LEGEND AND LORE

It was discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains in 1834 on the birthday of Czar Alexander II, the day he came of ruling age, hence the stone was named after him. Since the green and red colors represented the Russian military, it became the national stone of the tsars of Russia. 

Alexandrite is one of the 3 birthstones associated with the month of June, together with Pearl, and Moonstone. It is also the gemstone for the 45th and the 55th wedding anniversary.

Alexandrite is thought to assist in centering one's self, reinforcing self-esteem, and broadening the ability to experience joy. Alexandrite is also reputed to aid creativity and inspire the imagination.

ALEXANDRITE COLORS

Alexandrite exhibits a special effect. It changes color upon moving from a daylight environment to artificial incandescent light.  This effect, also called the Alexandrite effect, is a result of the selective absorption and transmission characteristics of the stone, the light source and the eyes’ sensitivity to colors. The Alexandrite spectrum is intermediate between those of Ruby and Emerald and close to the threshold of red to green color change.

Since our eyes are most sensitive to green light, when the stone is illuminated by sunlight, which contains a large number of green and blue rays, its color appears green. On the other hand, under incandescent light, which contains more red components, the stone appears red.

ALEXANDRITE SOURCES

Until recently, the most important sources of alexandrite were Sri Lanka and Russia, near Sverdlovsk and Ekaterinburg.

In 1987, however, a number of sources yielding good quality alexandrite were discovered in Brazil where the Hematita mine in Minas Gerais is said to produce the finest known gems. Alexandrites from Brazil exhibit a distinctive color change and possess good clarity and color.

A new and exciting source for the gemstone is Tunduru, in southern Tanzania, which produces fine quality alexandrite, with somewhat lighter tones and moderate to good color change.

Other sources include Myanmar, Zimbabwe, India (in Andhra Pradesh), Madagascar and Australia.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

LEGEND AND LORE

Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February and the gemstone representing the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.

Amethyst has been around for centuries. It was used as a gemstone by the ancient Egyptians, for beautiful jewelry and gem engravings by ancient Romans and in jewelry, crowns and scepters by the English royalty in the Middle Ages.

It also found a place of importance in various religions. The Bible mentions Amethyst as one of the twelve gemstones in the breastplate of the high priest. The Christian church treated Amethyst with high regard, since the purple color used to symbolize Christ, and used it to adorn the bishops’ rings, thus making it known as the stone of bishops. Tibetans consider amethyst sacred to the Buddha and make prayer beads from it.

Amethyst was a gemstone for the royalty and the elite in the Old World. It was one of the five Cardinal gems, together with sapphire, ruby, emerald and diamond, that were considered to be precious above all others, therefore unaffordable to the common people. This lasted up until the 19th century, when large deposits were found in Brazil.

Amethyst was thought to protect soldiers, ensure victory, aid hunters and protect against diseases. It was believed to enable one to control evil thoughts and quicken intelligence. It is considered to be a cure for headache and toothache, and is also used to increase spirituality and to promote inner calm, balance, and peace. It allegedly alleviates insomnia, if worn to bed or tucked under the pillow, bringing about a peaceful sleep, with pleasant, often prophetic dreams, instead of nightmares.

AMETHYST COLORS

Amethyst colours range from Violet (25) to Purple (27) with violetish Purple (26) being the most common. Amethyst can be found in all tone grades and saturation intensities, for which deeper colors mandate higher values.

Amethyst owes its color to the iron impurities forming iron-based color centers in the quartz. In fact, Amethyst and Citrine, the orange-yellow variety of quartz, are very closely related, differing only in the oxidation level of iron ions (Fe³) present in the quartz crystal. Heating the Amethyst quartz causes a reduction in the iron impurities, thus diminishing the violet-purple color and augmenting the golden to orange colors. When partially heated, amethyst can result in ametrine, a bi-colored combination of both amethyst and citrine.

The most coveted and the most valuable Amethysts are Siberian Amethysts or Deep Siberian, showing deep violetish Purple color with red or blue flashes. Originally, Siberian amethysts were mined in Russia and were famous for being the most prestigious of all amethyst sources. Currently, following the depletion of the Siberian amethyst mines, the term Siberian amethyst has become a general expression used to describe an amethyst gem showing deep color, regardless of the gem's origin.

Another variety of quartz known as Prasiolite (or Praseolite), displaying light-toned grayish green color, is also associated with amethyst. The trade has adopted the name green amethyst for this variety, even though gemologists are careful to differentiate between this and the purple amethyst. The trade’s position of associating the amethyst name to prasiolite is probably because most of the green amethyst gems offered on the market started off as purple-colored amethysts that have changed their color after undergoing heat treatment.

AMETHYST SOURCES

Amethyst is found all over the world, occurring in geodes or in the cavities of granitic rocks.

Russia - The Ural Mountain mines of Russia have always been considered to produce the world's finest amethysts. They are located in Reshev and Alpayev, near Sverdlovsk, on the western boundary of the Ural Mountains. The Russian amethysts are famous for their reddish colour under the light of an incandescent lamp.

Today, most amethyst comes from Brazil and Uruguay.

Brazil - The most important amethyst deposits are in Brazil, namely the Palmeira amethysts of Rio Grande do Sul and the Maraba amethysts of Para. It is also produced in abundance in the states of Minas Gerais, as well as Mato Grosso, Espirito Santo, Bahia, and Ceará.

Uruguay – Large production of amethysts in Uruguay can be found in Artigas, its northernmost department, bordering with the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil.

Other principal sources include Zambia, Namibia, Madagascar, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Australia, Finland, Austria in Maissau, known for the largest opencast amethyst vein in the world, Bolivia, Mexico, Canada in Ontario and Nova Scotia and the United States in the states of Arizona, Texas, Colorado, North Carolina and Maine.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

ANDALUSITE

Andalusite is an aluminum nesosilicate mineral (Al₂SiO₅). It is a polymorph with two other minerals – kyanite and sillimanite. A polymorph is a mineral that shares the same chemistry but a different crystal structure with another, or other, minerals.

First found in Andalusia, Spain, it can be cut into an interesting gemstone. Faceted andalusite stones producea play of red, green, and yellow colors that resembles a muted form of iridescence, although the colors are actually the result of unusually strong pleochroism.

LEGEND AND LORE

 Andalusite is thought to enhance memory.

ANDALUSITE COLORS

Andsalusite colors range from Orange (5) to Yellow Green (10). It typically occurs in yellow, yellow-green, green, brownish-red, olive and reddish-brown.

ANDALUSITE SOURCES

Andalusite was supposedly discovered in Andalusia, Spain, hence its name. This sources still produces small quantities of colorless andalusites.

Brazil is the main source for andalusite. Other sources include Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Australia, USA, Austria, Belgium and Russia.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

APATITE

Apatite is a group of phosphate minerals (Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,Cl,OH)) occuring in a wide range of colors. Gem-quality stones are very rare and because of their wide variety of attractive colors, they are considered favorite items among gem collectors. Their low hardness, 5 on the Mohs scale, make them too brittle for jewelry use.

Some apatites also display a chatoyancy effect, mainly from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, Brazil and Tanzania. The effect in the stones from Tanzania is so strong that it resembles that of chrysoberyl.

The name Apatite is derived from the Greek word apatein, meaning misleading or to decieve, because many have confused it with other species.

LEGEND AND LORE

Apatite is believed to act as a dual-action stone, first relieveing one of doubt, apathy and confusion and then stimulates to act, acquire knowledge and grow.

APATITE COLORS

Apatite appears in a wide range of colors - colorless, yellowish green, brownish green, green, white, light blue, violet-blue, blue, brown, yellow, orange, purple, violet, gray, pink in many shades.

APATITE SOURCES

Brazil, Canada, India, Myanmar, Madagascar, and Mexico produce most gem-quality apatites.

Other sources include, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Sri Lanka, USA, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal and Spain.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

LEGEND AND LORE

Aquamarine is the birthstone for the month of March and the gemstone representing the 16th, 18th and 19th wedding anniversaries. Believed to be the treasure of mermaids, it was regarded as the sailors’ lucky charm, keeping them safe from peril during their sea voyages, by calming the waves and protecting them from sea monsters.

Aquamarine is excellent for audience facing individuals, such as orators, presenters and teachers, thought to help them overcome the fear of speaking to a crowd. It was also believed that an aquamarine soaked in water would treat eye troubles, respiratory diseases and hiccups. It is associated with faithfulness, courage and friendship, said to help ease depression and grief and to rekindle love in long marriages.

AQUAMARINE COLORS

Aquamarine has the same chemical composition as the emerald, differing only in the type of impurities within the colorless beryl crystal that give them their respective colors. Aquamarine’s color, ranging from Blue to Blue-Green, is the result of iron impurities. In most cases, the color saturation of aquamarines is not high and the gemstone has a charming, clear light-Blue color. Most of the gems are pale and only in the best of the small ones may some color be apparent.

In many of the gems there is a hint of an undesirable greenish or grayish tint, which lowers the gemstone's value. This tint may be removed by controlled heating, which usually gives the gemstone a more bluish appearance.

Although poor-quality (light in color) aquamarine is actually quite common, high-quality aquamarine with a saturated color is very much in demand and quite expensive. The most sought-after color of aquamarine is a deeply saturated Blue color, similar to that of a light sapphire, known as ’Santa Maria’ and named after the Santa Maria de Itabira site in Brazil where the first gemstones were discovered in the 1950s. The trade has recently adopted the name 'Double Blue' for this variety as well.

The original deposit is almost depleted and today most of the Santa Maria colors are found in several sub-Saharan countries of Africa, mainly Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique, which in 1991 became the first known African source. These gemstones are typically small, with polished gems of more than half a carat being quite rare. Such an aquamarine is called ’Santa Maria Africana‘ or ’Santa Maria Afrique’, to distinguish it from the Brazilian variety.

Aquamarine also occurs in a translucent milky appearance and with chatoyancy (cat's eye effect) and asterism (star effect), which is extremely rare and very valuable.

AQUAMARINE SOURCES

BRAZIL Brazil is the leading producer of aquamarine with mines spread in various states throughout the country. The state of Minas Gerais is Brazil’s most productive mining area. Some renowned mines are scattered all over the state, including the Santa Maria de Itabira site where the famous Santa Maria variety was first discovered. The largest gem-quality aquamarine ever mined, weighing over 110 kg, was unearthed in Marambaia, Minas Gerais in 1910. Other states include Bahia, Espírito Santo and in a somewhat lesser capacity, Rio Grande do Norte.

Other American sources include Colombia, in proximity to its emerald mines, and the United States.

Notable sources are also found in Africa.

NIGERIA Nigeria is an important source of large and clean aquamarine, with colors ranging from light greenish blue to blue and fairly uniform in color.

ZAMBIA, TANZANIA, MOZAMBIQUE Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique are known sources for the Santa Maria Africana variety, having deep blue colors reminiscent of the Brazilian variety. A noteworthy source for some of the finest colors of aquamarine, which is now depleted, was in Lundazi, Zambia.

Other African sources include Madagascar; Namibia, known for its intensely colored Aquamarine from Erongo; Malawi, Kenya and Zimbabwe.

Asia has its fair share of important sources of high quality aquamarines as well.

PAKISTAN Pakistan produces some of the most exceptional Aquamarine crystals, with several important deposits in the northern mountains, among them the Shigar Valley, and Nagar in the Hunza Valley.

CHINA China has recently grown to become one of the leading world suppliers of small, commercial-quality aquamarine, although some beautiful crystals have been known to have come from this source as well.

Other notable Asian sources include India, where great quality aquamarine from the ancient source of Karur in the southern state of Tamil Nadu is produced; Myanmar, from Mogok; Sri Lanka; Afghanistan; Nepal; Russia and Vietnam, where deposits were only recently discovered.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

BENITOITE

Benitoite is a rare blue barium titanium cyclosilicate mineral (BaTiSi₃O₉). It is a rare gem, discovered in 1907, and gem-quality material is found only in San Benito county in California, USA, hence its name. In 1985, it was named the official gemstone of California.

Its dispersion, which is higher than that of the diamond, plus its sapphire-like color, make this a very attractive and quite expensive gemstone. Gem-quality benitoite above 1 carat is extremely rare, and the fact that the source from San Benito county ceased its operations in 2005, only adds to its scarcity.

BENITOITE COLORS

Benitoite appears in various shades of blue, purple, white and colorless.

BENITOITE SOURCES

The only gem-quality source is in San Benito, California in the US, which ceased operations in 2005.

Other sources include other USA deposits in Fresno and Kern Counties in California and Hot Springs County in Arkansas, Australia, Czech Republic, and Japan.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

LEGEND AND LORE

The name beryl is said to have originated from India from the Sanskrit word 'veruliya', a term used for Chrysoberyl, from which the Greek word beryllos (β?ρυλλος), meaning a "precious blue-green color-of-sea-water stone," later developed. Eye glasses are still called brillen in German, bril in Dutch and briller in Danish as they were made in the 13th century of colorless beryl or of rock crystal, instead of glass.

Beryl is thought to promote courage and confidence. It removes negative energies, relieves stress and calms the mind. It is believed to bring good luck and to promote marital love. Beryl was once used to protect the wearer from demons and evil spirits and from dangers during travel. Pliny the Elder was known to use powdered beryl to cure eye injuries. It is said to cure stomach ailments, such as nausea, ulcers, and seasickness, as well as to treat spinal and heart problems.

BERYL COLORS

The beryl species may be found in almost every hue. The green colored beryl gems are called Emerald or Green Beryl, depending on their exact color properties. The gems in light-toned greenish Blue to violetish Blue colors are called Aquamarine. The ones in the purple to orange areas are called Morganite, except for the highly saturated beryl gems from Utah, in the US, which are called Red Beryl. The yellowish Orange to slightly greenish Yellow ones are called Heliodor by the trade (or Golden Beryl, for the orangey ones). Deep blue to violet colored beryls are called Maxixe. Colorless or white beryls are called Goshenite.

