soap film, oil and dirt at the back and between the prongs of the mounting and the gemstone. Film from lotions, powders, and skin oils dulls Amethyst and reduces its brilliance.

    Caring For Amethyst Jewelry

    A member of the Quartz family, Amethyst is its most highly valued and recognizable gemstone. This transparent, purple gemstone is widely regarded as the most beautiful form of quartz. One of the best-known uses of Amethyst is in jewelry. As purple is regarded as the color of royalty, Amethyst is perfect for use in royal jewelry. It has been widely used in the Crown Jewels of England and was also found in the jewelry of ancient Egyptians.

    amethyst jewelryAmethyst is due to the presence of manganese in quartz. The darker colored Amethyst is more valuable and is usually referred to as Siberian. The paler purple gemstone is known as Rose de France. Amethyst is mined in Africa, Australia and some parts of South America. The South American Amethyst is larger in size, but the African gem is known for its darker colors in smaller sizes. It is also found in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, but the quality is not acceptable for use in jewelry.

    Amethyst and Jewelry

    Once ranked along with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds as the most precious gemstones, today, Amethyst is valued much lower than the others because of its abundance. Its affordable price makes it a popular choice for jewelry. It has a hardness of 7 on the Moh’s scale and its color ranges from violet to pale-red violet.

    Caring for Amethyst jewelry is a matter of common sense. Caring involves cleaning of your jewelry pieces. Amethyst jewelry needs to be cleaned periodically. Amethyst in rings will collect soap film, oil and dirt at the back and between the prongs of the mounting and the gemstone. Film from lotions, powders, and skin oils dulls Amethyst and reduces its brilliance. The lost luster and its brilliance can be restored by cleaning your Amethyst jewelry in a gentle dishwashing liquid and a soft brush. A rinse in warm water and drying with a soft cloth will return your jewelry and Amethyst to its former pristine condition.

    Ensure that your jewelry is not subjected to random blows, such as during exercises. Avoid wearing jewelry while exercising. You can cause damage to your beautiful gemstone and dent and/or break the metal of the jewelry. Store your Amethyst jewelry while engaging in such strenuous activities.

    Amethyst in your jewelry, in which your precious gemstone has not been enhanced in any way, may fade with long exposure to sunlight. Before using in jewelry, Amethyst is sometimes subjected to heat treatment to enhance its color. Yellow Amethyst is known as burnt Amethyst, as it turns to yellow when exposed to heat. Care needs to be taken to ensure that Amethyst jewelry, made with Amethyst that has been heated to enhance its color, is not exposed to high heat.

    If cared properly, your Amethyst jewelry will give you years of wearing pleasure. There are chances that chlorine and salt water may discolor and fade the Amethyst in your jewelry. Ensure you leave your Amethyst jewelry at home when visiting your local pool or when spending a day at the beach.

    In jewelry, Amethyst is used with sterling silver or gold. Care needs to be taken to ensure that these precious metals are also not damaged. Sterling Silver tarnishes naturally and needs regular cleaning. Store your Amethyst jewelry with sterling silver mounting, in a self-sealing plastic bag to slow down the tarnishing. Tarnishing can be removed by hand polishing with a soft cloth.

    Hold your jewelry by the mounting and not by the Amethyst in it. This can cause the gemstone to loosen and there is a risk of losing it.

    Amethyst Jewelry – Care and Cleaning

    Fine Amethyst jewelry can last a lifetime. All it needs is proper care and cleaning. Cleaning your fine Amethyst jewelry is one way of keeping it bright and shinning, as it was on the day you first purchased it. Amethyst is fairly durable but still needs proper care:

    * Clean your Amethyst jewelry regularly to remove the oil and soap film that distracts from its beauty.* Remove your Amethyst jewelry while exercising or playing sports. Your gemstone can be chipped or be jarred loose.

    * Before wearing your jewelry, check for loose Amethyst.

    * Avoid wearing jewelry during housework. Contact with household chemicals, specially ammonia-based, may discolor or damage your jewelry.

    * Never store your jewelry in piles or together. This is to avoid scratching the Amethyst in your jewelry as well as the metal mounting. Harder gemstones, such as diamonds, can scratch Amethyst.

    * Store your precious Amethyst jewelry in separate sections of the jewelry box or wrap them separately in soft cloths.

    * Do not wear your jewelry in swimming pools and on beaches. The chlorine in the pool and the seawater can harm and discolor the Amethyst in your jewelry.

    * Gold and sterling silver, the metals used with amethyst in jewelry have low hardness, from 2.5 to 4 on the Moh’s scale. Special care is needed to ensure they are not damaged and dented. Sterling silver being very soft can easily be marred by even fingernails.

    * Do not soak your jewelry for extended periods in soap or other such solutions. It may harm the polish of your gemstone.

    * Never ever use chlorine bleach to clean Amethyst jewelry.

    * Never use toothpaste to clean your Amethyst jewelry. The abrasives in your toothpaste could mar the shine on Amethyst and the mounted metal.

    If you do not want to risk cleaning your precious jewelry yourself, you can always have it cared for by a jeweler. There is no reason to believe that with care you may not be able to enjoy your Amethyst jewelry lifelong.

    Amethyst Trivia

    Amethyst is the birthstone of those born in February. Romans believed that Amethyst would guard against drunkenness. For this reason they had their drinking goblets made of Amethyst! Folklore has it that powers of Amethyst include: dreams, healing, peace, love, spiritual upliftment, courage, protection against thieves, and happiness.

