Ocean Pearl

Pearls have been highly valued as gemstones since antiquity, and their allure and beauty has always been magnified by the difficulty of obtaining them in early times. Unlike most other gemstones which are minerals, Pearls are organic and are formed by living organisms. They are generally formed within the soft tissue layer of mollusks such as oysters and mussels. Pearls are composed of calcium carbonate (in the form of Aragonite) and organic conchiolin that build up as concentric layers as they are secreted by their host.






Color: White, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Brown, Pink, Purple, Gray, Black, Multicolored

ALL ABOUT 
   
Though Pearls occur naturally in the wild, their occurrence is very sporadic and limited. Almost all Pearls currently available on the gemstone market are cultured. Cultured Pearls are produced by inserting a foreign substance known as a nucleus within the body of an oyster or mussel, which in turn causes the organism to grow a pearl around the nucleus. Oysters are cultivated and harvested in mass numbers for the purpose of growing Pearls within them.

Pearls come in many different colors, and these are often broken down by variety. One of the most popular forms of Pearls is the Akoya Pearl, which originates from Japan and China. Akoya Pearls occur naturally in white, and are sometimes treated to look black or a very dark blue. A consistent round shape and a mirror- like, almost metallic luster distinguishes Akoya Pearls. Akoya Pearls are bead-nucleated, which accounts for their round shape and sharp luster. In today’s pearl market, smaller sized Akoya Pearls are typically farmed in China, whereas larger sized Akoya Pearls are farmed in Japan. Most people associate Akoya Pearls with Japan. Akoya Pearls are the most popular saltwater pearls.

Exotic Pearls include White South Sea Pearls and Golden South Sea Pearls. White South Sea Pearls usually originate from the western coast of Australia. Golden South Sea pearls originate from the Philippines and Indonesia. South Sea Pearls are noted for their large size and scarcity. Another very popular kind of saltwater Pearl is the Tahitian Pearl, also known as “Black Pearl.” Tahitian Pearls come from the island of Tahiti in the Pacific Ocean and other islands in French Polynesia. They range in color from green to blue, red, gold and black. Introduced to the market in mid-1900, these Pearls continue growing in popularity and prestige.

The most abundant form of Pearl are Freshwater Pearls. Freshwater Pearls come from mussels, and each mussel can produces up to 50 Pearls. (All other pearl varieties come from saltwater oysters which produce only one to three Pearls per oyster). Freshwater Pearls are less desirable than their saltwater counterparts, especially because of their habit of forming in irregular “potato” like shapes. However, with advances in Pearl culturing, Freshwater Pearls have gained a more prominent position amongst higher quality Pearls. In general, no Freshwater Pearl will be perfectly round. This is because they are nucleated with small pieces of tissue, as opposed to round beads. Freshwater Pearls are most distinct because they naturally occur in a variety of colors such as white, peach, pink, purple, and even sometimes a periwinkle blue. Like Akoya Pearls, Freshwater pearls are commonly dyed black, which creates an iridescent effect similar to oil on pavement; i.e. a rainbow of color coats a dark background.

Natural Pearls are rare to come across and seldom used in jewelry. Unless explicitly called “Natural Pearl,” buyers should assume that a Pearl is cultured. When used in jewelry, natural Pearls are almost always used in single-Pearl jewelry pieces. Natural Pearls are expensive due to their rare occurrence and limited availability. Antique Pearl jewelry can also be very valuable because of its authentic designation and historical significance as being natural.

Pearls are typically most valuable when in a perfect round shape. Other significant value factors include luster, color, surface quality, size, and nacre thickness. If the Pearls are strung on a strand, they need to be expertly matched so that the Pearls look consistent. This takes the trained eye of a Pearl professional and can also affect the value of a strand of Pearls. Although Pearls are typically round, they can also be dropped shaped, baroque, semi-round, or free-form. Many of the more freely shaped Pearls are used for pendants or rings that accentuate the unique shape.

There is is no standard grading system for Pearls. This makes purchasing Pearls somewhat of a challenge for a novice. Most companies follow the AAA grading system, or a variation of this system. A buyer should be aware of the description behind whatever grade a Pearl is given. The percentage of blemishing is a good indicator of the quality. Highest quality Pearls should be 95-99% blemish free. There is virtually no such thing as a “perfect” Pearl and buyers should not expect to find one.

