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Materials / Most Popular Gemstones

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Last Modified May 31, 2008 at 02:24 PM PDT by amber

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There are over 130 kinds of minerals and materials that have been cut into gems. This table provides details of various gemstones most commonly used in jewelry. References used in the compilation of this information include Wikipedia.org, gemstone.org, egemstones.com, ganoksin.com, psychic-revelation.com, etc.

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Name	Category	Characteristics	Types	Price	Uses, Beliefs	Remarks
Agate	Mineral	Agate is essentially silica (cryptocrystalline silica, i.e. crystalline form of quartz) with a hexagonal crystal system. Its color ranges from white to grey, light blue, orange to red or bl... Agate is essentially silica (cryptocrystalline silica, i.e. crystalline form of quartz) with a hexagonal crystal system. Its color ranges from white to grey, light blue, orange to red or black. It has a waxy luster.	Various types of agate include: Cyclops agate (a Mexican agate) Moss agate Dendritic agate Turritella agate Petoskey agate Rainbow agate Various types of agate include: Cyclops agate (a Mexican agate) Moss agate Dendritic agate Turritella agate Petoskey agate Rainbow agate Carnelian agate Botswana agate Blue lace agate Plume agate Fire agate Fortification agate	In general agate is relatively inexpensive. Some varieties of agate have unusual markings & can demand a premium depending on the type of pattern displayed.	Agate is the zodiac gemstone for Gemini. Agate is believed to be a grounding stone that can help you find a better balance between the physical and emotional aspects of your being. It is ca... Agate is the zodiac gemstone for Gemini. Agate is believed to be a grounding stone that can help you find a better balance between the physical and emotional aspects of your being. It is calming and soothing to the emotions and relieves stress. Agate can be a stabilizing influence influence in your life leading to a greater sense of harmony. Agate has the ability to boost your confidence and to give you courage. In many traditions agate is believed to cure the stings of scorpions and the bites of snakes, prevent contagion, still thunder and lightning, promote eloquence, secure the favour of the powerful, and bring victory over enemies.		view
Amber	Organic	Amber is a fossil resin that is heterogeneous in composition. The ancient Greeks called amber elektron, or sun-made.	Besides succinite (a common variety of European amber), the following varieties occur: Gedanite (a brittle amber) Stantienite - a brittle, deep brownish-black resin Bec... Besides succinite (a common variety of European amber), the following varieties occur: Gedanite (a brittle amber) Stantienite - a brittle, deep brownish-black resin Beckerite - a rare, almost opaque amber Glessite - nearly opaque brown-dark resin Krantzite - a soft red amber-like resin Allingite - a fossil resin Roumanite - a dark reddish resin Simetite - presents a great diversity of tints - a rich hyacinth red is common Burmite - the Burmese amber		Amber was much valued as an ornamental material in very early times. Amber has been valued very highly by, among others, the Assyrians, Egyptians, Etruscans, Phoenicians and Greeks. Amber's... Amber was much valued as an ornamental material in very early times. Amber has been valued very highly by, among others, the Assyrians, Egyptians, Etruscans, Phoenicians and Greeks. Amber's energies are grounding and harmonizing and it has the ability to balance opposing forces and energies. Amber is reputed to draw out negative energies and at the same time promote physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Amber helps to bring about a more positive and balanced state of mind and helps promote inner strength. Amber is also said to be an effective block against psychic attacks.		view
Amethyst	Mineral	Amethyst is a crystalline form of quartz. It is composed of an irregular superposition of alternate lamellae of right- and left-handed quartz. Its color typically is violet or purple	'Rose de France' (a pale pinkish lavendar or lilac shade) Siberian amethyst (intense violet with red flashes - the most prized color) Ametrine Purple Corundum ... 'Rose de France' (a pale pinkish lavendar or lilac shade) Siberian amethyst (intense violet with red flashes - the most prized color) Ametrine Purple Corundum (or sapphire with amethystine tint)	Traditionally one of the most valuable gemstones, it has lost some of its value due to the discovery of extensive deposits in Brazil. Rose de France is the least sought after type and Siberi... Traditionally one of the most valuable gemstones, it has lost some of its value due to the discovery of extensive deposits in Brazil. Rose de France is the least sought after type and Siberian amethyst the most prized color.	Amethyst is the birthstone associated with February. It is also associated with the Astrological signs of Pisces. It is a symbol of heavenly understanding, and of the pioneer in thought and... Amethyst is the birthstone associated with February. It is also associated with the Astrological signs of Pisces. It is a symbol of heavenly understanding, and of the pioneer in thought and action on the philosophical, religious, spiritual and material planes. Ranking members of the Roman Catholic Church traditionally wear rings set with a large amethyst as part of their office.		view