BERYL VARIETIES

EMERALD Emerald is a variety of beryl occurring in various shades of green and is one of the most valuable stones found in nature. It is the birthstone for the month of May and the gemstone representing the 20th, 35th, and 55th wedding anniversaries. The green color in beryl is caused by Chromium and/or Vanadium. Some old practices limit the definition of emerald to the chromium-bearing green varieties only, while the majority of traders define it according to the intensity of the color, regardless of its coloring element. The colors of emerald range from yellowish-Green (11) to Green-Blue (18). The less saturated green-colored gems, however, are defined as Green Beryls, which have a much lower value.
AQUAMARINE Aquamarine is a light-toned and slightly-saturated Blue to greenish Blue variety of beryl. Its name comes from Latin, meaning ’sea water’, derived from its pleasant marine color. Together with the emerald, aquamarine is among the most popular variety of the species. For some reason, people tend to believe that this transparent and beautiful sea-blue gemstone is not a rare gem. While aquamarine is not as precious as the emerald, it is considered an important gemstone in the jewelry world. Aquamarine has the same chemical composition as the emerald, differing only in the type of impurities within the colorless beryl crystal that give them their respective colors. Aquamarine’s color, ranging from Blue to Blue-Green, is the result of iron impurities.
GREEN BERYL Green Beryl in a light-toned low-saturation, or off-color green variety of Beryl. The exact definition of green beryl is not widely accepted and differs between various markets and organizations around the world. Until several years ago, for example, the GIA® defined any green-colored beryl variety not colored by Chromium as a green beryl, regardless of its intensity. Some traders around the world still adhere to this definition today. However, recent researches proved that virtually all green-colored beryls possess some level of Chromium. On the other hand, some markets in Europe define all green-colored beryl as emeralds
HELIODOR and GOLDEN BERYL The yellow variety of beryl is called Heliodor. Its name is derived from Greek, meaning ’gift of the sun’, as they believed that yellow beryl contained its warmth and energy. Heliodor colors range from orangey Yellow (7) to greenish Yellow (9). The orangey color is commonly sold under the commercial name ’Golden beryl‘ and is considered the more prestigious one. Heliodor and golden beryl are thought to be synonymous and interchangeable in the trade, but actually golden beryl refers to beryls with golden-yellow or orange-yellow shades, whereas heliodor possesses a yellow to greenish-yellow hue. The color is due to iron impurities within the crystal structure. Heliodor typically has very few inclusions and are usually eye-clean.
MORGANITE Morganite is a pink (25 to 1) to light pinkish orange (3) beryl variety, and can be found in diverse and unusual shades, such as violet, salmon and peach. The coloring element in morganite is not fully understood. Some attribute the pink color to manganese impurities in the crystal structure, while others believe that caesium impurities are the cause. The amount of impurities in the gem causes the intensity of the color and the deeper the pink color the more valuable it is. Morganite is usually heat treated at low temperatures of approximately 400°C to improve color and remove the orangey tones. Contrarily, development of orange color is achieved through irradiation. Morganite was named in 1910 in honor of the sponsor and gem collector J.P. (John Pierpont) Morgan. Earlier that year, the fine pink beryl variety was first discovered in Madagascar and California. It is also known as pink beryl, rose beryl, pink emerald and caesian beryl.
RED BERYL Red beryl, sometimes displaying ruby-like colors, is endemic and found only in Juab and Beaver Counties in the state of Utah in the United States. It is formally known by the name ’Bixbite’, after the mineralogist Maynard Bixby, who first documented it in 1904 from one of his claims in Utah, until the name was deprecated by CIBJO to avoid confusion with a completely different mineral called ’Bixbyite‘, also named after Bixby. The color of this beautiful and rare gemstone ranges from reddish Purple (28) to Red (1) to Orange (5) and is due to large amounts of manganese. The red beryl is very rare and is found in small sizes only, reaching up to a few carats. It is usually heavily included, even more than its emerald sister. Red beryl is believed to enhance creativity and patience. Known as a stone of healing and soothing, it helps to ease depression and to heal grief. Mystics use it to bestow harmony to relationships. It is said to cure heart, liver and lung problems, as well as issues with the mouth, throat, stomach and the digestive system.
MAXIXE Maxixe is the deep blue to violet variety of beryl, resembling the color of sapphire. It was first discovered in 1917 in the Maxixe mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Its color is due to natural irradiation, which creates the color center in its crystal structure. Unfortunately, its color is unstable and fades rapidly upon exposure to daylight or heat. Since the 1970s, deep blue maxixe beryls that appear in the market are usually enhanced artificially by irradiation, however, their colors also tend to fade. These irradiated maxixe beryls are also referred by the trade as 'Blue Beryl' or 'Maxixe-type beryl'.
GOSHENITE The variety of colorless beryl is called Goshenite, named after Goshen, Massachusetts, where it was originally discovered. Goshenite may be either a pure beryl without any impurities in its crystal structure, or a beryl that includes some impurities that do not contribute to its color and therefore making it appear colorless. Goshenite can be colored in various colors by irradiation with high-energy particles. Goshenite was used in the 13th century to manufacture eyeglasses, as it was considered to have better transparency than glass at the time. Goshenite stands for honesty and sincerity and encourages one to be truthful in his actions. It is thought to assist in decision making as it enables one to clearly view all aspects of the issue and determine the correct path. It is thought to have the ability to facilitate communication, and promote creativity and innovation. While Goshenite is present to some extent in all beryl deposits, its main sources include: Myanmar, Russia, Brazil, Canada and USA.

BERYL SOURCES

Beryl of various varieties and colors is mined all over the world. In Europe, beryl is found in Norway, Sweden, Austria, Germany, Ireland and Russia. In Africa, beryl deposits are found in Madagascar, Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and South Africa. In Asia, beryls are mined in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. It the Americas, beryls can be found in Brazil, Colombia and the United States, in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Maine, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Dakota and Utah.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

LEGEND AND LORE

Heliodor is said to stimulate the mind and to strengthen one’s resolve to succeed. It increases sincerity as well as boosts empathy and sympathy. Worn as talismans for many centuries, it was believed to protect against manipulation of the mind and to deter spirits and to shield against dark forces. Golden beryl is thought to reinforce the immune system and to help the body to clear toxins. It is also considered useful for treating liver, spleen and pancreas disorders.

HELIODOR and GOLDEN BERYL COLORS

Heliodor and Golden Beryl colors range from orangey Yellow (6) to greenish Yellow (9). The color is due to iron impurities within the crystal structure.

HELIODOR and GOLDEN BERYL SOURCES

Heliodor is mined in the same areas that emeralds are found. It is found in Namibia, Mozambique, Madagascar, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Brazil, USA and Ukraine. In Russia, golden beryl is found in the Mursinska district of the Ural Mountains and also at Lewaschinagorka, east of Alabashka.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Beryl varieties, select Beryl in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

GREEN BERYL COLORS

The most common classification in the gem trade, however, maintains that only green-colored beryl gems displaying either very low saturation or where their main Green color is masked by a secondary hue shall be defined as 'Green Beryl’. Accordingly, beryl gems displaying any of the following color ranges are defined as green beryl:

• lightly saturated green colors (14 to 15);
• from yellowish Green (12) to very strongly bluish Green (17);
• light-Green colored beryl with a deep yellow tint (12 to 13); and
• light-Green colored beryl with a deep blue tint (15 to 17).

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Beryl varieties, select Beryl in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Morganite is considered to be an aphrodisiac. It helps to attract love and rekindles it in a relationship. It is thought to balance one’s emotions, and to increase empathy, compassion and patience. It is considered useful for asthma, emphysema and lung blockages.

MORGANITE COLORS

Morganite is a pink (25 to 1) to light pinkish orange (3) beryl variety, and can be found in diverse and unusual shades, such as violet, salmon and peach. The coloring element in morganite is not fully understood. Some attribute the pink color to manganese impurities in the crystal structure, while others believe that caesium impurities are the cause. The amount of impurities in the gem causes the intensity of the color and the deeper the pink color the more valuable it is. Morganite is usually heat treated at low temperatures of approximately 400°C to improve color and remove the orangey tones. Contrarily, development of orange color is achieved through irradiation.

MORGANITE SOURCES

Morganite of fine quality is found in the US in San Diego County, in Southern California. Another known source in the US is Maine. Brazil is an important source of top quality morganite as well, in addition to Madagascar, where very fine salmon- or rose-like colors are found. Another important source known for its deposits is Afghanistan.

Other sources include: Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, China, Sweden and Russia

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Beryl varieties, select Beryl in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Citrine has been around for centuries. It was used for beautiful jewelry and gem engravings by ancient Romans and was also very popular in the 19th century for jewelry.

Citrine, together with topaz, are the birthstones for the month of November and the gemstone representing the thirteenth wedding anniversary.

Citrine is known as the Success Stone, energizing good fortune and good luck and is said to bestow wealth and success, and helps not only in acquiring them but also in maintaining them. Merchants have been known to keep a gemstone in their cash register to help increase their proceeds, hence earning the name The Merchant's Stone.

Citrine is also a happy stone. It is thought to bring happiness to the wearer, relieving depression, self-doubt, and anger, while boosting mental clarity, confidence, and will power. It is helpful to clear unwanted negative energies from the environment.

Citrine is believed to strengthen the immune system and generally stabilizes the whole body's metabolism. It is thought to stimulate digestion and balance other eating disorders, and is good for relieving allergies and skin irritations. It also helps keep skin, nails, and hair healthy.

CITRINE COLORS

Citrine colors range from reddish Orange (4) to Yellow (8), in all tone grades and saturation levels. The most common colors are Yellow (8) and yellowish Orange (6).

The citrine is widely used in inexpensive jewelry. Its color is similar to that of topaz — a far more valuable gemstone.

Naturally colored citrine is very rare and most gems on the market have actually been heat treated. The majority of the available citrine gems were originally amethyst gems that had undergone heat treatment and turned yellow. Citrine and amethyst, the violet-purple variety of quartz, are very closely related, differing only in the oxidation level of iron ions (Fe3) present in the quartz crystal. Heating the quartz causes a reduction in the iron impurities, thus diminishing the violet-purple color and augmenting the golden to orange colors. At low temperatures of around 470 degrees centigrade, the crystals will turn yellow and at higher temperatures of around 1000 degrees centigrade, the crystal would become dark-yellow to red-brown.

Some natural citrine gems derive their color from undergoing a similar heat process during underground magmatic activity. The color of these gems usually displays a dominant orangey or reddish tint, compared to the natural pale yellow ones.

The naturally lighter-toned Yellow (8) citrine is commonly given the trade name "Lemon Quartz". This colored gem is discriminated from the other citrines by displaying a pure yellow hue sometimes with a gentle greenish tint, but without orange or brown tints.

Some darker, reddish-brown colored, natural citrine gems are called madeira citrine, named after the wine color manufactured in the Portuguese archipelago, Madeira. The Madeira citrine is considered more prestigious than the lighter yellow citrines, thus fetching a higher price.

CITRINE SOURCES

Brazil - Brazil is the largest producer of Citrine. The largest source for natural citrine is Rio Grande do Sol in Southern Brazil. It is from here and from Minas Gerais that most of the commercial gem-grade material comes from. With that said, however, almost all the citrines from Brazil are heat-treated Amethysts.

Other principal sources include Madagascar in the Antananarivo Province, Myanmar, USA in the states of Colorado, North Carolina and California, and Namibia.

Additional notable sources where natural Citrine is found include Argentina; Bolivia, Colombia in San Cristobal, Santander; Uruguay; France in Dauphine; Spain in Salamanca; Scotland; Russia, Zaire in Lubumbashi in the Katanga province; South Africa in Boekenhoutshoek in the Mkobola district; and Zambia.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

DIOPSIDE

Diopside is a calcium magnesium inosilicate mineral of the group pyroxene (MgCaSi₂O₆). Its main color is green although it occurs in other colors as well. It was considered a collectors' item until not so long ago, when a chromium-rich gem variety was discovered in Siberia in 1988, called chrome diopside. Chrome diopside's bright green color, rivaling that of emerald, made it popuar, but its low hardness, prone to scratches, has limited its use in the jewelry world.

Other notable varieties of diopside include violane in violet and purple colors, Tashmarine^TM diopside in light yellowish green colors and star diopside in dark green to black colors displaying a 4-ray star.

The name diopside isnderived from the Greek words dis and opse, meaning two face, indicating the two ways of orienting the vertical prism.

LEGEND AND LORE

Diopside is thought to increase awareness and improve intellect. It is alleged to relieve aggression and stubbornness, while augmenting love and commitment. Chrome diopside is believed to help treating some chronic diseases and disorders, including heart, lung and circulatory system problems.

DIOPSIDE COLORS

Diopside appears in various colors, commonly in light to dark green, but also in blue (rarely), yellowish to reddish brown, colorless, black, white and grey.

Chrome diopside appears in varying shades of green [(14) and (15)], the most desirable color being a rich, deep forest green color. Its coloring element is chromium. 

DIOPSIDE SOURCES

Diopside is mined in Madagascar, Tanzania, South Africa, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, USA, Canada, Italy, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Russia and Kenya.

Chrome diopside is found in Eastern Siberia in Russia, Pakistan and Kenya; Violane is found primarily in Italy; Star diopside is found primarily in India; and Tashmarine^TM diopside is mined only in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Western China.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

LEGEND AND LORE

Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May and the gemstone representing the 20th, 35th, and 55th wedding anniversaries.

From the very dawn of history, it has been coveted and worshipped.

Emeralds were once prescribed for eye diseases and were attributed to improve weak eyesight because the green color was believed to be soothing to the eyes. It was also once recommended as an amulet to ward off epilepsy in children. Emeralds were known to strengthen the owner's memory, quicken intelligence, and assist in predicting the future, and also known as a symbol of rebirth and romance.

Emerald was credited with amazing powers against wickedness and deceit, and was even thought to be capable of blinding and killing snakes.

The Emperor Nero contributed to its legend by claiming that an emerald crystal had improved his powers of discrimination during gladiator battles.

Pliny, the renowned first century traveler and explorer, in his book from 77 A.D. on natural sciences, described the characteristics of gemstones. "The third most important stone in existence, for many reasons, is the smaragdus (emerald)," he wrote. "No other stone has a color more pleasing to the human eye." (Pliny assigned first place to the diamond, and second place to the pearl.)