Although Pearls are characterized by body color, they also have an “overtone.” Overtone is the word used to describe the glint of a Pearl in various lighting. Overtones are most apparent in saltwater pearls. Although Freshwater pearls have an overtone, it is not as prominent or exact as those found in saltwater pearls. White Akoya Pearls will have overtones in rose, cream and silver. Tahitian Pearls can have an overtone of almost every color. Golden South Sea Pearls will have gold body color with silver, green or rose overtones. White South Sea pearls, like Akoya pearls, have overtones in silver, rose and ivory. Generally a combination of rose and silver is the most sought after overtone for white Pearls.

The Gemstone Pearl

Pearls have been highly valued as gemstones since antiquity, and their allure and beauty has always been magnified by the difficulty of obtaining them in early times. Unlike most other gemstones which are minerals, Pearls are organic and are formed by living organisms. They are generally formed within the soft tissue layer of mollusks such as oysters and mussels. Pearls are composed of calcium carbonate (in the form of Aragonite) and organic conchiolin that build up as concentric layers as they are secreted by their host. - See more at: http://www.minerals.net/gemstone/pearl_gemstone.aspx#sthash.Eso9yPe6.dpuf

Violet Opal

Beautiful Violet Flame Opal.

 

Newly Fetched stone.

 Polished for Jewellary

Tanzanite Gemstone

There is nothing quite as beautiful and awe inspiring than a Tanzanite gemstone. Each precious gem radiates with a luminescent glow and natural beauty. The deep shades of brilliant blues and violets enhance any piece of jewelry.

The name Tanzanite was coined in 1969 by Henry Platt, the vice-president of prominent jewelery company Tiffany and Co. Tiffany expended much effort marketing this new gemstone with its new name, and Platt's efforts paid off with this gemstone becoming extremely popular in a short period of time. The name Tanzanite caught on and is now a standard name in the gem trade. The main appeal of Tanzanite is its lovely color. Its color ranges from pure blue to purplish-blue. It is highly pleochroic, and will display different color saturation when viewed at different angles. Planning is required when faceting a Tanzanite gemstone in order to cut it at an angle that delivers the stronger blue color rather than the duller gray tone. Care must also be exercised during faceting to prevent chipping, since this gemstone has perfect cleavage in one direction. For this same reason, Tanzanite jewelry should not be banged against hard surfaces and should be worn carefully. Uses Tanzanite is a relatively soft for gemstone. This places somewhat of a limitation on its uses and care must be taken to protect it from being scratched. Tanzanite also has a low resistance to ultrasound and should not be cleaned with ultrasound cleaners as this may cause the gemstone crack. Although Tanzanite has a lovely color and appeal, it does have several limitations in its durability. Tanzanite is a very popular jewelry gemstone. It is used in bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. It is less often used in rings due to its relatively low hardness which makes its prone to scratches. Lesser quality stones are occasionally cut into cabochons. - See more at: http://www.minerals.net/gemstone/tanzanite_gemstone.aspx#sthash.UyeOFaDz.dpuf

Moonstone Gemstone

Moonstone

General Gemstone Details

Other names for this stone are water opal, fish-eye, and wolf's-eye. Long considered to have inherent connections to the moon by all ancient cultures familiar with the stone, it was used during the waxing of the moon for love charms and during the waning of the moon to foretell the future.
The moonstone in India is quite a sacred stone, it is only permitted to be displayed on a yellow cloth. In this culture they called the moonstone Candra Kanta, and it is told that moonlight from a full moon gives the gemstone occult and magical powers. It is believed to bring much good fortune and allows one to see the future.
To dream of moonstone means travel and good health, but may also symbolize the unfolding of spiritual and psychic development.

Scientific Properties:
Mohs Hardness of 6 with a monoclinic crystal structure.

Moonstone is the opalescent variety of Orthoclase, which is an alkai feldspar, with a blue or white sheen, referred to as a "schiller", rather like the shine of the moon, hence it's name. The sheen is created by the reflection of light from the internal structure of layers. The layers are thin albite that give the attractive blue, while thicker layers feldspar produce the white color. It's most amazing, and much like the moon!

Moonstone from Sri Lanka, the classical country of origin for Moonstone, shimmers pale blue on almost transparent ground, it's magical! Specimens from India show cloudlike plays of light and shade on beige brown, green, orange or simple brown background. These subdued colors in combination with the fine shine make Moonstone an ideal gemstone for jewelry with a sensuous and feminine character.

