|
|
Peridot
Peridot is the volcanic gem. It is the child of volcanic action. Small crystals of peridot are often found in the rocks created by volcanoes and also can be found in meteors that fall to earth! Because iron, which creates the color in peridot, is an integral part of its structure, the only peridot color is green although the greens range from a sumerly light yellowish green to a much deeper green. Origin & Mining - Peridot was mined in ancient Egypt. Mining was done at night because legend said that peridot could not be easily seen during the day. Peridot is found in many parts of the world, most notably Burma, Arizona, Mexico and St. John's Island. Only Burma produces very large stones over 50 carats. Most people never see very large peridots. Large peridots are richly hued, intense in color and very brilliant. Truly flawless peridots are among the rarest of all gems and far less available than even the finest white diamonds. Today most peridot is mined by Native Americans in Arizona. Fine large peridot are found in Myanmar and is also mined in China and Sri Lanka. In 1994 a new deposit or peridot was discovered in Pakistan that is the finest ever seen. Folklore - The Romans called peridot "evening emerald" since its green color did not darken at night but was still visible by lamplight. The ancient Egyptians knew it as the gem of the sun, and mined it on an island in the Red Sea, just off Egypt's coast. To develop it's full potential as a talisman, it was thought that Peridot must be set in yellow Gold. It would then protect its wearer against nightmares and terrors of the night. Other legends credit Peridot with bringing happiness and good cheer, attracting lovers, and strengthening the eyes.
Citrine is a variety of quartz and its colors range from pale yellow, gold, to orange brown. Citrine is the most affordable of all gemstones. It was named from the French word for lemon, "citron" because of it's lemon color. Folklore - In ancient times, citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. Origin & Mining - Most citrine is mined in Brazil. Since most citrine on the market started its life as amethyst which was heated to turn its color to gold, citrine jewelry, as well as amethyst jewelry should be kept away from prolonged exposure to strong light or heat. With this precaution, citrine jewelry will last for many generations. Choosing A Citrine Citrine is one of the most affordable gemstones thanks to durability and availability. It is plentiful and beautiful gems in large sizes are available.
Choosing an Amethyst - Amethyst is a variety of quartz, and comes in pale lilac to nearly black purple shades. The deep colors are the most valuable, particularly a rich purple with rose flashes. Because of its abundance, it is readily available in all sizes and shapes. It is durable and can be worm every day. Origin & Mining - Amethyst is mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina, Zambia, Namibia and other African countries. Often found in the form of six sided crystals, Amethyst is a purple form of Quartz. Its rich coloration, good durability, and relative affordability make Amethyst a popular choice for all types of jewelry. Folklore - Amethyst was known as a gem which would bring forth the highest, purest aspirations of humankind. Chastity, sobriety, and the control over one's thoughts were all attributes heightened by wearing Amethyst. Amethyst was thought to encourage celibacy and symbolize piety, and thus was very important to the Catholic Church in the middle ages. Even today bishops still wear amethyst rings. The ancient Greek word Amethystos, meaning 'without wine' gave amethyst its name. The gem would guard against the anger of passion, and the violent or base nature of its wearer. Instead the stone encouraged calm, bravery and contemplation.
Origin & Mining - An island in the Red Sea, known in antiquity as Topazion, probably the modern island of Zeberget, gave Topaz it's name. The most popular color of topaz is the yellow-orange that comes from Brazil. No other country produces topaz in which commercially significant deposits of precious topaz are found. Especially rare are the orange-pink to reddish stones found in Ouro Preto. Any topaz with a reddish tone is considered rare. Brown, yellow, orange, sherry, red and pink topaz is found in Brazil and Sri Lanka. Pink topaz is found in Pakistan and Russia. Today we also have blue topaz, which has a pale to medium blue color created by irradiation. Pale topaz which is enhanced to become blue is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and China. Folklore - The old traditions hold that Topaz bestowed many benefits upon its wearer. It would relieve bad dreams, dispel cowardice, calm the temper, cure madness and plague, and sharpen the wit. It was thought to aid in sleep and eliminate nightmares, as well as cure rheumatism and soreness in the joints. Topaz was also credited with being effective against bleeding and heart disease. The gem was said to instantly lose its color to indicate that poison was present, thus protecting its owner. Topaz was also thought to bring fidelity and friendship if constantly worn without being set aside. It was also believed to be an effective talisman against accident and fire, and to bring increased intuition and long life. The ancient Romans credited Topaz with preventing sickness of the chest and abdominal tract. |
||||||||
