Barbara Heath / Malcolm Enright - Gem stock 2004 Studio Stock - Page One
Garnet, (Birthstone for January) Large family of gemstones
Ð Flawless Sky blues Ð Cushion cuts, brilliant cuts and step
which occur in every shade except blue. The most popular
varieties are in the pyrope (red), almandine (brownish-red),
Ð Flawless Sky blues Ð Faceted and carved briolettes
and rhodolite (pink-violet). Rarer varities include grossular-
hessonite (green and yellow) spessartite (yellow orange to
brownish red) and malaya (golden orange to flame red).
Physical properties: hardness = 7.5 Specific gravity = 4
Ð Pale blue Ð Large square cut cabochons
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.76 Ð 1.83 Birefringence =
Folklore: Garnet, believed from olden times to strengthen,
Ð Flawless green Ð Faceted ovals, set of six
purify, vitalise and regenerate bodily systems especially the bloodstream. Has strong affinity with the root chakra helping to harmonise the potent forces of the kundalini. Stimulating the pituitary gland and thus aligning the subtle bodies.
Ð Light Green (and completely clean) Ð Brilliant cut ovals
Chakra(s): root, heart. Morganite, another variety of Beryl that is (thankfully) coloured
by Manganese impurities, the pink, rose, peach and violet
Named after the American Banker and gem enthusiast, J.
Physical properties: hardness = 7.5 Specific gravity = 2.69
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.58 Ð 1.59 Birefringence =
Amethyst, (Birthstone of February) crystaline quartz in shades
Ð Flawless pinks Ð Set of 3 drop trillion cuts
of purple, lilac or mauve is called amethyst, the name is
Ð Flawless Pink Ð Large square step cut
originally from the greek 'amethustos' which means to prevent
Ð Flawless Pink Ð Set of 5 Baguette cuts
drunkenness. The stone was traditionally worn to guard against
drunkenness and to instil a sober and serious mind. No wonder
Golden Beryl, takes in the colour varieties between lemon,
the ancients loved to drink from an amethyst cup!
yellow and golden yellow. The pigment present is probably iron
and is mostly flawless. New experimentation with faceting and
carving is taking place with the younger contemporary cutters
Physical properties: hardness = 7 Specific gravity = 2.65
and we have embraced these new developments, see below.
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.54 Ð 1.55 Birefringence =
Physical properties: hardness = 7.5 Specific gravity = 2.8
Folklore: Says it aids mental disorders, used in purification
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.58 Ð 1.59 Birefringence =
and regeneration on all levels of consciousness. Transmutes one's lower nature into the more highly refined aspects of higher potentials. Physical representive of the violet ray of alchemy
Ð Lemon Ð High voluminous cabochon (multiple) pairs
and transformation. Cuts through illusion and enhances psychic
Ð Lemon Ð Matched scissor cuts in fours & pairs
abilities. Excellent for meditation and aids channeling
Ð Yellow Ð Pair of new triangular faceted cushions
capabilities. Chakra(s): third eye and crown.
Ð Golden yellow Ð Pair of new Triangular faceted cushions
Ð Golden yellow Ð Large eight sided carved and faceted stone
Ð Golden yellow Ð Lozenge shaped carved and faceted stone
Ð Golden yellow Ð Pair large pear shaped buff tops
Ð Calibrated group Ð Seven 2mm round brilliant cuts
Diamond, (Birthstone for April) The hardest mineral on earth
Ð Double cabochons Ð Pillow cuts (pair)
and most the revered/remembered of gem stones probably
because from olden times it was known as the thought amplifier.
Beryl, is the gemstone family that includes Emerald and . . .
All types are used from marriage bonds (pure and colourless)
Aquamarine, (Birthstone for March) a variety of Beryl that
to industrial grades. Diamonds are graded by colour, cut, clarity
enjoys a romance with travellers (given and worn as good luck)
and meditators use it for purpose and clarity. As the name
implys it refers to water hence its long association with the
tranquility of the sea. In the 19th century the preferred colour
Physical properties: hardness = 10 Specific gravity = 3.52
was sea-green as the name itself means sea water but today
Optical: Refractive Indices = 2.42 Birefringence = none
the most sought after colour is that of sky-blue and dark blue.
