The name “tourmaline” is believed to have been derived from the Sinhalese word “turamali,” which means “stone with mixed colors.” Tourmaline has been treasured throughout history and has often been mistaken for other gemstones due to its wide range of colors. It was commonly used in jewelry in ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and the Romans, although they may not have recognized it as tourmaline.

One of the most famous tourmaline pieces is the “Empress Dowager Necklace,” which featured a pink tourmaline center stone surrounded by diamonds. It gained fame during the Qing Dynasty in China and is a testament to tourmaline’s enduring appeal.

Tourmaline Properties

Tourmaline is a complex mineral group composed of boron, aluminum, and other elements. What sets tourmaline apart is its broad spectrum of colors, which can range from vibrant greens, pinks, and blues to black and even colorless. This wide variety of colors makes it a favorite among gemstone enthusiasts.

One of the most distinctive properties of tourmaline is its ability to become electrically charged when heated or rubbed (pyroelectric) and to attract or repel objects when its ends are subjected to temperature changes (thermoelectric). These properties have made tourmaline a subject of fascination for scientists and collectors alike.

Types of Tourmaline

Tourmaline comes in several varieties, each with its unique color and charm:

1. Rubellite Tourmaline: This type is known for its vibrant pink to red colors and is often mistaken for pink sapphire or ruby.
2. Paraiba Tourmaline: Highly prized for its intense neon blue or green colors, Paraiba tourmaline is rare and exceptionally valuable.
3. Watermelon Tourmaline: Named for its appearance, these tourmalines display a green exterior with a pink or red core, resembling a slice of watermelon.
4. Black Tourmaline: Also known as schorl, black tourmaline is a popular choice for protective and grounding jewelry due to its dark color and metaphysical properties.
5. Bi-Color and Tri-Color Tourmaline: These tourmalines display a fascinating blend of two or three colors in a single crystal, creating stunning and unique patterns.
6. And many more…

Fine Tourmaline Jewelry

Tourmaline’s versatility and beauty make it a popular choice for a wide range of jewelry styles. Some of the most sought-after tourmaline jewelry pieces include:

1. Tourmaline Rings: Tourmaline rings often feature a stunning center stone, and they are available in various styles, from classic solitaires to intricate vintage designs.
2. Tourmaline Necklaces and Pendants: Tourmaline pendants and necklaces showcase the gem’s vibrant colors close to the wearer’s heart, making them a cherished gift.
3. Tourmaline Earrings: Earrings with tourmaline gemstones come in a variety of designs, including studs, dangles, and hoops, allowing for a touch of elegance and color.
4. Tourmaline Bracelets: Tourmaline bracelets incorporate the gemstones into the design, creating a continuous display of colors around the wrist.

Caring for Tourmaline Jewelry

Tourmaline is generally durable and suitable for everyday wear. To maintain the beauty and integrity of your tourmaline jewelry, consider the following care tips:

1. Avoid exposing tourmaline to harsh chemicals, extreme heat, or rapid temperature changes, which may cause damage.
2. Clean tourmaline jewelry with a soft cloth and mild soap or a jewelry-specific cleaning solution.
3. Store tourmaline jewelry separately from other gemstones to prevent scratching.

Tourmaline’s wide array of colors and unique properties make it a fascinating gemstone choice for fine jewelry. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant pinks of rubellite, the stunning blues of Paraiba, or the intriguing bi-color patterns, tourmaline jewelry offers an enchanting way to express your individuality and style. As you wear your tourmaline jewelry, you carry with you not just a beautiful gem but also a piece of history and the allure of a gemstone that has captivated civilizations for centuries.

A Brief History of Opal Jewelry

Opals have a rich and storied history that dates back to ancient times. The name “opal” is derived from the Latin word “opalus,” meaning “precious stone.” Historians believe that opals were first discovered in ancient Ethiopia and later found in various parts of the world, including Australia, Mexico, and the United States.