This gemstone was once before extremely popular, about a hundred years ago in the times of Art Nouveau. It used to decorate a striking number of pieces of jewelry pieces created by the famous French Master Goldsmith René Lalique and by his contemporaries. These pieces are usually only found in a museum or in collections nowadays.

Mystical Properties:
Vibrating with the feminine wisdom and Goddess energy of the waxing and full Moon, moonstone has a reflective, calming energy. It helps to strengthen intuition and psychic perception and brings balance and harmony with the All. It is said to have the power to grant wishes. Moonstone Honors the Goddess in all women. It aids in dieting, gardening, psychic awareness and meditation. It soothes stress, anxiety, women's hormones it enhances intuitive sensitivity via feelings and less overwhelmed by personal feelings. Greater flexibility and flow with life.

Helps all be more comfortable with our gentler feminine/yin receiving side. Especially for water signs. Helps one be more conscious of the fact that all things are part of a cycle of constant change. It is a recommended gemstone for farmers and gardeners, artists, dancers and young men.

Moonstone, Colored
Peach or Apricot Moonstone A wonderful stone of soothing, feminine energy. Calming and brightening the emotions and it helps to improve the wearer's self-image. It reminds us of our own worth and divinity. It invokes sensuality and gentle passion. The color reminds of the enchanted feeling when the Full Moon is huge and orange and low on the horizon.

Moonstone, Rainbow
Rainbow Moonstone Vibrating with the feminine wisdom and Goddess energy of the waxing and full Moon, has a reflective, calming energy. It helps to strengthen intuition and psychic perception and brings balance and harmony with the All. The Rainbow effect invokes a spectrum of light, and feels cleansing and uplifting.

Moonstone, Silver Grey
Silver Grey Moonstone Invoking the reflective, intuitive power and Goddess energy of the waning moon, this silver-grey stone eases frustrations and lends a greater ability ability to flow and move in harmony natural tides of life.

Healing Properties:
The Moonstone is said to assist with female issues and with childbirth. By unblocking the lymphatic system, it can heal and balance the stomach, pancreas, and pituitary gland. It can reduce swelling and excess body fluid.

Placed under the pillow it will allow for a more peaceful sleep, and is often used as a cure for insomnia, and used along with the amethyst.

Moonstone is also used as a stand in for pearl, when pearl is not available.

Zodiac:
Associations: Moon

Mystical Birthstone for the Month of June

Stone of Cancer, Libra and Scorpio

Moonstone has a positive influence on Cancer while a bluish moonstone is more effective for Pisces. Because of the way it travels thru the Zodiac, Moonstone is also considered a protective stone while traveling, especially at night or on the water.

Heliodor (Golder Beryl)

Heliodor (Golden Beryl)

Heliodor is named after Greek "helios" - sun and "doron" - gift. It has a lemon to honey-yellow colour.

Heliodor and Golden Beryl are names given to the yellow varieties of Beryl. Many modern sources regard the two names as synonymous, although some sources state that the name Heliodor should be reserved for greenish-yellow beryl only, with the more golden coloured varieties being listed as Golden Beryl

Heliodor Gemstones by Size

This table shows distribution of Heliodor gemstone sizes that are listed on this site. This can give a good indication as to the general availability of this gemstone in different sizes.

Contributed photos

Lightest:0.6 cts

Heaviest:62.64 cts

Average:7.75 cts

Total photos:40

Heliodor (Golden Beryl)

Heliodor is named after Greek "helios" - sun and "doron" - gift. It has a lemon to honey-yellow colour.

Heliodor and Golden Beryl are names given to the yellow varieties of Beryl. Many modern sources regard the two names as synonymous, although some sources state that the name Heliodor should be reserved for greenish-yellow beryl only, with the more golden coloured varieties being listed as Golden Beryl.Heliodor and Golden Beryl are the greenish-yellow to yellow varieties of Beryl. Beryl is best known for its famous gem varieties Emerald and Aquamarine, but other varieties such as Heliodor and Golden Beryl are also used as gemstones. In a strict sense, Heliodor and Golden Beryl are distinguished by their color, where Heliodor has a greenish-yellow hue, and Golden Beryl is a purer yellow or an orange-yellow. However, in both the mineral and gemstone trade, this distinction is not usually made and both terms are interchangeable, with the term Golden Beryl being the more frequently used term in the gemstone market. The term Heliodor may also be used to describe light green, orange, and brown Beryl. - See more at: http://www.minerals.net/gemstone/golden_beryl_gemstone.aspx#sthash.B6E178ZX.dpuf

