GEMSTONE OF THE MONTH - BLOODSTONE

Legend dictates that the origin of the bloodstone began at the time of Christ's crucifixion.

It is believed that as He hung on the cross green jasper stones, piled at the cross' base, absorbed the drops of the Christ's blood causing fixed red dots to appear.

For this reason, the gemstone is also known as the Martyr's Stone. Due to this association to the Christ, early Christians carved scenes of the crucifixion into the glistening green and red stones.

The ancient Greeks compared the gem's color to the illusion of the sun setting in the ocean. The Greeks subsequently named the gem heliotrope, which means Stone of the Sun, and this name is still used today.

The bloodstone, a highly durable cryptocrystalline quartz, ranges in color that includes light to deep to very dark shades of green. Iron oxides are the components that produce the stone's distinctive red spots. The highest quality bloodstones are those with a great luster.

For countless centuries, into the present day, the bloodstone is revered for its myriad of healing properties, and protective energy. Used as a protective talisman to deflect the effects of the envious gazes, the stone is also used to soothe colds, the flu, allergies, and for cleansing the blood.

It is also believed to promote such attributes as clarity of thought, solid judgment, honesty, courage, and balance emotions. Although primarily mined in India, the gemstone is also found in the United States, Australia, China, and Brazil.

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Photo: Bloodstone

GEMSTONE OF THE MONTH | AMETHYST

There are numerous studies showing that the amethyst gemstone's beautiful violet color is the result of the intermingling of aluminum, manganese and ferric iron.

This durable variety of quartz is primarily found within volcanic rock in regions spanning Uruguay, Brazil, South Korea, and Sri Lanka.

The stone's purported healing properties have been revered for centuries with its ability to soothe drunkenness being the most well known. In fact, according to Greek legend a beautiful nymph shared the gemstone's moniker.

After requesting Goddess Diana's protection from the amorous attention of Dionysus, the God of Wine, and Intoxication, Diana granted the nymph's request by transforming her into a gemstone. In turn, Dionysus granted the stone its color and the power to fend off wine's incapacitating effects.

Aside from this dramatic property, amethyst is also believed to calm stress reactions, signal danger, and enhance mental or psychic capacities. The stone has been a staple in rosary beads, and bishop rings of the Episcopal Church, as well as the stone of choice for St. Valentine.

In accordance with the theme of Valentine's, during medieval times a presentation of a heart-shaped amethyst by a woman to a knight or her husband signaled great happiness for the couple.

One of the world's largest amethyst geodes, the Empress of Uruguay, is located in Australia's Crystal Caves. It stands an alarming eleven feet tall and is filled with magnificent, deep violet crystals.
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Photo 1: Amethyst crystal

GEMSTONE OF THE MONTH | GARNET

Like many gemstones, the garnet has a fossil-like existence. Cultivated by heat and pressure the minerals quietly take form within the earth.

To my surprise, garnets are composites of two or more variations of minerals that include almandine, grossularite, spessartite, andradite, pyrope, and tsavorite.

Consequently, the variations provide garnet with a range of hues from the popular red pyrope to colorless grossularite to tsavorite green and even a blue-green variation found in Africa.

Due to the garnet's large variety of colors, the gemstone has often been mistaken for other gemstones. Mined around the world, the varieties of garnet are found in Brazil, India, Kenya, Russia, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States.

Garnet is a highly durable gemstone with nearly flawless clarity and was widely popular among the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians.

During ancient eras, the stones were fashioned into protective amulets, as they were believed to ward against evil. According to legend, the biblical patriarch Noah used a lantern made of garnet as a safeguard to steer the Ark at night.

Aside from its use as a protective talisman, many believe the garnet to hold healing powers that sooth depression, arthritic and pancreatic problems, as well as stabilize heart rates.

One of the world's most famous garnets is a cabochon flower brooch once owned by Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis. One of the largest grossularite garnet minerals is located at Vermont's Eden Mill Nature Center.
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Photo 1 (top right): Red Rhodolite Garnet

GEMSTONE OF THE MONTH - TURQUOISE

From the days of the Aztecs to the present day, the turquoise gemstone has been around for millennia adorning everyone from Egyptians to Native Americans.

Mined around the world, including China, Israel, and Mexico, the copper aluminum phosphate is found in copper-rich soil and is best known for its pure blue color.

Of course, like many gemstones depending on its composition its color can range from mint green to neon yellow to white. The variation in color is caused by the amount of copper, iron, or aluminum present in the soil.

Widely known as a "sensitive" stone, turquoise nuggets are often treated with clear wax in order to preserve its color as well as increase hardness and durability.

It is also important to handle turquoise items with great care to promote longevity as body oils, heat, and extreme light pose a detrimental effect on the stones.

Believed to be a stone of good fortune, turquoise was worn by ancient Persians to protect against the evil eye, a sudden violent death, and dark forces.

Turquoise is used in gemstone therapy to alleviate depression, and increase confidence. The most valuable turquoise is a pure blue tone without veins or a matrix--as veins are also called.  Most turquoise of this quality are mined in Nevada.

One of the world's largest known turquoise nuggets was found in Sante Fe, New Mexico and is prominently featured in one of the local stores.
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Photo (top left): Blue Turquoise Nugget

GEMSTONE OF THE MONTH | TOPAZ

In many ways, the topaz gemstone is similar to diamonds. For one, topaz forms inside volcanic rock and its durability and hardness rivals that of diamonds. At one time clear topaz gemstones were commonly mistaken for diamonds.

GEMSTONE OF THE MONTH | OPAL

The unique beauty of the opal gemstone is unlike any other; it holds within it the vibrant colors of all gemstones. Brilliant flashes of red, yellow, blue, and green sparkle and twinkle within a fluid blue-green background. For this reason, the early Romans called it "the queen of gems."

Opals form when water transports silica along the fissures of boulders. When the water evaporates the silica hardens and over time creates what we know as an opal stone.

The distinctive color of opal is caused by "internal diffraction": very small grids holding spheres break apart light into color. The size of the spheres determines the color. Large spheres create a multitude of hues, while smaller ones create a single, uniform color.

For many centuries, the stone came to symbolize purity, love, fidelity, and hope; but the opal's reputation took a sinister turn in the early 19th century.

The protagonist of Sir Walter Scott's popular novel, Anne of Geuerstein, wore a magic opal stone in her hair. The stone's colors would change reflecting the protagonist's moods. After a few sprinkles of holy water touched the stone, it lost its color and the protagonist took ill and died.

For nearly half a century after the book's release, the sale of opals dropped dramatically. England's Queen Victoria, however, was unfazed by the widely accepted superstition buying the stones for her daughters as wedding gifts.

Now of course, the stone is highly sought after and are primarily mined in Australia. The opal is a fragile gem that chips easily and requires careful maintenance. It is best to keep it away from heat, acid, and from other pieces of jewelry that can scratch it.

The opal is believed to cure eye problems, soothe the nerves, and enhance metabolism. The stone is also believed to improve communication, and awaken psychic abilities.

Among the world's most famous opals is the magnificent Opal Peacock Brooch, which is currently on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

It is a spectacular piece, donated by the brilliant Harry Winston, fashioned from a sapphire stone forming the head moving along to a diamond encrusted neck, and a 22-carat opal forms the body while the tail feathers are a composite of emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.

One of the world's largest opals, worth $2 million dollars, is the Olympic Australis Opal, found in Australia in 1956.
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Photo 1 (top left): Opal Peacock Brooch

GEMSTONE OF THE MONTH | SAPPHIRE

A symbol of devotion to God, and the mysterious planet Saturn, the magnetic, blue sapphire gemstone is widely known as the "Stone of Destiny."

The sapphire is derived from a non-red variety of the corundum mineral; the same mineral its twin, the ruby, originates from.

GEMSTONE OF THE MONTH | PERIDOT

From the distant past to the present day, the peridot gemstone has fascinated many.  Due to its glowing, avocado-green color, ancient Egyptians called it "the gem of the sun" while the ancient Romans called it "evening emerald."

A derivative of the forsterite-fayalite mineral, the peridot is the only gemstone that does not come in different colors, although they do come in subtle variations of green, from yellow-green to olive-green.

This "idiochromatic" quality is due to the lack of impurities within the mineral the gem originates. This uniform color also gives peridot an interesting characteristic: it looks the same in natural and artificial light.

Like diamonds, peridot form deep below the earth's surface and are a result of extreme heat and pressure. They are found in volcanic rock, as well as meteorites. The gemstones are mined in Norway, Brazil, Australia, the Congo, and Hawaii.  The gemstone is so highly regarded in Hawaii the sands of the beach of Oahu is composed of peridot grains.

It is believed the first recorded peridot mine was located on the island of Zebargad near Egypt. Poisonous snakes were said to have killed mine workers that paralyzed the mine's daily functions. The reigning Pharaoh then had the reptiles killed.

Once work in the mines resumed, however, the mine was kept a secret from outsiders, and the Pharaoh took extreme measures to maintain secrecy. He ordered his guards to kill any unauthorized travelers approaching the island.

Peridots are believed to bestow eloquent speech, emotional security, and sustain marriage to those who own them. Peridot is believed to remove spells, and repel evil spirits. In addition, the gemstone is named in the Book of Exodus representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel.

Some of the world's most famous peridots (each over 200 carats) adorns the Shrine of The Three Kings, a gilded sarcophagus located in the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. The shrine is said to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men.

The world's largest peridot (a whopping 311.78 carats) is on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
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Photo 1 (top right): Shrine of The Three Kings
Photo 2 (bottom right): Peridot Gemstone

GEMSTONE OF THE MONTH - RUBY

For centuries, the magnificent sanguine color of the ruby gemstone has captivated all who see it. Rubies are a red variety of the corundum mineral, and are considered red sapphires as they share the same mineral properties of sapphire except for color.

Mined in a small number of locales that include Madagascar, Vietnam, Kenya, and Sri Lanka, ruby gemstones are considered very rare. However, due to their uniform red color, rubies of the highest value are mined in Myanmar.

Rubies come in numerous red variations including pink, burgundy, and reddish-brown. Rubies of this nature are heated at high temperatures to enhance the red hues and improve clarity.

In order to charge a price for rubies, jewelers are required to obtain a laboratory report certifying that the stone's red color is natural and transparent. One of the most beautiful types of rubies contain slender, tiny, Rutile needles that create a star-type formation known as asterism. These types of rubies are aptly named Star Rubies.

Owners of this spectacular gemstone are said to be assured of peace, physical and mental protection, and prosperity. One of the world's most famous rubies is The Star of Bharany, which is a Star Ruby. It is 28 carats and was owned by the Indian dynasty, House of Bharany, which set the ruby in an 18-karat gold ring setting, surrounded by diamonds.

One of the world's largest rubies is the 125 West Ruby, a crystal found in Myanmar weighing 8 pounds with a remarkable 18,696 carats.

For more information on Star Rubies, check out Star Ruby: The Eternal Gemstone, a website pertaining to everything Star Ruby.
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Photo: The Star of Bharany

GEMSTONE OF THE MONTH - PEARL

Along with the distinction of being June's birthstone, pearls are unique in that living organisms produce them. Although technically they are an abnormal concretion that forms on a mollusk's shell, pearls are incredibly beautiful and highly desired. These sleek, glistening gems symbolize harmony, purity, and humility. They are also believed to balance the body's hormone levels and biorhythms.

Because naturally occurring pearls are extremely rare they are of considerable value. One out of every 10,000 mollusks contains one. Accordingly, in the past if a naturally occurring pearl was discovered royalty or the very wealthy paid thousands of dollars to own these incredible formations.

In the early 20th century, Koichi Mikimoto is credited with developing techniques for producing pearls under artificial conditions or culturing, which has made pearls more readily available.

The quality of pearls is largely determined by its nacre quality, a thick coating that provides luster and durability.

However, during the culturing process various factors can affect the nacre quality and therefore increase the number of blemishes such as welts, discoloration, or cracks that are visible to the naked eye.

Despite a nacre coating and hard exterior, pearls are prone to damage and require careful, gentle handling. For example, hairspray or cologne should be allowed to thoroughly dry before wearing pearls.

Lastly, it is a no-no to wear pearls while swimming in chlorinated or salt water. To prevent cracking, it is best to clean pearls with a a soft, dry cloth after each wearing.

The Japanese Akoya is probably the most well known type of cultured pearl as these pearls are commonly used to create the classic, string-of-pearls design. The most expensive Akoyas are round, white-pink, silver-pink and even blue.

South Sea Pearls are generally the largest, with the most expensive being round and silver-white, white-rose or peacock black. The most affordable pearls are Chinese freshwater pearls.

One of the most famous pearls is the La Peregrina (The Incomparable), which is said to have been egg-shaped with a silvery translucent color, and a weight of 111.5 grains. King Philip IV gave the remarkable gem to his daughter, Maria Theresa, as a wedding gift. In 1969, actor Richard Burton purchased it as a present for Elizabeth Taylor.

The Pearl of Allah is touted as the world's largest naturally occurring pearl. Discovered in 1934 off the coast of Palawan, it measures a remarkable 10 inches in diameter and weighs 14 pounds! To see the Pearl of Allah, and for more information on this natural phenomenon, click here.
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Photo (top left): Elizabeth Taylor wearing the La Peregrina pearl necklace

GEMSTONE OF THE MONTH | EMERALD

The splendid emerald is the birthstone for the month of May known for its rich yet transparent green color. Emeralds are plentiful all across the world including Madagascar, India, Russia, and even Hiddenite, North Carolina.

Unlike the diamond, emeralds are prone to breakage but they make for bold and stunning gems in jewelry designs.

A beryl mineral--the emerald is a variation of this mineral--can range in color from yellowish-green or bluish-green but the color must be medium or dark to be categorized as an emerald.

In order to improve their clarity, emeralds are treated with oils, such as cedar oil, to get better light refraction. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission requires jewelers to disclose oil treatments whenever an emerald is sold.

According to folklore, emeralds are said to possess calming properties for those suffering emotional anguish or anxiety. They are said to provide clarity of mind and increase memory function, and they symbolize harmony, peace, and love.

One of the most famous emeralds, believed to have once belonged to a maharani, is the 38-carat Chalk Emerald, found in Colombia. The gem was recut and placed in a ring setting, surrounded by 60 pear-shaped diamonds, by Harry Winston . The Chalk Emerald is on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

The largest specimen of emerald in the world--allegedly--was on display last year at the Matrix Exhibition in Hong Kong. The emerald was reported to have been found in Morafeno, Madagascar in 2007.

To view spectacular photographs of this emerald go to Mindat.org (the site says you can click on the photos for better resolution).

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Photo (top center): Chalk Emerald

GEMSTONE OF THE MONTH | DIAMOND

Many times, I forget that gemstones and precious metals are just minerals dug up from the earth. I just don't think about that whenever I see all of that natural beauty.

When I think of diamonds, I think of diamonds are a girl's best friend. Diamonds and pearls. Diamonds are forever. To live and let die-mond. Okay, I made the last one up but diamonds are very real.

Aside from being the birthstone for the month of April, diamonds are the most unyielding of the precious stones and come in various colors. Diamonds form deep within the Earth, at least 120 miles below the Earth's surface and are millions of years old.

Volcanic eruptions expel these precious gemstones to the Earth's surface to later be discovered by overjoyed diamond diggers. The most prevalent clear, white diamonds are predominantly used in engagement ring settings. However, their colors can range from pink, yellow, brown, green, and even blue.

One of the most well known and rarest blue diamonds is also one of the largest (45 carats), the beautiful Hope Diamond (see above photo). Over the years, diamonds have come to symbolize purity and loyalty. According to folklore when combined with other gems, diamonds have the ability to supplement other stones' healing properties.

Click here to see a short video of the Hope Diamond currently on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

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Photo (top left): Hope Diamond