The zircon is a type of mineral that belongs to the family of nesosilicates. Zirconium silicate is the chemical name. Green, brown, red, golden yellow, and colorless are the natural color of Zircon. The Matura diamond are colorless minerals that has the gem quality and are very popular as a substitute for a diamond. They are not be confused with the cubic zirconia which is a synthetic mineral with a totally different chemical composition.
Zircon came from the Arabic word zarqun which means vermilion, the persian word zargun which means golden colored. The yellow zircon is commonly called the hyacinth which is a word originated in East India. During the middle ages, people called all yellow stones as hyacinth, however today, this term is only used to describe or identify the yellow zircons.
The traditional birthstone for December is the Zircon.
If not for its presence in the crust of the earth, Zircon is a great and remarkable mineral. They are primarily found in igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks. The least abundant type of zircon is the Large zircon crystals. Zircon is one mineral that is found worldwide and is a very common accessory. These minerals can be found in Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Canada, Quebec, United States, Italy and so on. The largest producer of zircon which accounts to 37% of the world’s total production, Australia is the leading country in zircon mining. The zircon can be found in a wide variety if colors. They can be seen in black, colorless, hazel, yellow, brown and red. Below gem quality, zircons can be changed by heat treatment. It really depends on the amount of heat beig applied to the mineral. They can be changed to blue, golden yellow, and colorless.
Zircons are commonly used as as insulator and as an abrasive. It is a gemstone that is seen in a wide variety of colors and characterized by its great brilliance, clarity and fire. Zircon was known as an amulet for people who are travelling during the 11th Century. It is one gemstone believed to protect people from insomnia, diseases and injury. It is also used ensure the traveller for a warm cordial welcome on where he will travel. The zircon, according to ancient civilizations was believed to hold magical powers and used to fight evil. It was used to fight the black death which is the great plague that killed almost all of the population of Europe. The zircon was the most popular prescribed medicine to those people who can’t sleep, to stop poison and aid a proper digestion.
The most rare and the most prized zircon is known as the red gemstone. The zircon, with a well placed knock can be easily broken because it is a brittle stone. However, despite of its poor hardness, the zircon is still a very valuable tock because of its brilliant beauty. It was even mentioned in the book “Arabian Nights” because it is considered to be the favorite gemstone of the Arabs.
Handcrafted Jewelry- Imparting the Special Touch
Author: Suzanne
The desire to stand out in the crowd is common to everyone. This is not unusual, as we all love to be admired and talked about, thus providing reason enough for the growing obsession of things that promise to be unique or different. You might have a pleasing personality and good brains; but it’s more important to let the whole world appreciate your qualities. Always remember, appeal originates through sight. Herein lies the necessity of creating your own style statement.
It’s not just the clothes that contribute to your style. In fact, they must be teemed with proper accessories for that killer look! Apart from shoes, bags, or watches, it’s the kind of jewelry put on that makes or mars your appearance. The perfect accessory for any occasion, jewelry, highlights any outfit. Gone are the days when jewelry was considered the sole possession of women. Men too have shown great affinity for these decorative pieces and are now worn by many to create that ultimate fashion statement. Commonly observed, it seems that the great demand for jewelry across the world has led to the abundance of duplicate or imitative designs and products. Tennis bracelets, pearl necklaces, solitaire earrings- these are possessed almost by everyone. Even the fashion jewelry and costume jewelry sold in the shopping malls are losing their uniqueness on account of being sold on retail. The solution then lies hunting for the right place for your unique jewelry piece.
The best places to look for some truly unique jewelry, especially the handcrafted ones, are antique stores or your grandma’s collection. It might sound a weird notion initially, but these antique pieces hold the promise to set you apart from the rest. Handcrafted jewelry is an artistic creation, where every jewelry item is individually crafted to lend the essential uniqueness for which the product is valued. Handcrafted jewelry is designed as per the changing trends and lifestyles of the contemporary world. These ornamental pieces come in a wide range of designs, catering to the tastes of the buyers who generally prefer to pair them with both formal and informal outfits. Earthy woods, textured brass, semi-precious gems, gold, silver, brilliant crystals, or unusual elements are used to craft some of the most stunning designs.
An essential thing to remember while buying handcrafted jewelry is its theme and style. If you are a person who loves dressing formally, then colorful gemstones, precious or semi-precious stones would be the plausible choice. However, for the younger and the hip lot, trying out new styles would just do the trick. For instance, it would be a great idea to experiment with handcrafted Bohemian style jewelry. Use of simple material with bold designs would definitely help to create a free-spirited funky appearance. Another unique handcrafted jewelry style is the poetry engraved jewelry, where beautiful poetic lines are engraved on gold and platinum. These handcrafted jewelry items are ideal for all ages and are especially preferable for informal costumes.
So give up your common fashion jewelry this season to try out the chic and trendy handcrafted jewelry. The mixing of different styles, in combination with the artist’s vision and creativity, makes every jewelry item one of a kind.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/handcrafted-jewelry-imparting-the-special-touch-296436.html
About the Author:
Suzanne Macguire is an Internet marketing professional with keen interest in trendy jewelry.
Information and Legends associated with Topaz, November’s Birthstone
by Lisa Vella
Topaz is a gorgeous gemstone found in a wide range of colors. Striking shades of red, orange, peach, pink and gold are just a few shades of interest. However, yellow topaz is the official birthstone for the month of November. Commonly used as the suggested anniversary gemstone for the 4th, 19th, and 23rd years of marriage, this lovely stone has actually been quite famous throughout history.
The word topaz comes from the Sanskrit and means fire. Typically, gem connoisseurs mine it from sources in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia, Australia, Africa, Mexico and Pakistan. The method most often used is surface mining or open pit mining, but sometimes underground mining is also an option depending on how deep it is in the ground. Topaz may be found in large chunks, or in small pieces.
Interestingly enough, the most famous topaz was for years thought to be a diamond called the “Braganza Diamond.” It is also known as the “Prince Regent Diamond” because it entered the court during the regency of Prince Regent John VI. Some describe it to be about the size of a goose egg, and say that John VI had a hole drilled in it to wear as a necklace for special occasions.
The famous “Braganza Diamond” disappeared after the death of King John VI, and no one is quite certain as to where it is today. Some think it may be set on the Portuguese crown. Even though it was discovered in 1797, if were a diamond, it would still be the largest and most valuable diamond ever found, but experts believe based on its color, which had been described as a dark yellow color, and other features that it truly was a topaz.
Those who are interested in seeing genuine topaz gemstones may do so at various museums, including the Smithsonian Institution, American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the British Museum. Their dazzling displays contain both rough and cut stones.
As with most gems that have been around for centuries, topaz have their own powers associated with them. It was considered to heal both physical and mental disorders and even prevent death. As for physical ailments, those with achy body conditions would wear it because they thought it cured or improved arthritis and other bone and joint dysfunctions. In addition to those health problems those who wore it felt it improved various blood vessel and circulatory problems.
Emotionally, topaz was said to drive away sadness and even improve upon intellect, as well as bring a feeling of calm and peace to the hearts of all those who wore it.
On fun piece of folklore associated with topaz comes from the Greeks. They believed it had powers to literally increase strength and actually make those who wore it invisible. However, they were not the only ones to feel it had these magical powers. The Egyptians felt if they wore it as an amulet they would be safe from injury, while the Romans were certain that it improved their eyesight.
Based on its history and beauty, those who wear topaz jewelry designs would most likely agree with St. John in Revelation who said that topaz was, “touched by the splendor of the sun.” It truly is a splendid gem.