Information of All Kinds on the Many Different Gemstones and Natural Substances Used in Jewelry

Amazonite

Member of the feldspar group. Mohs' hardness: 6-6 1/2 A green to blue-green gemstone that gets its name from the Amazon River of South America although deposits are found in India, Kenya, Madagascar, Russia, Namibia, and Colorado as well as Brazil.

Amethyst

Member of the quartz group. Mohs' hardness: 7

The ancient Greeks believed that wearing the stone would prevent drunkeness; therefore, the name is derived from the Greek meaning "not drunken." Amethyst's popularity continued throughout the Medieval and Renaissance Ages when it was used to decorate Church possessions and clothing belonging to the most important Church officials, and continues to this day. Since purple has been a symbol of royalty in Western cultures, the amethyst has often been favored by aristocrats. This purple stone can be found in India, Canada, Zambia, Madagascar, Russia, Sri Lanka, Burma, Arizona, and Brazil, with the best stones being found in Brazil.

Amethyst is often associated with fidelity, and is also associated with St. Valentine because of this. Because it is believed to cause calmness of mind and peace to the wearer it was often carried by soldiers and thought to be a charm against death as well as an aid in prayer and dreaming.
Astrological Signs: Cancer, Libra, Pisces, Scorpio When exposed to heat, amethyst generally turns yellow which brings us to: Ametrine: Basically an amethyst that heat has caused to become partially yellow (half amethyst and half citrine). Astrological Signs: Libra Aquamarine: (from Latin "water of the sea") named because of its color. Iron causes the color of the aquamarine. It is a member of the beryl family (like the emerald) Moh's hardness:7 1/2 to 8 The most important deposits are in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Aquamarine can also be found in china, Australia, Burma, India, Kenya, Madagscar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the USA. It is the birthstone associated with March. Because of its color, it was believe to protect on ocean voyages and guard against sea monsters. In healing, it is believed that aquamarine will help eye problems (after being soaked in water), the hiccups, and breathig problems. It can symbolize friendship and be used to rejuvenate love, ease depression, and cure grief. Astrological Signs: Gemini, Pisces, Aries Apatite: Name from the Greek means to cheat. (It can be confused with other gemstones). It can be pink, yellow, green, blue and violet or even colorless. Most apatite we see in jewelry is green or blue. Moh's hardness: 5 Found in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Kenya, Sri Lank, South Africa, Norway, Burma, USA. Astrological Signs: Gemini