Nature’s bounty does not have limit in air, light and water. Its generosity has also provided us with gemstone worth millions. They are generate by simple molecules or individual elements in repeating chains, sheets or three-dimensional arrangements. These molecules are differently arrange in different gemstones . It determines the characteristics of the stone. In fact, the gem information can be complete on the basis of the arrangement of the molecules.
Minerals, typically are generate when molten rock or magma cools or separates when in contact with cold water. In general, mineral particles are small because of their formation in limit areas such as lava flow or between grains of sediments.
Some common minerals that are available in gemstones include gold, tin, iron, marble and granite. Silicates are also the most common form of minerals, apart from oxides, sulphides, sulphates, carbonates, halides and other major mineral classes.
Minerals also form beautiful crystals, and the most prized among them are gemstones. The uncut gems looks like rocks. It is only when they are cut that they get their brilliance and clarity.
1.Diamonds:
The King of Gemstones
Diamonds are known to be the most valuable kind of gemstone and its most valued for its value, love, power and luxury. Created under high pressure and temperature deep in the earth mantle diamond is chemically elemental carbon and is the hardest material known to man. This hardness has made diamonds to be associated with strength so much that when used in engagement ceremonies they represent everlasting love.
Formation: Diamonds are the result of carbon atoms being squeezed under high pressure along with high temperatures for numerous thousands of years. These diamonds are deposited deeper in the earth and volcanic activity helps to bring them closer to the surface so that it can be mined.
2. Emerald :
The gemstone Emerald, which derives its name from ‘emerald’ green color, is part of beryl mineral group. The colour is added with a very small amount of chromium or vanadium. Gemstone: Emerald: Emeralds have been a much sought after gemstone for millennia and they have been used even by the Egyptians and other forms of royalty.
Formation: Emeralds are made in the hydrothermal veins within the earth crust mostly where there is concentration of beryllium. It requires a certain set of geological conditions, which are hard to come by, and hence, emerald forms part of the more valuable gemstones.
3. Ruby : The Red Jewel of Passion
The gemstone is officially acknowledged as ruby – or the “king of gemstones” – due to the rich shade of red and the grain that it has carried in imagination of people for centuries. Rubies are in the corundum mineral group, and the red color is owed to the chromium presence.
Formation: rubies are found in metamorphic rocks and registered origination from mine in Myanmar, Thailand and some parts of Africa. The finest rubies should be characterized by deep vivid red that have been likened to that of ‘pigeon’s blood.’
4. Sapphire – The Celestial Stone.
Sapphire is another type of corundum though they are usually blue in color but can be of any other color apart from red which is referred to as ruby. A prime example, of course, is the blue sapphire that is associated with wisdom, virtue and good fortune.
Formation: Sapphires are found in metamorphic rocks and the countries that are known to mine these gems are Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Australia. The quality is mainly defined by the saturation of its blue coloration, the clarity of the crystal and the size of the gemstone; the purest sapphires exhibit a rich intensity of blue.
5. Opal
They use color play which is a natural optical effect which causes the opal to glow in one or more colors upon exposure to light. Its colour comes from silica and water which are what make up the gemstone though they are found within the rings.
Formation: Opals are created in regions where water flows over silica containing rocks and carries silicone to the top of the rock is where layers of silica spheres are deposited to create the opal’s play of colour effects. As it has been mentioned above, Australia is the leading producer of precious opal in the world.
6. Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a pastel blue or greenish blue, that belongs to the beryl mineral group – it is said to symbolise the sea. Its origin is from the Latin word; marine and it has been used as an amulet for sailors and travelers.
Formation: Aquamarines are ‘end product’ minerals that crystallize chthonian in granite incorporated pegmatite veins. Aquamarine is a gemstone that is found in different parts of the world but it has been noted that Brazil is one of the best places from where people can source good quality aquamarine gemstones.
7. Ametyst – The Guardian of Purple
Amethyst is an quartz gemstone that is firstly recognized by the facet of that it is purple-tinged, this can vary from a pale lavender color through to a very dark violet hue. In history this gemstone has been linked with monarchy and religion.
Formation: Amethyst is found in geodes which can be defined as a hollow cavity in a rock that is filled with crystals. It is associated with a variation of purple hue in the material due to presence of iron within the quartz frame work.
8. Garnet – Stone Of The Non-Compromising
Garnet is a mineral of the silicate group, composed of various of colors the most popular of which is red garnet. It has been used since ancient time representing safety and energy power.
Formation: Garnets are formed in metamorphic rocks and this precious stone is widely distributed globally; in the operations we have India, Africa and United States of America.
9. Topaz :
Most common topaz gemstone is available in the blue hue, followed by yellow, and pink, and colorless. It is a silicate mineral and has been used for years due to it’s aesthetic value and uses.
Formation: Topaz can be found in igneous rocks of granite as well as rhyolite rock type. Topaz is imported from two countries mainly, Brazil and Russia.
10. Lapis Lazuli – The Stone of Wisdom
Lapis lazuli is a blue metamorphic rock used as a gemstone which ranges in the level of precious stones. Due to its saturation and golden sparkle of pyrite it became popular to decorate various objects and use in jewelery.
Formation: Lapis lazuli is derived from limestone and is undergone through metamorphic pressure to be formed. The most famous source of this gemstone is Afghanistan while it is also mined in Chile and Russia.
The world of precious gemstones and minerals is as diverse as it is captivating. Each gemstone carries its unique story, cultural significance, and properties that make it special. From the eternal brilliance of diamonds to the mystic allure of opals, gemstones are not just beautiful; they are a testament to the wonders of nature. Whether you are a collector, a jeweler, or simply an admirer of nature’s beauty, gemstones continue to inspire awe and fascination.
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