EMERALD COLORS

The green color in beryl is caused by Chromium and/or Vanadium. Some old practices limit the definition of emerald to the chromium-bearing green varieties only, while the majority of traders define it according to the intensity of the color, regardless of its coloring element.

The colors of emerald range from yellowish-Green (11) to Green-Blue (18). The less saturated green-colored gems, however, are defined as Green Beryls, which have a much lower value.

When a gem's color falls into the border between the two variety definitions, such as when a beryl gem possesses a very light green color, which cannot be considered as ‘an obvious dominant shade’, or when a secondary hue distinctly influences the overall appearance, these borders become vague. Actually, the border between emerald and green beryl is highly subjective and differs between sellers. For example, one seller may consider a light green-colored beryl gem as an emerald, while in the eyes of another seller specializing in high-end goods, it will remain a green beryl.

EMERALD SOURCES

The oldest known source of emeralds is the Cleopatra Mine in ancient Egypt, located on the Red Sea. These mines were the source of all the emeralds that appeared in the ancient world. Emeralds were considered as a required item for the long journey to the afterlife.

Emeralds of varying quality were also discovered in the ruins of Pompeii, following the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius.

Another ancient mine which was already in existence during Roman times is the Habachtal Mine in the Austrian Alps.

Other ancient sources of emeralds are mines in India, the most famous of the known locations is the Ajmer Merwara Mine.

Columbia - Emeralds from the Colombian mines were used for ceremonial and decorative purposes for centuries by the indigenous population. The conquistadors learned of the gemstones' existence in 1537, after the naive tribesmen offered them up as gifts.

In Columbia today, there are two principal mining regions. The first is the Muzo area, located about 113 km from the capital Bogota, and the second is the Chivor region, which lies about 80 km northeast of the city. Both areas include several large emerald-producing mines.

Brazil - A number of emerald mines were discovered in Bahia state in Brazil. In addition, there are mines in the states of Minas Gerais and Goias. In 1963, the Carnaiba mountains were also found to yield high-quality stones.

Russia - Most of the known Russian emerald-producing mines are concentrated in the Ural Mountains, within 100 km from the city of Sverdlovsk. The most famous mine is the Takowaya, which was discovered in 1830, 45 km from the city.

South Africa - South Africa was the first country in Africa in which emeralds were discovered in the Northeastern Transvaal.

Tanzania - Excellent quality emeralds are mined in Tanzania alongside Lake Manyara.

Zimbabwe - The best-known emeralds from Zimbabwe are the mines of the Sandawana valley, which yield beautiful stones that have acquired a place of honor among the most valuable of emeralds. Other mines are in Fort Victoria, the Filabushi region, the Balgoi region, the Bastari region and in Makanga.

Zambia - Zambia is, without a doubt one of the most important sources of emeralds. The mines are located in northern Zambia, between the city of Kitwe and the city of Ndola. The largest and most important of the Zambian mines is the Kamakanga mine.

Afghanistan - Emeralds from Afghanistan are renowned, among dealers and jewelers alike, for their fine-quality color, which equals the finest emeralds from Muzo in Colombia and Kamakanga in Zambia. The mines are located in the Panjshir valley.

Pakistan - Emeralds from Pakistan are concentrated in the Swat District. Four main deposits are known to produce gem-quality emeralds: the Mingora deposit, the Gujar Killi, and the Barang and Khaltaro deposits.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

FLUORITE

Fluorite is a halide mineral, the mineral form of calcium fluoride (CaF₂). It occurs in pratically all colors, and are extremely bright. Its low hardness makes it too fragile for jewelry but a great collectors' item, second only to quartz. It generally fluoresces intensely under ultraviolet radiation. In fact, the term fluorescence comes from this gem. Fluorite is often used in decorative accessories, such as vases and decorative boxes.

The name fluorite is derived from the Latin word fluere, meaning to flow, reflecting its use as flux in iron smelting processes.

The most famous type of fluorite is the Blue John from the county of Derbyshire in England, where the stone is found in rather large masses. These exhibit good illustrations of angular color areas (in purple, blue and white).

LEGEND AND LORE

Pliny the Elder, the renowned Roman naturalist of old, described Fluorite as his "most precious substance".

Fluorite is known as the Genius Stone. Its energy stimulates brain cells, encouraging both hemispheres to work in balance, heightening the absorption of new information and working through complex issues. It is also thought to augment creativity. While each fluorite color variety has different uses, all colors serve the mental body, brain and energetic levels.

FLUORITE COLORS

Fluorite is allochromatic, which means that its color is due to inpurities in the crystal structure. Natural irradiation is another cause for its wide color diversity. Termed The most colorful mineral in the world, fluorite can appear in practically all colors of the rainbow. It often is multicolored, displaying 2 or more colors in a single stone and even diaplays a color-change phenomenon. 

FLUORITE SOURCES

Fluorite is mined in Namibia, South Africa, Morocco, Myanmar, Korea, Pakistan, Canada, USA, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Switzerland, UK, Austria, China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Russia, Slovakia.

Only a very small quantity of Blue Johns is mined each year in Derbyshire, England. China has recently become a source for Blue John-type fluorites with similar color and banding.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

LEGEND AND LORE

Red garnets were very common since ancient times and were mined in Europe of old, hence its name is thought to have come either from the Latin word granatum, meaning pomegranate, a token of the dark red color and shape of the seeds, or from the Middle English word gernet, meaning dark red.

Garnets in every variety are birthstones of the month of January. It is traditionally given on the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversaries.

Garnets have been around since ancient times. The Bible mentions garnets as one of the twelve gemstones in the breastplate of the high priest. Christians believed garnet symbolized the sacrifice of Christ. Muslims believed it illuminated the fourth heaven. The Greeks said it guarded children from drowning. Tribes from India used red garnets as pellets, believing that they would seek blood and inflict a deadlier wound upon enemies.

Garnet is believed to be capable of energizing the body, regenerating and revitalizing it. It is thought to stop bleeding and cure inflammatory diseases. Garnets have also been carried by travelers during travel for protection and are believed to protect against nightmares and bad dreams.

GARNET COLORS

Garnets are an extremely important group of gemstones, which appear in almost all the colors of the rainbow, from red to purple, from yellowish orange to brown, from light to dark green, and even in greenish blue (color change garnet). This group of gemstones comprises well known varieties, such as: Almandine, which displays deep red colors; Pyrope of pure red colors (lighter than Almandine); Rhodolite with purplish colors Spessartite from golden yellowish orange to orange Malaya from orangey Red to orangey Yellow Color Change garnets which usually change from bluish to purplish colors Grossular in light green shades Tsavorite in emerald‑green Hessonite from yellowish Orange to Yellow hues Demantoid ranging from deep green to yellowish green Separate color grading rulers (or sets of rulers) and pricelists exist per each of the garnet varieties.

GARNET VARIETIES

ALMANDINE Almandine (or almandite), also known in the trade name red garnet, is the most prevalent of the garnets. Its color runs from strongly reddish Purple (28) to Red (1) to deep Red-Orange (3), and even to brownish Red. The common colors are medium to dark highly saturated Red to orangey Red. Sometimes the color is almost black. Almandine garnets from Mozambique display more orangey colors than the typical color from other sources. Its color ranges from slightly purplish Red (29) to Orange (5). Its common colors are medium orangey Red.
PYROPE The pyrope's red color is lighter and more pleasant than the almandine’s. Pyrope garnet colors range from strongly purplish Red (30) to Red (1) to orangey Red (2) with high saturation and dark tone. The common colors are dark slightly purplish Red, but it can take on a darker blood‑red or a somewhat yellowish color, or even an almost dark purple. Pyropes and almandines are almost never found in their pure form. The gemstones one encounters are actually compounds of almandine and pyrope ranging on a scale between pure almandine and pure pyrope.
RHODOLITE Rhodolite is a variety of mixed pyrope and almandine with colors ranging from reddish Purple (28) to slightly purplish Red (31), tending toward the purplish Red and pinkish Red colors. The common colors are dark deep reddish Purple to Red Purple. The gemstone is generally far clearer than its red sisters and has properties common to both, but is considered superior to them. It is found in regions where pyrope and almandine are mined.
SPESSARTITE The spessartite garnet (or spessartine), also known by the trade names mandarin garnet and hollandine garnet, has an Orange-Yellow to reddish Brown color and is of very high luster. The spessartite colors range from Orange (5) to yellowish Orange (6), where larger stones are slightly darker and possess a brownish tint. Most of the spessartite gems are heavily included causing them to sparkle as light reflects from these inclusions. This, in combination with its hardness, makes it an attractive stone. Some traders limit the use of the trade name mandarin garnet to straight- or reddish-Orange colored gems only, calling gemstones with other tints by their generic spessartite name.
MALAYA Malaya garnet (sometimes spelled as malaia) is a mixture of pyrope and spessartite garnets. The Malaya garnet’s hues range from reddish Orange (4) to yellowish orange (6), resulting in a light to dark Orange to reddish Orange color. Malaya, in Swahili means worthless or outcast. These garnets, found in Eastern and Central Africa, were once discarded in favor of the richer colored pyrope and rhodolite garnets. Today they are highly valued, but the Swahili name has stuck.
COLOR CHANGE Color change garnets are typically a result of the pyrope-spessartite mix, although many may also contain traces of grossularite or almandine.  The stones usually display a distinct color change between various intensities of very slightly bluish Green (15) to very strongly greenish Blue (19) under fluorescent light and Purple-Red (29) to strongly purplish Red (30) under incandescent light.
GROSSULAR The grossular (or grossularite) is a variety of the grossularite garnet species, which occurs in different forms as a light to dark green transparent gem; as a massive, opaque or translucent material; or as a marble‑like rock. Grossular garnet gems, also known as green or mint-green garnets, produces colors ranging from yellowish Green (12) to bluish Green (16) with very slightly to slightly saturated levels. For years, the grossular garnet gem prices were relatively low compared to its richer color variety tsavorite garnet. However, in recent years, the demand for its light pleasant green color has risen and today it sells for almost the same prices as the tsavorite.
TSAVORITE Tsavorite is actually a grossular with a more saturated color, colored by chrome or vanadium. Tsavorite has a high luster and an attractive emerald Green color, as well as a clear yellowish Green color in the lower qualities. Tsavorite was discovered in 1967 in the Tsavo National Park near the border between Tanzania and Kenya, from which it received its name. As in grossular, tsavorite garnet colors range from yellowish Green (12) to bluish Green (16), where the common colors are moderately to highly saturated Green or yellowish Green. The tsavorite garnet is considered a good affordable replacement for the emerald. Comparing it to the expensive gemstone, the tsavorite commonly shows better clarity grade, higher luster and lower price.
HESSONITE The hessonite garnet, a variety of glossularite, possesses colors that range from reddish Orange (4) to orangey Yellow (7). The common colors are orangey Yellow with moderate to high saturation and light to dark tone, resulting in brownish Yellow to golden Brown, brownish Orange or even reddish Brown colors. Hessonite is not considered a particularly important gemstone and is quite inexpensive.
DEMANTOID The demantoid is a variety of andradite and is considered the most precious garnet gem. Gemstones with fine colors are very rare. The common colors are moderately saturated yellowish Green and range from Green-Yellow (10) to Green (14). The greener gemstones can be more saturated than the yellower ones.
STAR GARNET The asterism effect of garnet is in the form of a 4-ray star, commonly of a dull shine, with angles of 70°/110° between the rays. Garnets with asterism ('star effect') are found mainly in ones that are semi translucent to opaque in transparency. As this effect is unattractive compared to the one in other gems such as corundum, star garnets are usually sold for lower prices.

GARNET SOURCES

Garnets are abundant and can be found all over the world, with sources often having several varieties. Let's take a look at the more important ones, starting with the African sources.

Africa

Tanzania – Tanzania is an important source of many garnet varieties. It is considered among the most important deposits of Rhodolite, and is one of the 3 unique sources of tsavorite, where it was first discovered. Other varieties include pyrope, grossular, hessonite, spessartite, Malaya (from the Umba River valley and Tunduru) and color change garnets.

Kenya – Kenya is another source of tsavorite, with deposits from the same geological structure extending from Tanzania. Other varieties include pyrope, rhodolite, grossular, spessartite and Malaya garnets.

Madagascar – Madagascar is the newest source of tsavorite discovered in the Toliara Province in 1991. Madagascar is also known for other varieties such as almandine, pyrope, rhodolite, hessonite, spessartite, malaya, and color change garnets.

Additional notable African sources include Mozambique, known for its orangey color almandines, as well as pyropes and rhodolites; Zambia, which serves as an important source of good quality raw almandine garnets; South Africa, where pyropes of the highest quality are found in the diamond pipes, especially in the Kimberley and De Beers mines, as well as rhodolites; Namibia, which sources the best specimens of Mandarin spessartite of a bright orange color; Zimbabwe, for its rhodolite; and Zaire, for Demantoid.

Asia Pacific

There are an abundance of sources in Asia for various garnet varieties.

Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka is among the most important and well known sources of rhodolite and hessonite. Other varieties include Almandine, which is mined in the vicinity of corundum deposits, pyrope, spessartite, malaya, and color change garnets.

India – Almandine is mined in large quantities in various parts of India. Additional varieties include pyrope, hessonite, and star garnets.

Myanmar – Myanmar also produces large quantities of Almandine from various areas, as well as pyrope, rhodolite, hessonite and spessartite.

China – China is yet another source for almandine, pyrope, rhodolite, spessartite and demantoid.

Other notable Asian sources include Thailand, for Almandine and rhodolite; and Korea for Demantoid.

Another notable source is Australia, for its almandine and pyrope.

The Americas

Garnets are also found in North and South America.

USA - Almandine of varying quality is found in many states in the US and rhodolite is known to come from several locations in North Carolina. The US also produces pyrope, grossular, hessonite, spessartite, color change, star and uvarovite garnets.

Other notable sources include Canada, which produces almandines, grossular, hessonite and uvarovite garnets; and Brazil with their almandine, pyrope, rhodolite, hessonite, spessartite and demantoid deposits.

