Cat's eye, with its special light effect, is considered by peoples in the East to be beneficial to its owner, guarding his or her health and wealth. Alexandrite exhibits a special effect. It changes color on moving from a daylight environment to artificial incandescent light. Two other chrysoberyls are of a yellowish brown color and light blue color. The alexandrite's eminence is due to a unique effect engendered by the stone's delicate color balance, which is of an equilibrium swinging between red and green. When the stone is illuminated by sunlight, which contains a large number of green and blue rays, its color is green. On the other hand, under artificial light containing more red light than does sunlight, the stone tends to and appears red.

SOURCES

Until recently, the most important sources of alexandrite were Sri Lanka and Russia, near Sverdlovsk and Ekaterinburg. Recently, however, a number of sources yielding good quality alexandrite were discovered in Brazil where the Hematita mine is said to produce the finest known alexandrite, and a new and exciting source in Tunduru, Southern Tanzania, which is producing fine quality alexandrite, the largest found being 14 carats.

Quartz is the most common mineral found on the surface of the Earth. A significant component of many igneous, and found in an impressive range of varieties and colours. purple Quartz is called Amethyst.

Its name is derived from a Greek word meaning "not to intoxicate", which led to the belief that drinking wine from an amethyst cup would prevent drunkenness. Amethyst was thought to protect soldiers, ensure victory, aid hunters, protect against diseases, control evil thoughts, and quicken one's intelligence. It is considered to be a surface cure for headaches and toothaches, and is also used to increase spirituality.

Aquamarine is a variety of the beryl family. It has the same chemical composition as the emerald, but its color is blue to blue-green. While aquamarine is not as precious as the emerald, it is considered an important stone in the world of jewelry. This transparent and beautiful sea-blue stone is very much in demand and expensive. It appears that in most aquamarines the blue colors contain a hint of green, yellow and even brown modifiers, which lessen the value of the stone. With controlled heating, between 400?C and 450?C, for a number of hours, most of the green and yellow colors change to blue.

OTHER BERYLS

The beryl family, in addition to the emerald and the aquamarine, includes a golden-yellow beryl called heliodor, a pink beryl called morganite, and also a completely colorless beryl called goshenite.

Heliodor. The name "heliodor" is derived from the Greek words for "gift of the sun." It is a very beautiful stone but is not often seen in jewelry. It is mined in the same areas as emeralds are found, and its properties are similar to those of aquamarine. It is purchased mainly by collectors. Heliodor is found in Namibia and in several places in Brazil. In Russia, golden yellow beryl is found in the Mursinska district of the Ural mountains, and also at Lewaschinagorka, east of Alabashka.

Morganite. The color of pink morganite is caused by the presence of manganese, and may be improved by controlled heating. It is often found in diverse and unusual shades, and is marketed mostly to collectors. Morganite of fine quality is found in the county of San Diego, Southern California. In addition, Brazil is an important source of this stone, as is the Malagasy Republic where very fine salmon or rose color morganite are found.

Red beryl. Red, sometimes ruby-like color beryl, is found in Juab Country and in Beaver Country in the state of Utah, United States. The color of this beautiful and rare stone is due to manganese. The name "bixbite" should be avoided as it confuses it with a completely different mineral called bixbyite.

Cat's eye and star beryls. In several sources, emeralds and other beryls - mainly green beryl and aquamarine - were found to produce cat's eye and star effects. These stones are often found in Mozambique.

Heliodor. The name "heliodor" is derived from the Greek words for "gift of the sun." It is a very beautiful stone but is not often seen in jewelry. It is mined in the same areas as emeralds are found, and its properties are similar to those of aquamarine. It is purchased mainly by collectors.

Heliodor is found in Namibia and in several places in Brazil. In Russia, golden yellow beryl is found in the Mursinska district of the Ural mountains, and also at Lewaschinagorka, east of Alabashka.

Morganite. The color of pink morganite is caused by the presence of manganese, and may be improved by controlled heating. It is often found in diverse and unusual shades, and is marketed mostly to collectors. Morganite of fine quality is found in the county of San Diego, Southern California. In addition, Brazil is an important source of this stone, as is the Malagasy Republic where very fine salmon or rose color morganite are found.

One of the problems presently occupying gemologists, as well as others in the gemstone trade, is the precise definition of the emerald.
Other varieties of beryl have almost identical chemical compositions, and they can only be distinguished from each other by minute amounts of color-causing elements. In most of the literature dealing with gemology, the accepted opinion is that the emerald is a beryl of medium to dark green color, caused by chromium. This definition appears in a number of variations and is especially emphasized in the British Trade Descriptions Act. Many gemological scientists around the world tend to accept this definition. However, they all emphasize the fact that the beryl must be of a saturated green color.
The discovery of many new emerald mines and of new elements that cause color in emeralds, such as vanadium and iron, intensified the argument regarding this subject. At present there are differences in the approach followed by certain world-famous gemological centers.

The Gemewizard suggestion is as follows: As long as the dominant color observed by the eye - as light as it may seem - is green, and not blue or another color, the beryl can be classified as an emerald. A dark stone, that unarguably has green in it, but whose ruling color is blue or another color, should not be classified as an emerald, even when the absorption spectrum shows chromium. Such a stone will be categorized as another variety of beryl.
According to historical precedent, in order for a beryl to be classified as an emerald, signs of chromium must be found. Even if other color factors present in the stone, such as vanadium or iron, are predominant, it is necessary to prove the presence of chromium in order to define it as emerald.

Quartz is the most common mineral found on the surface of the Earth. A significant component of many igneous, and found in an impressive range of varieties and colours. brown-to-red-yellow Quartz is called Citrine.

The name is derived from the French word citron, meaning "lemon" and the color is associated with lightheartedness and cheerfulness. It is also believed that it helps one connect with the spirit. Citrine is often given as a symbol of hope, youth, health, and fidelity.

The emerald (bareket in the Hebrew Bible), a gem of highly saturated green color, is one of the most valuable stones found in nature. From the very dawn of history, it has been yearned for and worshipped. Pliny, the renowned first century traveler and explorer, published a book in 77 A.D. on natural sciences, in which he described the characteristics of gemstones. "The third most important stone in existence, for many reasons, is the smaragdus (emerald)," he wrote. "No other stone has a color more pleasing to the human eye." (Pliny assigned first place to the diamond, and second place to the pearl.)
Emerald was credited with amazing powers against wickedness and deceit, and was even thought to be capable of blinding and killing snakes. It was also attributed to it the ability to improve weak eyesight, and the Emperor Nero contributed to its legend by claiming that an emerald crystal had improved his powers of discrimination during gladiator battles.

SOURCES:

The oldest known source of emeralds is the Cleopatra Mine in ancient Egypt, located on the Red Sea at Jebel Sikait and Jebel Sabara. These mines were the source of all the emeralds that appeared in the ancient world. Some of these were discovered among the treasures of the Egyptian mummies, and were considered part of the equipment needed for the long journey to the afterlife. Emeralds of varying quality were also discovered in the ruins of Pompeii, following the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Another ancient mine which, it seems, was already in existence during Roman times is the Habachtal Mine in the Austrian Alps. Other ancient sources of emeralds are mines in India. The most famous of the known locations is the Ajmer Merwara Mine.

Columbia - Emeralds from the Colombian mines in South America were known for centuries to the indigenous population, who used them for ceremonial and decorative purposes. The conquistadors learned of the gemstones' existence in 1537, after the naive tribesmen had offered them up as gifts. In Colombia today, there are two principal mining regions. The first is the Muzo area, located about 113 km from the capital Bogota. Its main mines are El Chulo, Tequendama and Penas Blanca, which are run by private companies, under government supervision. Close to the Muzo mine are the Cosquez and Yacopi mines which are said to produce large quantities of emerald rough of various qualities.
The second mining area is the Chivor region, which lies about 80 km northeast of Bogota, at the point where the Rio Rucio and Rio Sinai rivers join the Rio Guavio. In addition to the primary mine of Chivor, there are a number of other mines, the most famous of which are the Gachala, the Las Vegas and the Bon Vista mines.