Heliodor and Golden Beryl are the greenish-yellow to yellow varieties of Beryl. Beryl is best known for its famous gem varieties Emerald and Aquamarine, but other varieties such as Heliodor and Golden Beryl are also used as gemstones. In a strict sense, Heliodor and Golden Beryl are distinguished by their color, where Heliodor has a greenish-yellow hue, and Golden Beryl is a purer yellow or an orange-yellow. However, in both the mineral and gemstone trade, this distinction is not usually made and both terms are interchangeable, with the term Golden Beryl being the more frequently used term in the gemstone market. The term Heliodor may also be used to describe light green, orange, and brown Beryl. - See more at: http://www.minerals.net/gemstone/golden_beryl_gemstone.aspx#sthash.B6E178ZX.dpuf

Heliodor and Golden Beryl are the greenish-yellow to yellow varieties of Beryl. Beryl is best known for its famous gem varieties Emerald and Aquamarine, but other varieties such as Heliodor and Golden Beryl are also used as gemstones. In a strict sense, Heliodor and Golden Beryl are distinguished by their color, where Heliodor has a greenish-yellow hue, and Golden Beryl is a purer yellow or an orange-yellow. However, in both the mineral and gemstone trade, this distinction is not usually made and both terms are interchangeable, with the term Golden Beryl being the more frequently used term in the gemstone market. The term Heliodor may also be used to describe light green, orange, and brown Beryl. - See more at: http://www.minerals.net/gemstone/golden_beryl_gemstone.aspx#sthash.B6E178ZX.dpuf

Turquoise Gemstone

One of the first gemstones to be mined, turquoise has long been prized for it's intense colors, which vary greatly from sky blue to green, depending on the quantities of iron and copper found in it.
Turquoise is a complicated, persnickety gemstone. Just the right type of minerals must be in just the right place for a very very long time (millions of years) before turquoise is finally created.
Egyptians prized Turquoise as a Life Stone. The oldest pieces of jewelry set with this gem are fourbracelets found on the mummified arm of Queen Zar. She ruled in Egypt about 5500 BC.
Highly revered in Tibet, a Turquoise stone was carried throughout one’s entire life. It was exchanged as currency & the finest stones were considered more valuable than gold.

Scientific Properties:
Mohs Hardness of 6 with a triclinic crystal structure.

Copper is key to beginning the process of creating Turquoise. The mineral is introduced into host rocks by heated magma rising to the earth’s surface. Hydrothermal actions created by the heat of the magma will break down nearby feldspar, releasing aluminum. Phosphoric acids leach from apatites (rocks not usually found near copper deposits) leaving the needed phosphorus.

Just getting past this complicated process will not be enough . . . the host stones must also stay above the water table for millions of years. As Mother Earth heaved & cooled, mountains rose, seas formed & disappeared, these deposits of copper, aluminum & phosphorus had to remain under great pressures & stay dry.

Almost all Turquoise is found in areas with volcanic or thermal histories and the finest grades of the gem are found closest to the earth’s surface. The stone must be able to “dry out” in order to maintain it’s hardness. Deeper deposits of Turquoise become soft because of acids created as water percolates through the earth.

One of the exceptions to this is the Lone Mountain Mine in Nevada. This rich deposit of Turquoise was sent deep into Mother Earth after seismic activity caused the deposit to fault.

Turquoise is found around the world. Its history as a spiritual stone goes back over 7500 years. Persian Turquoise is considered some of the finest in the world (& some of the earliest mines). China, North & South America, Saudia Arabia, Tibet also have significant deposits of this gem. Virginia has an extremely rare Turquoise that forms in prismatic crystals.

Mystical Properties:
Turquoise is still a valued power stone. It will strengthen and align all of the Chakras; and it can be used to cleanse your energy centers. As a meditation tool, the gem can assist in clearing your mind, opening you to the Universal All. Use Turquoise to attune to the spiritual plane or provide protection during vision quests or astral travel.

Native Americans believed the stone brought protection to a rider upon a horse, and great protection in general, especially to turn away the evil eye.

Called "sky stone" or "stone of heaven" by some Native Americans, the vibrations of turquoise can build a spiritual bridge between worlds and give strong psychic powers to the bearer.

Turquoise is considered to be a symbol of generosity, sincerity, and affection. It preserves friendships and can make friends out of enemies in time. Traditionally is is said to only bring good luck if given, not purchased. However, this is not always the case. One must take into consideration the innate energy of each stone individually.