Europe

Europe used to be the center of garnet production, mainly of almandines, but many of the mines have depleted, though some still remain.

Austria – Austria still produces high quality almandines.

Czech Republic – The Czech Republic is still a source for almandine and pyrope. Until the discovery of the South African pipes, the pyropes from the Czech Republic were considered the finest, and mining and cutting industries sprung up around them.

Russia – The Ural Mountains of Russia is considered the traditional source of demantoid, renowned for the high-quality stones they produce. Russia is also known for pyropes, mined in Transbaikalia, grossular and uvarovite.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

LEGEND AND LORE

Red garnets were very common since ancient times and were mined in Europe of old, hence its name is thought to have come either from the Latin word granatum, meaning pomegranate, a token of the dark red color and shape of the seeds, or from the Middle English word gernet, meaning dark red.

Garnets in every variety are birthstones of the month of January. It is traditionally given on the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversaries.

Garnets have been around since ancient times. The Bible mentions garnets as one of the twelve gemstones in the breastplate of the high priest. Christians believed garnet symbolized the sacrifice of Christ. Muslims believed it illuminated the fourth heaven. The Greeks said it guarded children from drowning. Tribes from India used red garnets as pellets, believing that they would seek blood and inflict a deadlier wound upon enemies.

Almandine is considered a strong protection talisman, helping to alleviate worry, panic and fear. It is believed to be a strong regenerative healing crystal and helpful in all blood-related issues. It stimulates the metabolic system and boosts the immune system. It is thought to be great for fertility, sexual potency and libido.

GARNET, ALMANDINE COLORS

Almandine colors run from strongly reddish Purple (28) to Red (1) to deep Red-Orange (3), and even to brownish Red. The common colors are medium to dark highly saturated Red to orangey Red. Sometimes the color is almost black.

Almandine garnets from Mozambique display more orangey colors than the typical color from other sources. Its color ranges from slightly purplish Red (29) to Orange (5). Its common colors are medium orangey Red.

GARNET, ALMANDINE SOURCES

Almandine is mined in many locations around the world. It is found in Mozambique, Madagascar, Zambia, Australia, Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Brazil, USA, Canada, Austria and the Czech Republic.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Garnet varieties, select Garnet in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Garnets in every variety are birthstones of the month of January. It is traditionally given on the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversaries.

GARNET, COLOR CHANGE COLORS

Color-change garnets usually display a distinct color change between various intensities of very slightly bluish Green (15) to very strongly greenish Blue (19) under fluorescent light and Purple-Red (29) to strongly purplish Red (30) under incandescent light.

GARNET, COLOR CHANGE SOURCES

Color-change garnets are found in Tanzania, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and USA.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Garnet varieties, select Garnet in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Garnets in every variety are birthstones of the month of January. It is traditionally given on the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversaries.

Demantoid was first discovered in the Ural Mountains in Russia in 1868.

Demantoids are thought to improve eyesight and help blocked arteries. It is believed to boost the body's imune and respiratory systems.

GARNET, DEMANTOID COLORS

Demantoid common colors are moderately saturated yellowish Green and range from Green-Yellow (10) to Green (15). The greener gemstones can be more saturated than the yellower ones. Gemstones with fine colors are very rare.

GARNET, DEMANTOID SOURCES

Demantoid is mined in Zimbabwe, China, South Korea, Brazil and Russia.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Garnet varieties, select Garnet in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Garnets in every variety are birthstones of the month of January. It is traditionally given on the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversaries.

Grossular is considered a potent stone for prosperity and is helpful in promoting business growth and dealing with money problems. It is thought to encourage cooperation and boost passion and energy in a relationship. It is believed to help the body recover after trauma by helping in the regeneration of new cells and the stimulation of blood. It also boosts the immune and respiratory systems in the body.

GARNET, GROSSULAR COLORS

Grossular garnet gems, also known as green or mint-green garnets, produces colors ranging from orangey Yellow (7) to yellowish Green (12) to bluish Green (17) with very slightly to slightly saturated levels. The color of grossulars depend on the type and amount of impurities in the gemstone - iron causes brown and green colors, whereas chromium causes a rich-green hue.

GARNET, GROSSULAR SOURCES

Grossular is mined in Tanzania, Kenya, USA, Canada and Russia.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Garnet varieties, select Garnet in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Garnets in every variety are birthstones of the month of January. It is traditionally given on the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversaries.

Hessonite is thought to inspire one's artistic creativity. It is believed to sooth one's emotions, promote self-respect and to hone intuition.

GARNET, HESSONITE COLORS

Hessonite possesses colors that range from reddish Orange (4) to orangey Yellow (7) to Yellow (8). The common colors are orangey Yellow with moderate to high saturation and light to dark tone, resulting in brownish Yellow to golden Brown, brownish Orange or even reddish Brown colors.

GARNET, HESSONITE SOURCES

Hessonite is mined in Tanzania, Madagascar, Myanmar, Sril Lanka, India, USA, Canada and Brazil.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Garnet varieties, select Garnet in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Garnets in every variety are birthstones of the month of January. It is traditionally given on the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversaries.

GARNET, MALAYA COLORS

Malaya garnet hues range from orangey Red (3) to yellowish orange (7), resulting in a light to dark Orange to reddish Orange color.

GARNET, MALAYA SOURCES

Malaya garnets are found in Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar and Sri Lanka.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Garnet varieties, select Garnet in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Red garnets were very common since ancient times and were mined in Europe of old, hence its name is thought to have come either from the Latin word granatum, meaning pomegranate, a token of the dark red color and shape of the seeds, or from the Middle English word gernet, meaning dark red.

Garnets in every variety are birthstones of the month of January. It is traditionally given on the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversaries.

Garnets have been around since ancient times. The Bible mentions garnets as one of the twelve gemstones in the breastplate of the high priest. Christians believed garnet symbolized the sacrifice of Christ. Muslims believed it illuminated the fourth heaven. The Greeks said it guarded children from drowning. Tribes from India used red garnets as pellets, believing that they would seek blood and inflict a deadlier wound upon enemies.

GARNET, MOZAMBIQUE COLORS

Mozambique garnets display more orangey colors than the typical almandine colorc from other sources. Their color ranges from slightly purplish Red (29) to Orange (5). Its common colors are medium orangey Red.

GARNET, MOZAMBIQUE SOURCES

Mozambique garnet is found in Mozambique.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Garnet varieties, select Garnet in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Red garnets were very common since ancient times and were mined in Europe of old, hence its name is thought to have come either from the Latin word granatum, meaning pomegranate, a token of the dark red color and shape of the seeds, or from the Middle English word gernet, meaning dark red.

Garnets in every variety are birthstones of the month of January. It is traditionally given on the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversaries.

Garnets have been around since ancient times. The Bible mentions garnets as one of the twelve gemstones in the breastplate of the high priest. Christians believed garnet symbolized the sacrifice of Christ. Muslims believed it illuminated the fourth heaven. The Greeks said it guarded children from drowning. Tribes from India used red garnets as pellets, believing that they would seek blood and inflict a deadlier wound upon enemies.

Pyrope is thought to be a stabilizing stone, offering physical, emotional and spiritual support, relieving anxiety and promoting composure and endurance. It is believed to be helpful for the blood system, enriching the blood, boosting circulation and helping with blood disorders. It is considered to be helpful for stimulating sexuality, treating arthritis, soothing skin irritations and boosting the immune system.

GARNET, PYROPE COLORS

Pyrope garnet colors range from strongly purplish Red (29) to Red (1) to orangey Red (3) with high saturation and dark tone. The common colors are dark slightly purplish Red, but it can take on a darker blood‑red or a somewhat yellowish color, or even an almost dark purple.

GARNET, PYROPE SOURCES

Pyrope was original mined in Bohemia in the Czech Republic, but today this source does not produce commercial quantities.

Pyrope is mined in many locations around the world. It is found in Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Madagascar, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Brazil and USA in North Carolina, Utah and Arizona.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Garnet varieties, select Garnet in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Red garnets were very common since ancient times and were mined in Europe of old, hence its name is thought to have come either from the Latin word granatum, meaning pomegranate, a token of the dark red color and shape of the seeds, or from the Middle English word gernet, meaning dark red.

Garnets in every variety are birthstones of the month of January. It is traditionally given on the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversaries.

Garnets have been around since ancient times. The Bible mentions garnets as one of the twelve gemstones in the breastplate of the high priest. Christians believed garnet symbolized the sacrifice of Christ. Muslims believed it illuminated the fourth heaven. The Greeks said it guarded children from drowning. Tribes from India used red garnets as pellets, believing that they would seek blood and inflict a deadlier wound upon enemies.

Rhodolite is known as the Stone of Inspiration, promoting love, kindness and compassion. It is believed to help with heart and lung disorders and to boost metabolism.

GARNET, RHODOLITE COLORS

Rhodolite colors range from violetish Purple (26) to slightly purplish Red (31), tending toward the purplish Red and pinkish Red colors. The common colors are dark deep reddish Purple to Red Purple.

GARNET, RHODOLITE SOURCES

Rhodolite is found in regions where pyrope and almandine are mined. It is found in Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Brazil and USA.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Garnet varieties, select Garnet in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Red garnets were very common since ancient times and were mined in Europe of old, hence its name is thought to have come either from the Latin word granatum, meaning pomegranate, a token of the dark red color and shape of the seeds, or from the Middle English word gernet, meaning dark red.

Garnets in every variety are birthstones of the month of January. It is traditionally given on the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversaries.

Garnets have been around since ancient times. The Bible mentions garnets as one of the twelve gemstones in the breastplate of the high priest. Christians believed garnet symbolized the sacrifice of Christ. Muslims believed it illuminated the fourth heaven. The Greeks said it guarded children from drowning. Tribes from India used red garnets as pellets, believing that they would seek blood and inflict a deadlier wound upon enemies.

Spessartite is thought to enhance both the analytical and creative aspects of the mind, alleviating fears and encouraging one to take action to realize dreams and goals. It is believe to help the digestive and reproductive systems and to help against depression and nightmares.

GARNET, SPESSARTITE COLORS

Spessartite has an Orange-Yellow to reddish Brown color and is of very high luster. The spessartite colors range from Orange (5) to yellowish Orange (7), where larger stones are slightly darker and possess a brownish tint.

GARNET, SPESSARTITE SOURCES

Pyrope was original mined in Bohemia in the Czech Republic, but today this source does not produce commercial quantities.

Pyrope is mined in many locations around the world. It is found in Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Pakistan, China, Brazil and USA in North Carolina, Utah and Arizona.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Garnet varieties, select Garnet in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Garnets in every variety are birthstones of the month of January. It is traditionally given on the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversaries.

Tsavorite is considered a increase wealth in all aspects of one's being, financial, artistic, emotional, creative, as well as physical.

GARNET, TSAVORITE COLORS

Tsavorite garnet colors range from yellowish Green (12) to bluish Green (17), where the common colors are moderately to highly saturated Green or yellowish Green. It is colored by chrome or vanadium. 

GARNET, TSAVORITE SOURCES

Tsavorite is mined in Tanzania, Kenya, and Madagascar.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Garnet varieties, select Garnet in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Iolite is also known as 'the Viking stone' or the Vikings' Compass, as it is believed to have helped Viking mariners, who used thin slices of Iolite, which acted as polarizing filters, to find the sun on cloudy days and help them navigate safely.

Iolite is the gemstone representing the 21st wedding anniversary.

It is believed to strengthen poor eyesight, cure sore throat, relieve migraines and headaches, overcome disorientation and dizziness and help in treating various skin conditions and addictions. Iolite is known to arouse one's memory, and to provide a good night's rest to its wearer by preventing nightmares or sleep disturbances. It is also thought to strengthen one's resolve and endurance. Psychics claim that it enhances clear vision and strengthens spirituality.

IOLITE COLORS

Iolite colors range between Blue (22) and Violet (25). Violetish Blue to bluish Violet stones are considered the best color combinations and therefore fetch higher prices. A pure violet gemstone, without any trace of blue, would be worth less.

Most iolite gems, however, possess a grayish tint which lowers their value. The grayish tint weakens as the saturation intensifies.

Iolite’s very distinct pleochroism is a challenge for gem cutters aiming for best color. The fact that iolite is also trichroic, where 3 different colors are seen in different viewing angles, adds to this challenge. Strong violet iolite specimens can have light violet and dark yellow hues, whereas strong blue specimens can possess yellow or colorless hues.

IOLITE SOURCES

Iolite occurs in igneous and contact metamorphic rocks, as well as gneisses and schists. Since it is a fairly hard mineral, it can also be found in alluvial deposits.

Iolite is mined in Brazil, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, where a significant deposit was discovered in 1994, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Zimbabwe and a number of other African countries.

Other sources with abundant deposits include Australia in the Northern Territory, Canada in the Yellowknife area of the Northwest Territories and the United States in Connecticut and Wyoming, which boasts the largest iolite crystal ever found weighing more than 24,000 carats.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

KUNZITE

Kunzite is a variety of spodumene, a lithium aluminum inosilicate mineral (LiAlSi₂O₆). Kunzite is the pink variety of spodumene, whereas hiddenite is the green variety and triphane is the yellow one.

Kunzite was discovered in 1902 and was named after George Frederick Kunz, Tiffany & Co.'s chief jeweler at the time.

LEGEND AND LORE

Kunzite is thought to connect heart and mind, thus helping in communication to resolve problems in relationships. It is considered an evening stone, because of its sensitivity to light and heat. It is believed to bring good fortune to its wearer. Kunzite is thought to strengthen the circulatory system and the heart muscle.

KUNZITE COLORS

Kunzite appears in pink to light purple colors. Its color is due to manganese impurities. Some kunzites are heated or irradiated to improve color. 

Kunzite is strongly pleochroic, appearing colorless when viewed from the long axis, and usually pink and purple from the others.

KUNZITE SOURCES

Kunzite is found in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Brazil, Madagascar, Mozambique, and USA in California and Maine.