Throughout history, opals have been associated with magic, love, and hope. The Romans believed opals to be a symbol of good fortune, and they were often exchanged as tokens of love. In the Middle Ages, opals were believed to possess mystical powers, including the ability to bring luck and protect against evil. Opal jewelry became particularly popular during the Victorian era, where it was embraced for its ornate designs and symbolism.

Opal Properties

Opals are unlike any other gemstone due to their striking play of colors, also known as “opalescence” or “opalescent fire.” This optical phenomenon occurs when light diffracts through the tiny silica spheres within the opal, creating a dazzling display of colors that can include hues of blue, green, red, orange, and more. This unique property makes opals one of the most visually captivating gemstones in the world.

Opals are typically classified into several varieties, including:

1. Precious Opal: This type of opal exhibits a vibrant play of colors and is highly prized for jewelry.
2. Fire Opal: Known for its intense red, orange, or yellow colors, fire opal is particularly striking when used in jewelry.
3. Black Opal: These opals have a dark body tone and a vivid play of colors, making them exceptionally valuable.
4. Boulder Opal: Boulder opals are found in ironstone matrix, and they often feature a combination of ironstone and opal, resulting in a unique appearance.

Fine Opal Jewelry

Fine opal jewelry is celebrated for its ability to showcase the mesmerizing play of colors within the gemstone. Here are some popular types of opal jewelry:

1. Opal Rings: Opal rings come in a variety of designs, from classic solitaire settings to intricate, vintage-inspired styles. Opal engagement rings have gained popularity for their unique and symbolic appeal.
2. Opal Necklaces and Pendants: Opal pendants and necklaces often feature a single opal or a cluster of opals, suspended from a delicate chain. These pieces add a touch of elegance and color to any outfit.
3. Opal Earrings: Opal earrings come in various styles, including studs, dangles, and hoops. They can be simple or elaborate, making them suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
4. Opal Bracelets: Opal bracelets incorporate opal gemstones into the design, creating a continuous display of color around the wrist. These bracelets can be worn individually or stacked with other bracelets for a layered look.

Caring for Opal Jewelry

Opal is a relatively soft gemstone compared to others like diamonds or sapphires. To keep your fine opal jewelry looking its best, consider the following care tips:

1. Avoid exposing opals to extreme temperature changes, as this can cause them to crack.
2. Protect opals prolonged exposure to heat or direct sunlight, which may cause the gemstone to lose its play of colors.
3. Clean opal jewelry gently with a soft, damp cloth and avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners.
4. Store opal jewelry separately from other gemstones to prevent scratching.

Fine opal jewelry is a celebration of the opal’s mesmerizing play of colors and its rich history. Whether you’re looking for a unique engagement ring, a statement necklace, or a subtle pair of earrings, opal jewelry offers an exquisite and captivating choice. Its timeless beauty and symbolism continue to enchant jewelry enthusiasts worldwide, making opal jewelry a cherished addition to any collection. As you wear your opal jewelry, you carry with you not just a stunning gemstone but also a piece of history and a touch of magic.

Opal: A Kaleidoscope of Colors

Opal, often referred to as the “Queen of Gems,” is celebrated for its striking play of colors. This gemstone is a hydrous silica material formed from a combination of water and silica dioxide. Opals are unlike any other gemstone due to their unique internal structure, which diffracts light to produce an iridescent display of colors that seem to dance and shimmer within the stone.

African Opals by Hubert

The name “opal” is derived from the Sanskrit word “upala,” meaning “precious stone.” Opals have been treasured for centuries and have been associated with various mystical and healing properties. Many cultures believed opals possessed magical powers, including the ability to ward off evil and enhance one’s creativity.

Australia is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest opals, including the famous Black Opal found in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales. Other opal deposits can be found in countries like Ethiopia, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States.

Tourmaline: A Rainbow of Possibilities

Tourmaline, another October birthstone, is an equally enchanting gemstone known for its wide range of colors. In fact, tourmaline comes in more colors and color combinations than any other gemstone. Its name originates from the Sinhalese word “turamali,” which means “stone with mixed colors.”