Found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria and Zambia. Folklore: Enhances brain function and aids the alignment of cranial bones. Breaks up blockages in crown chakra and in the personality. Master healer. Dispels negativity and reflects the
Physical properties: hardness = 5.5 Specific gravity = 2.80
will and power of God. Enhances the full spectrum of energies
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.57 Ð 1.58 Birefringence =
in mind/body/spirit. Chakra(s): all Folklore: known as a nerve calmer, and aids the reduction of fluid retention. Known to strengthen kidneys, liver, spleen,
Ð Brown Ð Brilliant cuts (parcel of twenty)
thyroid thus purifying the body. Enhances clarity of mind and aids creative self expression.
Ð Cubic habit Ð uncommon (multiples) and sliced crystals
Chakra(s): throat and solar plexus.
Ð Sky blue Ð Unusual high cabochons all carved
Emerald, (Birthstone for May) derives its beautiful green colour
from the presence of chromium and vanadium. Emeralds are
rarely flawless and usually have either cloudy inclusions or
Barbara Heath / Malcolm Enright - Gem stock 2004 Studio Stock - Page Two
tremolite inclusions that are usually seen as short rods or long
Physical properties: hardness = 7.25, Specific gravity = 2.71
Physical properties: hardness = 8 Specific gravity = 3.60
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.57 Ð 1.58 Birefringence =
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.71 Ð 1.73 Birefringence =
Folklore: Historically it was one of the most valuable stones Folklore: Mostly covered by the Ruby detail. The name may and used for curing a wide range of aliments. Cleopatra's mine derive from the Latin word spina, meaning little thorn, referring near the Red Sea has been mined since 2,000 BC. Aids alignment to the sharp points on some crystals. of subtle bodies and is a dream enhancer and used to aid deeper spiritual insight. A strong emotional balancer Chakra(s): heart, solar plexus.
Ð Mauve & Blue Ð Brilliant cuts round
Ð Bright deep green Ð Octagonal step cut
Peridot, (Birthstone of August) is mineral olivine but we see
the gem quality specimens cut for use. The bottle green colour
is due to the presence of iron, it has a distinctive oily or greasy
lustre. Good quality crystals are rare.
The Crusaders brought peridot to Europe in the middle ages,
Moonstone, (Birthstone for June) is the opalescent variety of
transporting stones from St JohnÕs Island in the RedSea where
orthoclase with a blue or white sheen (or schiller), rather like
it hs been mined for over 3,500 years.
a shine of the moon after which it is named. This is caused by
the reflection of light from the internal structure, made up of
altenating layers of albite and orthoclase feldspar. Stones of
Physical properties: hardness = 6.5 Specific gravity = 3.34
large size and fine quality are rare, we also have beautiful
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.64Ð1.69 Birefringence = 0.036
Folk lore: Strengthens heart and eyes, Aids tissue
regeneration, reduces stress and helps personal disorders.
Physical properties: hardness = 6 Specific gravity = 2.56
Chakra(s): navel solar plexus and heart.
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.51 Ð 1.54 Birefringence =
Sapphire, (Birthstone for September) one of the hardest and
most durable gemstones, they have been most revered throughout
Folklore: Said to align emotions with the higher self. Has
the ages. The Persians believed the world rested on a sapphire,
healing affinity with the stomach, spleen, pancreas and lymphatic
thus producing the blue colour of the sky. Many ancients
system. Relieves anxiety and stress and aids the birthing process.
believed that the Ten Commandments were written on a sapphire
Emotional balancer, helps lessen the tendency to over-react
tablet. Sapphire is found mainly in Sri Lanka, Thailand,
emotionally. Chakra(s): heart.
Ð Rainbow Moonstone Ð Cabochon high round
Physical properties: hardness = 9 Specific gravity = 4.00
Ð Rainbow Moonstone Ð Carved round (multiples)
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.76Ð1.77 Birefringence = 0.008
Ð Rainbow Moonstone Ð Cabochon high round catÕs eye
Folklore: Strengthens heart & kidneys, Activates pituitary
Ð Rainbow Moonstone Ð Faceted round (pair)
gland thereby aiding entire glandular system. Aligns body/mind/spirit, stimulating psychic abilities, clarity and Ruby, (Birthstone for July) One of the hardest and most durable inspiration. Excellent for meditation. Chakra(s): throat and
gemstones, Corundum enjoys a preeminence amongst gems. third eye.
The finest specimens command the highest prices of any precious
stones. Depending on the Chromium and Iron content of the
stone, Rubies run shades of red, from pinkish to purplish or
Ð Padparasha - Numerous colours all faceted
brownish red. Ruby is found mainly in Thailand, Burma and
Physical properties: hardness = 9 Specific gravity = 4.00
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.76Ð1.77 Birefringence = 0.008
Folk lore: Aids regeneration of physical/spiritual heart. Enhances
Ð Yellow Ð Cabochon pair & large oval cab
circulation and vitalises the blood. Strengthens immunity. Helps
Ð Chrome Yellow Ð Large brilliant cut oval
to refine lower passions. Helps banish sense of limitation.