Brazil - The conquistadors always believed that in Brazil, as in Colombia, lay vast treasure troves of emeralds. A number of emerald mines were discovered in Bahia state, as well as in Brumadinho, Vitoria da Conquista and Bom Jesus. In 1963, the Carnaiba mountains near Campo Formoso were also found to yield high-quality stones. In addition, there are mines in Minas Gerais and in Goias states.

Russian emeralds- Most of the known Russian emerald-producing mines are concentrated in the Ural Mountains, within 100 km from the city of Sverdlovsk. The beryl and emerald mines are located along the Neiva, Alabashka, and Ambarka rivers, and operations are headquartered at the villages of Alabashka and Mursinka. The most famous mine is the Takowaya, which was discovered in 1830, 45 km from Sverdlovsk.

AFRICA
South Africa was the first country in Africa in which emeralds were discovered in the Northeastern Transvaal. Excellent quality emeralds are mined in Tanzania. The mine he discovered lay alongside Lake Manyara near the village of Maji-Moto.

Zimbabwe - Without a doubt the best-known emeralds from Zimbabwe are the mines of the Sandawana valley, which yield beautiful stones that have acquired a place of honor among the most valuable of emeralds. Other mines are in Fort Victoria, the Filabushi region, the Balgoi region, the Bastari region and in Makanga.

ZAMBIAN EMERALDS
Zambia is, without a doubt one of the most important sources of emeralds. The mines are located in northern Zambia, in the region inhabited by the Bemba tribe between the city of Kitwe - the capital of the "copper belt" - and the city of Ndola. Their exact location is at the confluence of the Miku, Kafubu and Kafue rivers. The largest and most important of the Zambian mines is the Kamakanga mine. Other mines are the Pirala, Lubwenta, Faya-Faya, and the new Dabuisa Mine. Other sources of emeralds
Emeralds from Afghanistan are renowned, among dealers and jewelers alike, for their fine-quality color, which equals the finest emeralds from Muzo in Colombia and Kamakanga in Zambia. The mines are located in the Panjshir. Emeralds from are concentrated in the Swat District. Four main deposits are known to produce gem-quality emeralds: the Mingora deposit, the Gujar Killi, and the Barang and Khaltaro deposits.

Mozambique is classified in the pyrope garnet species.
Pyrope comes from the Greek word pyropos, meaning "fiery-eyed."
Rhodolite comes from the Greek words rhodon, meaning "rose," and lithos, meaning "stone."
Tsavorite comes from the garnet species grossularite, taken from grossularia, the genus name for gooseberry. It was orginally found in Tsavo National Park in Kenya and appeared on the market in 1970.
Spessartite is named after the Spessart district of Bavaria, in West Germany. The colors are orange-pink, orange-red, or brownish yellow.

All garnets (not just red) are birthstones for the month of January. North American Indians used red garnets as bullets, believing that they would seek blood and inflict a deadlier wound. Christians believed garnet symbolized Christ's sacrifice. Islamics believed it illuminated the fourth heaven. Garnets were thought to stop bleeding, cure inflammatory diseases, and smooth discord.

The name is derived from the Greek word ios, meaning "violet." Iolite is known as the gemstone of clear vision. It was believed to have the power to guide lost sailors to the brilliance of the sun in order to find their way home.

The most famous source of the stone is the island of Zeberget in the Red Sea, also known as "the Island of Saint John," which is now under Egyptian control. In ancient times the stone was called the "gemstone of the sun." It was brought to Europe by the Crusaders returning from their Holy Land adventures. It was mistakenly thought to be an emerald.
Among the superstitions connected with the stone is that it has the power to contend with demons and banish them, as well as the power to diminish the thirst of those suffering serious illnesses.

At present, there are other sources of peridots besides the Island of Saint John. The stones of the Brenerdini Valley in the Mogok region of Myanmar (Burma) are large and clear or colorless, when compared to the peridots of Egypt. Other sources include Brazil, Arizona, Czechoslovakia, Norway, Hawaii, and Zaire. In all these locations, peridots suitable for cutting were found, but without doubt the best quality comes from the Saint John island. Recent additions to peridot sources of commercial or potentially commercial significance have been found in Ethiopia, Pakistan and Vietnam. The peridots of the Island of Saint John contain at times dark, brownish-yellow leaflets of biotite mica. In peridots from the Hawaiian islands we may detect what looks like small air bubbles in the material. These are actually drops of glass having an oval or droplike shape. In any case, there is no reason to confuse peridot with glass, as we can use the birefringence and the doubling of facets junctions to distinguish between them. For a long period all sinhalites were thought to be yellowish-brown peridots, since they had almost identical properties. In fact, sinhalite has a different chemical makeup MgAlBO4 from peridot, but has similar properties of RI and birefringence. Nevertheless, the main difference between the two is in the spectrum. In addition to the usual lines, with sinhalite we see a line at 463 nm. It is sometimes very difficult to decide if a stone is peridot or sinhalite, and only a chemical test will distinguish between them.

Ruby and sapphire are members of the corundum family, a group of crystallized aluminum oxides. Both have exactly the same chemical composition and only small amounts of colouring trace elements distinguish between them.

Ruby is corundum occurring in various shades of red; whereas sapphire appears in all possible colors except red, such as blue, yellow, green, purple, pink and brown. In some cases, however, a gem can fall into the border between the two variety definitions, for example, in very light coloured corundum, or when the red colour is not dominant. In these cases, the gem will be identified as a sapphire (pink sapphire, orange sapphire, purple sapphire... etc.).

These borders, however, are not constant and they differ between the markets around the world. For example, a light-red-coloured corundum gem may be considered as a pink sapphire in the Far East, or as a light-coloured ruby in Europe, where the term pink sapphire is rarely used.

Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July and the gemstone representing the fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries.

It is known as the stone of love and is capable of reconciling lovers' quarrels. Ruby is given as a symbol of success, devotion, integrity, health, and passion. The gem was once thought to ward off misfortune and ill-health and to endow health, happiness and wisdom onto its wearer. If worn in a ring on the left hand or in a brooch on the left side, it would give the magical ability to live in peace among enemies. It was also considered a remedy for various ailments, and was an important component of the medicine chest in the Middle Ages.

Peoples of the East would insert a ruby into a cut in the skin above an artery, believing that the gemstone would infuse great courage and wisdom into their blood. On account of its rarity, rulers used it as a symbol of their wealth and power. Ruby is mentioned in the Bible as one of the gemstones on the High Priest's breastplate.

THE SOURCES

Rubies are mainly found in southern Asia and central to southern Africa.

Asian Sources

Myanmar

Myanmar is considered to be the world's most precious source for rubies. The two main sources are Mogok and Mong-Hsu. The preferred colour of the Myanmar ruby is termed Pigeon's Blood, a deep red with a slightly purplish hue. It can be compared to the colour of glowing coal, or to that of a red traffic light.

Thailand

The main sources of Thai rubies are Kanchanaburi and Chantaburi. Thai rubies commonly possess a darker tone than the Myanmar gems, commonly exhibiting a brownish or purplish tint, which sometimes dominates almost the entire colour of the gem.

Sri Lanka

Corundum is found in many areas of Sri Lanka and in an astounding variety of colors. Most of the Sri-Lankan rubies possess a deeply saturated strongly pinkish Red hue with a tone that tends to be light, weaker than the colours of the Myanmar variety.

Vietnam

There are two main sources of corundum from Vietnam, Luc Yen and Quy Chau. From time to time, rubies displaying the somewhat pinkish-red appearance of Myanmar rubies have been discovered in these deposits. Other ruby deposits in Asia are located in Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Northern Pakistan in the Hunza Valley, Laos, Nepal, Cambodia and India, where deposits with relatively large crystals were discovered in the federal states of Mysore and Orissa

African Sources

Mozambique

The Montepuez mine of Mozambique is the rising star among the recently discovered ruby mines around the world. It was opened in 2009 and has become the dominant alternative source for pigeon blood colours. In the past, Mozambique was known only for low-grade rubies and the Lichinga area was its most important source.

Madagascar

Another important African source is Madagascar, where two of its main deposits are Vatomandry and Andilamena in Eastern Madagascar.