Other smaller deposits can be found in Canada, Russia, Mexico, Sweden and Western Australia.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

KYANITE

Kyanite is a typically blue aluminum nesosilicate mineral (Al₂SiO₅). It is a polymorph with two other minerals – andalusite and sillimanite. A polymorph is a mineral that shares the same chemistry but a different crystal structure with another, or other, minerals. Kyanite forms at a lower temperature and in a higher pressure environment. It is sometimes used as a sapphire look alike, but can be identified with ease by its refractive index and specific gravity.

Kyanite occurs in pegmatites. It is found in schists and gneisses associated with garnet and staurolite. It has perfect cleavage and therefore is very difficult to cut. It is also known for the variations in its hardness, which varies from 4 to 7 along the crystal's length and width, respectively, in the same crystal.

Kyanite is named after the Greek word for deep blue, kyanos.

LEGEND AND LORE

Kyanite is considered a potent connection crystal, boosting telepathic and psychic abilities. It is said to be beneficial in negotiations and arbitration, helping to reach agreement and resolve disspute. It is allegedly one of the 2 crystals, the other being citrine, that does not retain or accumulate any negative energy, thus it is used for cleansing other crystals. Kunzite is also believed to help establish new pathways for nerves and tissues around body traumas and for neurons in case of head traumas. It also thought to help in the treatment of problems in the throat, glands and the muscular system.

KYANITE COLORS

Kyanites' natural colors are blue, green, yellow, orange, gray and sometimes colorless.

KYANITE SOURCES

Kyanite is found in many locations around the world. Some of the most important sources include Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Cambodia, India, Myanmar, Nepal, USA, Austria, Switzerland, Russia, Serbia, and Italy.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

LEGEND AND LORE

Peridot is the birthstone of the month of August, together with Sardonyx and Spinel, and the gemstone representing the 16th wedding anniversary.

It has been called the “Evening Emerald” as it tends to glow under artificial light. In ancient Egypt, which was its premier source for many centuries, it was known as the ‘gemstone of the sun’. Because of its history, peridot is the national gem of modern Egypt. It was from there that it arrived in Europe, brought by the Crusaders returning home.

Some believe that the gemstone named 'pitdah' in the highpriest’s breastplate, refers to peridot and not topaz, as believed by others, especially since peridot was confused with topaz in ancient times, as it came from Topazios island, the ancient name of the island in the Red Sea from which it was mined, now known as St. John’s Island.

Peridots make great gifts to exchange between friends, as it brings openness, warmth and happiness. It helps to overcome depression and fear, and to protect its wearer from the evil eye. When set in gold, it is believed to protect its wearer from nightmares and sleep deprivation.

It was thought to help dreams become a reality and to bring good luck

Peridot is also known for its healing powers. It is believed to cure liver diseases and digestion issues. It helps with the detoxification of the body, regenerates tissues, strengthens the metabolism and benefits the skin.

PERIDOT COLORS

Peridot colors range between greenish Yellow (9) and yellowish Green (12). The greener stones are rarer and are therefore valued higher. Accordingly, the yellower the stone, the more the price decreases.

The depth of the green, is directly dependent on the amount of iron contained in the stone’s crystal structure – the deeper the green, the lesser the amount of iron present.

PERIDOT SOURCES

Like the diamond, peridot is formed in magma deep in the Earth’s upper mantle, 20 to 55 miles deep. They were brought to the surface during eruptions and earthquakes. Therefore, they can also be found in kimberly pipes. It is also an extraterrestrial mineral found in meteorites and even in earth samples from Mars. Although the mineral, Olivine, is quite common, gem quality peridot is rather rare.

St. John Island/Zabargad - The most famous source of the stone from ancient times is the island of Zeberget, or Zabargad, in the Red Sea, also known as ‘Saint John’s Island,’ under Egyptian control today, where it has been mined for over 3,500 years. Island inhabitants were forced to collect the gems for the Pharaoh’s treasury. With the deposits depleted, other sources of peridot have sprung up, especially since the 1990s.

Myanmar - The very fine specimens from the Brenerdini Valley in the Mogok region of Myanmar (Burma) display good color and are larger and clearer compared to the peridot gems of Egypt.

Pakistan - Important deposits producing some of the finest peridots ever found are located in Pakistan (in the Kashmir region and the Pakistan-Afghanistan border region).

Other major sources for peridot today include China, which has recently become one of the largest producers, Vietnam, an increasingly important supplier, Afghanistan and the USA, mainly in the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona, which is the world’s most productive deposit, as well as in New Mexico and Hawaii.

Additional sources include Mexico, Brazil in Minas Gerais, Norway, north of Bergen, Russia, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zaire, Tanzania, South Africa and Australia in Queensland.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

LEGEND AND LORE

Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July and the gemstone representing the fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries.

It is known as the stone of love and is capable of reconciling lovers' quarrels. Ruby is given as a symbol of success, devotion, integrity, health, and passion. The gem was once thought to ward off misfortune and ill-health and to endow health, happiness and wisdom onto its wearer. It was also considered a remedy for various ailments, and was an important component of the medicine chest in the Middle Ages.

Peoples of the East would insert a ruby into a cut in the skin above an artery, believing that the gemstone would infuse great courage and wisdom into their blood. On account of its rarity, rulers used it as a symbol of their wealth and power. Ruby is mentioned in the Bible as one of the gemstones on the High Priest's breastplate.

RUBY COLORS

Ruby occurs in various shades of red, from purplish Red (29) to Red (1) to orangey Red (3), including brownish and dark red. Its color comes from traces of Chromium in the crystal structure. Some ruby sources have typical shades, which is why rubies are sometimes referred to together with their origin, e.g. Thai Ruby. Especially valuable are rubies from Mynamar, known for the most covetted color of rubies, Pigeon Blood.

The color borders between rubies and pink sapphires are not clear cut and they differ between the markets around the world. For example, a light-red-coloured corundum gem may be considered as a pink sapphire in the Far East, or as a light-coloured ruby in Europe, where the term pink sapphire is rarely used.

RUBY SOURCES

Rubies are mainly found in southern Asia and central to southern Africa.

Asian sources

Myanmar - Myanmar is considered to be the world's most precious source for rubies. The two main sources are Mogok and Mong-Hsu. The preferred colour of the Myanmar ruby is termed Pigeon Blood, a deep red with a slightly purplish hue. It can be compared to the colour of glowing coal, or to that of a red traffic light.
Thailand – The main sources of Thai rubies are Kanchanaburi and Chantaburi. Thai rubies commonly possess a darker tone than the Myanmar gems, commonly exhibiting a brownish or purplish tint, which sometimes dominates almost the entire colour of the gem.
Sri Lanka - Corundum is found in many areas of Sri Lanka and in an astounding variety of colors. Most of the Sri-Lankan rubies possess a deeply saturated strongly pinkish Red hue with a tone that tends to be light, weaker than the colours of the Myanmar variety.
Vietnam - There are two main sources of corundum from Vietnam, Luc Yen and Quy Chau. From time to time, rubies displaying the somewhat pinkish-red appearance of Myanmar rubies have been discovered in these deposits.

Other ruby deposits in Asia are located in Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Northern Pakistan in the Hunza Valley, Laos, Nepal, Cambodia and India, where deposits with relatively large crystals were discovered in the federal states of Mysore and Orissa

African Sources

Mozambique - The Montepuez mine of Mozambique is the rising star among the recently discovered ruby mines around the world. It was opened in 2009 and has become the dominant alternative source for pigeon blood colours. In the past, Mozambique was known only for low-grade rubies and the Lichinga area was its most important source.

Madagascar - Another important African source is Madagascar, where two of its main deposits are Vatomandry and Andilamena in Eastern Madagascar.

Tanzania - At least a dozen locations scattered all over Tanzania are known, the most significant ones being the Longido mine in northern Tanzania producing large opaque, dark brownish red rubies, surrounded by green zoisite; the Umba River, the Morogoro area and Winza, known for its fine pinkish red, Burmese-type hue, albeit its small yield.

Other African sources include Kenya, Malawi and Nigeria.

Additional sources around the world include Australia and USA, in North Carolina and Montana.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

LEGEND AND LORE

Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July and the gemstone representing the fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries.

It is known as the stone of love and is capable of reconciling lovers' quarrels. Ruby is given as a symbol of success, devotion, integrity, health, and passion. The gem was once thought to ward off misfortune and ill-health and to endow health, happiness and wisdom onto its wearer. It was also considered a remedy for various ailments, and was an important component of the medicine chest in the Middle Ages.

Peoples of the East would insert a ruby into a cut in the skin above an artery, believing that the gemstone would infuse great courage and wisdom into their blood. On account of its rarity, rulers used it as a symbol of their wealth and power. Ruby is mentioned in the Bible as one of the gemstones on the High Priest's breastplate.

RUBY COLORS

Ruby occurs in various shades of red, from purplish Red (29) to Red (1) to orangey Red (3), including brownish and dark red. Its color comes from traces of Chromium in the crystal structure. Some ruby sources have typical shades, which is why rubies are sometimes referred to together with their origin, e.g. Thai Ruby. Especially valuable are rubies from Mynamar, known for the most covetted color of rubies, Pigeon Blood, a red to slightly purplish red in medium dark tone with vivid saturation color. It can be compared to the colour of glowing coal, or to that of a red traffic light. 

RUBY (BURMA) SOURCES

Myanmar is considered to be the world's most precious source for rubies. The two main sources are Mogok and Mong-Hsu.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

LEGEND AND LORE

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September and the gemstone representing the fifth and 45th wedding anniversaries.

It was believed that sapphires could influence spirits and reveal the secrets of oracles. They were deemed to attract wealth, bring harmony between lovers, make peace between enemies and protect the wearer from envy and infidelity. They were also thought to strengthen the well-being and overall health of the owner, clear the mind and skin, cure fevers, colds, eye diseases and ulcers and were used as an antidote to poison. Sapphire is a long-time symbol and guardian of purity and it represents truth, sincerity, and consistency. Sapphire is mentioned in the Bible as one of the gemstones on the High Priest's breastplate.

SAPPHIRE COLORS

Sapphire appears in all possible colors except red, such as blue, yellow, green, purple, pink, brown and colorless. The various colors are a result of different trace elements in the crystal structure.

Sapphirel is allochromatic, meaning its colors are derived from impurities in its crystal structure and when the stone is pure, it is colorless.

SAPPHIRE (BLUE) The term Sapphire, when used on its own, refers only to the blue variety of sapphires, which ranges from very strongly greenish Blue to Blue to bluish Violet. Among the blues, two colors are considered to be the most sought after – ‘Royal Blue’, the most desired and most valued shade within the trade, and ‘Cornflower Blue’, resembling the color of the famous flower. Sapphires from Myanmar (Burma) and Kashmir are considered the most valuable.
PINK SAPPHIRE Pink sapphire is typically found in colors of a bright, delicate pink to a pink with a slight tinge of violet. It is considered to be the highest valued fancy colored sapphire. The border between pink sapphire and ruby is vague and differs between different markets around the world.
PURPLE & VIOLET SAPPHIRE Purple sapphire colors range from violetish Purple, which is designated a Violet Sapphire, to Red-Purple, which is identified as Purple Sapphire.
YELLOW SAPPHIRE Yellow sapphire ranges in color from pale to canary yellow, gold, honey, and brownish yellow and is found in quite large quantities. The lighter and brighter colors are the most common, whereas golden yellow gemstones of high quality are very rare and command high prices. Yellow sapphires with another noticeable secondary hue, such as green, grey or brown or orange tint, are more common.
ORANGE SAPPHIRE Pure orange sapphires are very rare and very popular among collectors. Most of the orange sapphires display a yellow, red or brown tint.
PADPARADSCHA SAPPHIRE Light Pink-Orange colored sapphires from Sri-Lanka are called ‘Padparadscha sapphire’, named after the padparadscha lotus flower. This gemstone is very beautiful and rare, and currently is in great demand by collectors. There are African sapphires which have an orange-red color reminiscent of the valuable padparadscha sapphires of Sri Lanka, albeit possessing a more brownish tint. These gems are termed African padparadscha.
GREEN SAPPHIRE Green sapphire colors range from Yellow-Green to Blue-Green, where the majority displays bluish Green colors with a metallic greyish tint.
COLOR CHANGE & STAR SAPPHIRE Sapphires displaying special phenomena are very rare and are mostly treasured by collectors. Color-change sapphires display much stronger than the usual color shifting, similar to that seen in valuable alexandrite, commonly displaying blue or violet color in daylight, and red to red-violet under incandescent light. Star sapphires with the asterism effect are also available. These generally display a 6-Ray or very rarely even a 12-ray star.

SAPPHIRE SOURCES

Kashmir (India) - Sapphires from Kashmir are known for their beautiful velvety-blue, slightly milky color, similar to that of the cornflower. The mine area is in Zanskar, near the city of Soomjam in India. Gems said to originate from this source fetched extremely high prices – much higher than the prices given for Sri Lankan or even Myanmar sapphires of similar quality.

Myanmar - Myanmar is considered to be the world's second-most precious source for blue-colored sapphires. The two main sources are Mogok and Mong-Hsu. The color of the Myanmar sapphire is violetish Blue and it is commonly referred to as ‘Royal Blue’.

Thailand – The main sources of Thai sapphires are Kanchanaburi and Chantaburi. Thai sapphires are very dark blue (‘Navy Blue’) to almost black in color and can be classified into a number of color-types: Common Thai, Bankacha color and Kanjanburi color.

Sri Lanka - Corundum is found in many areas of Sri Lanka and in an astounding variety of colors, including the much-coveted padparadscha sapphires. The blue sapphire's color is generally weaker than the colors of the Myanmar variety. Since the early 1970s, sapphires from Sri Lanka have been heated according to a number of undisclosed methods, thereby improving their color. Today it is considered as the 3rd most prestigious source (after Kashmir and Myanmar).

Cambodia - Pailin, Cambodia, is a well-known source of fine blue sapphires. Cambodian sapphires tend to display rich saturated blue to violetish Blue color with an attractive lustre.