The diversity of tourmaline colors can be attributed to variations in its chemical composition. Different trace elements present during its formation create various shades, from vibrant greens and blues to pinks, reds, and even black. One of the most coveted varieties is the watermelon tourmaline, which exhibits a pink center surrounded by green, resembling the fruit it’s named after.

Tourmaline has a rich history and has been cherished by many cultures. Ancient Egyptians believed tourmaline traveled from the core of the Earth and passed through a rainbow, capturing its colors. They considered it a stone of protection and enlightenment. Today, tourmaline is still highly regarded for its supposed metaphysical properties, including the ability to balance one’s energy and promote creativity.

The Allure of Opal and Tourmaline as Birthstones

Opal and tourmaline share the honor of being October’s birthstones due to their stunning beauty and the myriad of colors they exhibit. These gemstones are believed to bring luck and happiness to those born in October, as well as protect them from negative energies. Here are some reasons why opal and tourmaline are cherished as birthstones:

1. Unique Beauty: The play of colors in opals and the array of hues in tourmalines make them stand out in the world of gemstones. Their ever-changing appearances make them a perfect reflection of the autumn season.
2. Mystical Beliefs: Throughout history, opals and tourmalines have been associated with mystical and healing properties, making them even more appealing as birthstones. Many believe that wearing these gems can promote emotional balance and spiritual growth.
3. Versatility: Both opals and tourmalines can be incorporated into a wide range of jewelry designs, from elegant rings and necklaces to stunning earrings and bracelets. Their versatility allows for personalized and meaningful jewelry pieces.
4. Gift of Color: These birthstones offer a beautiful way to celebrate October birthdays with their kaleidoscope of colors. Gifting opal or tourmaline jewelry is a thoughtful way to honor loved ones born in this month.

As October arrives, it brings with it the opportunity to embrace the enchanting world of opal and tourmaline. Whether you’re an October baby seeking to celebrate your birthstone or simply appreciate the beauty of these gemstones, opals and tourmalines are sure to captivate your heart with their mesmerizing colors and timeless allure.

Color

This yellow to orange variety of quartz gets its color from trace amounts of iron in its crystal lattice. Bright, bold colors hold the highest value.  Yellow and orange hues reach peak saturation at relatively light tones, about 20-30%, and these stones are the most desirable.

However, with the current popularity of earth tones, brownish orange hues are also popular. This includes gems with darker tones with less saturation.

Madeira citrines are orange-red and darker in tone than pure orange or yellow hues. Commonly the results of heat treatment, these gems hold higher values.

Natural, untreated stones often exhibit color zoning, which reduces their price. On the other hand, multi-colored stones that exhibit two distinct colors will sell at a premium. Ametrine, a gem with zones of amethyst and citrine, is quite popular, even though neither color is intense.

Clarity

Although mines produce relatively little citrine, this gem is abundant and often free of inclusions. In pale gems, inclusions can easily be seen and are particularly undesirable. Avoid any gems with a low clarity grade, and look for high transparency in a citrine.

Cut

Due to citrine’s abundance and availability, you can find this gem in virtually any cut. Thus, citrines with poor cuts don’t hold much value. You can also have these gems custom cut, even as intricate carvings. Make sure that the citrine is cut symmetrically with the correct proportions and that there is no window in the gem.

Carat

Since large sizes of citrine aren’t uncommon, the price per carat doesn’t increase dramatically for larger stones.

Citrine Treatments

Heat treatment of smoky quartz produces citrine. This stable treatment requires no further care. Colorless quartz can also undergo both irradiation and heat treatment to create a greenish “lemon” color. Furthermore, heat treatment of certain citrines can deepen their color to “Madeira” hues.

From Gemsociety.org

The birthstone of July, and the “King of Gemstones”, Ruby certainly is a popular gem choice among a vast collection. As we look at a glorious red ruby, one word pops in mind – Love.
Yet, the Ruby is representative of many things along with love. It is a stone exclaiming passion, power, wisdom, and sometimes, even anger. However, due to its beautiful outlook – it has easily made its way into our jewelry.