Healing Properties:
Turquoise was part of the medical equipment of most physicians of the fifteenth century; the claim was that this stone could counteract the affects of any poison.

A master healer and a stone of yin (feminine) energy, turquoise is most helpful with female disorders. Also used to prevent and cure headaches. A strong stone for toning and strengthening the entire body and regenerating tissue.

It's best known for it's drawing powers. When pressed against the diseased or troubled portion of the body, the illness is then visualized as being drawn into the stone and out of the body, thus removing it all together.

Tradition says that this stone reflect the health of the body and the aura by changing color.

Magical Properties:
Energy: Receptive
Element: Earth
Deities: Hathor, Buddha, The Great Spirit (American Indian)
Powers: Protection, courage, money, love, friendship, healing and luck!

Turquoise is used regularly to gain wealth, and it used or worn during money attraction spells. Given as a gift, turquoise bestows wealth and happiness to it's receiver.

The stone is also utilized in love spells and magic. It can be worn, carried or given to a love one. It is frequently used to promote marital harmony. It is told that if the color of the stone fades, so has the love of the recipient.

Discharge turquoise once a month in a bowl of dry tumbled hematite stones and recharge overnight among rock crystals - out of the light of the sun!

Citrine Gemstone

Citrine named from the French name for lemon, "citron," many citrines have a juicy lemon color.
The color range of Citrine includes yellow to gold to orange brown shades of transparent quartz. Sunny and affordable, citrine can brighten almost any jewelry style, blending especially well with the properties of silver. Although the darker, orange colors of citrine, sometimes called Madeira citrine after the color of the wine, has generally been the most valued color, in modern times, many people prefer the bright lemony shades. Citrine is generally more inexpensive than amethyst and is also available in a wide range of calibrated sizes and shapes, including very large sizes.

Scientific Properties:
Mohs Hardness of 7 with a trigonal crystal structure.
Citrine is the yellow or golden variety of quartz.

Most citrine is mined in Brazil. The supply of citrine is fairly good from the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, particularly from the Serra mine. The Iraâ mine produces additionally one third of the Serra mine.

Sometimes you will hear citrine referred to as topaz quartz, which is incorrect. This name was used in the past in reference to the color, which is sometimes similar to the color of topaz. Since topaz is a separate mineral, this type of name can be confusing and should not be used. However, citrine is considered an alternative to topaz as the birthstone for November.

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.

Gem quality citrine is extremely rare. The best materials are found in Brazil, Spain, Madagascar and the former USSR.

Mystical Properties:
In ancient times, citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. Citrine is known as a "success" stone because it is told in folklore to promote success and abundance, especially in business and commerce.

Citrine is one of the only stones that dissipates negative energy and never requires cleansing or clearing. It emits a warm energy that promotes optimism. It attracts abundance and is known as "a merchant's stone" to be placed in a cash register or where one conducts business, to not only acquire positive wealth but to maintain it as well. It enhances the body's healing energy and opens the conscious mind to intuition. It helps one adjust and adapt to process changes, feeling confident and secure. Citrine's magnetic radiating energy can aid in voice projection, making this the perfect stone for actors and public speakers.

Assists in acquiring wealth and to maintain the state of wealth. Citrine is helpful for directing creative energy into the physical body. Some find it helpful in building self-esteem. This crystal is an invaluable aid to the digestion of all emotions, place it on the solar plexus in crystal healing layouts. I find that Citrine is useful in combating decisiveness allowing me to make important decisions on a regular basis.

Healing Properties:
Physically, citrine can aid digestion, increase visual ability, and to balance the thyroid. It is beneficial to the endocrine and digestive system - cleansing, purifying and eliminating poisons that have built up. Citrine has the power to calm and soothe distressed conditions. It reduces ulcer flare-ups and is good for detoxifying all the bodies.  

Magical Properties:
Energy: Projective
Element: Fire
Powers: Anti-nightmare, protection, psychic power

Citrine is worn at night to eliminate fear, to prevent nightmares and to ensure a good night's sleep.

Citrine may eliminate self-destructive behaviors or tendencies, and raise self-esteem. This stone should be used to align with the higher self and to protect your aura.

A member of the quartz family, citrine can be used is most the same fashion as crystal/clear quartz. The benefit being that it's golden yellow color adds Sun energy to the work. When worn, it's vibrant shades help to lift the spirits if one is feeling down or perhaps dealing with mild depression.

Citrine is a good stone for scrying into matter pertaining to money and other forms of prosperity.