Madagascar - Madagascar is the world leader in sapphire production since 2007, after the discovery of enormous sapphire deposits in Ilakaka in 1998. Ilakaka and Andranandambo are the major areas for sapphires in Madagascar. Madagascar sapphires tend to present a highly-saturated, milky-apparent, violetish Blue color. Due to their resemblance, they are frequently confused with Kashmir and Sri-Lankan sapphires but their prices are much lower.

Tanzania - The Umba River and the Morogoro area in Tanzania are sources of fine sapphires in a wide range of colors. The Songea region is another source that produces sapphires with metallic Violet-Blue colors, with a noticeable greyish or greenish tint. The Songea gemstones are usually small and most of them have very strong pleochroism.

Australia - Australia is an important supplier of rough sapphires, mined mainly in New South Wales and Queensland and for years provided the majority of the cut merchandise in the market. Most of the small, cheap sapphires polished in Thailand are of Australian origin. Australian blue sapphires commonly display a slight greenish or greyish hue, a result of the heating process applied to most of the dark Australian merchandise to lighten the material and improve its clarity, and also possess distinct zoning characteristics.

USA - Montana sapphires display fine pastel Violet-Blue colors but also greyish Green, Green and Yellow to colorless hues. Pink to red gemstones are rarely found. The Montana gemstones are not homogeneous in color, are fairly included and generally have very strong zoning. The sizes of the rough extracted from the mine are small, rarely yielding gemstones above one carat.

Additional sources around the world include Vietnam, Laos, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Nigeria.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

LEGEND AND LORE

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September and the gemstone representing the fifth and 45th wedding anniversaries.

It was believed that sapphires could influence spirits and reveal the secrets of oracles. They were deemed to attract wealth, bring harmony between lovers, make peace between enemies and protect the wearer from envy and infidelity. They were also thought to strengthen the well-being and overall health of the owner, clear the mind and skin, cure fevers, colds, eye diseases and ulcers and were used as an antidote to poison. Sapphire is a long-time symbol and guardian of purity and it represents truth, sincerity, and consistency. Sapphire is mentioned in the Bible as one of the gemstones on the High Priest's breastplate.

SAPPHIRE (BLUE) COLORS

Sapphire colors range from very strongly greenish Blue to Blue to bluish Violet. Among the blues, two colors are considered to be the most sought after – Royal Blue, the most desired and most valued shade within the trade, and Cornflower Blue, resembling the color of the famous flower. The main coloring elements in blue sapphires are iron and titanium.

SAPPHIRE (BLUE) SOURCES

Sapphires come from different sources around the world. Sapphires from some of these sources display specific color characteristic worth noting.

Kashmir (India) - Sapphires from Kashmir are known for their beautiful velvety-blue, slightly milky color, similar to that of the cornflower. The mine area is in Zanskar, near the city of Soomjam in India. Gems said to originate from this source fetched extremely high prices – much higher than the prices given for Sri Lankan or even Myanmar sapphires of similar quality.
Myanmar - Myanmar is considered to be the world's second-most precious source for blue-colored sapphires. The two main sources are Mogok and Mong-Hsu. The color of the Myanmar sapphire is violetish Blue and it is commonly referred to as Royal Blue.
Thailand – The main sources of Thai sapphires are Kanchanaburi and Chantaburi. Thai sapphires are very dark blue (‘Navy Blue’) to almost black in color and can be classified into a number of color-types: Common Thai, Bankacha color and Kanjanburi color.
Sri Lanka - Corundum is found in many areas of Sri Lanka and in an astounding variety of colors, including the much-coveted padparadscha sapphires. The blue sapphire's color is generally weaker than the colors of the Myanmar variety. Since the early 1970s, sapphires from Sri Lanka have been heated according to a number of undisclosed methods, thereby improving their color. Today it is considered as the 3rd most prestigious source (after Kashmir and Myanmar).
Cambodia - Pailin, Cambodia, is a well-known source of fine blue sapphires. Cambodian sapphires tend to display rich saturated blue to violetish Blue color with an attractive lustre.
Madagascar - Madagascar is the world leader in sapphire production since 2007, after the discovery of enormous sapphire deposits in Ilakaka in 1998. Ilakaka and Andranandambo are the major areas for sapphires in Madagascar. Madagascar sapphires tend to present a highly-saturated, milky-apparent, violetish Blue color. Due to their resemblance, they are frequently confused with Kashmir and Sri-Lankan sapphires but their prices are much lower.
Tanzania - The Umba River and the Morogoro area in Tanzania are sources of fine sapphires in a wide range of colors. The Songea region is another source that produces sapphires with metallic Violet-Blue colors, with a noticeable greyish or greenish tint. The Songea gemstones are usually small and most of them have very strong pleochroism.
Australia - Australia is an important supplier of rough sapphires, mined mainly in New South Wales and Queensland and for years provided the majority of the cut merchandise in the market. Most of the small, cheap sapphires polished in Thailand are of Australian origin. Australian blue sapphires commonly display a slight greenish or greyish hue, a result of the heating process applied to most of the dark Australian merchandise to lighten the material and improve its clarity, and also possess distinct zoning characteristics.
USA - Montana sapphires display fine pastel Violet-Blue colors but also greyish Green, Green and Yellow to colorless hues. Pink to red gemstones are rarely found. The Montana gemstones are not homogeneous in color, are fairly included and generally have very strong zoning. The sizes of the rough extracted from the mine are small, rarely yielding gemstones above one carat.

Additional sources around the world include Vietnam, Laos, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Nigeria.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Sapphire colors, select Sapphire in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

Myanmar is considered the second-most valuable source for sapphires. The prized violetish Blue color from this source is termed 'Royal Blue'.

LEGEND AND LORE

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September and the gemstone representing the fifth and 45th wedding anniversaries.

It was believed that sapphires could influence spirits and reveal the secrets of oracles. They were deemed to attract wealth, bring harmony between lovers, make peace between enemies and protect the wearer from envy and infidelity. They were also thought to strengthen the well-being and overall health of the owner, clear the mind and skin, cure fevers, colds, eye diseases and ulcers and were used as an antidote to poison. Sapphire is a long-time symbol and guardian of purity and it represents truth, sincerity, and consistency. Sapphire is mentioned in the Bible as one of the gemstones on the High Priest's breastplate.

SAPPHIRE (BLUE) COLORS

Sapphire colors range from very strongly greenish Blue to Blue to bluish Violet. Among the blues, two colors are considered to be the most sought after – Royal Blue, the most desired and most valued shade within the trade, and Cornflower Blue, resembling the color of the famous flower. The main coloring elements in blue sapphires are iron and titanium.

SAPPHIRE (BURMA) SOURCES

Myanmar - Myanmar is considered to be the world's second-most precious source for blue-colored sapphires. The two main sources are Mogok and Mong-Hsu. The color of the Myanmar sapphire is violetish Blue and it is commonly referred to as ‘Royal Blue’.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Sapphire colors, select Sapphire in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

Sapphires were discovered in Kashmir around the year 1880. Production from the mine produced exceptional quality sapphires with excellent velvety-blue, slightly milky color, similar to that of the cornflower. The mine was very productive, but after a few years it was finally depleted. Efforts to find other deposits in the area were fultile, and those that were found did not yield the same quality sapphires. Kashmir sapphires are very valuable because of their scarcity.

LEGEND AND LORE

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September and the gemstone representing the fifth and 45th wedding anniversaries.

It was believed that sapphires could influence spirits and reveal the secrets of oracles. They were deemed to attract wealth, bring harmony between lovers, make peace between enemies and protect the wearer from envy and infidelity. They were also thought to strengthen the well-being and overall health of the owner, clear the mind and skin, cure fevers, colds, eye diseases and ulcers and were used as an antidote to poison. Sapphire is a long-time symbol and guardian of purity and it represents truth, sincerity, and consistency. Sapphire is mentioned in the Bible as one of the gemstones on the High Priest's breastplate.

SAPPHIRE (BLUE) COLORS

Sapphire colors range from very strongly greenish Blue to Blue to bluish Violet. Among the blues, two colors are considered to be the most sought after – Royal Blue, the most desired and most valued shade within the trade, and Cornflower Blue, resembling the color of the famous flower. The main coloring elements in blue sapphires are iron and titanium.

SAPPHIRE (KASHMIR) SOURCES

Kashmir (India) - Sapphires from Kashmir are known for their beautiful velvety-blue, slightly milky color, similar to that of the cornflower. The mine area is in Zanskar, near the city of Soomjam in India. Gems said to originate from this source fetched extremely high prices – much higher than the prices given for Sri Lankan or even Myanmar sapphires of similar quality.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Sapphire colors, select Sapphire in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

White sapphire is a colorless material that has the typical luster of corundum.
Pink sapphire has a range of color from a bright, delicate pink to a pink with a slight tinge of violet. Its most striking characteristic is its luster and is considered to be one of the most valuable secondary gems.
Yellow sapphire ranges in color from pale to canary yellow, gold, honey, and brownish yellow. The lighter and brighter colors are the most common. Ruby and sapphire are mentioned in the Bible as two of the stones on the High Priest's breastplate. The ruby and the sapphire are both members of the corundum family, a group of crystallized aluminum oxides. Strange as it may seem, both have exactly the same chemical composition, and what distinguishes between them are only small amounts of coloring trace elements.

The ruby is a corundum occurring in various shades of red, including deep red, light purplish red, pink and light orange-red. The sapphire appears in all possible colors except red, such as blue, yellow, green, purple and brown.

THE SOURCES

The color of Myanmar sapphire is a slightly purplish blue, somewhat like the color of iodine under an electric lamp. It is referred to as "royal blue."

Thailand - Thai sapphires can be classified into a number of color-types. A. Bankacha color: A vivid, but somewhat too dark blue. B. Kanjanburi sapphires: Their blue color is somewhat reminiscent of the low-quality Myanmar sapphires. C. Common Thai sapphire: They are generally mixed with Australian sapphires, and are heated to lighten their color and strengthen their luster.

Sri Lanka - Corundum is found in many areas of Sri Lanka and in an astounding variety of colors. Most of the rubies tend to be of a reddish pink color, while the blue sapphire's color is less strong than the colors of the Myanmar variety. Since the early 1970s, sapphires from Sri Lanka have been heated according to a number of secret methods, thereby improving their color.

Australia - is an important supplier of rough sapphires. Australian blue sapphires have a special characteristic, in that there is almost always a slight greenish or grayish hue in the stone. The sources of the Australian sapphires are in New South Wales and Queensland. In these areas very dark blue, handsome green, and even yellow sapphires are found.

Africa - Sapphire sources in Africa are very numerous, but the best-known is the Umba River in the Tanga district of Tanzania. Besides Tanzania, sapphires are also found in Zimbabwe and in Malawi. Tanzania is no doubt the most important producer of corundum in Africa. In this beautiful country, sapphires are found in all the colors of the rainbow. Special colors - There are African sapphires which have an orange-red color reminiscent of the valuable padparadscha sapphires of Sri Lanka. Some of the African stones are brownish red under artificial light, but tend to be significantly browner in daylight On rare occasions, sapphires appear showing a change of color effect similar to that seen in valuable alexandrite.

Vietnam ? these gems display the appearance of somewhat pinkish, Burma-type rubies. It is known that there are two main sources of corundum from Vietnam. One is Luc Yen and the other is Quy Chau. Sapphires from Kashmir are known for their beautiful blue, slightly milky color, similar to that of the cornflower. The mine area is in Zanskar, near the city of Soomjam. Stones said to originate from this source fetched extremely high prices at auctions conducted at the end of the 1980s - way above the prices given for Sri Lankan or even Myanmar sapphires of similar quality.

LEGEND AND LORE

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September and the gemstone representing the fifth and 45th wedding anniversaries.

Color change sapphire is believed to release mental tension and relieve depression, therefore it is used during meditation to calm the mind.

COLOR CHANGE SAPPHIRE COLORS

Color-change sapphires display much stronger than the usual color shifting, similar to that seen in valuable alexandrite, commonly displaying purple or violet color in daylight or fluorescent light, and vivid pink under incandescent light.

Other rare color-change combinations are occasionally seen, such as green to yellowish-green, greenish blue to brownish red, and red to brown, depending on the coloring elements within the specific stone.

COLOR CHANGE SAPPHIRE SOURCES

Most color change sapphires are found in Sri Lanka, Tanzania and recently in Madagascar as well. Other sources include Thailand, Cambodia, China, Nigeria, Kenya, Australia and the USA.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Sapphire colors, select Sapphire in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September and the gemstone representing the fifth and 45th wedding anniversaries.

Green sapphire is thought to encourage loyalty, compassion, and trust in others. It is also believed to improve the ability to recall dreams and it is allegedly useful in soothing eyestrain and improving vision. It is also known as the stone of tranquility.

GREEN SAPPHIRE COLORS

Green sapphire colors range from Yellow-Green (10) to Blue-Green (18), and most of them display a metallic grayish tint.

The coloring element in green sapphires is traces of iron in the crystal structure. Sometimes the green color is a result of blue and yellow color zones present in the gemstone.

GREEN SAPPHIRE SOURCES

Traditionally, fine quality, pink sapphires have originated from Sri Sri Lanka is thought to be the source for the finest green sapphires. The more common sources are Thailand and Australia, where darker green, dark blue-green or yellow-green sapphires are found. Other sources include Myanmar, Madagascar and Montana in the United StatesLanka or Myanmar, or the Umba River in Tanzania. They were very rare until new deposits were discovered in Madagascar in the 1990s in Ilakaka and Andranandambo. Pink sapphires from Madagascar usually include a purplish secondary color and many of them undergo heat treatment to reduce this. Additionally, pink sapphires can be found in the Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan and in Afghanistan in Jegdalek, 100 km east of Kabul, two sources for high quality rubies as well.

Other pink sapphire sources include Kenya, Thailand, India, China, Australia and USA.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Sapphire colors, select Sapphire in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September and the gemstone representing the fifth and 45th wedding anniversaries.

Orange and Padparadscha Sapphire is thought to inspire artists, writers and singers, uniting their creativity with their being. As solar stones, they are believed to bring warmth and comfort and they enhance sexual pleasure and fertility.

