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Peridot, often called olivine and chrysolite, is a gem variety occurring in the solid solution series between fosterite (Mg2SiO4) and fayalite (Fe2SiO4). The members of this most common solid solution series of the olivine group are the primary crystallization products of silica-poor but magnesium and iron-rich magmas. Olivine frequently coexists with plagioclase and pyroxenes in igneous rocks. Magnetite, corundum, chromite and serpentine are its associates in crystalline dolomitic limestone formations. It readily alters to serpentine minerals, such as antigorite, and to talc, limonite and hematite..... (2003) Complete Story
Lets Talk Gemstones - Zircon is the single member of the zircon group of the nesosilicates that is suitable for use as a gemstone. In the nesosilicates, independent SiO4 tetrahedra are connected only by ionic bonds. Because the tetrahedra are not linked to form chains.... (2002) Complete Story
Richly colored morganite gems are among the more valuable of the secondary gemstones. The value of morganite has increased with the expanding knowledge of the gem-buying public. The more informed consumers become about gemstones, the more it fuels the growing demand for colored gems. Freeform gems, carvings, and new faceted designs join the popular and traditional step-cut rectangle with truncated corners and are appearing in displays more frequently. Beryl's combination of desirable physical properties and its many color choices make the variety of morganite a gem suitable for all types of jewelry..... (2003) Complete Story
Australia's most famous opal mines lie on the periphery of this Great Artesian Basin. Mintabie, Coober Pedy, Andamooka, White Cliffs, and Lightning Ridge form an arc along its southern edge. Yowah, Quilpie, and Opalton project on a line north/northwest from Lightning Ridge. Some believe that untold riches, just waiting discovery, lie beneath the unexplored areas of this vast region. However.... (1999) Complete Story
Tanzanite! Baron Sigismund Zois von Edelstein of Slovenia could never have imagined that a variety of the mineral he discovered in 1805 in the Sau-Alp Mountains would cause tremendous excitement in the jewelry industry more than a century later. The name zoisite has replaced the name saualpite that he bestowed upon this member of the epidote group of sorosilicates.... (2003) Complete Story
