A Guide to Gemstones

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d.jpgOne of the most popular types of jewelry of all is gemstones. Most people have heard of gemstones before, and when we speak of gemstones, we usually are speaking of minerals that have been cut and polished. Not all minerals are suitable here however, and as well as beauty, a mineral must possess a certain hardness and stability, and occur in crystals or masses that are large enough for cutting.

Physical Properties

When it comes to the physical properties and value of gemstones, a valuable gemstone is prized especially for its beauty or rarity. The rarer a gemstone is the more valuable and costly it is going to be. The diamond, for instance, is considered as being a valuable gemstone, since it is the hardest naturally occurring substance known and is able to reflect light with fire and sparkle when faceted.

Color is the most obvious characteristic of gemstones, and the most common cause of color in a gemstone is due to the presence of a small amount of a transition metal ion, which has an incomplete set of 3d electrons.

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Ruby Red – Worth a King’s Ransom

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c.jpgRuby red is a rare precious gemstone whose hardness is second only to diamond.
Ruby red is associated with passion, vivacity, unbridled love and power. It is a gemstone of exceptional hardness, outstanding brilliance, and magnificent color. No wonder it is considered to be a royal gem, and was one of the most prized stones in any king’s jewel collection.

Ruby red is characterized by its deep red color, and everything else is secondary when evaluating the gemstone. It was only in the nineteenth century that it was discovered that ruby and sapphire originate from the same mineral, corundum. It is the presence of traces of elements like chromium, iron, titanium, or vanadium in corundum that give the gem its characteristic blood red color. Pure corundum is colorless, and if it has any other color and trace elements it is classified as sapphire.

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What is Ruby Quartz? An Explanation

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What is ruby quartz? Apparently the answer to this question will depend on who you talk to. For some, the term ruby quartz is a substance that is found in the X-men movies and comics. The field leader of the X-men, who is known as Cyclops, uses ruby quartz lenses to protect those around him from his dangerous optic blasts that are out of his control. When you ask an X-men fan what is ruby quartz, you are very likely to be referred to this character and information. However, a lover of gemstones and jewelry will probably have a much different idea of what ruby quartz is.

What is Ruby Quartz? Real or Synthetic?

There are many different types of quartz that can be found today, and a number of them have become beautiful additions to many types of jewelry. One of the most popular gemstones that you can find in any number of jewelry settings is amethyst, which is purple quartz. Citrine, or yellow quartz, is another common stone used in many different styles of jewelry. Blue quartz, rose quartz and aventurine are all different quartz varieties that can create beautiful jewelry and accessory pieces. But what is ruby quartz?

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