    For reasons of its purple color, in the middle ages only people of noble birth were allowed to wear Amethyst jewelry. Amethyst always played a key role in various cultures throughout history and was highly valued by the ancient Egyptians, the Hebrews and the Christian Church.

    Amethyst and its sister stone Citrine

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    Amethyst and its sister stone Citrine

    by Yuman Hussain

    Amethyst and Citrine is about the twin stones belonging to the same quartz family or Silicon dioxide sharing most of the properties and yet are different.

    Amethyst a stunning purple and Citrine a brilliant yellow stone are varieties of common quartz differentiated only by the color. They belong to macro crystalline variety in which individual crystals are identifiable through naked eyes. The name Amethyst is derived from Greek word ‘Amethustos’ meaning not drunken. It is also possible that the purple color resembled wine hence the name or it was believed to ward off ill effects of alcohol. Citrine being one of the most affordable and beautiful stones derive its name from French word ‘citron’ meaning lemon. It has a lovely yellow color but is extremely rare to find in natural environment. It is generally believed that natural citrine may have occurred as a result of heat from magnetic bodies in close vicinity transforming the color of amethyst to yellow. This yellow color is due to ferric iron impurities in the natural form. Both the stones occur in various forms including as quartz veins and in druzy coverings inside agate lined gaps or cavities forming geodes. The main difference between citrine and amethyst is the presence of oxidized state of iron impurities which is reduced when heated. So what you see in the market is the heated amethyst resembling its yellow color. Amethyst is also heat treated to get attractive deep purple color. This heat treatment is permanent and can not be reversed under normal circumstances. The low grade amethyst is heated at the high temperature to produce the distinct yellow color. These citrine stones tend to have more orange or reddish in color than the natural stones which are pale yellow. Citrine together with amethyst can form bi-colored quartz called Ametrine.

    Amethyst index of refraction ranges from 1.544-1.553 and hardness is 7 on the Mohs scale. The crystal system is Trigonal with no Pleochroism. Amethyst and Citrine both belong to Tectosilicate class. The specific gravity is 2.65.Citrine has identical chemical properties of Amethyst. The refraction index of 1.544 – 1.553. The hardness can measured 7 on the Mohs scale. The crystal system is also hexagonal. Citrine has macroscopic crystal structure with horizontal hexagonal prism forming six sided pyramids. It is transparent to translucent in color. The Pleochroism is perceptible in the stone.

    Amethyst is often cut or faceted into cabochons for jewellery. Even the expensive gemstones like emerald, diamond, ruby and sapphire etc are often compared to Amethyst for its beauty and color. Regarded as the birthstone for the month of February it is also associated with the astrological constellations of Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius and Capricorn. Amethyst is symbolic gemstone for 17th wedding anniversary. Available in several shades from pale lilac to deep purple it is mined in countries like Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Zambia, Namibia and other South African countries. Rose de France is lilac or pale lavender shaded stone but the exotic ‘Siberian’ stone with deep violet color with red flashes is most sought after. Citrine is one of the birthstones for the month of November other being Topaz. It corresponds to the astrological constellations of Gemini, Aries, Libra and Leo. Gift citrine on your 13th wedding anniversary as it is the symbolic stone for that year. Since it is an inexpensive stone it is sometimes used as an alternative for Topaz. It is also available in all shapes and sizes with shades varying from yellow to gold to orange brown giving brightness to any piece of jewelry. Madeira named after wine is dark orange citrine quartz considered most valuable. Brazil with Rio Grande do Sul is an important mining area for natural citrine. The small deposits of natural citrine are also found at Ural Mountains in Russia, Dauphine, France and Madagascar where amethyst changed its color under natural high temperatures. However most of the citrine available in gem market today is heat treated amethyst. The dark sherry and gold orange colors are mostly preferred for jewelry.

    Amethyst stone is considered to have healing properties. Right from ancient and medieval period amulets made from amethyst were worn guarding one from poison, protecting from enemies and victory on the battlefield. The Christians world wide considered it as stone representing piety and celibacy. It is also said to have strong ability to wean away from love effects. Many people believe that it contain the properties which can calm the senses and helps in meditation. Amethyst promotes mental stability and emotional well-being. It is said to aid in treating disorders related to digestive system, nervous system and provides relief from pain. Right from antiquity Citrine was also used by the people as protection against snake venom and guard against evil thoughts. This stone is said to stimulate mental capacities to enhance creativity. It can boost one’s self-confidence. It helps in removing toxins from the body and promoting healing. It can also work wonders in treating disorders related to heart, liver, kidney and digestive system. Amethyst stones and jewelry should be kept away from heated areas or hot sun as the intensive heat can fade and discolor the gem. It also makes the gem dry and brittle. The stones should be washed in plain warm water using mild soap. After washing it should be dried with soft cloth. Avoid giving it for ultrasonic cleaning as high vibration can sometimes damage the stone. Citrine jewelry which is made largely from heating Amethyst at controlled temperature should be used with care to preserve its dazzle. It should not be exposed to strong light or heat as it can permanently change its color. It gets scratches very easily so it should be kept separately.

    Once considered at par with expensive gemstones like diamond, emerald ,ruby and sapphire. Amethyst has lost its past grandeur due to discovery of huge deposits in many parts of world including high quality ones from Brazil and Russia. Same is the case with citrine which is commercially produced on large scale in the laboratories. The attractive high quality stones can still manage to turn heads with envy.