Tanzania

At least a dozen locations scattered all over Tanzania are known. The Longido mine in northern Tanzania has been producing large opaque, dark brownish red rubies, surrounded by green zoisite for many years. Another important corundum area is the Umba River. Sometimes, very attractive pink sapphires were recovered and rarely, fine pieces of rubies. Corundum is also found near Lake Manyara in Babati and Lelatema. The most exciting location today is the Morogoro area, where four main deposits are known: the Mpwapwa, the Kilosa, Mvuha and Magogoni. A new source for rubies, discovered in the recent years, is Winza. Although the yield is quite small, the Winza rubies possess a fine pinkish red, Burmese-type hue with moderately- to slightly-included clarity.

Kenya

Two mines are located in the Mangari area of the park - the Penny Lane mine and the John Saul mine (discovered in 1973 by John Saul and Elliott Miller in the Tsavo West National Park). At the Penny Lane mine, dark- and pinkish-red heavily-included rubies are found. Most of the rough is suitable for medium to high-quality cabochons, although high quality gems are sometimes found. At the John Saul mine, high quality gems can also be found. These gemstones have transparent Burma-like colours and fluoresce strongly under ultraviolet light.

Malawi

Rubies are found in Chimwadzulu hill in southern Malawi (formerly known as Nyasaland). The Malawian rubies possess a pale colour ranging from orangey to blood red.

Nigeria

Nigerian Rubies are mined in the Kaduna District. The Nigerian rubies' hue is purple-Red with a dark to very dark tone, appearing almost black without direct illumination.

Other Sources

Other sources around the world include Australia and USA, in North Carolina and Montana.

White sapphire is a colorless material that has the typical luster of corundum.
Pink sapphire has a range of color from a bright, delicate pink to a pink with a slight tinge of violet. Its most striking characteristic is its luster and is considered to be one of the most valuable secondary gems.
Yellow sapphire ranges in color from pale to canary yellow, gold, honey, and brownish yellow. The lighter and brighter colors are the most common.
Ruby and sapphire are mentioned in the Bible as two of the stones on the High Priest's breastplate. The ruby and the sapphire are both members of the corundum family, a group of crystallized aluminum oxides. Strange as it may seem, both have exactly the same chemical composition, and what distinguishes between them are only small amounts of coloring trace elements.
The ruby is a corundum occurring in various shades of red, including deep red, light purplish red, pink and light orange-red. The sapphire appears in all possible colors except red, such as blue, yellow, green, purple and brown.

THE SOURCES

The color of Myanmar sapphire is a slightly purplish blue, somewhat like the color of iodine under an electric lamp. It is referred to as "royal blue."

Thailand - Thai sapphires can be classified into a number of color-types. A. Bankacha color: A vivid, but somewhat too dark blue. B. Kanjanburi sapphires: Their blue color is somewhat reminiscent of the low-quality Myanmar sapphires. C. Common Thai sapphire: They are generally mixed with Australian sapphires, and are heated to lighten their color and strengthen their luster.

Sri Lanka - Corundum is found in many areas of Sri Lanka and in an astounding variety of colors. Most of the rubies tend to be of a reddish pink color, while the blue sapphire's color is less strong than the colors of the Myanmar variety. Since the early 1970s, sapphires from Sri Lanka have been heated according to a number of secret methods, thereby improving their color.

Australia - is an important supplier of rough sapphires. Australian blue sapphires have a special characteristic, in that there is almost always a slight greenish or grayish hue in the stone. The sources of the Australian sapphires are in New South Wales and Queensland. In these areas very dark blue, handsome green, and even yellow sapphires are found.

Africa - Sapphire sources in Africa are very numerous, but the best-known is the Umba River in the Tanga district of Tanzania. Besides Tanzania, sapphires are also found in Zimbabwe and in Malawi. Tanzania is no doubt the most important producer of corundum in Africa. In this beautiful country, sapphires are found in all the colors of the rainbow. Special colors - There are African sapphires which have an orange-red color reminiscent of the valuable padparadscha sapphires of Sri Lanka. Some of the African stones are brownish red under artificial light, but tend to be significantly browner in daylight On rare occasions, sapphires appear showing a change of color effect similar to that seen in valuable alexandrite.

Vietnam ? these gems display the appearance of somewhat pinkish, Burma-type rubies. It is known that there are two main sources of corundum from Vietnam. One is Luc Yen and the other is Quy Chau. Sapphires from Kashmir are known for their beautiful blue, slightly milky color, similar to that of the cornflower. The mine area is in Zanskar, near the city of Soomjam. Stones said to originate from this source fetched extremely high prices at auctions conducted at the end of the 1980s - way above the prices given for Sri Lankan or even Myanmar sapphires of similar quality.

Montana sapphires - This source has produced sapphires which display fine pastel violet-blue colors but also grayish green, green and yellow to colorless. Rarely, pink to red stones are found. Although sapphires were found in the Missouri River and in the Rock Creek area, near the town of Philipsburg, the most prominent sapphire source in Montana is the Yogo Gulch Mine in Eastern Montana.

White sapphire is a colorless material that has the typical luster of corundum.

Pink sapphire has a range of color from a bright, delicate pink to a pink with a slight tinge of violet. Its most striking characteristic is its luster and is considered to be one of the most valuable secondary gems.

Yellow sapphire ranges in color from pale to canary yellow, gold, honey, and brownish yellow. The lighter and brighter colors are the most common. Ruby and sapphire are mentioned in the Bible as two of the stones on the High Priest's breastplate. The ruby and the sapphire are both members of the corundum family, a group of crystallized aluminum oxides. Strange as it may seem, both have exactly the same chemical composition, and what distinguishes between them are only small amounts of coloring trace elements.

The ruby is a corundum occurring in various shades of red, including deep red, light purplish red, pink and light orange-red. The sapphire appears in all possible colors except red, such as blue, yellow, green, purple and brown.

THE SOURCES

The color of Myanmar sapphire is a slightly purplish blue, somewhat like the color of iodine under an electric lamp. It is referred to as "royal blue."

Thailand - Thai sapphires can be classified into a number of color-types. A. Bankacha color: A vivid, but somewhat too dark blue. B. Kanjanburi sapphires: Their blue color is somewhat reminiscent of the low-quality Myanmar sapphires. C. Common Thai sapphire: They are generally mixed with Australian sapphires, and are heated to lighten their color and strengthen their luster.

Sri Lanka - Corundum is found in many areas of Sri Lanka and in an astounding variety of colors. Most of the rubies tend to be of a reddish pink color, while the blue sapphire's color is less strong than the colors of the Myanmar variety. Since the early 1970s, sapphires from Sri Lanka have been heated according to a number of secret methods, thereby improving their color.

Australia - is an important supplier of rough sapphires. Australian blue sapphires have a special characteristic, in that there is almost always a slight greenish or grayish hue in the stone. The sources of the Australian sapphires are in New South Wales and Queensland. In these areas very dark blue, handsome green, and even yellow sapphires are found.

Africa - Sapphire sources in Africa are very numerous, but the best-known is the Umba River in the Tanga district of Tanzania. Besides Tanzania, sapphires are also found in Zimbabwe and in Malawi. Tanzania is no doubt the most important producer of corundum in Africa. In this beautiful country, sapphires are found in all the colors of the rainbow. Special colors - There are African sapphires which have an orange-red color reminiscent of the valuable padparadscha sapphires of Sri Lanka. Some of the African stones are brownish red under artificial light, but tend to be significantly browner in daylight On rare occasions, sapphires appear showing a change of color effect similar to that seen in valuable alexandrite.

Vietnam ? these gems display the appearance of somewhat pinkish, Burma-type rubies. It is known that there are two main sources of corundum from Vietnam. One is Luc Yen and the other is Quy Chau. Sapphires from Kashmir are known for their beautiful blue, slightly milky color, similar to that of the cornflower. The mine area is in Zanskar, near the city of Soomjam. Stones said to originate from this source fetched extremely high prices at auctions conducted at the end of the 1980s - way above the prices given for Sri Lankan or even Myanmar sapphires of similar quality.