ORANGE & BROWN SAPPHIRE COLORS

Orange sapphire colors range from the rare orangey Red (2) to orangey Yellow (7). Most of the orange sapphires display a yellow, red or brown tint.

Brown sapphires possess the same hue range as orange sapphires, but in medium dark to very dark tones. Pure brown colors are hardly seen in sapphires.

Orange and brown sapphires owe their color to the coloring elements of chromium and iron in their crystal structure.

ORANGE & BROWN SAPPHIRE SOURCES

Most of the orange sapphires come from Australia and Madagascar. Other sources include Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Kenya.

Brown sapphires are found wherever corundum is mined, but most are not high quality. Quality brown sapphires are found in Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Kenya, Thailand and Australia.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Sapphire colors, select Sapphire in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September and the gemstone representing the fifth and 45th wedding anniversaries.

Orange and Padparadscha Sapphire is thought to inspire artists, writers and singers, uniting their creativity with their being. As solar stones, they are believed to bring warmth and comfort and they enhance sexual pleasure and fertility.

PADPARADSCHA SAPPHIRE COLORS

The colors of the padparadscha sapphire range from orangey Red (2) to Orange (5), with light tone and high saturation levels, although there is some controversy over adoption of a uniform standard for the padparadscha color range among gemologists, dealers and collectors.

There are African sapphires which have an orange-red color reminiscent of the valuable padparadscha sapphires of Sri Lanka, albeit possessing a more brownish tint. These gems are commonly termed African padparadscha.

Padparadscha sapphires owe their color to the coloring elements of chromium and iron in their crystal structure.

PADPARADSCHA SAPPHIRE SOURCES

Padparadscha sapphires were originally found in Sri Lanka and many still believe that the term 'padparadscha' should be restricted only to stones from this origin. High quality “Padparadscha-like” stones are also found in Tanzanzia in the Tunduru district and the Umba River Valley, where they mostly appear in a reddish orange color with tones of brown and slight hints of pink; in Madagascar, the market's top producer of padparadscha colors, where they are usually more pink than orange; and in Vietnam in the Quy Chau district. Other sources of padparadscha colors are Kenya and Myanmar.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Sapphire colors, select Sapphire in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September and the gemstone representing the fifth and 45th wedding anniversaries.

Pink sapphire has long been considered a symbol of love. It is thought to strengthen the heart, inspire love and forgiveness, arouse passion and help one overcome shyness and express emotions. It is believed to keep balance in the body's metabolism.

PINK SAPPHIRE COLORS

Pink sapphire colors range from reddish Purple (28) to Red (1) to Red-Orange (3), possessing slight saturation and a light tone (not sufficient to be called Ruby). The border between pink sapphire and ruby is vague and differs between different markets around the world. For example, a light red-colored corundum gem may be considered as a pink sapphire in the Far East, where the general perception regarding light gemstones is stricter, or as a light colored ruby in Europe, where the term 'pink sapphire' is rarely used.

The coloring element of most pink sapphires is chromium. If the crystal includes traces of titanium as well, the sapphire will have a more purplish pink hue.

PINK SAPPHIRE SOURCES

Traditionally, fine quality, pink sapphires have originated from Sri Lanka or Myanmar, or the Umba River in Tanzania. They were very rare until new deposits were discovered in Madagascar in the 1990s in Ilakaka and Andranandambo. Pink sapphires from Madagascar usually include a purplish secondary color and many of them undergo heat treatment to reduce this. Additionally, pink sapphires can be found in the Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan and in Afghanistan in Jegdalek, 100 km east of Kabul, two sources for high quality rubies as well.

Other pink sapphire sources include Kenya, Thailand, India, China, Australia and USA.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Sapphire colors, select Sapphire in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September and the gemstone representing the fifth and 45th wedding anniversaries.

Purple and violet sapphires are thought to calm emotional stress and dissipate fears and concerns to re-achieve poise. Purple sapphires are used to improve meditation and psychic abilities. Violet sapphires are believed to help one relate to others and to find one’s place.

PURPLE & VIOLET SAPPHIRE COLORS

Purple sapphire colors range from violetish Purple (26), which is designated a Violet Sapphire, to Red-Purple (29), which is identified as Purple Sapphire.

Purple and violet sapphires contain trace amounts of the coloring element vanadium.

Purple Sapphire Colors

PURPLE & VIOLET SAPPHIRE SOURCES

Purple and violet sapphires are found in Sri Lanka, Tajikistan in the Pamir Mountains, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Myanmar.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Sapphire colors, select Sapphire in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September and the gemstone representing the fifth and 45th wedding anniversaries.

Yellow sapphire is thought to stimulate the intellect and to enhance the ability to focus on goals and ambitions until they are fulfilled. It is believed to attract wealth and good fortune and to bring prosperity to the owner. It is alleged to remove toxins from the body and to treat liver and gallbladder problems. Yellow sapphire helps energize one emotionally, by stimulating excitement and joy, boosting confidence, overcoming fear and building courage.

YELLOW SAPPHIRE COLORS

Yellow sapphire colors range from pure yellow to yellowish Orange (6) to greenish Yellow (9). They can be found in pale to canary yellow, gold, honey and more.

The yellow color in sapphires may be the result of two very different causes. The most common cause is the presence of the coloring element, iron, in the crystal. The more iron in the crystal structure, the more saturated the sapphire's color. Many yellow sapphires also include titanium which causes an undesirable green tint. Another cause for the natural yellow color is natural low-level radiation within the earth.

YELLOW SAPPHIRE SOURCES

The primary source of fine quality yellow sapphires is Sri Lanka, which produces almost all of the fine quality yellow sapphires in the market. Recently, Madagascar has also began producing fine-quality yellow sapphires in much smaller quantities.

Other sources include Tanzania, Kenya, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, India, Australia and USA, however yellow sapphires from many of these sources tend to possess secondary color overtones and are usually found in smaller sizes.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Sapphire colors, select Sapphire in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

SPHENE (TITANITE)

Sphene is a calcium titanium nesosilicate mineral (CaTiSiO₅). It is very rare and can frequently occur in yellow, orange, brown, reddish and green hues. It possesses high dispersion and adamantine luster and its fire is even greater than that of diamond, but it has birefringence. While very desirable for collector and gem enthusiasts, its low hardness and distinct cleavage features make it a problematic choice for jewelry. Sphenes are generally included and gemstones with reasonably good clarity, attractive body color and good dispersion are considered the highest value.

Its name, since 1891, is derived from the Greek word sphenos (σφηνþ), meaning wedge, due to the wedge shape of its crystals. In 1982, the IMA discarded the name sphene and adopted the name titanite instead, due to its titanium content. Both names are still used, however, with sphene being the more common in the gemology world for faceted gemstones and transparent crystals.

LEGEND AND LORE

Sphene is thought to help one mentally, enhancing clearer thinking, creativity and learning capabilities. Sphene is believed to help treat blood and skeletal disorders, relieve muscle strain and boost the immune system.

SPHENE (TITANITE) COLORS

Sphene occurs in yellow, orange, brown, reddish and green colors in various shades in between. The colors are a result of the amount of iron, aluminum and rare-earth impurities present in the crystal. They can also occur in colorless, red, brown, blue and black.

A variety of intense green colors known as chrome sphene, due to the chromium coloring agent is the most desirable color, together with yellow-green sphene.

SPHENE (TITANITE) SOURCES

Primary sources for sphene include Canada, Madagascar, and Mexico.

Other notable gem-quality sources include: Brazil, Kenya, India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Pakistan, China, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Russia and the United States.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For years, spinel was underappreciated by the world trade, despite its natural beauty and vibrant colors. In recent years, however, the tides have changed and its prestige has soared.

The latest stamp of approval arrived in June of 2016, when Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association, among the two most prominent organizations in the trade, announced that spinel would be added to the official list of birthstones as an additional birthstone for the month of August, together with peridot and sardonyx.

LEGEND AND LORE

The name spinel is said to originate from the Latin word spina, meaning a arrow.

For many centuries spinels were misclassified as rubies or sapphires. Throughout history, these stones were mixed into parcels of high quality rubies and only in rare cases did the traders of old succeed in distinguishing between the two gems.

The story of the ‘Black Prince's Ruby’, a 170-carat bright red spinel set in a British royal crown, is famous. For hundreds of years it was thought to be a rough ruby of high quality, until the middle of the 19th century, when the gem's true identity was revealed.

Spinels are said to extend longevity and to promote love by strengthening the devotion of the wearer to another person and by encouraging passion. Spinels were also used in dark arts to summon demons and protect their wearers from fire.

SPINEL COLORS

Spinels occur in all available colors, of which the most commercially recognized ones are red, blue and pink. Some of them are quite rare. The most common colors range from magnificent reds to deep pinks and mauves, padparadscha-like oranges, blues, violets and purples.

Spinel is allochromatic, meaning its colors are derived from impurities in its crystal structure and when the stone is pure, it is colorless.

SPINEL SOURCES

Spinel is mined in several places around the world. Each source has its own characteristic colors.

Most of the red and the top quality pink spinels are found in Myanmar and Tanzania. Myanmar is known for its high-quality red, pink and orange spinels, while Tanzania produces more red wine-like purplish Red colors and the ‘neon’-like pink spinel (from the Mahenge region), which is considered the best of the pinks, resulting in highly vivid saturation without any nuance of grey or brown.

Sri Lanka is the leading source for Blue to Violet spinels, including the rare cobalt blue. Cobalt blue spinels are also found in Afghanistan and Vietnam.

Fancy spinels are found in Madagascar, Afghanistan, Tajikistan from the Kuh-i-Lal mines, Tanzania and Vietnam.

Other sources include Thailand, Cambodia, Brazil, Nigeria, Australia and the United States.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

LEGEND AND LORE

In June of 2016, Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association, among the two most prominent organizations in the trade, announced that spinel would be added to the official list of birthstones as an additional birthstone for the month of August, together with peridot and sardonyx.

Spinels are said to extend longevity and to promote love by strengthening the devotion of the wearer to another person and by encouraging passion. Spinels were also used in dark arts to summon demons and protect their wearers from fire.

BLUE SPINEL COLORS

The common colors of blue spinels range from greenish blue to bluish Violet, resulting in a deep, almost opaque blackish-blue, to light blue. The gems mostly possess some greyness similar to the color of very low-grade sapphires. The main coloring element in most blue spinels is iron, replacing some of the magneseum atoms in the crystal structure. Trace amounts of cobalt is also present in blue Spinels, which also contribute to the blue color. Cobalt spinel though is predominantly colored by cobalt, instead of iron.

Cobalt Spinels are rare. Cobalt produces only pure blue colors, ranging from light blue to vivid blue, depending on its concentration of cobalt. This gem color ranges from sky blue to deep ink blue colors, without the greyish tint of the common iron-blue spinel.

BLUE SPINEL SOURCES

Sri Lanka is the leading source for Blue to Violet spinels, including the rare cobalt blue. Cobalt blue spinels are also found in Afghanistan and Vietnam.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Spinel colors, select Spinel in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

In June of 2016, Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association, among the two most prominent organizations in the trade, announced that spinel would be added to the official list of birthstones as an additional birthstone for the month of August, together with peridot and sardonyx.

Spinels are said to extend longevity and to promote love by strengthening the devotion of the wearer to another person and by encouraging passion. Spinels were also used in dark arts to summon demons and protect their wearers from fire.

FANCY SPINEL COLORS

The common colors of fancy spinels range from Violet (25) to Red Purple (28). Fancy spinels of purple and violet color is mainly due to the presence of iron, cobalt and chromium in the crystal structure. Iron and cobalt are responsible for the blue color, whereas chromium determines the pink and red colors. Violet gems contain lower concentrations of chromium than purple gems.

FANCY SPINEL SOURCES

Fancy spinels are found in Madagascar, Afghanistan, Tajikistan from the Kuh-i-Lal mines, Tanzania and Vietnam.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Spinel colors, select Spinel in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

In June of 2016, Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association, among the two most prominent organizations in the trade, announced that spinel would be added to the official list of birthstones as an additional birthstone for the month of August, together with peridot and sardonyx.

Spinels are said to extend longevity and to promote love by strengthening the devotion of the wearer to another person and by encouraging passion. Spinels were also used in dark arts to summon demons and protect their wearers from fire.

PINK SPINEL COLORS

The common pinkish colors range from strongly purplish Red to Red to orangey Red with light tone. Darker stones are defined as pink spinel only if their saturation is very slight or slight. The main coloring element in pink spinels is chromium, replacing some of the aluminum ions in the crystal structure. There are trace amounts of chromium in pink spinels. Chromium causes some pink spinels to fluoresce very strongly under long-wave UV light.

PINK SPINEL SOURCES

Most of the red and the top quality pink spinels are found in Myanmar and Tanzania. Myanmar is known for its high-quality red, pink and orange spinels, while Tanzania produces more red wine-like purplish Red colors and the ‘neon’-like pink spinel (from the Mahenge region), which is considered the best of the pinks, resulting in highly vivid saturation without any nuance of grey or brown.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Spinel colors, select Spinel in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

In June of 2016, Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association, among the two most prominent organizations in the trade, announced that spinel would be added to the official list of birthstones as an additional birthstone for the month of August, together with peridot and sardonyx.

For many centuries spinels were misclassified as rubies or sapphires. Throughout history, these stones were mixed into parcels of high quality rubies and only in rare cases did the traders of old succeed in distinguishing between the two gems.

The story of the Black Prince's Ruby, a 170-carat bright red spinel set in a British royal crown, is famous. For hundreds of years it was thought to be a rough ruby of high quality, until the middle of the 19th century, when the gem's true identity was revealed.

Spinels are said to extend longevity and to promote love by strengthening the devotion of the wearer to another person and by encouraging passion. Spinels were also used in dark arts to summon demons and protect their wearers from fire.

RED SPINEL COLORS

Red spinels are found in colors ranging from strongly purplish Red colors, similar to the Thai rubies, to Red, very close to that of the pigeon's blood Burmese ruby, to Orange Red. Some red spinels are even found in dark purples or reds similar to the colors of some garnets. The main coloring element in red spinels is chromium, replacing some of the aluminum ions in the crystal structure.

