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What Does Your Gemstone Mean?
By:
Published: July 25, 2006
You may simply know them as birthstones. But in many ancient cultures, they were symbols of wealth, power, passion, and intelligence. Many were believed to contain healing powers, cause good luck, or promised protection to its wearer. These stones once inspired tradition in ancient cultures and have been sought for centuries for their exquisite beauty and value.
They are found all throughout the world in every color of the rainbow, each containing its own set of unique characteristics. In more than 30 popular varieties, these rare, valuable stones are what we know as gemstones.
Here are some of the most popular gemstones:
Emerald- In its highest quality, the value of these stones exceeds even diamonds. Regarded as holy by the Incas and Aztecs of South America, the world's best emerald stones in the world are still found there today. Emeralds are known for their healing properties and provisions of good luck to their wearers. Their deep, vibrant green color is a result of chromium and vanadium deposits. Due to the limited occurrence of inclusions, strength and durability (7-8 on Moh's hardness scale), these stones have their own signature cut. Named the step cut for its broad flat planes that resemble stair steps, this cut often gives uniformity to the way the stones appear, regardless of their size or shape.
Ruby- Often regarded as the king of gemstones due to its translation in the Sanskrit language, color is the most important characteristic of this stone. Often associated with passion, power, and love, the wide array of red varieties in which rubies are found range from light and translucent to bright and vibrant. Aside from their color, rubies are also known for their strength (9 on Moh's hardness scale), which makes them an easy stone to care for.
Sapphire- Possessing the color of choice of over half of Americans, it is no wonder why this gemstone is a popular jewelry option. From a light sky blue to the enchanting color of the ocean and every shade in between, the blue of sapphires is often associated with sympathy and harmony. In rarer forms, sapphires also occur in blue, yellow, pink, and green shades. The oldest mines originated in the ancient country of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and, like rubies and emeralds, are easy to care for due to their strength and durability (9 on Moh's hardness scale.)
Amethyst- Da Vinci thought that these stones could dissipate all evil thoughts and quicken intelligence. Interestingly, the Greek translation of the name, which means not drunken, often made the stone a popular component of the design of wine goblets (to ward off the effects of alcohol). Even today, the stones still remains a symbol of sobriety. With their transparent purple color, amethysts are the most valuable form of quartz found in jewelry.
Opal- A combination of all shades of the rainbow, the most distinct characteristic of this gemstone is its unique reflection of light in a constantly changing sequence of color. Because no two stones are ever the same, opals are categorized by several different types, depending upon the recurrence of similar colors and their intensity. Therefore, opals may be found in black, white, crystal, and fire (translucent.) Almost all of these stones are found in desert regions and, due to their ability to hold water (2-6%) they are very brittle (5.5-6 on Moh's hardness scale.)
Aquamarine- Quite simplistic in its array of light blue colors, the aquamarine remains one of the most popular and best known among all gemstones. Rendered by some as divine due to its resemblance to the sky, the stone is also associated with sympathy, trust, harmony and friendship. Almost entirely free of inclusions, hardness (7-8 on Moh's hardness scale), and natural shine, the aquamarine possesses many characteristics desirable for gemstone jewelry.
Citrine- Yellow, gold, and brown colors characterize this golden quartz, once thought to serve as protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. Citrine, which means lemon in French, is one of the most affordable gemstones due to their high durability and availability.
Garnet- The dark red of this gemstone can often appear so deep that it is mistaken for black. Aside from its traditional dark red color, the garnet also stands for a group of over ten different gemstones, all with similar chemical characteristics. These may range in color from red, green, yellow and orange.Used by the ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures, for jewelry and decorative purposes, some also believe that the stone dates back even to bible times when, supposedly, Noah carved a lantern from garnet to help him steer the ark. Its hardness (7-7.5 on Moh's hardness scale) and relatively minor variations make the garnet a favorable choice among gemstone jewelry.
Tourmaline- Those searching for a truly unique gemstone will appreciate the characteristics of a tourmaline. Often referred to as the rainbow gemstone, the tourmaline often reflects a spectrum of colors much like that of the opal. This stone, though, combines at least two different colors, often naturally banded, instead of appearing like a proliferation of all colors.
Tanzanite- Exceptionally unique due to its occurrence in only one specific location in the world, the name tanzanite is reminiscent of its particular origin in the African country of Tanzania. Originally known as the gemstone zoisite, (meaning suicide ) the New York-based jeweler, Tiffany and Co. changed its name so it would be more suitable for a jewelry market. Tiffany and Co. was also one of the first jewelers to sell jewelry with this stone, and was responsible for making it one of the most sought after gemstones of the world. Its brilliant blue/purple color is its most important characteristic.
Quartz- Often substituted for rarer, more valuable stones, quartz comes in a variety of different colors. It occurs in purple as amethyst, in black as onyx, and yellow/orange as citrine, among others. Commonly known as rock crystal, quartz is also popular due to its use in crystal balls.