White sapphire is a colorless material that has the typical luster of corundum.
Pink sapphire has a range of color from a bright, delicate pink to a pink with a slight tinge of violet. Its most striking characteristic is its luster and is considered to be one of the most valuable secondary gems.
Yellow sapphire ranges in color from pale to canary yellow, gold, honey, and brownish yellow. The lighter and brighter colors are the most common.

Ruby and sapphire are mentioned in the Bible as two of the stones on the High Priest's breastplate. The ruby and the sapphire are both members of the corundum family, a group of crystallized aluminum oxides. Strange as it may seem, both have exactly the same chemical composition, and what distinguishes between them are only small amounts of coloring trace elements. The ruby is a corundum occurring in various shades of red, including deep red, light purplish red, pink and light orange-red. The sapphire appears in all possible colors except red, such as blue, yellow, green, purple and brown.

THE SOURCES

The color of Myanmar sapphire is a slightly purplish blue, somewhat like the color of iodine under an electric lamp. It is referred to as "royal blue."

Thailand - Thai sapphires can be classified into a number of color-types. A. Bankacha color: A vivid, but somewhat too dark blue. B. Kanjanburi sapphires: Their blue color is somewhat reminiscent of the low-quality Myanmar sapphires. C. Common Thai sapphire: They are generally mixed with Australian sapphires, and are heated to lighten their color and strengthen their luster.

Sri Lanka - Corundum is found in many areas of Sri Lanka and in an astounding variety of colors. Most of the rubies tend to be of a reddish pink color, while the blue sapphire's color is less strong than the colors of the Myanmar variety. Since the early 1970s, sapphires from Sri Lanka have been heated according to a number of secret methods, thereby improving their color.

Australia - is an important supplier of rough sapphires. Australian blue sapphires have a special characteristic, in that there is almost always a slight greenish or grayish hue in the stone. The sources of the Australian sapphires are in New South Wales and Queensland. In these areas very dark blue, handsome green, and even yellow sapphires are found.

Africa - Sapphire sources in Africa are very numerous, but the best-known is the Umba River in the Tanga district of Tanzania. Besides Tanzania, sapphires are also found in Zimbabwe and in Malawi. Tanzania is no doubt the most important producer of corundum in Africa. In this beautiful country, sapphires are found in all the colors of the rainbow. Special colors - There are African sapphires which have an orange-red color reminiscent of the valuable padparadscha sapphires of Sri Lanka. Some of the African stones are brownish red under artificial light, but tend to be significantly browner in daylight On rare occasions, sapphires appear showing a change of color effect similar to that seen in valuable alexandrite.

Vietnam ? these gems display the appearance of somewhat pinkish, Burma-type rubies. It is known that there are two main sources of corundum from Vietnam. One is Luc Yen and the other is Quy Chau. Sapphires from Kashmir are known for their beautiful blue, slightly milky color, similar to that of the cornflower. The mine area is in Zanskar, near the city of Soomjam. Stones said to originate from this source fetched extremely high prices at auctions conducted at the end of the 1980s - way above the prices given for Sri Lankan or even Myanmar sapphires of similar quality.

Montana sapphires - This source has produced sapphires which display fine pastel violet-blue colors but also grayish green, green and yellow to colorless. Rarely, pink to red stones are found. Although sapphires were found in the Missouri River and in the Rock Creek area, near the town of Philipsburg, the most prominent sapphire source in Montana is the Yogo Gulch Mine in Eastern Montana.

White sapphire is a colorless material that has the typical luster of corundum.

Pink sapphire has a range of color from a bright, delicate pink to a pink with a slight tinge of violet. Its most striking characteristic is its luster and is considered to be one of the most valuable secondary gems.

Yellow sapphire ranges in color from pale to canary yellow, gold, honey, and brownish yellow. The lighter and brighter colors are the most common. Ruby and sapphire are mentioned in the Bible as two of the stones on the High Priest's breastplate. The ruby and the sapphire are both members of the corundum family, a group of crystallized aluminum oxides. Strange as it may seem, both have exactly the same chemical composition, and what distinguishes between them are only small amounts of coloring trace elements.

The ruby is a corundum occurring in various shades of red, including deep red, light purplish red, pink and light orange-red. The sapphire appears in all possible colors except red, such as blue, yellow, green, purple and brown.

THE SOURCES

The color of Myanmar sapphire is a slightly purplish blue, somewhat like the color of iodine under an electric lamp. It is referred to as "royal blue."

Thailand - Thai sapphires can be classified into a number of color-types. A. Bankacha color: A vivid, but somewhat too dark blue. B. Kanjanburi sapphires: Their blue color is somewhat reminiscent of the low-quality Myanmar sapphires. C. Common Thai sapphire: They are generally mixed with Australian sapphires, and are heated to lighten their color and strengthen their luster.

Sri Lanka - Corundum is found in many areas of Sri Lanka and in an astounding variety of colors. Most of the rubies tend to be of a reddish pink color, while the blue sapphire's color is less strong than the colors of the Myanmar variety. Since the early 1970s, sapphires from Sri Lanka have been heated according to a number of secret methods, thereby improving their color.

Australia - is an important supplier of rough sapphires. Australian blue sapphires have a special characteristic, in that there is almost always a slight greenish or grayish hue in the stone. The sources of the Australian sapphires are in New South Wales and Queensland. In these areas very dark blue, handsome green, and even yellow sapphires are found.

Africa - Sapphire sources in Africa are very numerous, but the best-known is the Umba River in the Tanga district of Tanzania. Besides Tanzania, sapphires are also found in Zimbabwe and in Malawi. Tanzania is no doubt the most important producer of corundum in Africa. In this beautiful country, sapphires are found in all the colors of the rainbow. Special colors - There are African sapphires which have an orange-red color reminiscent of the valuable padparadscha sapphires of Sri Lanka. Some of the African stones are brownish red under artificial light, but tend to be significantly browner in daylight On rare occasions, sapphires appear showing a change of color effect similar to that seen in valuable alexandrite.

Vietnam ? these gems display the appearance of somewhat pinkish, Burma-type rubies. It is known that there are two main sources of corundum from Vietnam. One is Luc Yen and the other is Quy Chau. Sapphires from Kashmir are known for their beautiful blue, slightly milky color, similar to that of the cornflower. The mine area is in Zanskar, near the city of Soomjam. Stones said to originate from this source fetched extremely high prices at auctions conducted at the end of the 1980s - way above the prices given for Sri Lankan or even Myanmar sapphires of similar quality.

Many believe sapphires are only blue, when indeed they are available in a variety of colors and are classified as fancy color sapphires.
White sapphire is a colorless material that has the typical luster of corundum.
Pink sapphire has a range of color from a bright, delicate pink to a pink with a slight tinge of violet. Its most striking characteristic is its luster and is considered to be one of the most valuable secondary gems.
Yellow sapphire ranges in color from pale to canary yellow, gold, honey, and brownish yellow. The lighter and brighter colors are the most common. Ruby and sapphire are mentioned in the Bible as two of the stones on the High Priest's breastplate. The ruby and the sapphire are both members of the corundum family, a group of crystallized aluminum oxides. Strange as it may seem, both have exactly the same chemical composition, and what distinguishes between them are only small amounts of coloring trace elements. The ruby is a corundum occurring in various shades of red, including deep red, light purplish red, pink and light orange-red. The sapphire appears in all possible colors except red, such as blue, yellow, green, purple and brown.

THE SOURCES

The color of Myanmar sapphire is a slightly purplish blue, somewhat like the color of iodine under an electric lamp. It is referred to as "royal blue."

Thailand - Thai sapphires can be classified into a number of color-types. A. Bankacha color: A vivid, but somewhat too dark blue. B. Kanjanburi sapphires: Their blue color is somewhat reminiscent of the low-quality Myanmar sapphires. C. Common Thai sapphire: They are generally mixed with Australian sapphires, and are heated to lighten their color and strengthen their luster.

Sri Lanka - Corundum is found in many areas of Sri Lanka and in an astounding variety of colors. Most of the rubies tend to be of a reddish pink color, while the blue sapphire's color is less strong than the colors of the Myanmar variety. Since the early 1970s, sapphires from Sri Lanka have been heated according to a number of secret methods, thereby improving their color.

