Tag Archives: colored gemstones

Tanzanite – a.k.a. Blue Velvet

Tanzanite was discovered over 40 years ago, but it is still relatively unrecognized by consumers. This luscious gem comes from Tanzania, and it is considered quite rare. In an effort to promote awareness, tonight the Tanzanite Foundation will be hosting … Continue reading

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Gemstones – Background and Lore – Hessonite

Hessonite is a variety of garnet. It tends to be warm brownish yellows, brownish oranges, or brownish reds. Because of its color and historic connection with the spice producing country of Sri Lanka, the stone is also called the cinnamon … Continue reading

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Gemstones – Background and Lore – Demantoid

Demantoid means “diamond like” in Dutch. It is called that because although it is softer than a diamond it has a higher dispersion, so it flashes a rainbow of color when light hits it. This green gem is a variety … Continue reading

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Gemstones – Background and Lore – Citrine

Citrine is one of the November birthstones. Topaz is the other. Citrine is a quartz variety. It gets it’s name from the Latin word citrus, meaning “citron” (a fruit closely related to the lemon). Citrine comes in a wide range … Continue reading

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Gemstones – Background and Lore – Chalcedony

Chalcedony is one of the oldest, most abundant, and most popular gemstones. The ancient Turkish seaport gave this gem it’s name. This stone has been considered a powerful talisman and were thought to prevent drowning or drive away ghosts and … Continue reading

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Gemstones – Background and Lore – Carnelian

Carnelian is a variety of chalcedony. It ranges from translucent to semitransparent yellowish orange, orangy red, or brownish orange. It is often made into beads or cameos. It was believed that carnelian could transform bashful speakers into eloquent ones. Carnelian … Continue reading

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Gemstones – Background and Lore – Amber

Amber is organic – it is a product of living organisms. Amber formed millions of years ago when sap from trees hardened and fossilized. Stone Age people found amber along the coast of the Baltic Sea. It was one of … Continue reading

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Gemstones – Background and Lore – Bloodstone

The Bloodstone is an opaque to semi-translucent kind of chalcedony. It is dark green flecked with red. The Greeks called it heliotrope because it flashed red when dunked into water while faced sunward. Medieval Europe considered the bloodstone to be … Continue reading

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Gemstones – Background and Lore – Alexandrite

Alexandrite – is a rare chrysoberyl variety with color change qualities. In daylight or fluorescent light, it is green in color, and in incandescent light, it is brownish or purplish red. It is sometimes referred to as “emerald by day, … Continue reading

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