| Gemstones are of two types - precious stones | | | | faceting machines at regular intervals and at |
| and semi-precious stones. A gemstone is nothing | | | | exact angles. These are called facets. |
| more than a small piece of precious mineral that is | | | | Stones which are opaque such as opal and |
| polished to be used in jewelry such as necklaces, | | | | turquoise. are commonly cut as cabochons. |
| bracelets and rings. | | | | Grinding wheels and polishing agents are used to |
| Most gemstones are rock hard but there are | | | | grind, shape and polish these smooth dome shape |
| some soft minerals that are used in jewelry due | | | | of the stones. |
| to their gloss and sparkle. Most jewelry makers | | | | Gems which are transparent are usually faceted, |
| predominantly recognize only five gemstones as | | | | a method which bring out the optical properties of |
| precious - Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and | | | | the stone's interior by maximizing reflected light |
| Amethyst. | | | | which is perceived by the as sparkling quality |
| There is however a large number of | | | | Color is the most obvious and attractive feature |
| Semi-precious stones like Agate, Alexandrite, | | | | of gemstones. A colored gemstone is sought |
| Aquamarine, Garnet, Topaz, Turquoise, Opal, | | | | after by many especially for its great charm, |
| Coral, Catseye, Zircon, Jade etc. | | | | rarity or aesthetics. Although color plays a very |
| Gemstones are more than just glittering, colored | | | | important role in determining the value of a |
| stones. It is believed that most of them have | | | | gemstone, many other factors influence its price |
| certain special effects and psychic powers and | | | | such as market supply, rarity and popularity of a |
| capable of mitigating life's misfortunes when worn | | | | stone. |
| as jewelry. Most gems also have therapeutic | | | | The same original material can display different |
| values. | | | | colors. For example ruby and sapphire have |
| Gems play a pivotal role in astrology. Each of the | | | | identical chemical composition but exhibit different |
| planets is represented by a particular stone as | | | | colors. Even the same gemstone occurs in many |
| detailed below: | | | | different colors. For example, sapphires show |
| Sun/Ruby; Moon/Pearl; Mars/Coral; Mercury | | | | different shades of blue and pink and fancy |
| Emerald; Jupiter/Topaz; Venus/Diamond; Saturn | | | | sapphires exhibit a whole range of other colors |
| Sapphire. The two nodes Rahu and Kethu are | | | | from yellow to orange-pink. |
| represented by Zircon and Catseye respectively. | | | | Gemstones are often treated to enrich the color |
| There are certain stones that are supposed to | | | | and enhance the clarity of the stone. Depending |
| produce evil effects and they should be | | | | on the type and extent of treatment, they can |
| scrupulously avoided. The precious stones we | | | | add to the luster of the stone. |
| wear should be free from all impurities and | | | | Heat treatment can largely improve the color and |
| qualified gemologists will be able to easily | | | | clarity of the gemstone. Both the lighter and the |
| distinguish the pure stones from the impure ones. | | | | darker blue shades of Topaz are radiated to |
| There are certain artificial stones which are | | | | change the color from white to blue. Most |
| seemingly attractive and glittering but will not be | | | | greened quartz is also irradiated to achieve the |
| able to produce any beneficial effects. | | | | yellow-green color. Emeralds containing natural |
| A few gemstones are straightaway used as | | | | fissures are sometimes filled with wax or oil to |
| gems in the crystal or in any other form in which | | | | disguise them. Turquoise is also commonly treated |
| they are originally found. Most of the other stones | | | | in a similar fashion. Fracture filling has been in use |
| are cut and polished for use as gemstones. | | | | with different gemstones such as diamonds, |
| There are stones which are cut smooth and as | | | | emeralds and sapphires thus dramatically |
| dome shaped stones and they are called | | | | improving the appearance. |
| cabochons. There are stones which are cut with a | | | | |