Gemstone Education
All About Gemstones
Gemstones
in their many shades of color have fascinated mankind for thousands of years.
The mesmerizing shades of precious gemstones span the color spectrum and beyond.
From the rich hues of glamorous rubies, emeralds and sapphires to the milky
color flashes of opulent opal. From Tanzanite's blue, violet and brown tones to
mystical allure of midnight Onyx - the personalities of gemstones are as
alluring and different as the people that wear them.
Once colored gemstones were divided into two categories - Precious Gemstones, which included rubies, emeralds and sapphires and Semi-Precious, all other colored gems. Today though all colored gemstones are called 'Precious' - no longer is one believed to be more precious than the other. While the big three (Rubies, Emeralds and Sapphires) are the most well-known, they're by no means the most rare or expensive - gems such as Amethysts, Aquamarines, even rare Tourmalines are up there in the price-stakes.
The price though of gems depends very much on their color intensity and clarity - some less well-known gems can sell for hundreds of thousands a carat...
Gemstones though aren't just about color. The ancients attributed magical, mystical powers to each stone, and believed that many of them could cure specific ailments. Even today many gemstones are used in healing methods- a truly multi-purpose gem. From a stunning jewel - to a source of health - find out which gemstone suits your soul and just what powers your birthstone holds.
Gemstone Education
Amethyst: The Color for
Kings
Aquamarine: Gem of the
Sea
Blue Topaz: Birthday
Blue
Citrine: Versatile and
Affordable
Diamonds: The Most Precious
of Gems
Emerald: The Symbol of
Spring
Garnet: The Gem for All
Seasons
Opal: The Queen of Gems
Pearls: The Treasures of the
Sea
Peridot: Soothing Green
Ruby: the King of Gems
Sapphire: The Jewel of the
Sky
Tanzanite: The Jewel of
East Africa
Topaz: Gem of the Setting
Sun
Stones of the
Zodiac
Birthstones and Their
Meaning