Today, let’s explore the background and roots of the Ruby; where it comes from, what it beholds, and what it promises…

Religious Importance

The Ruby has been a popular gemstone in Christianity.

It is mentioned in the Bible 4 times precisely. It is thought when God created the 12 mighty gemstones, he gave special attention to one of them; the Ruby. Declared as the “King of Gemstones”, God then requested Aaron to wear the Ruby around his neck in the form of a beautiful necklace. This was to protect him.

Some religions have also given notable importance to the Ruby.

It was first called the “Ratnaraj”, which translated to the “King of precious gems”. Later, the name was transformed to “Ratnanayaka”. This meant the “Leader of all precious stones”. Albeit called different names, all translations pointed to the same high and might of the Ruby.

Offerings to the Gods

It is common in many religions to offer the best of the best things to the Gods as offerings.

In Hinduism, gemstones and jewellery are often gifted to the Gods in the form of offerings in temples. These can be offerings as part of special ceremonies, or those that are stand-alone. It is thought that whoever gifts a small ruby to Lord Krishna as an offering, shall be reborn in the next life as a King. On the other hand, he/she who gifts an extravagant and large Ruby (or Rubies) shall experience rebirth as an Emperor.

The Curious Case of Rubies and Boiling Water

The origin of the Ruby in many legends is thought to be by a fire that occurred in Heaven i.e. a mighty lightening flash. As a result, Rubies came to possess immense heat and power.

Since many Rubies are glowing red in colour, this has also contributed to the spread of the legend as enlightened stones can hint at a glowing fire from within.

Due to such a quality of Rubies, it is thought that if you toss a Ruby into a bowl of water – it shall instantly come to a boil due to the heat and power of the Ruby.

While you can test for this legend at home, to test its authenticity, we urge you not to. The possibility of boiling water can be dangerous and alas, Rubies are far too lovely to be simply thrown in a bowl of water.

Have the Ruby adorn your ears instead with these gorgeous diamond drop earrings.

A Little to the Left

While it may sound odd to hear, it is thought by many that wearing the Ruby on the left has a variety of benefits.

From blessing the wearer with all sorts of health, wealth, and wisdom, it is thought to bring them the success they desire. Sort of like their own lucky charm in life, guiding them to good fortune.

This is not all, wearing the Ruby on the left is also thought to bring everyone happiness in their relationships. Promoting friendships and offering protection from enemies and foes. If you want all this for yourselves – wear the Ruby on a finger of the left hand in the form of a beautiful gold ring .

With nothing to lose and so much to gain, this legend is certainly worth a try.

Rubies in War

Since it was already believed that wearing Rubies on the left offered protection from enemies – it comes as no surprise that Rubies eventually marked their entrance into battlefields, in a way we could not have imagined.

Some wore the Ruby on the left as a way of showing invincibility against a difficult opponent. However, there were many who believed the protection power of the Rubies went as far as healing them. Thus, many soldiers actually inserted the Ruby inside their flesh and skin to remain protected throughout the battle.

It was said that these soldiers then became fiercer while fighting, and also gained a mighty resistance to wounds and injuries.

Is this all because of Rubies? Perhaps we shall never know.

Ruby the Predictor

As Rubies symbolize wisdom and good fortune, many believe that Rubies hold the power of prediction. They can sense when any disaster or calamity is near, and immediately change colour. For example, they are thought to grow dull as disaster approaches.

While we may not know of the authenticity of the legends of the King of Gemstones, we can certainly vouch for the beauty it beholds.

Eastern Moonstone Symbolism

In Eastern cultures, “lighted” gems, such as moonstone, indicated good luck. The ever-changing, white reflections on its surface, which gemologists call adularescence, seemed to suggest a powerful, good spirit dwelled within.

In India, the moonstone was considered very sacred. Merchants couldn’t display this gem for sale unless it rested on a yellow cloth. Yellow was a most sacred color.

Can Moonstones Be Used for Meditation?

Mystics the world over have used moonstone for meditation purposes. The moving inner light makes a good focus for meditation. Some believe the stone has a calming influence and can assist those wishing to enter a trance.

