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Fine Jewelry University Articles matching: “California topaz”
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Gem in the Spotlight: Topaz
… joke, “Who’s on First?” “Yes, Who’s on First…” always comes to mind when I hear people discussing Topaz. You can hear one person say, “I love Topaz; it reminds me of a blue sky.” Then her friend says back, “Topaz may be like a golden … nuts, it’s like a rainbow with all the colors at once.” And of course, all of them are right. History and Lore Topaz in its pure form is naturally colorless, clear like a diamond. The famous “Braganza Diamond” was thought to be the …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Tourmaline
… affairs, reconcile opposites, and change base metals to gold. Tourmaline has a special place in our hearts as California natives because it is one of the few gems that are found right here in the Golden State. Tourmaline was first discovered … through the efforts of gemologist George F. Kunz. He documented reports about the tourmaline deposits of Maine and California and praised the quality of the stones they produced. Along with opal, tourmaline is October’s birthstone. Care and …
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The Birthstones
…. Tourmaline is also used as a birthstone for October. Learn more about Opal and Tourmaline November’s Birthstones: Topaz and Citrine Topaz symbolizes good fortune and longevity. According to legend, this golden stone possesses the power … quartz gem many of the best of which come from Brazil, is a current day birthstone for this month. Learn more about Topaz and Citrine December’s Birthstones: Turquoise (Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite) Turquoise is found in Egypt, …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Morganite
… with many other gemstones, Morganite is a relatively new addition with its first recorded discovery occurring in California in the early 1900s. This means you won’t find any tales of ancient kings wearing Morganite on their crowns or other … is rated as excellent. Its hardness is 7.5 – 8.0 on the Mohs hardness scale which is comparable to emerald, topaz, and spinel. Its refractive index is 1.560 – 1.600, and its specific gravity is 2.67 – 2.90. These characteristics help …
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Alternative Metals for Men’s Jewelry
… frame of reference, cobalt rings come in around 7-8 on the Mohs hardness scale which is about the same as quartz or topaz but softer than tungsten or sapphire. Like most alternative metals, cobalt chrome bands are hypoallergenic and … pieces with more nickel Cobalt Looks like white gold or platinum, hypoallergenic Cut in 2 places 7-8, quartz or topaz Scratches more easily than others Carbon Fiber Light weight, modern look Cut NA Can feel “too light” Ceramic Unique …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Quartz
… colors Bloodstone Green jasper dotted with bright red spots Carnelian Reddish orange chalcedony Gemology of Quartz Quartz is known for its durability with a Mohs hardness rating of 7 (harder than opal and peridot but softer than topaz or sapphire). This makes it a fairly hard gemstone that is resistant to scratching and chipping. It is also resistant to heat and chemicals, which means that it can withstand daily wear and tear very well. All quartz has the same …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Blue Zircon
… colors and brilliant flashes of light. To top it all off, zircon is generally very affordable. It is a wonderful gemstone for jewelry wearers and gem collectors alike. Plus, it out sparkles the other December birthstones (Blue Topaz and Tanzanite) making it a great gift for anyone born in December or who simply appreciates dazzling, fiery
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Gem in the Spotlight: Amethyst
… deposits in other countries such as Russia, the United States, and Canada. Amethyst is known for its durability with a Mohs hardness rating of 7. For reference, amethyst is roughly as hard as tourmaline, softer than sapphire and topaz, and harder than opal and tanzanite. This makes it a durable gemstone that is resistant to scratching and chipping. It is also resistant to heat and chemicals which means that it can withstand daily wear and tear. Amethyst has the same …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Aquamarine
…refractive index of 1.577 to 1.583 and is doubly refractive. Aquamarine’s specific gravity is 2.72 and it has a Mohs hardness of 7.5-8.0. For comparison, this means that it is softer than Sapphire, harder than Quartz, and similar to Topaz. This makes it a very durable stone that is suitable for regular wear. But, care should still be taken to ensure that the stone is not damaged. Caring For and Cleaning Aquamarine To maintain the brilliance of this beautiful gemstone, it…
