Alexandrite is a rare variety of Chrysoberyl and was discovered in the Ural Mountains. The gemstone has vivid red and green colors that were identical to the military colors of Imperial Russia, so the stone was named for Alexander II, heir apparent to the Russian…
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Category: Materials
Though both stones are varieties of Corundum, in nature, Rubies are rarer than Sapphires. Both gems form under high temperature and pressure when fluid produced by magma interacts with silica and other rocks within the earth’s crust. Corundum’s crystal structure is hexagonal and though Ruby…
Agate is a classic, sought-after stone, and always popular for use in jewelry, for carving, and for other artisan crafts. This durable stone is suitable for rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings, and will withstand most daily wear without scratching or dulling. Most agates are easily…
The Israeli mining company Shefa Yamim has unearthed a new gem material in the northern Israel that has properties similar in structure to sapphire and ruby. The rare mineral, called Carmeltazite, has been trademarked and will be marketed as “Carmel Sapphire,” and is expected to…
Natural pearls have been used in jewelry for more than 4,000 years. These “natural accidents” are formed randomly when an irritant becomes trapped within the shell of a mollusk, and the animal protects itself by secreting nacre –a protective coating of calcium carbonate – to…
Since about 1874, the area near Cripple Creek, CO has been mineral-rich, with a late but productive entry into the gold rush. More than $400 million dollars in gold was produced there by 1930, and the many mines of Cripple Creek employed thousands of workers,…