The Moon and Moonstone Symbolism

As the name suggests, people have closely associated moonstone with the Moon. Therefore, some consider it an alternative birthstone for those born on Monday, the “Moon’s day.” Due to this lunar association as well as its aforementioned purported calming influence, this gem is considered an excellent aid for those with trouble sleeping.

Magicians would plan to use the stone according to the phases of the Moon. For spells of increase, they used it as the Moon waxed. For spells of decrease, they waited until it waned. If planted in a garden under the full moon, some believed moonstone would increase the garden’s yield and fertility.

Since the Moon influences the waters of this planet, some regarded moonstone as an excellent protective talisman to wear on sea voyages or while swimming.

Why is Moonstone Known as the Lover’s Stone?

Since the Moon renews itself every month, some supposed moonstone could help wearers regain or retain a more youthful appearance and bearing.

Moonstone’s lore also reflects the Moon’s romantic associations. Those seeking their true love could follow some instructions. First, hold the gem in your hands during a full moon and envision your love coming to you. Next, carry the stone with you until the next full moon for the spell to take effect.

Lovers often exchanged moonstones, especially after quarreling, to help restore love and tranquility.

From Gem Society    –  by Fara Braid

Types of Gemstone Luster

In the mineral world, luster comes in two main types: non-metallic and metallic. In addition, an intermediate type, sub-metallic, is sometimes used as a description. However, the gem industry most commonly deals with the non-metallic varieties. Most gems don’t meet the criteria for metallic or sub-metallic luster.

Adamantine

This term describes gems with a brilliant, mirror-like appearance, like diamonds.

Vitreous

Most gemstones, including popular jewelry species like quartz, topaz, and tourmaline, have a shiny, “glass-like” luster. In some reference works, you may encounter “glassy” as another term for this type of luster.

Pearly

Gems with this type of luster have surfaces that look like that of pearls. Some may even show iridescent colors on their surfaces, like the orient of pearls. Gypsum and charoite may show pearly luster.

Silky

Some gems, like ulexite, show fine parallel threads that look like the texture of fabric. This is known as a silky luster.

Greasy

Gems with a greasy luster seem to have a layer of oil or fat on their surface. Examples of this luster include graphite and green serpentine.

Resinous

Amber consists literally of preserved prehistoric plant resin. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that this gem material has a resinous luster. Sphalerite gems may have a resinous luster, too.

Waxy

Gems that may show this luster, like turquoise and opal, appear to have a layer of wax on their surface.

Dull

A dull luster simply means a gemstone reflects little light, such as kaolinite.

Metallic

Metallic luster, a reflective metal-like appearance, is a term not usually used for gemstones. Hematite, however, is a notable exception. It has a striking, metallic sheen, and gem cutters have carved cameos and made beads from this material.

The Concept of Luster in Gemology

Although luster is a basic descriptive parameter for minerals, it can vary even within a single crystal. Due to the state of aggregation of the mineral, you may see differences depending on which crystal face you examine. For example, gypsum may have vitreous luster on some crystal faces but pearly luster on surfaces parallel to the cleavage. Furthermore, if the gypsum occurred in aggregates of long fibers, it would show a silky luster. Thus, luster may not make a useful diagnostic property for identifying gypsum or other gems!

You might find the lusters of some gem species described as ranges. For example, serpentines may have resinous, pearly, or waxy lusters. Sphalerites can range from resinous to even adamantine. In addition, some gemstone lusters have “sub-types.” These terms describe gems that come close to the main luster type. For example, chromite is a sub-metallic gem, while andalusite is sub-vitreous. Sub-adamantine gems include stolzite, monazite, and vanadinite.

Describing gemstone luster involves some subjectivity. This further limits its use for gem identification.

What is Polish Luster and Fracture Luster?

Gemstone luster generally refers to a gem’s base appearance. However, the gem’s condition may affect its luster.

A gemstone can have a polish luster (its appearance when polished) that varies greatly from its base luster. For example, polishing can transform jet, with a dull or waxy base luster, to vitreous.

