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SPINELOverview: The name "spinel" is derived from the Greek word for "spark", in reference to the fiery red color of spinels often used for gems. Spinel is a very attractive and historically important gemstone mineral. Many famous rubies in crown jewels around the world are actually spinel. Spinels were most often referred to as "balas rubies" which may have referred to color or to country of origin. |
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SPODUMENEOverview: Spodumene is derived from the Greek, meaning "burnt to ashes," owing to the opaque, ash-grey appearance of material refined for use in industry. Kunzite and hiddenite are both a variety of the same base mineral known as Spodumene. Spodumene is a pyroxene mineral consisting of lithium aluminum silicate. |
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SUGILITEOverview: Sugilite is named after the Japanese Geologist who discovered the first specimens, Ken-ichi Sugi. Sugilite is also known under the trade names of "Royal Lavulite" and "Royal Azel". Sugilite is a purple stone sometimes known as a Healer's Stone. |
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SUNSTONEOverview: Sunstone is the State Gem of Oregon (USA), which is a prime source for this beautiful Gem. Generally Sunstone shows a "Schiller" effect where the metallic inclusions reflect light in a blaze of color. Sunstone is metallic in appearance due to the reflective inclusions of red, orange or green crystals. It is composed of oligioclase feldspar and the reflections of light are caused by inclusions of hematite or goethite within the stone. |
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TANZANITEOverview: Tanzanite was first discovered in Tanzania in 1967 and was named after its country of its origin, Tanzania. Tanzanite is basically the Blue variety of "Zoisite", and mined in Tanzania just below the majestic Mount Kilamanjaro. Tanzanite is a trichroic gemstone, meaning that it exhibits one of three colors depending on which way the crystal is viewed. |
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TEKTITESOverview: Tektites are suspected of being of meteoric origin. They are rich in silica similar to natural glass (obsidian). Their name comes from the Greek word 'tektos', meaning 'molten'. Tektites are made of opaque to translucent, green, brown, grey, yellow-grey or black glass. Some tektites, called Moldavites, are especially prized for their clarity and unique green color. |
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TIGER EYEOverview: Tigereye is derived from a mineral called crocidolite, which has been oxidized to golden brown from it's original blue color and has been completely replaced by quartz. It is considered to be the most popular chatoyant gem. Tiger iron is composed of tiger's eye, red jasper and black hematite. It has a greenish cast with shades of brown, golden yellow, and reds. |
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TOPAZOverview: The word "topaz" comes from a Sanskrit word meaning hear of fire. Topazus means to seek;Topaz is transparent and translucent, with a vitreous luster, and high specific gravity. Topaz occurs in cavities within granite or rhyolite igneous rock, pegmatite dikes, high temperature quartz veins, and/or alluvial deposits |
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