Australia - is an important supplier of rough sapphires. Australian blue sapphires have a special characteristic, in that there is almost always a slight greenish or grayish hue in the stone. The sources of the Australian sapphires are in New South Wales and Queensland. In these areas very dark blue, handsome green, and even yellow sapphires are found.

Africa - Sapphire sources in Africa are very numerous, but the best-known is the Umba River in the Tanga district of Tanzania. Besides Tanzania, sapphires are also found in Zimbabwe and in Malawi. Tanzania is no doubt the most important producer of corundum in Africa. In this beautiful country, sapphires are found in all the colors of the rainbow. Special colors - There are African sapphires which have an orange-red color reminiscent of the valuable padparadscha sapphires of Sri Lanka. Some of the African stones are brownish red under artificial light, but tend to be significantly browner in daylight On rare occasions, sapphires appear showing a change of color effect similar to that seen in valuable alexandrite.

The ancients believed sapphires influenced spirts, guarded against unchastity, made peace between enemies, and protected them from capture. They were also thought to clear the mind and skin, cure fevers, colds, eye diseases, and ulcers. Sapphire is a longtime symbol and guardian of purity, and it represents truth, sincerity, and consistency.

Many believe sapphires are only blue, when indeed they are available in a variety of colors and are classified as fancy color sapphires. White sapphire is a colorless material that has the typical luster of corundum. Pink sapphire has a range of color from a bright, delicate pink to a pink with a slight tinge of violet. Its most striking characteristic is its luster and is considered to be one of the most valuable secondary gems. Yellow sapphire ranges in color from pale to canary yellow, gold, honey, and brownish yellow. The lighter and brighter colors are the most common.

Ruby and sapphire are mentioned in the Bible as two of the stones on the High Priest's breastplate. The ruby and the sapphire are both members of the corundum family, a group of crystallized aluminum oxides. Strange as it may seem, both have exactly the same chemical composition, and what distinguishes between them are only small amounts of coloring trace elements.

The ruby is a corundum occurring in various shades of red, including deep red, light purplish red, pink and light orange-red. The sapphire appears in all possible colors except red, such as blue, yellow, green, purple and brown.

THE SOURCES

The color of Myanmar sapphire is a slightly purplish blue, somewhat like the color of iodine under an electric lamp. It is referred to as "royal blue."

Thailand - Thai sapphires can be classified into a number of color-types. A. Bankacha color: A vivid, but somewhat too dark blue. B. Kanjanburi sapphires: Their blue color is somewhat reminiscent of the low-quality Myanmar sapphires. C. Common Thai sapphire: They are generally mixed with Australian sapphires, and are heated to lighten their color and strengthen their luster.

Sri Lanka - Corundum is found in many areas of Sri Lanka and in an astounding variety of colors. Most of the rubies tend to be of a reddish pink color, while the blue sapphire's color is less strong than the colors of the Myanmar variety. Since the early 1970s, sapphires from Sri Lanka have been heated according to a number of secret methods, thereby improving their color.

Australia - is an important supplier of rough sapphires. Australian blue sapphires have a special characteristic, in that there is almost always a slight greenish or grayish hue in the stone. The sources of the Australian sapphires are in New South Wales and Queensland. In these areas very dark blue, handsome green, and even yellow sapphires are found.

Africa - Sapphire sources in Africa are very numerous, but the best-known is the Umba River in the Tanga district of Tanzania. Besides Tanzania, sapphires are also found in Zimbabwe and in Malawi. Tanzania is no doubt the most important producer of corundum in Africa. In this beautiful country, sapphires are found in all the colors of the rainbow. Special colors - There are African sapphires which have an orange-red color reminiscent of the valuable padparadscha sapphires of Sri Lanka. Some of the African stones are brownish red under artificial light, but tend to be significantly browner in daylight On rare occasions, sapphires appear showing a change of color effect similar to that seen in valuable alexandrite.

Vietnam ? these gems display the appearance of somewhat pinkish, Burma-type rubies. It is known that there are two main sources of corundum from Vietnam. One is Luc Yen and the other is Quy Chau. Sapphires from Kashmir are known for their beautiful blue, slightly milky color, similar to that of the cornflower. The mine area is in Zanskar, near the city of Soomjam. Stones said to originate from this source fetched extremely high prices at auctions conducted at the end of the 1980s - way above the prices given for Sri Lankan or even Myanmar sapphires of similar quality.

The ancients believed sapphires influenced spirts, guarded against unchastity, made peace between enemies, and protected them from capture. They were also thought to clear the mind and skin, cure fevers, colds, eye diseases, and ulcers. Sapphire is a longtime symbol and guardian of purity, and it represents truth, sincerity, and consistency.

Many believe sapphires are only blue, when indeed they are available in a variety of colors and are classified as fancy color sapphires. White sapphire is a colorless material that has the typical luster of corundum.

Pink sapphire has a range of color from a bright, delicate pink to a pink with a slight tinge of violet. Its most striking characteristic is its luster and is considered to be one of the most valuable secondary gems.

Yellow sapphire ranges in color from pale to canary yellow, gold, honey, and brownish yellow. The lighter and brighter colors are the most common. Ruby and sapphire are mentioned in the Bible as two of the stones on the High Priest's breastplate. The ruby and the sapphire are both members of the corundum family, a group of crystallized aluminum oxides. Strange as it may seem, both have exactly the same chemical composition, and what distinguishes between them are only small amounts of coloring trace elements.

The ruby is a corundum occurring in various shades of red, including deep red, light purplish red, pink and light orange-red. The sapphire appears in all possible colors except red, such as blue, yellow, green, purple and brown.

THE SOURCES

The color of Myanmar sapphire is a slightly purplish blue, somewhat like the color of iodine under an electric lamp. It is referred to as "royal blue."

Thailand - Thai sapphires can be classified into a number of color-types. A. Bankacha color: A vivid, but somewhat too dark blue. B. Kanjanburi sapphires: Their blue color is somewhat reminiscent of the low-quality Myanmar sapphires. C. Common Thai sapphire: They are generally mixed with Australian sapphires, and are heated to lighten their color and strengthen their luster.

Sri Lanka - Corundum is found in many areas of Sri Lanka and in an astounding variety of colors. Most of the rubies tend to be of a reddish pink color, while the blue sapphire's color is less strong than the colors of the Myanmar variety. Since the early 1970s, sapphires from Sri Lanka have been heated according to a number of secret methods, thereby improving their color.

Australia - is an important supplier of rough sapphires. Australian blue sapphires have a special characteristic, in that there is almost always a slight greenish or grayish hue in the stone. The sources of the Australian sapphires are in New South Wales and Queensland. In these areas very dark blue, handsome green, and even yellow sapphires are found. Africa - Sapphire sources in Africa are very numerous, but the best-known is the Umba River in the Tanga district of Tanzania. Besides Tanzania, sapphires are also found in Zimbabwe and in Malawi. Tanzania is no doubt the most important producer of corundum in Africa. In this beautiful country, sapphires are found in all the colors of the rainbow. Special colors - There are African sapphires which have an orange-red color reminiscent of the valuable padparadscha sapphires of Sri Lanka. Some of the African stones are brownish red under artificial light, but tend to be significantly browner in daylight On rare occasions, sapphires appear showing a change of color effect similar to that seen in valuable alexandrite.

Vietnam ? these gems display the appearance of somewhat pinkish, Burma-type rubies. It is known that there are two main sources of corundum from Vietnam. One is Luc Yen and the other is Quy Chau. Sapphires from Kashmir are known for their beautiful blue, slightly milky color, similar to that of the cornflower. The mine area is in Zanskar, near the city of Soomjam. Stones said to originate from this source fetched extremely high prices at auctions conducted at the end of the 1980s - way above the prices given for Sri Lankan or even Myanmar sapphires of similar quality.

The ancients believed sapphires influenced spirts, guarded against unchastity, made peace between enemies, and protected them from capture. They were also thought to clear the mind and skin, cure fevers, colds, eye diseases, and ulcers. Sapphire is a longtime symbol and guardian of purity, and it represents truth, sincerity, and consistency.

Many believe sapphires are only blue, when indeed they are available in a variety of colors and are classified as fancy color sapphires.