A gemstone’s fracture luster describes how its fractures look when they reflect light. In some species, this may vary somewhat from its base luster. For example, vitreous spinel may have sub-adamantine fracture

From Gem Society (IGS)

For millennia, people have used gemstones principally for ornamental purposes. However, in both ancient and modern times, cultures all over the world have also believed that gems can have healing properties. Let’s take a look at some popular gemstones and the health benefits they’re said to bring.

What’s the Best Way to Use Gemstones with Health Benefits?

Some people use gems as part of their spiritual practices. They incorporate gems into rituals to restore energy fields, gain peace, and promote love and safety. In some belief systems, practitioners actually place gemstones on certain areas of the body to promote healing. For most people, however, simply wearing a piece of jewelry made with a specific gem is sufficient. The gem doesn’t need to come into direct contact with your skin.

Most gems are perfectly safe to wear as jewelry stones. (Of course, some are more durable than others). However, a few gems — very few, like realgar and ekanite — may contain heavy metals and/or radioactive elements in amounts that could cause harm if worn. Close, prolonged exposure to such gems would likely outweigh any health benefits you could possibly hope to gain.

Some crystal healers prepare potions with gems or place gems in the patient’s mouth. In these cases, avoid any acid-soluble gems as well, even if they don’t contain any known toxic materials. Your stomach acids may react dangerously to impurities in these gems.

Amber

People have prized amber as a jewelry stone since prehistoric times. Amber is an organic gem, formed from the hardened resin of ancient pine trees. Some pieces of amber contain spectacular inclusions of insects and other animals. These connections with trees and animals have fostered a strong association between amber and Nature.

Amber will also become electrically charged if rubbed against wool or silk, reinforcing a connection with the “spark of life.”

Yellow, brown, or red colored amber is believed by some to be a powerful gemstone with uses ranging from treating headaches and stress to promoting self-expression. It’s also said to promote cleansing and purification, which may help to bring illnesses out of the body and alleviate pain so that the wearer can heal.

Amethyst

A gorgeous purple gemstone, the amethyst is said to bring strength, courage, and peace to the wearer. These benefits can help promote healing.

This soothing stone with peaceful properties and a quiet energy may help release your creativity.

Since this stone has such tranquil qualities, it makes a great gift for anyone suffering from anxiety, mood disorders, and addictions. The Ancient Greeks believed amethyst could prevent drunkenness.

Wear amethyst anywhere to promote spiritual and physical health.

Aquamarine

With the colors of the ocean, aquamarine ranks among the most beautiful gemstones you can buy. Since they occur naturally in large sizes, they are also among the largest cut gemstones.

There are many traditional beliefs associated with this gem. Aquamarine has been said to help with digestive, eye, and dental problems. In the past, sailors often used aquamarines to bring them luck at sea. Today, some still use the stone for protection.

The stone is said to be a positive force that can bring happiness to its wearers and help them cope with the grieving process. Some people believe the aquamarine promotes healing energy, reduces the fear of water, and can even bring a wayward lover back. Some shamans use it as a meditative stone.

Citrine

The yellow to reddish orange variety of quartz, citrine has enjoyed a surge in popularity with a renewed interest in “earth tone” jewelry. However, most citrine on the market today doesn’t come out of the ground with these colors. Brown smoky quartz and amethyst (purple quartz) are usually heat treated to create citrines.

Wearing citrine jewelry is said to promote emotional well-being and increase positive energy. Some believe it can help with hearing difficulties, digestive ailments, sleep problems, and pain and inflammation management.

Wear citrine in its natural form if at all possible to enhance its positive benefits.

Garnet

Garnets can come in virtually any color, but the most well-known are red. Before the development of modern gemology, many people treated all transparent red gemstones as the same type of stone. Therefore, you’ll find many similarities between the folklore of garnets and rubies.

Garnets with gorgeous, deep shades of red are said to energize wearers, which could help them deal with health issues.

Wear garnet to give your whole system a boost, revitalize your body, and promote your emotional well-being by increasing your confidence. The stone is also said to bring protection from evil and bad karma.

