Chalcedony Sapphire
Chalcedony Sapphire
Though stone treatment has gone on for centuries, new techniques and methods are now available and many of today’s gemstones are treated to improve their appearance and make them more marketable. While it is common knowledge within the gem trade that stones are enhanced through treatment, the buying public has known little about the treatments until recently.
As long as the consumer realizes that the stone has been treated, and the value adjusted accordingly, this is not a deceptive or underhanded practice. Treatments can do such things as change or enhance color, make the stone more durable and enhance the character of the stone. Unless the stone is stated to be natural, we can almost always assume that the stone has been treated with the common treatments used on that type of gemstone. Natural precious stones with no treatment at all are a rarity and very expensive.
Treatment maybe as simple as the old treatment of soaking chalcedony in honey then ageing it on the roof of the house so the honey caramelized and changed the color. When the stone turned black, it was called Black Onyx. Gemstones can be treated with heat, laser treatment, radiation, bleaching, stabilization, putting in acid, applying pressure, oiling, impregnation, dyeing, or combinations of any of these techniques. Here are just a few examples of common stone treatments:
1. Chalcedony is treated with heat to become Carnelian, and when it is dyed black, we call it Black Onyx.
2. Aquamarine is sometimes heated at a low temperature to bring out the blues and lessen the naturally occurring yellows, which make greens appear in the stone.
3. Rubies are rarely available these days that have not been heat treated, but if you can find natural rubies, the value is at least 30% better than that of a treated stone.
4. Diamonds in colors have become quite popular. Many of these are treated with radiation or a combination of pressure and heat. Naturally colored diamonds are far more valuable than their treated counterparts.
5. Emeralds can be treated with oil or impregnated with polymers, even dyed polymers to enhance color.
6. Tanzanite is naturally brown and when it is treated with heat the characteristic blue with violet undertones becomes apparent.
7. Sapphires are sometimes heat treated at a high temperature to bring out the dark blues and enhance the clarity of the stones.
8. The Padparadscha Sapphire is most often treated with heat to enhance the brilliance of the color.
9. Pearls have been bleached, waxed, heated, dyed and irradiated to enhance their color and luster.
10. Citrine is frequently heat-treated amethyst or smoky quarts. Natural citrine is usually a light yellow.
11. Topaz is often irradiated or heated to bring out the brilliant blues. It is also sometimes sliced and layered by color to give an almost iridescent color. This topaz is usually called Mystic Topaz.
12. Turquoise can be dyed, stabilized, have the matrix enhanced and even backed with plastic when it is mounted.
If the price of any of these stones seems too good to be true, you are probably looking at a treated stone. If no deception is practiced and the buyer and seller are both happy with the transaction gemstone treatment is not an unethical or deceptive practice.
About the Author:
Copyright 2007 Louise Coulson
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About the Author
Louise Coulson is a jewelry artisan who works with Kingfisher Designs. She is webmaster for both http://www.wireweavers.com and http://www.jewelryspectrum.com
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Gemstone Treatments and Enhancements
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Amethyst is a semiprecious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern jewelry, hand-made precious to her. It is found most often in shades purple or red, and the stone is considered both February and the 6th Anniversary of the gemstone. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations, the amethyst has a spiritual decline mythological and etymological history that adds nostalgic value to its already strong aesthetic value. Read on for more information to help you love your amethyst jewelry â € "or inspire you to buy today!
The amethyst is a purple variety of quartz whose family name derives from the Greek word "amethustos," or no "to intoxicate". According to Greek myth, Dionysus, the god of intoxication, was angered by an insult and swore revenge on the person beside the cross on their way. Amethyst, a girl, was that person. Seeing the young girl in trouble, the goddess Diana acted quickly Amethyst to save, making a statue of crystalline quartz. Dionysius saw the statue and was overwhelmed by grief, remorse spilling tears of wine and therefore stain purple quartz family we see today.
In the past and even today, Amethyst is used to cure headaches, to correct imbalances sugar and stabilizing influences. For many stone encourages peace of mind by opening the third "celestial" eye, located in downtown forehead.
Amethyst gemstones look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with Black Onyx, black pearls or diamonds. More combinations casual are the contrasts, such as citrine, amethyst purple with yellow-brown, white pearls, diamonds in the rough or aquamarine blue. For a selection of jewelry handmade amethyst, click here. Amethyst is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to brighten the eyes of black or brown.
Amethyst was one of the first gemstones to be used by man and is often placed on religious jewelry, such as rosaries. The jewel is considered sacred to Buddha. Once removed largely in Russia, Amethyst now mostly from Africa and South America.
The Mohs hardness score is based on a scale of 10 points, 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as talc. Like the rest of the family of quartz, amethyst receives a score of 7, which means which is quite scratch resistant and therefore suitable as a component of jewelry. Amethyst Gemstones should be cleaned regularly by a professional or a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, solvents and chemicals to clean your jewelry artisan, such as exposure to these elements can damage semi-precious and precious stones and pearls.
Learn more about all semi-precious stones, including apatite, aquamarine, black onyx, blue topaz, citrine, carnelian, chalcedony, coral, white topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, garnet, iolite, jade, labradorite, stone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, rose quartz, ruby, sapphire, smoky topaz, tanzanite, tourmaline, turquoise, and when you look at this table precious stones.
About the Author:
Sarah Stephens is the Fashion Director for Dasha Boutique. Visit our online shop today, featuring hundreds of handmade jewelry designs. Customize orders ship in 3 business days. Dasha Boutique is featured in Lucky, InStyle, People, Bridal Guide and Brides.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Amethyst – February's Gemstone of Purple Passion