Ammolite	Organic	Ammolite is a rare and valuable opal-like organic gemstone made of the fossilized shells of ammonites (which in turn are composed primarily of aragonite, the same mineral that makes up nacreous pea... Ammolite is a rare and valuable opal-like organic gemstone made of the fossilized shells of ammonites (which in turn are composed primarily of aragonite, the same mineral that makes up nacreous pearls). It is one of the three biogenic gemstones - the other two are amber and pearl. A large array of color is displayed in ammolite. Red and green are far more common than blue or purple due to the latter's fragility. Other hues are crimson, violet and gold.		It is the rarest organic gem material.	The Blackfeet Indian tribe has long believed ammolite to possess amuletic powers and healing powers. In the late 1990s, practitioners of Feng Shui began to promote ammolite as an "influential&... The Blackfeet Indian tribe has long believed ammolite to possess amuletic powers and healing powers. In the late 1990s, practitioners of Feng Shui began to promote ammolite as an "influential" stone with what they believe is the power to enhance well-being and detoxify the body by improving its flow of energy or "chi".	Ammolite is netiher easily nor often imitated. Some materials that have a passing resemblance to ammolite (that my deceive the unfamiliar) include labradorite (also known as spectrolite), feldspar,... Ammolite is netiher easily nor often imitated. Some materials that have a passing resemblance to ammolite (that my deceive the unfamiliar) include labradorite (also known as spectrolite), feldspar, black opal, slocum stone and shell-based marbles.	view
Aquamarine	Mineral	Aquamarine - a cyclosilicate - is a transparent-variety of beryl with a hexagonal crystal structure (a beryllium aluminium silicate mineral). Loosely related to the emerald, it has a delica... Aquamarine - a cyclosilicate - is a transparent-variety of beryl with a hexagonal crystal structure (a beryllium aluminium silicate mineral). Loosely related to the emerald, it has a delicate blue or turquoise color (suggestive of the tint of seawater). It has a vitreous luster.	Aquamarine is categorized on the basis of its color. Sky blue or sea blue variety (more desirable) Sea green variety (less desirable)	Has a wide price range - from low to very expensive.	Aquamarine is the birthstone associated with March. Beryl is the zodiac gemstone associated with Scorpio. It is also the gemstone for the 19th Anniversary. People in the Middle Ages thought ... Aquamarine is the birthstone associated with March. Beryl is the zodiac gemstone associated with Scorpio. It is also the gemstone for the 19th Anniversary. People in the Middle Ages thought that aquamarine could magically overcome the effects of poison. Ancient sailors traveled with aquamarine crystals, believing that it would ensure a safe passage, and often slept with the stones under their pillow to ensure sound sleep. They believed the sirenâ€™s (mermaid) fish-like lower body was made of aquamarine.	Please note all aquamarines are beryls; but, all beryls are not aquamarine. Other forms of beryl include: yellow beryl (Heliodor); rose pink beryl (Morganite); and white beryl (Goshenite).	view
Chrysoberyl	Mineral	Chrysoberyl is an aluminate of beryllium. Its appearances (crystal habit) are slender prism and tubular forms. Dimensions are thin in one direction. Color ranges from various shades of gree... Chrysoberyl is an aluminate of beryllium. Its appearances (crystal habit) are slender prism and tubular forms. Dimensions are thin in one direction. Color ranges from various shades of green and yellow; brownish, reddish; and, rarely, blue. It has a vitreous luster	Alexandrite Cymophane (or Cat's eye) is a translucent yellowish chatoyant chrysoberyl	In general Chrysoberyl can range from moderately (even low) to very expensive.			view
Chrysocolla	Mineralloid / Mineral	Chrysocolla (hydrated copper silicate) is often mistaken for turquoise. Its colour ranges from blue green to green derived from the presence of copper. It has a somewhat greasy, waxy luster.	Pure chrysocolla is too soft to be used in jewellery by itself, but when it forms in conjunction with quartz, it can be utilised as a gemstone. Several minerals such as quartz, limonite, azurite, m... Pure chrysocolla is too soft to be used in jewellery by itself, but when it forms in conjunction with quartz, it can be utilised as a gemstone. Several minerals such as quartz, limonite, azurite, malachite, cuprite and other secondary copper minerals are found with Chrysocolla.	In general it is inexpensive (and hence can be used as a fraudulent substitute for turquoise)	Chrysocolla has been valued in the past as an amulet to protect the young from evil spirits. Metaphysically, Chrysocolla is believed to relieve stress, restore emotional balance, assuage gui... Chrysocolla has been valued in the past as an amulet to protect the young from evil spirits. Metaphysically, Chrysocolla is believed to relieve stress, restore emotional balance, assuage guilt, promote maturity, dissipate nervous tension. It is also believed to stimulate creativity and confidence, enhance patience, compassion, forgiveness and tolerance. A stone to bring peace to the mind and heart. Also said to support the pancreas and the respiratory system, to treat arthritis, bone diseases, muscle spasms, digestive tract, ulcers, lung problems. It is believed to be good with regulating the body's blood sugar and insulin balance.		view