Wear your garnet anywhere, but near the heart is said to be optimal.

Moonstone

Hauntingly beautiful, moonstones can have many different body colors but show a distinctive, billowy, blue to white moonlight-like sheen known as adularescence.

White or clear moonstone is said to help wearers achieve balance, particularly females.

Not surprisingly, moonstones have many symbolic connections with the Moon. Since ancient times, travelers have used this gemstone as a protective talisman. Moonstone jewelry has also been used to alleviate anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It may also promote creativity.

Some believe this gemstone can help combat the ailments of both childhood and old age, just like the Moon both waxes and wanes.

Pearl

Beautiful pearls occur naturally (but very rarely) inside both saltwater and freshwater mollusks, most famously oysters. Although the archetypal, and most highly valued, pearls are round and white, these organic gemstones can come in many shades, shapes, and sizes. Their aquatic origins have inspired much of their symbolism.

Pearls are said to balance the entire body and create positive, happy feelings within the wearer. In traditional Asian medicinal systems, pearls have been used for treating ailing digestive systems, fertility issues, and heart problems.

Today, pearl powder is used in makeup to achieve a glowing complexion. Some people believe it can also be used to treat many skin disorders such as rosacea.

Rose Quartz

A popular gemstone, rose-hued quartz is said to help heal heartaches. Closely associated with love, rose quartz seems to have a soothing, gentle energy that can calm an agitated wearer.

To get the most benefit from a rose quartz, wear the gemstone on a pendant around your neck. This allows the stone to stay close to your heart and help close emotional wounds, promote self-love, and keep your heart open to positive relationships.

A gift of rose quartz jewelry can make a wonderful message to someone going though a divorce, breakup, family estrangement, or any struggle with loneliness and lack of inner peace.

If you’re interested in wearing gemstones with health benefits, don’t worry about whether or not a particular gem is your proper birthstone. After all, birthstone lists are hardly set in stone.

Always wear what you feel comfortable wearing.

by International Gem Society

The Story of Bacchus and Amethyst

One of the most well-known of those protections involves amethyst’s purported power to prevent drunkenness. A myth about Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, has promoted this belief. The story goes as follows:

Long ago, a beautiful maiden was on her way to worship at the Temple of Diana. However, she had the misfortune of crossing paths with the god of wine, Bacchus. Angered since he’d just suffered some slight, he’d vowed to take revenge on the next person he met. He spied the maid and unleashed his two guardian tigers upon her. As the great beasts bounded towards the hapless lass, the goddess Diana intervened. To spare her such a terrible fate, she turned her into a pure, clear stone.

Immediately, remorse seized Bacchus. To atone for his actions, he poured his wine over the stone, staining the crystal a deep, violet hue. And so, the maiden Amethyst lent her name to the crystal.

Although presented in a Classical guise, this myth only dates from the Renaissance. The French poet Remy Belleau created this story in 1576 as part of a poem on gemstone beliefs. Nevertheless, the idea that the stone could guard against drunkenness does go back to the Ancient Greeks. Amethystos means “not drunk” in Ancient Greek. They believed you could drink all night and remain sober if you had an amethyst in your mouth or on your person.

Amethyst Symbolism and Spirituality

Perhaps this association with calming physical passions led some early Christians to associate the amethyst with Christ. The gem’s purple colors represented purity of spirit. Its purplish and reddish hues represented the chastening and purifying effects of suffering. Some believed the colors alluded to the wounds and suffering of Christ. Thus, amethysts were used to aid the healing of wounds.

Many cultures find spiritual overtones in amethysts. Often viewed as a stone of peace, some believe amethyst’s calming presence produces soothing dreams by bringing the dreamer more in tune with the Divine. This clarity and peacefulness also extends to the waking mind. Amethysts are said to help the mind flow freely in both mental and metaphysical dimensions. Many psychics keep this gem with their tarot cards or other oracular instruments.

Amethysts and Protective Amulets

The Ancient Egyptians worked amethysts into amulets as both a form of prayer and protection against harm. While later Egyptian artisans created elaborate and breathtaking pieces, early jewelry makers kept their designs more practical. At first, carnelian and beryl gems as well as amethysts were carved into the shapes of animals. Most likely, early magicians designed these devices as protective fetishes. In later times, an organized priesthood produced these amulets.

People have valued and worked amethysts for millennia. An ages-old cure for an ages-old affliction, rubbing a moistened amethyst on pimples is said to cure them.

The February Birthstone

Amethyst symbolism is a busy field. Ruled by the planet Jupiter, it’s the zodiacal gem for those born under the sign of Pisces. Both traditional and modern birthstone lists include amethyst as the February birthstone.

On the subject of February, according to legend, St. Valentine wore an amethyst ring carved with Cupid’s likeness. This may seem an unlikely pairing, given the gem’s reputation for calming passions. However, keep in mind that in Medieval times, chaste love was highly valued as true love. Amethysts signified this vision of love.

Since we started with a poetic tale, let’s part with a poem on amethyst, author unknown:

The Amethyst.

From passion and from care kept free

Shall Pisces’ children ever be

Who wear so all the world may see

The Amethyst

More about the stone

Amethyst is crystalline quartz in colors ranging from pale lilac to deep reddish purple. With a relatively high hardness of 7, the February birthstone is a fine facetable jewelry gem for all purposes. Lower grades of material can be cabbed, carved, and made into a great variety of beads and other ornamental objects.

People have prized amethysts for thousands of years. The Ancient Egyptians carved these durable gemstones into the shapes of animals, perhaps as protective amulets. The Ancient Greeks created amethyst carvings and jewelry pieces as well as one of the most enduring bits of amethyst folklore — its supposed power to prevent drunkenness.

Transparent, eye-clean amethysts suitable for faceting occur abundantly, and gem cutters can facet them with almost any design suitable to their size and color. For example, Barion cuts work well for large, lightly colored stones, while shallow designs and fantasy cuts work well for darker gems. Skilled faceters can also experiment with custom designs.

Amethysts can serve as beautiful centerpieces as well as accent or side stones in jewelry.

Identifying Characteristics

Amethysts may appear similar to other popular transparent gemstones such as sapphires, spinels, and rhodolite garnets. However, since these gems occur rarely in purple colors, you’re more likely to encounter amethysts misidentified as these rarer and more expensive stones. Nevertheless, these gems have notable differences in both optical and physical properties. Sapphires, spinels, and rhodolites all have higher refractive indices (RI), and spinels and rhodolites are also isometric. They also all have greater specific gravity values.

Natural amethyst receives its color from the presence of iron and other trace elements as well as natural irradiation. Amethysts may show color zoning, both uneven (unintentional) color distribution as well as color bands (intentional).

What’s the Difference Between Amethyst and Ametrine?

Ametrine is a variety of quartz with two distinct color zones, purple and yellow. These layers result from stop-and-start growth during the formation of the crystal underground, a process known as twinning. Since purple quartz is amethyst and yellow quartz is citrine, this means such a gem consists of amethyst and citrine zones, hence the name.

Usually, faceters will cut ametrines into rectangular emerald-cut shapes to highlight the two colors. However, some gem cutters may opt for designs that combine the zones, creating interesting flashes of color.

What’s the Difference Between Amethyst and Ametrine?

Ametrine is a variety of quartz with two distinct color zones, purple and yellow. These layers result from stop-and-start growth during the formation of the crystal underground, a process known as twinning. Since purple quartz is amethyst and yellow quartz is citrine, this means such a gem consists of amethyst and citrine zones, hence the name.

Usually, faceters will cut ametrines into rectangular emerald-cut shapes to highlight the two colors. However, some gem cutters may opt for designs that combine the zones, creating interesting flashes of color.

Although quartz gems are very durable, amethysts are sensitive to extreme heat. Furthermore, inclusions can make these gems susceptible to shattering in ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid mechanical cleaning systems and stick to a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water, instead.

From International Gem Society