White sapphire is a colorless material that has the typical luster of corundum. Yellow sapphire ranges in color from pale to canary yellow, gold, honey, and brownish yellow. The lighter and brighter colors are the most common. Ruby and sapphire are mentioned in the Bible as two of the stones on the High Priest's breastplate. The ruby and the sapphire are both members of the corundum family, a group of crystallized aluminum oxides. Strange as it may seem, both have exactly the same chemical composition, and what distinguishes between them are only small amounts of coloring trace elements.

The ruby is a corundum occurring in various shades of red, including deep red, light purplish red, pink and light orange-red. The sapphire appears in all possible colors except red, such as blue, yellow, green, purple and brown.

THE SOURCES

The color of Myanmar sapphire is a slightly purplish blue, somewhat like the color of iodine under an electric lamp. It is referred to as "royal blue."

Thailand - Thai sapphires can be classified into a number of color-types. A. Bankacha color: A vivid, but somewhat too dark blue. B. Kanjanburi sapphires: Their blue color is somewhat reminiscent of the low-quality Myanmar sapphires. C. Common Thai sapphire: They are generally mixed with Australian sapphires, and are heated to lighten their color and strengthen their luster.

Sri Lanka - Corundum is found in many areas of Sri Lanka and in an astounding variety of colors. Most of the rubies tend to be of a reddish pink color, while the blue sapphire's color is less strong than the colors of the Myanmar variety. Since the early 1970s, sapphires from Sri Lanka have been heated according to a number of secret methods, thereby improving their color.

Australia - is an important supplier of rough sapphires. Australian blue sapphires have a special characteristic, in that there is almost always a slight greenish or grayish hue in the stone. The sources of the Australian sapphires are in New South Wales and Queensland. In these areas very dark blue, handsome green, and even yellow sapphires are found.

Africa - Sapphire sources in Africa are very numerous, but the best-known is the Umba River in the Tanga district of Tanzania. Besides Tanzania, sapphires are also found in Zimbabwe and in Malawi. Tanzania is no doubt the most important producer of corundum in Africa. In this beautiful country, sapphires are found in all the colors of the rainbow. Special colors - There are African sapphires which have an orange-red color reminiscent of the valuable padparadscha sapphires of Sri Lanka. Some of the African stones are brownish red under artificial light, but tend to be significantly browner in daylight On rare occasions, sapphires appear showing a change of color effect similar to that seen in valuable alexandrite.

Vietnam ? these gems display the appearance of somewhat pinkish, Burma-type rubies. It is known that there are two main sources of corundum from Vietnam. One is Luc Yen and the other is Quy Chau. Sapphires from Kashmir are known for their beautiful blue, slightly milky color, similar to that of the cornflower. The mine area is in Zanskar, near the city of Soomjam. Stones said to originate from this source fetched extremely high prices at auctions conducted at the end of the 1980s - way above the prices given for Sri Lankan or even Myanmar sapphires of similar quality.

Montana sapphires - This source has produced sapphires which display fine pastel violet-blue colors but also grayish green, green and yellow to colorless. Rarely, pink to red stones are found. Although sapphires were found in the Missouri River and in the Rock Creek area, near the town of Philipsburg, the most prominent sapphire source in Montana is the Yogo Gulch Mine in Eastern Montana. Traditionally, fine quality, fancy colored sapphires, by this we refer to all sapphires which are not blue or red rubies, are said to originate from Sri Lanka or Burma, (Myanmar today) and the Umba River in Tanzania. However, recently some superb, natural color fancy sapphire sources, were discovered in Ilakaka, Madagascar and Songea, Tanzania. superb colors range from hot pink to rose pink, flamingo and baby pink, salmon to peach to firey orange, lavender to lilac and purple, canary and golden yellow and lemon lime, mahogany and dark tan.

The ancients believed sapphires influenced spirts, guarded against unchastity, made peace between enemies, and protected them from capture. They were also thought to clear the mind and skin, cure fevers, colds, eye diseases, and ulcers. Sapphire is a longtime symbol and guardian of purity, and it represents truth, sincerity, and consistency.

Many believe sapphires are only blue, when indeed they are available in a variety of colors and are classified as fancy color sapphires.

White sapphire is a colorless material that has the typical luster of corundum.

Pink sapphire has a range of color from a bright, delicate pink to a pink with a slight tinge of violet. Its most striking characteristic is its luster and is considered to be one of the most valuable secondary gems.

Yellow sapphire ranges in color from pale to canary yellow, gold, honey, and brownish yellow. The lighter and brighter colors are the most common. Ruby and sapphire are mentioned in the Bible as two of the stones on the High Priest's breastplate. The ruby and the sapphire are both members of the corundum family, a group of crystallized aluminum oxides. Strange as it may seem, both have exactly the same chemical composition, and what distinguishes between them are only small amounts of coloring trace elements.

The ruby is a corundum occurring in various shades of red, including deep red, light purplish red, pink and light orange-red. The sapphire appears in all possible colors except red, such as blue, yellow, green, purple and brown.

THE SOURCES

The color of Myanmar sapphire is a slightly purplish blue, somewhat like the color of iodine under an electric lamp. It is referred to as "royal blue."

Thailand - Thai sapphires can be classified into a number of color-types. A. Bankacha color: A vivid, but somewhat too dark blue. B. Kanjanburi sapphires: Their blue color is somewhat reminiscent of the low-quality Myanmar sapphires. C. Common Thai sapphire: They are generally mixed with Australian sapphires, and are heated to lighten their color and strengthen their luster.

Sri Lanka - Corundum is found in many areas of Sri Lanka and in an astounding variety of colors. Most of the rubies tend to be of a reddish pink color, while the blue sapphire's color is less strong than the colors of the Myanmar variety. Since the early 1970s, sapphires from Sri Lanka have been heated according to a number of secret methods, thereby improving their color.

Australia - is an important supplier of rough sapphires. Australian blue sapphires have a special characteristic, in that there is almost always a slight greenish or grayish hue in the stone. The sources of the Australian sapphires are in New South Wales and Queensland. In these areas very dark blue, handsome green, and even yellow sapphires are found.

Africa - Sapphire sources in Africa are very numerous, but the best-known is the Umba River in the Tanga district of Tanzania. Besides Tanzania, sapphires are also found in Zimbabwe and in Malawi. Tanzania is no doubt the most important producer of corundum in Africa. In this beautiful country, sapphires are found in all the colors of the rainbow. Special colors - There are African sapphires which have an orange-red color reminiscent of the valuable padparadscha sapphires of Sri Lanka. Some of the African stones are brownish red under artificial light, but tend to be significantly browner in daylight On rare occasions, sapphires appear showing a change of color effect similar to that seen in valuable alexandrite.

Vietnam ? these gems display the appearance of somewhat pinkish, Burma-type rubies. It is known that there are two main sources of corundum from Vietnam. One is Luc Yen and the other is Quy Chau. Sapphires from Kashmir are known for their beautiful blue, slightly milky color, similar to that of the cornflower. The mine area is in Zanskar, near the city of Soomjam. Stones said to originate from this source fetched extremely high prices at auctions conducted at the end of the 1980s - way above the prices given for Sri Lankan or even Myanmar sapphires of similar quality.

Montana sapphires - This source has produced sapphires which display fine pastel violet-blue colors but also grayish green, green and yellow to colorless. Rarely, pink to red stones are found. Although sapphires were found in the Missouri River and in the Rock Creek area, near the town of Philipsburg, the most prominent sapphire source in Montana is the Yogo Gulch Mine in Eastern Montana. Traditionally, fine quality, fancy colored sapphires, by this we refer to all sapphires which are not blue or red rubies, are said to originate from Sri Lanka or Burma, (Myanmar today) and the Umba River in Tanzania. However, recently some superb, natural color fancy sapphire sources, were discovered in Ilakaka, Madagascar and Songea, Tanzania. superb colors range from hot pink to rose pink, flamingo and baby pink, salmon to peach to firey orange, lavender to lilac and purple, canary and golden yellow and lemon lime, mahogany and dark tan.

