Since ancient times people have prized gemstones for their beauty and durability. Although there are approximately three thousand minerals, of these only about one hundred and fifty are termed gems. The following offerings relate various facts and trivia about a wide array of gemstones. The world�s oldest jewels have been found in ceremonial burials dating to about 20,000 years ago. Sapphires and rubies are often termed as river jewels because they are frequently discovered in the mineral-rich gravel of river beds. One of the loveliest attractions of the British Royal crown jewels, the Royal Scepter is topped by the Cullian I diamond. The British Imperial State Crown features a famous red spinel that has been termed �the Black Prince�s Ruby.� The word diamond comes from the Greek word meaning �unconquerable.� Diamonds are frequently found in rock called kimberlite�named for Kimberley, South Africa. Amethyst is actually crystalline quartz; it is found in shades between mauve and purple. The most popular gemstones found in Australia are diamonds, pearls, sapphires and opals. Australia is one of the major diamond producers today. While diamonds are usually found colorless, they are not always. Gems that are always colorless include albrite, phenakite and beryllonite. The color, fire and luster of a gem are often only apparent through the cutting and polishing of the stone. Some of the most popular cuts for gemstones are termed table cut, cabochon, rose cut, pear brilliant, round brilliant and step cut. Green gemstones include the likes of emeralds, peridot, prase, and moldavite. Iridescent gemstones include mother-of-pearl, fire agate, opal and labradorite. Tourmaline has the widest color range of all the gemstones. It can be found as yellow, green, yellow-green, blue, pink, amber, mauve and a unique blend of watermelon shades. The garnet family includes almandine, hessonite, pyrope and demantoid (which are uniquely greenish). The most exceptional examples of fire opal come from Mexico and Turkey. Brown topaz was commonly used to make jewelry in the 18th and 19th centuries. Pink topaz has only been found on Brazil and Pakistan. The ancient Romans wore opals derived from the area of Czechoslovakia. Ancient Romans were also fond of wearing carved bloodstone cameos. Jadeite is most sought after with its imperial coloration�the translucent emerald green. However, it may also appear white, brown, orange and occasionally lilac. The Chinese have been carving jade for upwards of 2,000 years. Obsidian is a natural glass formed from volcanic lava. Spinel is a pinkish-red gemstone found often in Sri Lanka and Madagascar. Madagascar is also home to the world�s best morganite Pale pink flourite is found in Switzerland. The famous Indian Kohinoor Diamond was presented to Queen Elizabeth in the year 1850. Afghanistan is home to the highest quality lapis lazuli. The original sources for peridot are from Zebirget�an island in the Red Sea. Spanish apatite is known as asparagus stone. The world's finest emeralds come from Columbia, but emeralds are also found in Australia, India, Norway, Egypt and Zimbabwe. Several emerald mines in Egypt date back to 1650 BC. Goshenite is named after a town in Massachusetts where it was first discovered. Danburite was named for Danbury, Connectiucut. Barite comes in such colors as white, yellow, blue and colorless. On the Mohs scale of hardness, a diamond rakes hardest at ten. Quartz rates a seven. The highest quality sky-blue colored turquoise has been mined from Nishapur, Iran for more than 3,000 years. Pearls are considered organic gems because they are not affected by geologic conditions. Utah�s Wah Wah Mountains are home to red beryl. Indian sapphires are essentially found in Kashmir. Yellow sapphires occur in Australia. |