RED SPINEL SOURCES

Most of the red and the top quality pink spinels are found in Myanmar and Tanzania. Myanmar is known for its high-quality red, pink and orange spinels, while Tanzania produces more red wine-like purplish Red colors and the ‘neon’-like pink spinel (from the Mahenge region), which is considered the best of the pinks, resulting in highly vivid saturation without any nuance of grey or brown.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

For information on other Spinel colors, select Spinel in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

LEGEND AND LORE

Tanzanite was added in 2002 to the birthstones of December, sharing this title with zircon, turquoise and blue topaz. It is also the gemstone representing the 24th wedding anniversary.

Tanzanite is known to uplift the spirit and open the heart. The blue and purple hues of Tanzanite are associated with generosity and friendship and are helpful in facilitating communication. It is also thought to help one contend with change and solve problems. It is believed to inspire compassion and to encourage calmness and is therefore useful in treating psychological disorders, stress, and nervous tension. Tanzanite helps in overcoming experiences of fear and crises, and in re-building trust.

TANZANITE COLORS

The name, Tanzanite, refers to transparent zoisite gems that possess colors ranging between Blue (22) and Violet (25) in all tone and saturation levels.

The most common and most desired colors for tanzanite gems are violetish Blue (23) and bluish Violet (24).

Some of the unearthed tanzanite crystals originally possess blue to violet colors without having to undergo any heat treatment. These colors, which have been produced naturally in the depth of the earth, tend to be slightly different from the ones obtained through heat treatment by man – they show a gentle tint of greenish Blue color. In smaller stones, this property is insignificant and all the untreated gems are heated to try to improve the color. However, in larger sizes, such stones may be granted a price premium, and therefore, not all gems would be heated.  

TANZANITE SOURCES

Tanzanite is endemic only to the Merelani Hills, near the city of Arusha and Mount Kilimanjaro in Northern Tanzania. This is the world’s only source gem-quality tanzanites. The mines area, only a few square kilometers in size, was divided in 1990 by the Tanzanian government into 4 mining blocks, A, B, C and D. Todays, Block A is licensed and operated by Kilimanjaro Mines Ltd., Blocks B and D are allocated to small-scale miners and Block C is operated by the TanzaniteOne Group.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

LEGEND AND LORE

Tanzanite was added in 2002 to the birthstones of December, sharing this title with zircon, turquoise and blue topaz. It is also the gemstone representing the 24th wedding anniversary.

Tanzanite is known to uplift the spirit and open the heart. The blue and purple hues of Tanzanite are associated with generosity and friendship and are helpful in facilitating communication. It is also thought to help one contend with change and solve problems. It is believed to inspire compassion and to encourage calmness and is therefore useful in treating psychological disorders, stress, and nervous tension. Tanzanite helps in overcoming experiences of fear and crises, and in re-building trust.

FANCY COLOR TANZANITE COLORS

Gem-quality colored varieties of zoisite can also be found in all other colors, excluding deep reddish hues, however they are extremely rare. These colors include pink, orange, yellow (‘golden’), green, grey, metallic blue, purple and their combinations. These colors are characterized by low saturation levels (except for orange and very rare purple stones).

CIBJO defines tanzanite as a blue to violet material while the other transparent gem-quality zoisites are defined as tanzanite together with their color prefix (e.g. green tanzanite).

On the other hand, some traders and several gemological institutes limit the use of the name tanzanite to the blue to violet gems only. According to their view, other gem-quality zoisites are defined as fancy colored zoisites (or zoisite with its color prefix – e.g. green zoisite).

Some of the unearthed tanzanite crystals originally possess blue to violet colors without having to undergo any heat treatment. These colors, which have been produced naturally in the depth of the earth, tend to be slightly different from the ones obtained through heat treatment by man – they show a gentle tint of greenish Blue color. In smaller stones, this property is insignificant and all the untreated gems are heated to try to improve the color. However, in larger sizes, such stones may be granted a price premium, and therefore, not all gems would be heated.

Among the available fancy tanzanite colors, pink and purple are considered the most precious and sought after, followed by the chrome green. Vivid oranges and yellows come next.

Most of the color combinations of fancy tanzanite are caused by the trichroism effect of the stone. However, some of the fancy tanzanite gems owe their mixed color appearance to a color zoning within the crystal. These parti-colored zones are usually made of blue and/or green and/or violet colors.

FANCY COLOR TANZANITE SOURCES

All tanzanite is endemic only to the Merelani Hills, near the city of Arusha and Mount Kilimanjaro in Northern Tanzania. This is the world’s only source gem-quality tanzanites. The mines area, only a few square kilometers in size, was divided in 1990 by the Tanzanian government into 4 mining blocks, A, B, C and D. Todays, Block A is licensed and operated by Kilimanjaro Mines Ltd., Blocks B and D are allocated to small-scale miners and Block C is operated by the TanzaniteOne Group.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

LEGEND AND LORE

Topaz, together with Citrine, is the traditional birthstone of the month of November and the gemstone representing the 19th wedding anniversary. Some Topaz varieties differ from this traditional assignment.

The legends and lore involving Topaz are abundant and have a long history. It was used to detect poisons as it was believed to change color in the presence of danger. It was used to calm anger and break spells. Christians believed topaz symbolized virtue; and to Hindus, a topaz amulet helped reduce thirst, prolong life and attune intelligence. It was considered an effective protection against accidents, fires and nightmares. It was said to relieve depression, to control lust, to strengthen love and wisdom and to banish powers of evil. It was used to cure many illnesses, such as arthritis, rheumatism insomnia and asthma, improve digestion and metabolism, heal poor vision and treat infection, bleeding and burns. Known for its ability to attract gold, Topaz was thus associated with royalty.

TOPAZ COLORS

To some people, the name ‘Topaz’ instantly brings to mind the image of a natural, inexpensive brownish‑yellow gemstone. Actually, topaz can come in a variety of colors, such as: yellow to orange (including brown), light to dark blue, red (including pink), colorless and green.

Topaz is allochromatic, meaning that in its pure form, it is colorless. Topaz varieties owe their color to coloring trace element impurities in the crystal structure, mainly iron and chromium. Chromium causes pink, red and violet to purple colors, whereas the yellow to orange and blue colors are caused by various color centers.

Topaz is also pleochroic, showing different colors when viewed from different crystal directions.

Many brown or pale topazes are treated to make them bright yellowish Orange, gold, pink or violet in color. Some of these treated topaz gemstones can fade upon exposure to sunlight for an extended period of time.

MAIN TOPAZ VARIETIES

The main Topaz varieties are Imperial Topaz, Precious Topaz, Pink Topaz and Blue Topaz. Another colorful type, Mystic Topaz, is in fact an artificially-coated colorless topaz.

IMPERIAL TOPAZ One of the most valuable varieties of topaz is the Imperial Topaz. This topaz gem displays ‘golden brown’ to ‘sherry’ orange colors, ranging from Red-Orange (3) to yellowish Orange (6). It can also be found in pink and violet shades. Imperial Topaz represents the 23rd wedding anniversary. It is named after the Russian Czar, since its main source from the 19th century was from the Ural Mountains and was restricted to the use of the royal family. Some trade members today restrict the definition of Imperial Topaz to top quality gems originating only from Brazil or Russia. The Brazilian source is currently the main producer of the gem and frequently produces imperial-like colors. The Russian source was the first and the main producer of Imperial Topaz until a century ago. Accordingly, Topazes of similar colors from other sources are defined as ‘Precious Topaz’.
YELLOW (PRECIOUS) TOPAZ Precious Topaz usually displays a slight to vivid saturation level of yellow to yellowish Orange to brown. Its colors range from Purple-Red (29) to Red (1) to Yellow (8). This results in a ‘golden’ or ‘honey’ hue, less attractive than the imperial variety. In addition, non-Brazilian or Russian topaz gems with imperial-like orangey shades are sometimes considered as precious topaz as well. Precious topaz represents the fourth and 23rd wedding anniversaries. Orange precious topaz is also the state gemstone of Utah. Golden-colored precious topaz is quite valuable, sometimes fetching prices of a few hundred dollars per carat. The price even increases as the orangey tint is purer and stronger. Brown shades, on the other hand, that mask the orange color, decrease the gem's value.
PINK TOPAZ Natural light Red to violet topaz, known as ‘Pink Topaz’, is extremely rare. It is considered a type of imperial topaz, but possesses its own grading scale and pricelist. The pink topaz colors range from slightly purplish Red (31) to Red (1) to orangey Red (2) in light tones. Most of the naturally colored pink topaz gems are found in Russia and Pakistan. Many Brazilian topaz gems are heat treated in order to produce such colors, a process named ‘pinking’. As the pinking process is relatively easy to perform and undetectable, the current leading assumption in the trade suggests that all pink topazes from Brazil have been enhanced by heat.
BLUE TOPAZ Natural blue topaz is extremely rare and most blue topaz gems sold in the market are artificially colored by irradiation and often also with heat. The color of treated blue topaz is considered permanent and stable. Contrary to its sister varieties, blue topaz is the birthstone for the month of December and the gemstone representing the 4th wedding anniversary. Blue topaz is also the state gemstone of Texas. Blue topaz gems are produced in colors ranging from very strongly greenish Blue (19) to Blue (22), in all possible tone grades and saturation levels. Since the tone and saturation levels can be controlled in the irradiation process, there is almost no shortage in the market of any specific shade. They come in various shades of blue from pale aquamarine-like color to very dark blue color. Some of these colors are referred to by the trade as ‘Sky blue’, ‘Swiss blue®’ and ‘London blue®’. Blue topaz is among the most popular gems for jewelry and its very high demand is easily met by the tremendous quantities offered by suppliers. Thus, all blue colors are sold for relatively low prices of a few US dollars per carat.
MYSTIC TOPAZ Mystic topaz is a colorless topaz gem which has been artificially coated with a very thin layer of titanium or a similar metal. The coating of a few microns in thickness is applied to the gemstone’s pavilion, giving it a desired metallic rainbow-like iridescent effect, when viewed from the top. Mystic topaz gems commonly display rainbow colors, with green, blue, violet and purple being the most noticeable ones. However, more than 30 other color variations are available, including ones with warmer hues of yellow and red. Since the treatment is a coating, it is not a permanent enhancement, and can be easily abraded. Therefore, there is also no color grading scale for it.

TOPAZ SOURCES

Brazil is the largest Topaz producer and the state of Minas Gerais is its most important source, where enormous crystals have been discovered. Brazil is the world's main producer for Imperial Topaz, extracted from two mines, the Vermelhao and the Capao mines, at Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais.

The Ural Mountains in Russia produces pink-colored imperial topaz. It was the first source of Imperial Topaz and had been its main source until a century ago.

Asian sources include Afghanistan, Pakistan, which is another source for pink topaz, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China and Japan.

African Sources include Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe, where large specimens of vivid blue Topaz were discovered in the late 1980s.

There are many sources in Europe including Ukraine, where some enormous brownish orange crystals have been discovered, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Norway, and Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, where the rare natural light-blue topaz is found.

Other deposits include Flinders Island in Tasmania, Australia, Mexico and the United States in California, Utah, and New Hampshire.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

LEGEND AND LORE

Contrary to its sister varieties, blue topaz is the birthstone for the month of December and the gemstone representing the 4th wedding anniversary. Blue topaz is also the state gemstone of Texas.

The legends and lore involving Topaz are abundant and have a long history. It was used to detect poisons as it was believed to change color in the presence of danger. It was used to calm anger and break spells. Christians believed topaz symbolized virtue; and to Hindus, a topaz amulet helped reduce thirst, prolong life and attune intelligence. It was considered an effective protection against accidents, fires and nightmares. It was said to relieve depression, to control lust, to strengthen love and wisdom and to banish powers of evil. It was used to cure many illnesses, such as arthritis, rheumatism insomnia and asthma, improve digestion and metabolism, heal poor vision and treat infection, bleeding and burns. Known for its ability to attract gold, Topaz was thus associated with royalty.

BLUE TOPAZ COLORS

Blue topaz gems are produced in colors ranging from very strongly greenish Blue (19) to Blue (22), in all possible tone grades and saturation levels.

Since the tone and saturation levels can be controlled in the irradiation process, there is almost no shortage in the market of any specific shade. They come in various shades of blue from pale aquamarine-like color to very dark blue color. Some of these colors are referred to by the trade as ‘Sky blue’, ‘Swiss blue®’ and ‘London blue®’. Blue topaz is among the most popular gems for jewelry and its very high demand is easily met by the tremendous quantities offered by suppliers. Thus, all blue colors are sold for relatively low prices of a few US dollars per carat.

BLUE TOPAZ SOURCES

Natural blue topaz deposits are found in Brazil, Russia, Nigeria, Namibia, Sri Lanka, Australia, the United States and Northern Ireland and the UK, where the rare natural light-blue topaz is found.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

LEGEND AND LORE

Imperial Topaz represents the 23rd wedding anniversary.

The legends and lore involving Topaz are abundant and have a long history. It was used to detect poisons as it was believed to change color in the presence of danger. It was used to calm anger and break spells. Christians believed topaz symbolized virtue; and to Hindus, a topaz amulet helped reduce thirst, prolong life and attune intelligence. It was considered an effective protection against accidents, fires and nightmares. It was said to relieve depression, to control lust, to strengthen love and wisdom and to banish powers of evil. It was used to cure many illnesses, such as arthritis, rheumatism insomnia and asthma, improve digestion and metabolism, heal poor vision and treat infection, bleeding and burns. Known for its ability to attract gold, Topaz was thus associated with royalty.

IMPERIAL TOPAZ COLORS

Imperial topaz gem displays ‘golden brown’ to ‘sherry’ orange colors, ranging from Red-Orange (3) to yellowish Orange (6). It can also be found in pink and violet shades.

IMPERIAL TOPAZ SOURCES

Brazil is the world's main producer for Imperial Topaz, extracted from two mines, the Vermelhao and the Capao mines, at Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais.

The Ural Mountains in Russia produces pink-colored imperial topaz. It was the first source of Imperial Topaz and had been its main source until a century ago.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES