Gems and Precious Stones

Yes, CZ (cubic zirconia) is a man-made material that is almost as hard as a diamond and can scratch glass. However, it is not commonly used to cut glass as it is primarily used as a diamond simulant in jewelry.

The process used to create Mystic Fire topaz gemstones is to take natural topaz gemstones and add titanium. They are bonded together at the very molecular level and they become one on the surface of the topaz gemstones after the bonding process occurs.

The birthstone for October 28th is opal, known for its iridescent colors. The star sign for October 28th is Scorpio, represented by the scorpion symbol and associated with traits like passion and intensity.

Ruby gemstones are found abundantly in countries such as Myanmar (formerly Burma), Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, and Mozambique. Myanmar is especially known for its high-quality rubies, including the famous "Pigeon's Blood" red color.

To melt beads inside jewelry, place the jewelry piece on a heat-resistant surface and use a heat source, such as a heat gun or a torch, to apply heat until the beads melt and adhere to the jewelry surface. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions when working with heat.

The value will depend upon the quality of the diamonds. You will need to get a jeweller to look at the ring. Diamonds are valued on more than just size, their colour ( shade of white) and clarity ( for example ) are important too.

Avon ruby red glassware can be a profitable collectible, especially if it is vintage or part of a limited collection. The value will depend on factors such as the condition, rarity, and demand among collectors. It's advisable to research current market trends and consult with experts before investing in Avon ruby red glassware.

Australian opal is the finest opal known and is exported around the world. It's safe to say that even the smallest gem and jewelry store in the smallest towns of the developed world will carry some Australian opal.

Mozambique garnet is a type of garnet found in Mozambique, typically red in color with a high refractive index. Far East garnet is a term sometimes used to refer to garnets from countries in the Far East region, such as China or Myanmar, known for their deep red hues and high clarity. The main difference lies in their origin and specific characteristics based on the location where they are sourced.

No, genuine pearls do not peel. Pearls are formed when an irritant like a grain of sand becomes encased in nacre, a protective substance secreted by oysters or mollusks. This process creates layers of nacre that give pearls their unique luster and beauty.

Swallowing a precious stone may cause choking, digestive issues, and potential damage to the digestive tract due to the stone's hard and sharp edges. It is important to seek medical attention if a precious stone is swallowed to prevent any complications.

The value of a 10-carat flawless Australian sapphire can vary greatly depending on factors such as color, clarity, cut, and demand. However, as a rough estimate, such a gemstone could be valued anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 per carat, leading to a total value range of $50,000 to $500,000. It's recommended to have the sapphire professionally appraised for an accurate valuation.

The value of a half-carat diamond ring will depend on the quality of the diamond (including cut, color, clarity), the overall design and craftsmanship of the ring, and market conditions. Certification from a reputable grading laboratory (such as GIA or AGS) can help determine the specific characteristics of the diamond and thus its value. The 18kt stamp indicates the purity of the gold used in the ring.

Fluorite is the softest gemstone that can be faceted and put in jewelery. It comes in a rainbow of colors but it is extremely fragile.

No, gold is not a gemstone. Gold is a precious metal that is valued for its rarity and beauty. Gemstones are minerals that are cut and polished to be used in jewelry.

Pearls do not typically wash up on beaches naturally. Pearls are formed inside mollusks such as oysters and are harvested through pearl farming. Finding a pearl on the beach would be extremely rare.

English is the primary language spoken in Coober Pedy, South Australia. Due to its multicultural community and significant Aboriginal population, some residents may also speak Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara, or other Indigenous languages.

It is difficult to provide an exact value without knowing more details, as diamond prices can vary based on factors like quality of cut and market demand. However, generally speaking, a one-fourth carat diamond with an I1 clarity grade and I color would be considered lower on the quality scale and may be valued at a few hundred dollars to around a thousand dollars.

February's birthstone: Amethyst

Birthstone powers: Brings peace and calm to your life

Alternative Birthstone: Bloodstone Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February and the traditional anniversary gemstone for the sixth of marriage.

Once considered more valuable than diamonds, this member of the quartz member occurs naturally as crystals within rocks. The stones are mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Zambia, Australia and in the mountains of Russia American amethysts are mined in Maine, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Montana and Colorado. Amethyst from Maine is usually dark with North Carolina amethyst having a bluish tint unique to that area. Amethyst can lighten if exposed to strong sunlight for a long time. When heated to 550-560 Centigrade, the color changes to dark yellow or reddish brown. (They are then called citrines. These are more richly colored and more expensive then natural citrines) Ideally deep medium purple with rose-colored flashes, amethysts generally range in hue from pale lilac to nearly black purple.

Sobering Thoughts with Amethyst

The Greeks believed that whoever wore an amethyst or drank from an amethyst cup would not become intoxicated. In fact, the word amethyst is derived from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning sober. In ancient Greece, the gemstone was associated with the god of wine, and it was common practice to serve this beverage from Amethyst goblets in the belief that this would prevent overindulgence. It was also claimed that amethyst had a sobering effect on those "drunk" on love's passion. Even today, amethyst is considered a stabilizing force for those struggling to overcome addictive behaviors. In general, the gemstone is believed to be a calming, tranquil influence that symbolizes peace.

You may be thinking about wulfenite. The mineral was named after Franz Xavier von Wulfen, an Austrian mineralogist who lived between 1728 and 1805. The color of the mineral ranges from yellow and yellow-gray to orange-red.1

Sphalerite is a mineral that can exhibit a greasy luster when uncut. It is a zinc sulfide mineral that can vary in color and is commonly found in ore deposits.

This riddle plays with a play on words where all three items are red in color, but the twist is that the phrase "are red" is repeated for each item, leading the reader to initially assume the items are different. The riddle humorously reveals that all three are red by repetition.

The value of a half inch round cut diamond will depend on its quality (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight). To determine an accurate value, you should have the diamond assessed by a professional appraiser or jeweler.