Ð Greens Ð Princess cuts Ð Trillion cuts
Chakra(s): root and heart Spinel, occurs in a wide range of colours, it is a tribute to this
usual red or pink gem that many of the world's celebrated
Ð Blue Grey to Greens with Pinks Ð Seven graduated strands
'Rubies' (including several in the Crown Jewels of England )
were found to be Spinels. Even after they were correctly
Opal, (Birthstone of October) up until the 1800s the Opal was
identified as Spinels, these gems were still referred to as 'Balas
a gemstone symbolising hope. However in 1817 with the
Rubies' or 'Ruby Spinels'. The red is coloured by chromium, the
production of Sir Walter Scott's book, Ann of Geierstein, in
blue is coloured by the presence of iron. They are found mainly
which the Opal was used as a symbol of mis-fortune, the
Barbara Heath / Malcolm Enright - Gem stock 2004 Studio Stock - Page Three
gemstone lost its popularity. It later regained favor when Queen
Victoria, a devotee who presented her daughters with wedding
gifts of Opals. The name is derived from the Indian name for
Physical properties: hardness = 8 Specific gravity = 3.54
'stone'. Found mainly in Australia, Brazil and Mexico.
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.62 Ð 1.63 Birefringence =
Physical properties: hardness = 6 Specific gravity = 2.10
Folklore: (Gold topaz) Big on tissue regeneration and
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.37 Ð 1.47 Birefringence =
detoxification processes. Warming and awakening are descriptions of its powers. Chakra(s) navel, crown. Folklore: Pretty well covered in the above, it is a hardened silica gel usually containing a small percentage of water. It is therefore non-crystaline, unlike most other gems and may
Ð Imperial gold Ð Brilliant cuts round (pairs)
eventually dry out and crack. Known to stimulate the pineal and pituitary glands, thus enhancing intuition and is an emotional balancer. Chakra(s): heart (and depending on colour), is said
Turquoise, (Birthstone for December) is found as
to assist others as well.
mircochrystalline, massive form usually as encrustations, as
veins or as nodules. It is opaque to semi-translucent, light and
very fragile. Wax or resign maintains its appearance. Funny
Ð Oregon Fire opal Ð Hexagonal with buff top
that the Persian Blue colour is found in Arizona hey? ( I have
Ð Mexican Fire opal Ð Lighter, base faceted buff top oval
two palm-sized specimens from a famous 19th Century USA
Ð Mexican Fire opal Ð Darker, base faceted buff top oval
Ð Mexican Fire opal Ð Two transitionals, square and round
Ð Mexican Fire opal Ð Fantastic orange faceted bead strands
Physical properties: hardness = 6 Specific gravity = 2.80
Ð Australian Boulder opal Ð Pairs and singles, twenty doublets
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.61 Ð 1.65 Birefringence =
Ð Australian opal Ð Tube bead drilled strands
Ð Australian Lambina opal Ð Graduated drilled orange strand
Ð Australian opal Ð Button shaped drilled bracelet beads
Folklore: Strengthens the entire body. Aligns chakras. creative
Ð Australian Free forms Ð all unusual Hong Kong cuts
expression and peace of mind. Chakra(s) throat
Ð Peruvian Blues Ð High cabochon, round & smaller pair
Ð Peruvian Blue-Green Ð Cabochons, three shapes
Ð Peruvian Blues Ð Spheres drilled as strands
Ð Stablised Blue Ð Perfect Chinese square cabochons
Ð Stablised Blue Ð Perfect Chinese pear shapes
Tourmaline, (also October) occurs in the widest array of colours
of any gemstone species. It has only been recognised as a
separate gemstone family in the last 250 years. Green and red
Iolite, is a beautiful violet-blue gemstone, whose name is derived
were long mistaken for emeralds and ruby. Emerald green is
from 'ios' the greek word for purple. Because of its soft, almost
the most rare with the colourless Achronite (a variety of
liquid colour it is often mistaken for Sapphire. Iolite is found
Elbanite) being particularly scarce. Found mainly in Brazil,
mainly in East Africa and India. Recently it has become
Mozambique, Madagascar, Nigeria and the United States. We
supremely fashionable and in Tucson is highly sought after. It
have friends from San Diego, California who mine and cut them
can be recognised by its strong pleochroism, visible without
in newer contemporary cuts you'll love to own.
equipment, which gives the gem its other name of dichroite.