The ancients believed sapphires influenced spirts, guarded against unchastity, made peace between enemies, and protected them from capture. They were also thought to clear the mind and skin, cure fevers, colds, eye diseases, and ulcers. Sapphire is a longtime symbol and guardian of purity, and it represents truth, sincerity, and consistency.

Many believe sapphires are only blue, when indeed they are available in a variety of colors and are classified as fancy color sapphires.

White sapphire is a colorless material that has the typical luster of corundum.

Pink sapphire has a range of color from a bright, delicate pink to a pink with a slight tinge of violet. Its most striking characteristic is its luster and is considered to be one of the most valuable secondary gems.

Yellow sapphire ranges in color from pale to canary yellow, gold, honey, and brownish yellow. The lighter and brighter colors are the most common.

Ruby and sapphire are mentioned in the Bible as two of the stones on the High Priest's breastplate. The ruby and the sapphire are both members of the corundum family, a group of crystallized aluminum oxides. Strange as it may seem, both have exactly the same chemical composition, and what distinguishes between them are only small amounts of coloring trace elements. The ruby is a corundum occurring in various shades of red, including deep red, light purplish red, pink and light orange-red. The sapphire appears in all possible colors except red, such as blue, yellow, green, purple and brown.

THE SOURCES

The color of Myanmar sapphire is a slightly purplish blue, somewhat like the color of iodine under an electric lamp. It is referred to as "royal blue."

Thailand - Thai sapphires can be classified into a number of color-types. A. Bankacha color: A vivid, but somewhat too dark blue. B. Kanjanburi sapphires: Their blue color is somewhat reminiscent of the low-quality Myanmar sapphires. C. Common Thai sapphire: They are generally mixed with Australian sapphires, and are heated to lighten their color and strengthen their luster.

Sri Lanka - Corundum is found in many areas of Sri Lanka and in an astounding variety of colors. Most of the rubies tend to be of a reddish pink color, while the blue sapphire's color is less strong than the colors of the Myanmar variety. Since the early 1970s, sapphires from Sri Lanka have been heated according to a number of secret methods, thereby improving their color.

Australia - is an important supplier of rough sapphires. Australian blue sapphires have a special characteristic, in that there is almost always a slight greenish or grayish hue in the stone. The sources of the Australian sapphires are in New South Wales and Queensland. In these areas very dark blue, handsome green, and even yellow sapphires are found.

Africa - Sapphire sources in Africa are very numerous, but the best-known is the Umba River in the Tanga district of Tanzania. Besides Tanzania, sapphires are also found in Zimbabwe and in Malawi. Tanzania is no doubt the most important producer of corundum in Africa. In this beautiful country, sapphires are found in all the colors of the rainbow. Special colors - There are African sapphires which have an orange-red color reminiscent of the valuable padparadscha sapphires of Sri Lanka. Some of the African stones are brownish red under artificial light, but tend to be significantly browner in daylight On rare occasions, sapphires appear showing a change of color effect similar to that seen in valuable alexandrite.

Vietnam ? these gems display the appearance of somewhat pinkish, Burma-type rubies. It is known that there are two main sources of corundum from Vietnam. One is Luc Yen and the other is Quy Chau. Sapphires from Kashmir are known for their beautiful blue, slightly milky color, similar to that of the cornflower. The mine area is in Zanskar, near the city of Soomjam. Stones said to originate from this source fetched extremely high prices at auctions conducted at the end of the 1980s - way above the prices given for Sri Lankan or even Myanmar sapphires of similar quality.

Montana sapphires - This source has produced sapphires which display fine pastel violet-blue colors but also grayish green, green and yellow to colorless. Rarely, pink to red stones are found. Although sapphires were found in the Missouri River and in the Rock Creek area, near the town of Philipsburg, the most prominent sapphire source in Montana is the Yogo Gulch Mine in Eastern Montana. Traditionally, fine quality, fancy colored sapphires, by this we refer to all sapphires which are not blue or red rubies, are said to originate from Sri Lanka or Burma, (Myanmar today) and the Umba River in Tanzania. However, recently some superb, natural color fancy sapphire sources, were discovered in Ilakaka, Madagascar and Songea, Tanzania. superb colors range from hot pink to rose pink, flamingo and baby pink, salmon to peach to firey orange, lavender to lilac and purple, canary and golden yellow and lemon lime, mahogany and dark tan.

The colors of spinel. This variety ranges in color from pigeon's blood to the colors of Thai rubies, and is even found in dark purples or dark reds similar to the colors of garnet. At times the stone tends to a color which is reddish-pink to light pink. A spinel of a different hue is the famous orange spinel. Another spinel is the blue spinel. Its colors range from a deep, almost opaque blackish-blue, to light blues. The stone always has a certain grayness like the color of very low-grade sapphires. Rarer spinel colors are the greens which mainly serve the collectors' market.

STAR SPINEL On rare occasions spinel is discovered with sufficient rutile needle inclusions to cause asterism in stones cut in cabochon style. Such stones will usually show a four-ray star, and not the six-ray star seen in corundum. Nevertheless, six-ray spinel stars caused by different mineral inclusions have also been reported. SPINELS HAVING THE ALEXANDRITE EFFECT Spinels having the property of changing color when going from daylight to artificial light are very rare.

PHYSICAL AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES Spinel is an oxide of magnesium and aluminum which crystallizes in the cubic system, usually in an octahedral habit or as contact twins. The stone is found in nature in the form of perfect crystals, or as stream pebbles. The stone's hardness is 8, and it is not easily cleaved. The gemstone has a specific gravity around 3.60 (3.57-3.90). Stones which have undergone replacement of the basic components have a higher SG, such as gahnospinel SG 4.00 and gahnite SG 4.00 to 4.60. The refractive index of gem spinel lies between 1.71-1.72, and at times is higher - 1.735 (similar to the RI of synthetic spinel which is 1.728. The RI of gahnospinel is 1.74-1.78, and that of gahnite is 1.80. Because the stone belongs to the cubic crystal system, it is isotropic, but an anomalous double refraction can be observed, and is due to internal stresses in the crystal. The stone's absorption spectrum: Red stones have a spectrum caused by chromium - similar to that of ruby - which is seen as emission bands in the red at 684 and 685.5 nm, and strong absorption in green-yellow. However, this spectrum does not have the pronounced, narrow absorption bands in blue, so characteristic of ruby. Blue stones have a band in orange (around 630 nm), a band at 555 nm (at the yellow-green boundary), and an intense band at 459 nm (at the blue-indigo boundary). The stone absorbs light rays completely below 430 nm.

The presence of large amounts of chromium in red and pink stones causes them to fluoresce strongly under ultraviolet radiation. X-ray irradiation causes red stones to fluoresce in red, while those of other colors do not react to it.

INCLUSIONS

Spinel inclusions are very typical. Generally, the stone is packed with small spinel octahedra. Also observed in the material are rutile needles and other rounded inclusions. Sri Lankan stones are characterized by the famous "zircon halo" inclusion, composed of a tiny crystal of zircon surrounded by a halo of cracks caused by radioactive destruction.

The colors of spinel This variety ranges in color from pigeon's blood to the colors of Thai rubies, and is even found in dark purples or dark reds similar to the colors of garnet. At times the stone tends to a color which is reddish-pink to light pink. A spinel of a different hue is the famous orange spinel.
Another spinel is the blue spinel. Its colors range from a deep, almost opaque blackish-blue, to light blues. The stone always has a certain grayness like the color of very low-grade sapphires. Rarer spinel colors are the greens which mainly serve the collectors' market.

