Chrome diopside certainly isn’t the name of a beautiful gem that could be added to your jewelry collection. It sounds more like a cleaner used for floors or the rims of the wheels on your cars. Actually, chrome diopside is a stunning green gem with great sparkle that has a higher refraction than the emerald. Chrome diopside is an all-natural, untreated gemstone and is the most pure, semi-precious gem available in the world. No heat, irradiation or oils are used on this rare gemstone. Only sudden, environmental temperature changes can affect the natural characteristics of the stone.
Vertelite is the gem name for chrome diopside which comes from the latin root for vert meaning green and lite meaning stone. The gem is green because it contains chromium and is denoted on the periodic table of elements as Cr. The rare, green stones are mined in Russia. Siberia produces top quality chrome diopside, but, only in the Russian summer months. It is too cold in the winter months to mine which keeps the levels of chrome diopside even throughout the year.
Chrome diopside is suitable for jewelry after it is mined. However, it requires special cutting expertise because it is very difficult to facet. This is due to the fact that diopside has two planes, or prismatic cleavage angles that are almost perpendicular to each other. The stone has an area of weak mineral composition which allows cleaving to occur. As a result, only ten percent of the rough ends up a polished gem. Consequently, ninety percent of the stone is lost, contributing to the rarity of chrome diopside. Prices are climbing as the market recognizes the beauty and lack of supply of this natural gemstone.
The elegance of this stone is best displayed being cut as a round or oval. The cabochon cut, round top and flat bottom, produces a lovely cat’s eye effect. The stone ranks 6 to 6.5 on the MOHS scale of hardness. This means that it is a softer stone in relation to the diamond which is a ten on the scale. In non-jewelry terms, liken it to the hardness of a steel file. Finally, the chrome diopside does not react well to harsh chemicals. So, please be kind and gentle when cleaning.
People the world over have a deeper connection with the color green because it is not only the color of nature but the color of money. Green gems emanate a subtle awareness of something to be treasured, of a wealth beyond the boundaries of the mind. The sparkling brilliance and refraction of the chrome diopside lets inner beauty radiate for all to see and many take comfort in its presence. The gemstone is believed to reinvigorate the body and soothe the soul. Since it comes from the earth, natural and untreated, there are those that believe if worn close to the chest, such as a pendant, it is good for your health. It can aid in circulation and better vision, prevent heart problems and ease traumas. Still others consider wearing diopside jewelry as a healer of colon problems, Crohn’s disease, ulcers, diverticulosis, colitis and muscle spasms. Deep spiritualists have faith in chrome diopside to regain their pure essence and improve their ability to trust.
For more information on this beautiful gem, please visit www.chromediopsidejewelry.com
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
GEMSTONE CUTS
The overall beauty of a gemstone is influenced by its cut.
A brilliant cut has many facets or cuts and is best applied on diamonds and transparent gemstones. There are three flat, polished surfaces per facet. All of the facets are positioned to radiate the best light because angles enhance the brilliance of the stone. The most popular brilliant is a full-cut round which encompasses a total of 58 facets. A single brilliant cut has about seventeen to eighteen facets. Other variations of a brilliant cut are the marquise and the oval. Ovals are suitable with a lower carat weight to make the stone appear larger. A trillion is a brilliant cut with triangular dimensions and a princess cut is a square brilliant.
A step or trap cut has fewer facets than a brilliant cut and is similar to a staircase. It is used on colored gemstones. The best advantage of a step cut is to enhance the color by making it richer. When viewed it appears as if the color is coming straight from the belly of the gemstone. A baguette is a step cut that is rectangular in shape with square corners. An emerald cut removes the corners making the stone octagonal. Other variations of the step cut include the window, the table, the radiant and also the oval.
A mixed cut is a combination of a brilliant and step cut. The top or crown of the gemstone receives the brilliant and the pavilion or bottom of the stone, the step. Sometimes the different cuts appear side by side. This type of cut has rounded outlines and is set in prongs. Again the oval, cushion, pear and teardrop are all examples of a mixed cut.
A cabochon cut comes from the French name for bald head. The cut is rounded on top and flat on the bottom. This type of cut is simple to complete. It is utilized on affordable gemstones that don’t benefit from extensive faceting.
Finally, a fancy cut is any other cut that has not been described above.
Before purchasing a gemstone, whether it is loose or mounted in a setting, evaluate the cut by viewing the stone face up. This way the gem shows uniform color distribution and radiates the light best.
A brilliant cut has many facets or cuts and is best applied on diamonds and transparent gemstones. There are three flat, polished surfaces per facet. All of the facets are positioned to radiate the best light because angles enhance the brilliance of the stone. The most popular brilliant is a full-cut round which encompasses a total of 58 facets. A single brilliant cut has about seventeen to eighteen facets. Other variations of a brilliant cut are the marquise and the oval. Ovals are suitable with a lower carat weight to make the stone appear larger. A trillion is a brilliant cut with triangular dimensions and a princess cut is a square brilliant.
