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The most famous ruby in the world is actually a spinel! It is the "Prince Edward Ruby" which is the center of attention on British Crown of State: this crudely shaped cabochon weighs about 167 carats. It is a magnificent red color. Spinels and rubies are often found in the same gem gravels and for centuries they were thought to be the same gemstone.... (1999) Complete Story
It is morning in Hweka, deep in northern Burma’s Kachin State. Outside the window, the roar of the river below awakens us from our slumber, nudging us groggily into yet another day. Already it has been four long days since leaving Mandalay; when we will reach our destination is still uncertain. Nevertheless, we are unfazed, our spirits are high. Because we are convinced. Today is the day. Today is the day!.... (1997) Complete Story
Due to tanzanite fragile nature, the stone is very easy to abrade, scratch, or chip during the setting process. When hammering or tightening a tanzanite, use great care and develop a habit of regularly checking for proper fit and metal contact with the stone as you go. Abrasions and scratches often occur during the final prong shaping. Therefore, shape the prongs as much as possible before setting the stone. Once the stone is set, finish any shaping with a safety-edge file.... (2004) 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
Garnet is a common mineral distributed worldwide. It occurs as crystals, in massive and granular forms, and as tumbled pebbles. It can form under a wide variety of geological conditions, but high temperatures are essential for its development. It is of major importance as a rock-making mineral in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It alters frequently to chlorite, serpentine, and talc. Chemical stability and resistance to weathering permit excellent crystals to be found in alluvial deposits. It is known that inhabitants of the American southwest still recover crystals from the desert sands and ant hills there. Garnet has imperfect cleavage, but it can exhibit an unusual angular fracture. This ability allows it to retain sharp cutting edges. Industry takes advantage of this property and its hardness to produce abrasive papers and cloths that are two to six times more efficient than those of quartz.... (1997) Complete Story
