Types of Gemstones

Once you start looking, it’s amazing how many types of gems there actually are! The gemstone market is more or less based on demand and rarity. You will always pay more for types of gems that are valued and that are hard to find. If you are attracted to a certain color gemstone, you can usually find a synthetic or imitation jewel that glimmers just as enticingly as the real thing. But if you are looking for real jewelry with the label “natural” or “genuine” then you should know a little bit about the origins and terminology of types of gems.

Firstly, you should know that certain types of gems are associated with certain rock types. Once you are familiar with rocks, it will be easier to understand why different types of gems are common or extremely rare. For example, quartz is quite easy and common to find in nature because it makes up most of the sand of the world’s beaches. However, gem quartz only occurs in specific and limited environments, thus it is far more costly and valued.

The most significant sources for types of gems are in sedimentary deposits, such as gravel beds. Marbles and a few other types of gems are found in metamorphic rocks. All types of colored gems are kept at a relatively high value and rarity on the market, because gem mines are only worked when demands are high enough. This successfully prevents a flood of types of gems from entering the world market at one time.
It can be a daunting task to find the right choice among all the types of gems available! Here are some tips to help your search:

• What color do you have in mind? It can narrow your search if you are looking for a specific color, not a specific type.
• Have a budget in mind of what you are willing to spend.
• Only purchase “natural” types of gems from a jeweler that you trust. This label technically means that the gem has not undergone any type of treatment. It has only been polished and cut from the time it passed from nature’s hands to man’s. Thus, you will pay a high price for truly natural gems, and you won’t want to be scammed!
• If you do want a natural gemstone, the most common types of gems that aren’t treated are garnets, peridot, hermatite, alexandrite and moonstone.
• Always compare prices of jewelry with other stores and ads.
• Ask for the details on every component of the types of gems you are interested in.
• Good synthetic types of gems cannot always be considered cheap when it comes to your budget, but they will be far less costly than natural stones of similar quality.

HISTORY OF DIAMONDS

From myths about valleys of diamonds protected by snakes, to the production of millions of carats in rough diamonds each year, the history of diamonds is one of mystical power, beauty and commercial expertise.

Early History
The first recorded history of the diamond dates back some 3,000 years to India, where it is likely that diamonds were first valued for their ability to refract light. In those days, the diamond was used in two ways-for decorative purposes, and as a talisman to ward off evil or provide protection in battle.

The Dark Ages
The diamond was also used for some time as medical aid. One anecdote, written during the Dark Ages by St Hildegarde, relates how a diamond held in the hand while making a sign of the cross would heal wounds and cure illnesses. Diamonds were also ingested in the hope of curing sickness. During the early Middle Ages, Pope Clement unsuccessfully used this treatment in a bid to aid his recovery.

The Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages more attention was paid to the worth of diamonds, rather than the mystical powers surrounding them. Due to the heightened public awareness of the value of diamonds, mine owners perpetuated myths that diamonds were poisonous. This was to prevent the mineworkers swallowing the diamonds in an attempt to smuggle them out of the mines.
The popularity of diamonds surged during the Middle Ages, with the discovery of many large and famous stones in India, such as the Koh-I-Noor and the Blue Hope. Today India maintains the foremost diamond polishing industry in the world

As the Indian diamond supply dwindled, smaller finds occurred in Borneo and Brazil, but these were not sufficient to meet the ever-increasing demand for diamonds. The mid-nineteenth century discovery of diamonds near the Orange River in South Africa sparked the world's biggest diamond rush, and helped to satiate the world's increasing appetite for diamonds.


Recent Times
During the mid-nineteenth century, diamonds were also being discovered in eastern Australia. However, it was not until late 1970's, after seven years of earnest searching, that Australia's alleged potential as a diamond producer was validated.
On October 2nd 1979, geologists found the Argyle pipe near Lake Argyle: the richest diamond deposit in the world. Since then, Argyle has become the world's largest volume producer of diamonds, and alone is responsible for producing over a third of the world's diamonds every year.

MOST RARE AND VALUABLE DIAMOND

The pink diamond is the world's most rare and valuable diamond.The Argyle mine is the world's foremost source of unrivaled intense pink diamonds, producing 95% of the world's supply. However, an extremely small proportion of Argyle Diamonds production is Pink color, in fact less than one tenth of 1% is classified Pink.

The legend of Argyle pink diamond has grown over the past ten years. At the 1989 Cristie's auction in New York a 3.14 carat Argyle pink sold for $1,510,000. Privately, Argyle has sold pink diamonds for up to $1 million a carat.

For years the white diamond was considered the world's most beautiful diamond, until the discovery of the Argyle mine heralded the arrival of the Argyle pink diamond. Never before had pink diamonds displaying such intense shades of colour been seen. The pink diamonds of India, Brazil and Africa were characteristically light in colour and paled even further when placed beside the intensely pink Argyle diamonds. The natural colour diamonds have in fact been around as long as the classical whites but in much smaller quantities and never in great demand.