A step or trap cut has fewer facets than a brilliant cut and is similar to a staircase. It is used on colored gemstones. The best advantage of a step cut is to enhance the color by making it richer. When viewed it appears as if the color is coming straight from the belly of the gemstone. A baguette is a step cut that is rectangular in shape with square corners. An emerald cut removes the corners making the stone octagonal. Other variations of the step cut include the window, the table, the radiant and also the oval.
A mixed cut is a combination of a brilliant and step cut. The top or crown of the gemstone receives the brilliant and the pavilion or bottom of the stone, the step. Sometimes the different cuts appear side by side. This type of cut has rounded outlines and is set in prongs. Again the oval, cushion, pear and teardrop are all examples of a mixed cut.
A cabochon cut comes from the French name for bald head. The cut is rounded on top and flat on the bottom. This type of cut is simple to complete. It is utilized on affordable gemstones that don’t benefit from extensive faceting.
Finally, a fancy cut is any other cut that has not been described above.
Before purchasing a gemstone, whether it is loose or mounted in a setting, evaluate the cut by viewing the stone face up. This way the gem shows uniform color distribution and radiates the light best.
Monday, February 18, 2008
CHARACTERISTICS OF GEMSTONES
To paraphrase Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, when one gets the blues, the only way to feel better is to go to Tiffany’s because nothing bad can happen there. It is an exciting experience entering a jewelry store! The lights and glass cases of sparkling jewelry can captivate because, simply, it is a thrill to purchase and wear jewelry. When purchasing gemstone jewelry, it is imperative that the 4C’s – Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat, are considered. Other qualities that should also be contemplated are Origin, Rarity and Durability.
Color is the most valuable characteristic of a gemstone. The composition and structure of the minerals in the rocks that eventually become gemstones is what gives them color. The array of colors make gemstones attractive and beautiful. The question regarding color is whether or not the color is natural or applied. There are four color treatments that can change the appearance of a gem. They are heat, irradiation, dyeing and straining. Heat is the oldest and most common of color treatments. It improves the color distribution and reduces any visible flaws. Irradiation enhances a gemstone’s color through low or high electromagnetic waves or energy particles. An example of irradiation is a color change from yellow to orange. Unfortunately, the change may only last for a few days. Dyeing and straining usually modifies the color of a gemstone only on the surface.
The cut of a gem influences the overall beauty of the stone. When a gemstone is cut, inclusions and blemishes are caused and can increase the value of the stone. There are many different types of cuts; such as, brilliant, step or trap, mixed, cabochon and fancy. Gemstones are also categorized by types. Type 1 gemstones are mostly free of inclusions. An example of a Type 1 gem is the blue topaz and the amethyst. Type 2 gemstones possess inclusions and include sapphires and rubies. The most inclusions are found in Type 3 gemstones, such as, the emerald.
The physical properties of a mineral are hardness, gravity and breakage. During mining of the minerals, breaking can happen by cleaving or fracture. Cleaving occurs along the planes of the weak composition or structure of the mineral. Fracturing breaks on the surface of the mineral. Since clarity determines the level of flawlessness by grading the internal and external characteristics of the gemstone, cleaving and fracturing affect the clarity. Internal flaws of the gemstone originate from within and may extend to the surface. Feathers, crystals, cracks and fissures are examples of internal flaws. External flaws are blemishes such as scratches and nicks. Great clarity equals great transparency which determines how well the light passes through the gemstone. The clarity of the stone can affect the price more than the cut.
A gemstone is measured by weight in carats. Just because a gem is huge and looks stunning when worn or displayed, does not always mean that it is the best quality stone. Usually though, a high number of carats translates into a bigger price tag.
The remaining factors not included in the 4C’s can also determine a gemstone’s worth. The origin of the mineral or where it is discovered and eventually mined can add to the stone’s value. If the location is difficult to reach, or the weather is extreme, that particular gemstone would be an asset to any jewelry collection. When the supply is exhausted and mining ceases, the scarcity or rarity of the gemstone increases its value. Finally, a durable gemstone is a smart purchase since it can withstand scratches and damage.
Examining all of the qualities listed above can assist in the addition of gemstones to a collection that can be passed on generation after generation.
Color is the most valuable characteristic of a gemstone. The composition and structure of the minerals in the rocks that eventually become gemstones is what gives them color. The array of colors make gemstones attractive and beautiful. The question regarding color is whether or not the color is natural or applied. There are four color treatments that can change the appearance of a gem. They are heat, irradiation, dyeing and straining. Heat is the oldest and most common of color treatments. It improves the color distribution and reduces any visible flaws. Irradiation enhances a gemstone’s color through low or high electromagnetic waves or energy particles. An example of irradiation is a color change from yellow to orange. Unfortunately, the change may only last for a few days. Dyeing and straining usually modifies the color of a gemstone only on the surface.