STAR SPINEL On rare occasions spinel is discovered with sufficient rutile needle inclusions to cause asterism in stones cut in cabochon style. Such stones will usually show a four-ray star, and not the six-ray star seen in corundum. Nevertheless, six-ray spinel stars caused by different mineral inclusions have also been reported.
SPINELS HAVING THE ALEXANDRITE EFFECT Spinels having the property of changing color when going from daylight to artificial light are very rare.
PHYSICAL AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES Spinel is an oxide of magnesium and aluminum which crystallizes in the cubic system, usually in an octahedral habit or as contact twins. The stone is found in nature in the form of perfect crystals, or as stream pebbles. The stone's hardness is 8, and it is not easily cleaved. The gemstone has a specific gravity around 3.60 (3.57-3.90). Stones which have undergone replacement of the basic components have a higher SG, such as gahnospinel SG 4.00 and gahnite SG 4.00 to 4.60. The refractive index of gem spinel lies between 1.71-1.72, and at times is higher - 1.735 (similar to the RI of synthetic spinel which is 1.728. The RI of gahnospinel is 1.74-1.78, and that of gahnite is 1.80. Because the stone belongs to the cubic crystal system, it is isotropic, but an anomalous double refraction can be observed, and is due to internal stresses in the crystal. The stone's absorption spectrum: Red stones have a spectrum caused by chromium - similar to that of ruby - which is seen as emission bands in the red at 684 and 685.5 nm, and strong absorption in green-yellow. However, this spectrum does not have the pronounced, narrow absorption bands in blue, so characteristic of ruby. Blue stones have a band in orange (around 630 nm), a band at 555 nm (at the yellow-green boundary), and an intense band at 459 nm (at the blue-indigo boundary). The stone absorbs light rays completely below 430 nm. The presence of large amounts of chromium in red and pink stones causes them to fluoresce strongly under ultraviolet radiation. X-ray irradiation causes red stones to fluoresce in red, while those of other colors do not react to it.

INCLUSIONS Spinel inclusions are very typical. Generally, the stone is packed with small spinel octahedra. Also observed in the material are rutile needles and other rounded inclusions. Sri Lankan stones are characterized by the famous "zircon halo" inclusion, composed of a tiny crystal of zircon surrounded by a halo of cracks caused by radioactive destruction.

Spinels possess beauty, rarity and durability, the hallmarks of a valuable gemstone. In recent years has its prestige soared, thanks to the rising status of gemstone collectors, searching the world for beautiful and rare stones.

The colors of spinel This variety ranges in color from pigeon's blood to the colors of Thai rubies, and is even found in dark purples or dark reds similar to the colors of garnet. At times the stone tends to a color which is reddish-pink to light pink. A spinel of a different hue is the famous orange spinel. Another spinel is the blue spinel. Its colors range from a deep, almost opaque blackish-blue, to light blues. The stone always has a certain grayness like the color of very low-grade sapphires. Rarer spinel colors are the greens which mainly serve the collectors' market.

STAR SPINEL On rare occasions spinel is discovered with sufficient rutile needle inclusions to cause asterism in stones cut in cabochon style. Such stones will usually show a four-ray star, and not the six-ray star seen in corundum. Nevertheless, six-ray spinel stars caused by different mineral inclusions have also been reported.
SPINELS HAVING THE ALEXANDRITE EFFECT Spinels having the property of changing color when going from daylight to artificial light are very rare.
PHYSICAL AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES Spinel is an oxide of magnesium and aluminum which crystallizes in the cubic system, usually in an octahedral habit or as contact twins. The stone is found in nature in the form of perfect crystals, or as stream pebbles. The stone's hardness is 8, and it is not easily cleaved. The gemstone has a specific gravity around 3.60 (3.57-3.90). Stones which have undergone replacement of the basic components have a higher SG, such as gahnospinel SG 4.00 and gahnite SG 4.00 to 4.60. The refractive index of gem spinel lies between 1.71-1.72, and at times is higher - 1.735 (similar to the RI of synthetic spinel which is 1.728. The RI of gahnospinel is 1.74-1.78, and that of gahnite is 1.80. Because the stone belongs to the cubic crystal system, it is isotropic, but an anomalous double refraction can be observed, and is due to internal stresses in the crystal. The stone's absorption spectrum: Red stones have a spectrum caused by chromium - similar to that of ruby - which is seen as emission bands in the red at 684 and 685.5 nm, and strong absorption in green-yellow. However, this spectrum does not have the pronounced, narrow absorption bands in blue, so characteristic of ruby. Blue stones have a band in orange (around 630 nm), a band at 555 nm (at the yellow-green boundary), and an intense band at 459 nm (at the blue-indigo boundary). The stone absorbs light rays completely below 430 nm. The presence of large amounts of chromium in red and pink stones causes them to fluoresce strongly under ultraviolet radiation. X-ray irradiation causes red stones to fluoresce in red, while those of other colors do not react to it.

INCLUSIONS Spinel inclusions are very typical. Generally, the stone is packed with small spinel octahedra. Also observed in the material are rutile needles and other rounded inclusions. Sri Lankan stones are characterized by the famous "zircon halo" inclusion, composed of a tiny crystal of zircon surrounded by a halo of cracks caused by radioactive destruction.

HEAT TREATMENT OF TANZANITES
Tanzanites crystals, their original colors are brown to honey, are heat-treated in a special furnace in layers of sand or white cement at temperatures of 480-680?C. After the heat-treatment process, most colors displayed previously by the crystals will be altered to blue-violet colors. Those stones which were originally blue, generally become even more blue and brilliant.

TANZANITE AS A COMMERCIAL PRODUCT In the late 1960s, a campaign was launched by Tiffany to introduce this fine stone to the international market. The stone was accepted with great enthusiasm. But because of the unstable supply, the market was limited mainly to collectors. This pattern continued throughout the 1970s, but the 1980s saw a surge of supply from the mines which resulted in greater recognition and appreciation of the stones. Outstanding tanzanites were used for fine-quality jewelry. Because the color is so important in jewelry today, tanzanite plays a commercial role. It offers the only practical way to provide big, colorful, sapphire-blue natural stones at a reasonable price. The fact that there is only one locality in which the stone is found, coupled with the relatively small supply and the ever-growing demand and interest of the world market, secures the tanzanite a place in the gem-world for many years to come.

TOPAZ The stone enjoys an ancient history. The source of its name has been lost. Throughout history, the stone was thought to possess many magical properties. It was said to relieve depression, to give courage, to quiet strong passion, to strengthen love and wisdom, to banish powers of evil, and to cure many illnesses. The most valuable variety of topaz is the stone of golden brown to sherry color. Such a stone has a color generally more delicate than that of the citrine.

PROPERTIES OF THE TOPAZ Topaz is an aluminum fluosilicate Al2SiO4(F,OH)2, its crystals have the very characteristic habit of stones crystallizing in the orthorhombic system. The RI of the group consisting of colorless, blue and green topaz is relatively low (1.610-1.630), while the brown, yellow and pink topaz have a RI of 1.630-1.640. There are differences in the birefringence readings in a refractometer for these two topaz groups. The first group (colorless, blue and green stones) has a DR value of 0.008, while the second group has a DR value of 0.011. Topaz is biaxial positive. Interestingly, the white and blue stones have a higher specific gravity, 3.56-3.57, than the second group, which has a SG in the range 3.52-3.53. The absorption spectrum of the brown stones does not show any distinctive lines. However, at times heated pink stones show lines of chromium - their main coloring element. Pink topaz has absorption lines appearing as a doublet at 682 nm at the red end, which are often seen as a single emission line. TOPAZ'S INNER STRUCTURE The inner world of the topaz is full of two- and three-phase inclusions. African stones have also shown various trapped crystals as inclusions.

SOURCES OF TOPAZ

It was once believed that it protected the wearer against bad decisions, many dangers, and misfortune. It is also known to attract friends and lovers. Pink tourmaline promotes female balance and protection, as green tourmaline promotes the same among males.

It was once believed that it protected the wearer against bad decisions, many dangers, and misfortune. It is also known to attract friends and lovers. Pink tourmaline promotes female balance and protection, as green tourmaline promotes the same among males. Bi-color are Tourmaline of different colors that form within the same crystal. These can be quite varied in appearance.

It was once believed that it protected the wearer against bad decisions, many dangers, and misfortune. It is also known to attract friends and lovers. Pink tourmaline promotes female balance and protection, as green tourmaline promotes the same among males.

It was once believed that it protected the wearer against bad decisions, many dangers, and misfortune. It is also known to attract friends and lovers. Pink tourmaline promotes female balance and protection, as green tourmaline promotes the same among males.

These cupriferous tourmalines from the Mina da Batalha in the Federal Brazilian State of Paraiba are small, rare and precious. Their spirited turquoise to green colours are such as are not found in any other gemstone in the world.