Cats Eye (Lehsuniya) : Stone for Ketu

This is a Gem of Ketu (Dragon’s Tail ) .By wearing this gem one is able to subdue his enemies and is able to remove the effect of any negative forces working on him. This gives one social recognition and sudden spurts of growth. It protects from Erratic income and bestows stability in life. This is the gem of Moksha and frees one from the cycles of life and death
window.google_render_ad(); The Cat’s Eye gem then wear it on any Shukla Paksha (waxing moon period) Tuesday in the Hora of Mars or Jupiter. Cat’s Eyes gemstone can be set in penta alloy (mixture of 5 metals), gold or silver after assessing the suitability of the metal from birth chart.

Gomedh : Stone for Rahu

This is a Gem of Rahu (Dragon’s Head ) Rahu gives mental tensions- unnecessary worries and strained relationships .Wearing its gem gives one mental peace and freedom from worries .rahu is said to give professional excellence and demolishes the enemy power by its strong force

Pearl : Stone for Moon

In the Astrological works the moon is considered as signification of heart (man) and thus wearing a Pearl brings one out of depressions and gives a calm and vibrant feeling. The memory is also improved and the general interaction with other people is more fruitful. It can cure all diseases arising out of heart. The orange cosmic rays emitted by the Pearl helps in splitting and exploding the negative energy in the body. It helps in cleaning and decongesting the negative emotions and negative energy particles in the Aura. It gives a clear complexion and if used as a powder on the face gives unique flow. This is a secret of Ayurveda known to few and used by even fewer people

Blue Sapphire : Stone for Saturn ( Neelam )

Blue sapphire is the most talked about gem. It gives status and influence in the society . Most of the famous people wear this gem to achieve great benefits in life. It gives rare ideas a! ! nd skills and enhances the innovative power of mind , said to fight depression and gives serenity to the mind. Must for people in the creative field and those who desire fame .

Red Coral : Stone for Mars ( Moonga )

Coral : This is the gem of Hanumanjee ,it bestows upon a person courage and strngth. This also improves the muscular system and improve the capability of bone-marrow to produce red blood cells .It improves the process of absorption of oxygen by the lungs and there by gives strength to the entire body and removes my diseases which are not understood by the medical profession . This also removes the effect of tantra and evil spirits. If you have uncomfortable dreams this is a must for you

White Sapphire (Saffed Pukhraj)

This gem of Venus ,it gives one glamour and radiance which makes one stand apart from the crowd .It improves sex appeal , improves the innovative powers and megha shakti , worn by people who want to stand apart and be remebered like actors, models ,players etc. People in public relations can also benefit a lot from it

Emerald : Stone for Mercury ( Panna)

This Gem of Lord Ganesha is the favoured Gem of the people seeking intellectual powers as well as for those seeking wealth .This calms down the nervous system and improves the capacity to take decisions. It improves the liquidity and money flow in business and blesses the wearer with liquid assets. Overview: Emeralds are a gemstone from the Beryl family of stones. They have a stunning green color.It gets its characteristic emerald green color from traces of chromium in the crystal matrix. Emeralds of excellent quality which exceed a carat frequently are valued above diamonds. Inclusions caused by calcite deposits (jardin) are typical in emeralds and color saturation and hue are a bigger factor in determining the value of an Emerald.
Usage: Emerald is a precious gem that promotes creativity and perception. It also acts as a natural tranquilizer when you are worried or your mind is troubled. Emeralds symbolize serenity, success in love, wealth, happiness and peace of mind. Improves the memory, helps insomnia, strengthens the immune system, helps with eye sight, restores youth, aids neurological diseases, heals ear problems, eases child birth.
Legend: Emeralds have been treasured for thousands of years. The infatuation with Emeralds dates back to ancient Egypt and Rome. It is said that Cleopatra was always adorned in Emeralds and that this was her most treasured jewelry. The earliest emeralds date from the Ptolemaic era (320-30 B.C.), but there have been discoveries of mining tools going back to Ramses II (1300 B.C.) or even before. In the Middle Ages, deposits were also uncovered near Salzburg, Austria. By the 16th Century, however, Colombia became the most celebrated diamond producer, with the stones being traded throughout South America. To the Romans, emerald was dedicated to Venus, the Goddess of Beauty, and symbolized the reproductive forces of nature. To the early Christians, it represented resurrection.

Yellow Sapphire : Stone for Jupiter (PukhRaj)

This gem of Bhrashpati gives one material wealth and prosperity.It is worn to give one comforts and also status. People aspiring for administrative and political positions must wear it to give them the benefit of fate on their side. It also improves the working of liver and thus improves health and gives radiance to skin

Ruby : Stone for Lord Sun ( Manik)

This is the gem of Sun , it improves the concentration of mind and gives lusture to the skin . This gem gives all round success in life and is the karka for leadership. This improves the leadership qualities and puts the person in forefront . It gives intellectual capabilities and improves one’s writing and speaking powers. Overview: Trace amounts of chromium gives Ruby its bright red color . Ruby is a term for red gemstones derived from the mineral corundum, formed primarily from aluminum oxide.A Ruby is actually a Sapphire of red color. It is an extremeley hard and durable gemstone, well suited for all jewelry applications. Top quality Rubies are highly prized, and in larger sizes are frequently valued above all other gemstones, including Diamonds. Rubies over two carats are extremely rare and valuable.
Usage: Considered one of the most precious and perfect gemstones, Ruby symbolizes the sun, freedom and power. It is a sacred gem to the Buddhists, and are called "tears of Buddha". Increases energy levels and it will stimulate love if worn close to the heart. It protects sensitive natures, health and wealth, controls passions. Stimulates blood circulation, gives calm sleep and takes away nightmares. Will help you if you are suffering from sadness. It's also said to be able to ward off evil spirits, protect against poisons and act as an antidote to a snakebite.
Legend: During the Middle Ages, the ruby was believed to have an inner fire that could not be concealed.By the time of the Renaissance, only the wealthiest individuals could dream of owning a ruby. Ruby was said to be the most precious of the twelve stones God created when he created all things and a Ruby was placed on Aaron's neck by God's command. In the ancient language of Sanskrit, Ruby is called Ratnaraj, or king of precious stones. Rubies have been highly prized gemstones throughout history.

INTRODUCTION TO PRECIOUS GEMS AND STONE: DIAMOND (HEERA)

Diamond is the King of Gems. It is one of the most powerful stones. Diamonds are crystalline forms of carbon and are the hardest stones known. It is supposed to be the most powerful when combined with other gemstones.
Diamond is the ultimate gemstone, having few weaknesses and many strengths. It is well known that Diamond is the hardest substance found in nature, but few people realize that Diamond is four times harder than the next hardest natural mineral, corundum (sapphire and ruby). But even as hard as it is, it is not impervious. It has a broad color range, high refraction, high dispersion or fire, very low reactivity to chemicals, rarity, and of course, extreme hardness and durability. Diamond is a polymorph of the element carbon.
Usage: It is said to signify purity and innocence. Has always been associated with strength and good luck. Gives calm sleep and takes away nightmares. Reflects light and thought and will absorb all energies, both positive and negative. It focuses on the brain, takes away blocking and strengthens the brain function. A stone for peace. It can help you achieve material wealth and prestige
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COOL BLUE TOPAZ (SNAP SHOT)

Cool blue... This blue topaz, on offer by Pala International, is not treated with neutron irradiation. The color is achieved via electron beam method, which doesn’t produce unsafe residual radiation. (Hi just have a look on these really cool looking and attractive topaz)

RED HOT AND BLUE THE TOPAZ

Topaz is most common in colorless and brown colors. Blue topaz is achieved by a combination of irradiation—which can turn the material brown—and heat treatment, if needed—which renders the stone blue.

According to Professor Jill Banfield of UC Berkeley, nuclear reactors “create an intense blue [in topaz] (that does not need secondary heat treatment).” Other irradiation methods require the heat treatment to achieve blue color.
(A description of the chemical process can be found on this Oak Ridge Associated Universities )

From prospecting to selling: the life of a gemstone

Conventional mining engineering handbooks and courses have traditionally overlooked mining for gemstones and mineral specimens as an industry. This is mostly due to the fact that in ore mining, blasting is the first step in crushing the rock for processing and extraction of the valuable elements. In gem mining, the rock must be gently taken apart to avoid damaging the material.
Gem and specimen mining are different to all other types of mining. In all the other mining sectors from gold and silver to sand and gravel to oil and gas, there are four phases of mining. The only phase that gem mining has in common with the others is the first phase.
The first phase is prospecting: before any deposit can be assessed and exploited it must be found.
Phase two is exploration: during this phase, the ore deposit is drilled, mapped and sampled to give its overall size, shape, position, value and complexity. The operator will know whether this deposit is going to be a profitable one or if it is marginal and the operator should wait until the value of the product gets to the level that a profit can be made.
Phase three is the development phase of the ore deposit. This means excavating haulage tunnels, if it is an underground mine, removing the over-burden in surface operations and erecting processing plants to handle and process the material economically.
Phase four is exploitation of the deposit. The ore is mined, removed and process in the processing plant to a saleable form. It is in this phase that the profit is made when the stone is sold on the market.
Sometimes the development and exploitation phases can be carried out concurrently. An example of this could be in sand and gravel operations where the area around the pit develops as the pit expands. But the deposit will have undergone extensive exploration to show it has the necessary quality of material to produce a profit when exploited.
In gem mining the miner explores a deposit while developing (with tunnels or a pit) the structure until he finds something to exploit. He must gently take apart the rock so not to damage the minerals any more than they might already be. The deposit may have outward signs that it may produce minerals or gemstones of value but after some exploration the miner may find nothing valuable.

GEMOLOGY

Introduction to Gems, Gem stone and birth stone
A gemstone / birth stone is a collective term for all ornamental stones that possess attributes like beauty, rarity, durability. Astral gems, apart from these material properties, increase the psychic powers of an individual by their curative powers. Astral gems also have the power to ward off the ill-effects of planets and worn in the form of birth stone..
The gem stone / birth stone should be set in the right metal and with the right weight. It should be worn on the correct finger of the working hand.Each gem, with its constant source of specific rays,gives rise to constructive vibrations that have therapeutic powers. Hence wearing your appropriate birth stone will always give you luck and prosperity.