Since ancient times, gemstones have been coveted for their beauty, value, and even supernatural powers. They have signified wealth or status within a society and been used as currency. Today, it is probably safe to say people aren’t using them to heal diseases, but they are definitely worn as signs of beauty and even bought as investments. Three very popular gemstones today are peridot, blue topaz, and iolite. These stones are affordable and beautiful. What more can you ask for?
Iolite (EYE-oh-lite)
Iolite ranges in color from light to dark blue and violet with dark blue being the most valuable color. Iolite, unlike most other colored gemstones, is not treated in any way. Its color comes from iron.
Even though iolite is not a well known stone it has been around for a very long time. Early Vikings used thin slices of it as glare reducing filters to protect their eyes when they checked the sun’s position. Today it is sometimes used as a less expensive alternative to tanzanite and sapphire.
Stats
Wedding Anniversary – 21st anniversary
Mohs scale - 7 to 7 ½
Cleaning – only clean with soap and water (ultrasonic cleaners and steamers can be risky)
Identifying features
RI: 1.542 – 1.551
Birefringence: .008 - .012
SG: 2.61
Pleochroism:
Violet stones: light violet, dark violet and yellow brown
Blue stones: colorless to yellow, blue-grey, dark violet
Learn more about Iolite Gemstone Jewelry at www.gemstone-n-jewelry.com.
Peridot (PEAR-ih-doe)
Peridot is a transparent gemstone that ranges in colors from a brownish or yellowish green to greenish yellow. It is easy to find and very affordable. It is one of the few gemstones that are not heat treated. Its color comes naturally from iron.
There are two grades of Peridot. “A” quality is eye clean (you can’t see any inclusions in the gem stone with the unaided eye) and it contains no brown color. “B” quality can be eye clean but be pale in color or it can be a good color but show inclusions.
The world’s most commercially important produce of Peridot is San Carlos Indian Reservation in Arizona. It can also be found in Myanmar (Burma) and Pakistan. Most peridot was formed inside the earth and came to the surface by volcanoes. However, a very rare type of Peridot has made its way to earth in meteorites. Because of its rarity you will most likely not see this kind of peridot in a retail jewelry store.
Stats
Birthstone – August
Wedding Anniversary – 16th anniversary
Mohs scale - 6 ½ to 7 (best used in pins, pendants, and earrings)
Cleaning – only with soap and water (never use in an ultrasonic cleaner or a steamer)
Other – is sensitive to temperature changes and chemicals
Identifying features
RI: 1.654 -1.690
SG: 3.34
Clarity Characteristics: moderate doubling, disk-like liquid and gas inclusions (called lily pads), dark colored chromite crystals
Learn more about Peridot Gemstone Jewelry at www.gemstone-n-jewelry.com.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is a beautiful gemstone that is mined in several places across the world. High quality stones are produced in Brazil. It’s a very plentiful stone and is usually fairly affordable. Most all blue topaz is heat treated to create its beautiful blue color. The color is stable and is not detectable.
Sometimes when you are shopping for blue topaz you will come across names like “Super blue”, “Maxi blue”, “London Blue”, and “Swiss Blue” which are trade terms that describe darker color blue topaz. The term “Sky Blue” describes a paler shade of blue.
Topaz comes in a wide variety of other colors including brown, orange, pink, red, purple, and yellow.
Stats
Birthstone – November
Wedding Anniversary – 4th
Mohs scale - 6 ½- 7
Cleaning - soap and water only (never use in an ultra sonic cleaner or a steamer)
Identifying features
RI: 1.619-1.627
Birefringence: .008-.010
Clarity Characteristics – 2 or 3 phase inclusions
Learn more about Blue Topaz Gemstone Jewelry at www.gemstone-n-jewelry.com.
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