The cut of a gem influences the overall beauty of the stone. When a gemstone is cut, inclusions and blemishes are caused and can increase the value of the stone. There are many different types of cuts; such as, brilliant, step or trap, mixed, cabochon and fancy. Gemstones are also categorized by types. Type 1 gemstones are mostly free of inclusions. An example of a Type 1 gem is the blue topaz and the amethyst. Type 2 gemstones possess inclusions and include sapphires and rubies. The most inclusions are found in Type 3 gemstones, such as, the emerald.
The physical properties of a mineral are hardness, gravity and breakage. During mining of the minerals, breaking can happen by cleaving or fracture. Cleaving occurs along the planes of the weak composition or structure of the mineral. Fracturing breaks on the surface of the mineral. Since clarity determines the level of flawlessness by grading the internal and external characteristics of the gemstone, cleaving and fracturing affect the clarity. Internal flaws of the gemstone originate from within and may extend to the surface. Feathers, crystals, cracks and fissures are examples of internal flaws. External flaws are blemishes such as scratches and nicks. Great clarity equals great transparency which determines how well the light passes through the gemstone. The clarity of the stone can affect the price more than the cut.
A gemstone is measured by weight in carats. Just because a gem is huge and looks stunning when worn or displayed, does not always mean that it is the best quality stone. Usually though, a high number of carats translates into a bigger price tag.
The remaining factors not included in the 4C’s can also determine a gemstone’s worth. The origin of the mineral or where it is discovered and eventually mined can add to the stone’s value. If the location is difficult to reach, or the weather is extreme, that particular gemstone would be an asset to any jewelry collection. When the supply is exhausted and mining ceases, the scarcity or rarity of the gemstone increases its value. Finally, a durable gemstone is a smart purchase since it can withstand scratches and damage.
Examining all of the qualities listed above can assist in the addition of gemstones to a collection that can be passed on generation after generation.
ORIGIN OF GEMSTONES
Gemstones have been around since the earliest civilizations. From these earliest civilizations, gemstones have always represented wealth and power. Gemstones have been used not only as decorations, but as talismans, amulets and charms. Today, as in days of old, gems are collected, given as gifts and worn as jewelry. Simply, precious gems and jewelry are an absolute joy. They continue to dazzle and captivate and we are enamored by their beauty.
Gemstones begin as naturally formed, solid, inorganic chemical compounds or mineral crystals found in rocks. The three types of rocks that contain these mineral crystals are igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Deep in the Earth there is an inferno boiling made up of molten rock and gases called magma. Magma will surface and break through as lava. When the lava cools, it forms igneous rock. Within the rock and gas bubble spaces, interlocking crystals grow. How the crystals form is dependent upon the minerals present, the environment and the cooling process. Diamonds and topaz are examples of the gems found in igneous rock.
Sedimentary rock consists of rock fragments that are near the surface and are washed into riverbeds and sea beds. Over time, these rock fragments combine together with mud, organic and non-organic elements. Eventually, the elements compact together into hard rocks. Sapphires and rubies are usually found in sedimentary rocks.
Intense pressure and high temperatures can re-crystallize and transform the composition of the rock. This is an example of metamorphic rock. Some of the gems located in metamorphic rock are emeralds and peridots.
Once the mineral crystals are mined, skilled craftsmen cut and polish the crystals to become gemstones. Gem cutting and polishing is an art form and contributes to the beauty, appearance and value of the gemstone.
Plants and animals also play a role in the formation of gemstones. The tusks of the elephant are ivory and the interior of the oyster produces the pearl. Fossil resin, commonly called tree sap, formulates the amber gemstone. Finally, there are gemstones that are not naturally created. They are produced in labs and are called synthetic gemstones.
Gemstones begin as naturally formed, solid, inorganic chemical compounds or mineral crystals found in rocks. The three types of rocks that contain these mineral crystals are igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Deep in the Earth there is an inferno boiling made up of molten rock and gases called magma. Magma will surface and break through as lava. When the lava cools, it forms igneous rock. Within the rock and gas bubble spaces, interlocking crystals grow. How the crystals form is dependent upon the minerals present, the environment and the cooling process. Diamonds and topaz are examples of the gems found in igneous rock.
Sedimentary rock consists of rock fragments that are near the surface and are washed into riverbeds and sea beds. Over time, these rock fragments combine together with mud, organic and non-organic elements. Eventually, the elements compact together into hard rocks. Sapphires and rubies are usually found in sedimentary rocks.
Intense pressure and high temperatures can re-crystallize and transform the composition of the rock. This is an example of metamorphic rock. Some of the gems located in metamorphic rock are emeralds and peridots.
Once the mineral crystals are mined, skilled craftsmen cut and polish the crystals to become gemstones. Gem cutting and polishing is an art form and contributes to the beauty, appearance and value of the gemstone.
Plants and animals also play a role in the formation of gemstones. The tusks of the elephant are ivory and the interior of the oyster produces the pearl. Fossil resin, commonly called tree sap, formulates the amber gemstone. Finally, there are gemstones that are not naturally created. They are produced in labs and are called synthetic gemstones.
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