Jade- This stone, with its shiny green luster, has been a valued gemstone for centuries. Once used in ancient weapons for its toughness (6 on Moh's hardness scale), and a symbol for royalty in Chinese history since 3000 B.C., the western world once regarded jade as comparable in value to diamonds and gold. Associated with beauty, energy, and intelligence, this gemstone still remains a popular choice among jewelry today. Although predominantly green in color, jade can also be found in white, gray, black, yellow, and orange.
Moonstone- Often thought to possess mystical and magical capabilities, this pale blue gemstone holds the unique ability to refract light differently when the position of the stone changes in movement. It is called the dream stone in India, and is a popular component of gemstone jewelry in many Middle Eastern cultures.
Amber- Although recently popularized by its feature in the film, Jurassic Park, this ancient stone has existed (at least) as long as mankind. Often referred to as a natural time capsule, this gemstone has long fascinated scientists as well as jewelry-enthusiasts for its preservation of insects, some of which have been extinct for centuries. More than 1,000 insect species have been identified from amber, which is nothing more than fossilized pine tree sap. Aside from its scientific value, its valuable characteristics also classify it as a gemstone. The value of amber stones significantly increases if insects are inside.
Turquoise- A classic gemstone that has been used for centuries and still remains among the most sought after stones to this day is turquoise. Regarded as a holy stone for thousands of years, it was also frequently worn in ancient times as a protection from evil. Throughout history the gemstone has maintained its enduring popularity in jewelry, with its appealing color range-- from sky blue to gray green. In ordinary conditions, turquoise occurs as a pale, blue green color and has a hardness of 6.0 on Moh's hardness scale.
Coral- Delicate yet attractively unique characteristics define this gemstone, which is derived from living organisms 3-3,000 meters deep within the sea. Coral reefs found in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Japan, Taiwan, and in the Mediterranean are among the limited locations in which suitable gemstone-quality plants normally occur. With a hardness of a mere 3.5 (on Moh's hardness scale,) coral remains the softest of all gemstones. Its softness not only requires special cutting methods by jewelers to create coral jewelry pieces, but it also makes these stones easily susceptible to damage. Therefore a moderate amount care is necessary to maintain coral jewelry. Colors range between red and black, red being the most preferred choice among buyers. It has long been used as a means to ward off evil spirits and induce healing, thus extending its use beyond the realm of the jewelry world as well.
Pearl- The pearl was once a very rare and valuable gemstone, a miraculous occurrence found deep within the ocean depths beneath numerous layers of tissue within oyster shells. Its value was so great that it was comparable to real estate. Luckily for both jewelers and jewelery-wearers alike, it has since been transformed into a stone that man can easily harvest. Now pearl harvesters can strategically insert intrusive objects such as sediment, shell, etc. into oysters, causing their natural defense mechanism to kick-in. During this process, oysters secrete layers of nacre that cover the foreign object and prevent it from harm. The quality of pearls is determined by their iridescence and ability to refract light through their layers of nacre.
Here are some of the most popular gemstones:
Emerald- In its highest quality, the value of these stones exceeds even diamonds. Regarded as holy by the Incas and Aztecs of South America, the world's best emerald stones in the world are still found there today. Emeralds are known for their healing properties and provisions of good luck to their wearers. Their deep, vibrant green color is a result of chromium and vanadium deposits. Due to the limited occurrence of inclusions, strength and durability (7-8 on Moh's hardness scale), these stones have their own signature cut. Named the step cut for its broad flat planes that resemble stair steps, this cut often gives uniformity to the way the stones appear, regardless of their size or shape.
Ruby- Often regarded as the king of gemstones due to its translation in the Sanskrit language, color is the most important characteristic of this stone. Often associated with passion, power, and love, the wide array of red varieties in which rubies are found range from light and translucent to bright and vibrant. Aside from their color, rubies are also known for their strength (9 on Moh's hardness scale), which makes them an easy stone to care for.
Sapphire- Possessing the color of choice of over half of Americans, it is no wonder why this gemstone is a popular jewelry option. From a light sky blue to the enchanting color of the ocean and every shade in between, the blue of sapphires is often associated with sympathy and harmony. In rarer forms, sapphires also occur in blue, yellow, pink, and green shades. The oldest mines originated in the ancient country of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and, like rubies and emeralds, are easy to care for due to their strength and durability (9 on Moh's hardness scale.)
Amethyst- Da Vinci thought that these stones could dissipate all evil thoughts and quicken intelligence. Interestingly, the Greek translation of the name, which means not drunken, often made the stone a popular component of the design of wine goblets (to ward off the effects of alcohol). Even today, the stones still remains a symbol of sobriety. With their transparent purple color, amethysts are the most valuable form of quartz found in jewelry.
Opal- A combination of all shades of the rainbow, the most distinct characteristic of this gemstone is its unique reflection of light in a constantly changing sequence of color. Because no two stones are ever the same, opals are categorized by several different types, depending upon the recurrence of similar colors and their intensity. Therefore, opals may be found in black, white, crystal, and fire (translucent.) Almost all of these stones are found in desert regions and, due to their ability to hold water (2-6%) they are very brittle (5.5-6 on Moh's hardness scale.)
