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Jade is a confusing term since it is used to refer to two different gem materials. The two jades, jadeite and nephrite, can be somewhat similar in appearance, so the confusion persists. Jadeite was first imported into China in 1784 from Burma. Up to this time the jade used in China was nephrite jade. Jadeite is found in a few places in the world, but the only commercially mined deposit is in Burma. Burmese jade is another name for jadeite.... (1999) Complete Story
Andalusite, kyanite, and sillimanite all contain identical amounts of aluminum, silicon, and oxygen, combined with other trace elements. I find it intriguing to note the differences in how the chemical formulas for these three minerals are expressed by many well-known authorities on gemstones. That list includes.... (2003) Complete Story
Lapis lazuli differs from other gem materials because it is a "rock" composed of several minerals rather than being a single mineral as the other gemstones are. The components of lapis lazuli include sodalite minerals, calcite, and pyrite. The sodalite minerals are the blue part, the calcite is white, and the pyrite is the "gold flecks" commonly visible in lapis lazuli. The finest quality is a dark, but still intense blue color with no visible calcite and a mere sprinkling of pyrite. "Royal blue" is a descriptive term for fine material. All lapis lazuli is opaque. If there is quite a bit of calcite the material is a lighter blue; this can still be nice as long as there are no visible portions of calcite. As the color becomes lighter the value of lapis lazuli drops, visible calcite is a definite detriment. Quality of cutting is a value consideration also.... (1999) Complete Story
Staurolite! Why would one of the most ordinary, patently unattractive minerals, used as a religious talisman and a good luck charm for centuries, be, in its transparent faceted form, a much sought after collector's gem? Rarity! Seldom do the dark reddish-brown or yellowish-brown transparent crystals occur in sufficiently light tones and sizes to warrant faceting.... () Complete Story
Opal is a fascinating gemstone with an ancient history. Pliny the Elder gives an eloquent description of opal, comparing its many colors to that of the finest of ruby, emerald, sapphire, topaz, and amethyst. Romans prized opal so highly that one citizen of the highest rank suffered permanent exile for refusing to relinquish ownership of a magnificent hen-egg sized opal to the emperor..... (2000) Complete Story