Chrysoprase	Mineral	Chrysoprase is a cryptocrystalline chalcedony (fibrous form of quartz) that contains small quantities of a nickel-containing mineral, willemseite. Its color is normally apple-green, but var... Chrysoprase is a cryptocrystalline chalcedony (fibrous form of quartz) that contains small quantities of a nickel-containing mineral, willemseite. Its color is normally apple-green, but varies to deep green.	Chrysoprase is notable among green stones as the majority are colored by iron (like peridot), or chromium (like emerald and chrome tourmaline), or vanadium (like Tsavorite garnet).	Chrysoprase is one of the most prized varieties of quartz (with the exception of the finest grades of chrysocolla). Higher quality specimens often rival fine jade, for which it is sometimes mistaken.	Chrysoprase is powerful stone. Chrysoprase is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity, as well as business success. It facilitates self-expression and courage and the ability to use them wise... Chrysoprase is powerful stone. Chrysoprase is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity, as well as business success. It facilitates self-expression and courage and the ability to use them wisely. It can bring happiness, because it helps its wearer get rid of negative thoughts & irritability while enhancing friendships. Chrysoprase is a stone of balance that equalizes yin/yang energies and allows deep meditation. It can mend broken hearts and remove inferiority / superiority complexes. It is a powerful healing stone that aids failing eyesight or other eye problems, immune system response, fertility issues, gout, mental illness, relieves fevers and excess body heat, and can help guard against sexually transmitted diseases.		view
Coral	Organic	Corals are marine animals of the class Anthozoa (which also includes the sea anemones). Corals are gastrovascular marine cnidarians and exist as small sea anemone-like polyps. Corals grow i... Corals are marine animals of the class Anthozoa (which also includes the sea anemones). Corals are gastrovascular marine cnidarians and exist as small sea anemone-like polyps. Corals grow in Nature in a wide range of colours from red to white and from blue and brown to black. The most popular are the red hues such as pale pink or salmon, all the way out to a deep dark red. Black corals and gold corals are very much in fashion, whilst the blue ones are extremely rare. The white of the angel skin coral, suffused with pink, is regarded as particularly precious. Other well known colours are the rich red Japanese Moro coral, the pale pink 'Boke' and the red 'Sardegna'.	Root or foam corals are lighter and more reasonably priced than precious coral. Japanese momo coral is heavier than the root coral and somewhat more expensive.		The ancient faith in the protective and invigorating force of coral is perpetuated in the custom of putting a necklace of red corals round the neck of a small child. Red corals are still worn as a ... The ancient faith in the protective and invigorating force of coral is perpetuated in the custom of putting a necklace of red corals round the neck of a small child. Red corals are still worn as a talisman to protect against evil spirits in many cultures. Modern gemstone therapists too highly esteem its positive effects. Coral, it is said, relieves tension and fear and promotes positive forms of social life.		view
Diamond	Mineral	The hardest known natural material, it is a transparent crystal of tetrahedrally bonded carbon atoms. Diamonds are typically crystallize in the face-centered cubic crystal system. They occur ... The hardest known natural material, it is a transparent crystal of tetrahedrally bonded carbon atoms. Diamonds are typically crystallize in the face-centered cubic crystal system. They occur in nearly any color, though yellow and brown are by far the most common (diamonds with hues - due to impurities or structural defects - other than these are called colored diamonds).	Various types are: Pink diamonds (rarest & most valuable diamond) White diamonds; champagne diamonds (produced in a wide range of colors from light straw to rich cognac) ... Various types are: Pink diamonds (rarest & most valuable diamond) White diamonds; champagne diamonds (produced in a wide range of colors from light straw to rich cognac) Pink champagne diamonds (with secondary pink color) Yellow diamonds (yellow to rich canary color) Blue diamonds (from sky blue to a more 'steely' color than sapphire) Green diamonds	The most expensive of gemstones	Diamond is the modern birthstone for April. Historically, and in occultist myths, it has been claimed that diamonds possess several supernatural powers. Diamond is very strongly connected t... Diamond is the modern birthstone for April. Historically, and in occultist myths, it has been claimed that diamonds possess several supernatural powers. Diamond is very strongly connected to the spiritual planes and is considered to be a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. Diamond is believed to help in achieving balance between the mental, spiritual, emotional and physical aspects of life. Diamond is believed to amplify the effects (both negative and positive energies) of other stones.	Cubic Zirconia and moissanite are common diamond stimulants (i.e. a non-diamond material that is used to simulate the appearance of a true diamond)	view

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Comments

mwebb, Jul 30, 2008 at 07:54 AM PDT said:
thoroughly researched and compiled list...wil serve as a good reference guide!!
agupta, Jun 25, 2008 at 10:44 AM PDT said:
don't think any woman would care for all this info..

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