Aquamarine- Quite simplistic in its array of light blue colors, the aquamarine remains one of the most popular and best known among all gemstones. Rendered by some as divine due to its resemblance to the sky, the stone is also associated with sympathy, trust, harmony and friendship. Almost entirely free of inclusions, hardness (7-8 on Moh's hardness scale), and natural shine, the aquamarine possesses many characteristics desirable for gemstone jewelry.
Citrine- Yellow, gold, and brown colors characterize this golden quartz, once thought to serve as protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. Citrine, which means lemon in French, is one of the most affordable gemstones due to their high durability and availability.
Garnet- The dark red of this gemstone can often appear so deep that it is mistaken for black. Aside from its traditional dark red color, the garnet also stands for a group of over ten different gemstones, all with similar chemical characteristics. These may range in color from red, green, yellow and orange.Used by the ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures, for jewelry and decorative purposes, some also believe that the stone dates back even to bible times when, supposedly, Noah carved a lantern from garnet to help him steer the ark. Its hardness (7-7.5 on Moh's hardness scale) and relatively minor variations make the garnet a favorable choice among gemstone jewelry.
Tourmaline- Those searching for a truly unique gemstone will appreciate the characteristics of a tourmaline. Often referred to as the rainbow gemstone, the tourmaline often reflects a spectrum of colors much like that of the opal. This stone, though, combines at least two different colors, often naturally banded, instead of appearing like a proliferation of all colors.
Tanzanite- Exceptionally unique due to its occurrence in only one specific location in the world, the name tanzanite is reminiscent of its particular origin in the African country of Tanzania. Originally known as the gemstone zoisite, (meaning suicide ) the New York-based jeweler, Tiffany and Co. changed its name so it would be more suitable for a jewelry market. Tiffany and Co. was also one of the first jewelers to sell jewelry with this stone, and was responsible for making it one of the most sought after gemstones of the world. Its brilliant blue/purple color is its most important characteristic.
Quartz- Often substituted for rarer, more valuable stones, quartz comes in a variety of different colors. It occurs in purple as amethyst, in black as onyx, and yellow/orange as citrine, among others. Commonly known as rock crystal, quartz is also popular due to its use in crystal balls.
Jade- This stone, with its shiny green luster, has been a valued gemstone for centuries. Once used in ancient weapons for its toughness (6 on Moh's hardness scale), and a symbol for royalty in Chinese history since 3000 B.C., the western world once regarded jade as comparable in value to diamonds and gold. Associated with beauty, energy, and intelligence, this gemstone still remains a popular choice among jewelry today. Although predominantly green in color, jade can also be found in white, gray, black, yellow, and orange.
Moonstone- Often thought to possess mystical and magical capabilities, this pale blue gemstone holds the unique ability to refract light differently when the position of the stone changes in movement. It is called the dream stone in India, and is a popular component of gemstone jewelry in many Middle Eastern cultures.
Amber- Although recently popularized by its feature in the film, Jurassic Park, this ancient stone has existed (at least) as long as mankind. Often referred to as a natural time capsule, this gemstone has long fascinated scientists as well as jewelry-enthusiasts for its preservation of insects, some of which have been extinct for centuries. More than 1,000 insect species have been identified from amber, which is nothing more than fossilized pine tree sap. Aside from its scientific value, its valuable characteristics also classify it as a gemstone. The value of amber stones significantly increases if insects are inside.
Turquoise- A classic gemstone that has been used for centuries and still remains among the most sought after stones to this day is turquoise. Regarded as a holy stone for thousands of years, it was also frequently worn in ancient times as a protection from evil. Throughout history the gemstone has maintained its enduring popularity in jewelry, with its appealing color range-- from sky blue to gray green. In ordinary conditions, turquoise occurs as a pale, blue green color and has a hardness of 6.0 on Moh's hardness scale.
Coral- Delicate yet attractively unique characteristics define this gemstone, which is derived from living organisms 3-3,000 meters deep within the sea. Coral reefs found in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Japan, Taiwan, and in the Mediterranean are among the limited locations in which suitable gemstone-quality plants normally occur. With a hardness of a mere 3.5 (on Moh's hardness scale,) coral remains the softest of all gemstones. Its softness not only requires special cutting methods by jewelers to create coral jewelry pieces, but it also makes these stones easily susceptible to damage. Therefore a moderate amount care is necessary to maintain coral jewelry. Colors range between red and black, red being the most preferred choice among buyers. It has long been used as a means to ward off evil spirits and induce healing, thus extending its use beyond the realm of the jewelry world as well.
Pearl- The pearl was once a very rare and valuable gemstone, a miraculous occurrence found deep within the ocean depths beneath numerous layers of tissue within oyster shells. Its value was so great that it was comparable to real estate. Luckily for both jewelers and jewelery-wearers alike, it has since been transformed into a stone that man can easily harvest. Now pearl harvesters can strategically insert intrusive objects such as sediment, shell, etc. into oysters, causing their natural defense mechanism to kick-in. During this process, oysters secrete layers of nacre that cover the foreign object and prevent it from harm. The quality of pearls is determined by their iridescence and ability to refract light through their layers of nacre.