Physical properties: hardness = 7.5 Specific gravity = 3.6
Physical properties: hardness = 7 Specific gravity = 2.63
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.62Ð1.64 Birefringence = 0.018
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.53 Ð 1.55 Birefringence =
Folklore: All colours aid in the balance of the endocrine system, and help to fight sleeplessness. Activates and enhances the Folklore: Nothing gleaned of interest to pass on. crystaline properties of the body/mind. Chakra(s): Black tourmaline (schorl) root, Watermelon (red/green) root, Green heart, Blue (indicolite) throat, third eye Red/Pink (rubelite)
Ð Purple gem quality Ð Checkerboard cut
root & heart.
Ð Purple gem quality Ð Checkerboard cut
Ð Purple gem quality Ð Buff tops (multiples)
Ð Purple gem quality Ð Newer faceted cut strand
Ð Green to Black Ð Hand drilled beads and drops (multiples)
Ð Purple gem quality Ð Faceted smaller cut strand
Ð Emerald Green African Ð Brilliant cut
Ð Emerald Green Brazilian Ð Pear cut (large)
Sunstone, is a species of plagioclase feldspar and the variety
used in jewellery is the aventurine feldspar named sunstone.
We remember seeing it first at Tucson in 1999 where it was
voted the gemstone of the show and research shows it was only
Ð Raspberry Rhodolite Ð Ovals, both brilliant cuts
discovered in 1980 in Oregon, USA. Our stocks come from
friends who mine and cut this unusual gem, all have been sold
Ð Pinks Ð Cabochons in ovals, squares, triangles and pairs
Ð Pink to Purple Ð Double cushions (large)
Ð Bi and Tri-coloured Ð antique carved tops (multiples)
Ð Pink & Green matching Ð Brilliants with buff tops (several
Physical properties: hardness = 6 Specific gravity = 2.64
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.54 Ð 1.55 Birefringence =
Ð Smokytrines Ð Newer cuts, lozenge and pairs
Ð Brown Ð Dravites in single drilled beads and faceted stones
Folklore: Nothing found.
Ð Himalayan Achronite Ð Steped flats (pair)
Ð Tourmaline & Amethyst Ð Cabochon beans (pairs)
Ð Orange Lozenge - Faceted base, checkerboard cut top
Topaz, (Birthstone of November) All colours have the distinction
of being curative. Among other things it apparently cools
Kunzite, is a member of the Spodumene family and is named
temperatures, restores sanity, has cured asthma & relieved
after George Frederick Kunz, who in the latter part of the 19th
insomnia AND even warded off sudden death! Topaz is found
Century was the chief gem buyer for Tiffany & Co New York.
mainly in Brazil, Nigeria and Sri Lanka.
He was a pioneer of the science known as Gemmology. His
most significant book is ÔThe curious lore of precious stonesÕ;
Barbara Heath / Malcolm Enright - Gem stock 2004 Studio Stock - Page Four
an illustrated guide to the History and Powers of Gemstones
from seawater cultivation without man-made nucleus and as
published by Bell Publishing Company NYC USA. The two gem
such is a special pearl appreciated by true pearl lovers worldwide.
varieties- lilac pink (coloured by manganese) and bright emerald-
Reshi; a special pearl we have sourced from Hong Kong
green called Hiddenite (coloured by Chromium) are very popular
merchants which has an unusual gold lustre and has become
with collectors. (ThatÕs why I wonÕt sell the Johnson Fong
Physical properties: hardness = 3 Specific gravity = 2.71
Physical properties: hardness = 7 Specific gravity = 3.18
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.53 Ð 1.68 Birefringence =
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.66 Ð 1.67 Birefringence =
Folklore: Once thought to be the tears of Gods. The gem of the Folklore: Very high lithium content used for manic depression Moon and of Venus. They have a history going a far back as and mental disorders. Aids in longevity and is used as an records exist. Mainly coveted by Kings and Princes of the emotional balancer. Soothing and calming qualities. Church, the nobility and found in significant collections throughout the ancient world. Sensitive to acids, dryness and humidity and so are less durable than most gemstones.
Ð Large faceted sample 13.55ct from Johnson Fong (Hong
Ð Mabe Ð Three sided different coloured
Jadeite (Jade) and Nephrite (Jade), are recognised separately
Ð Natural freshwater Ð Myriad shapes and colours
since 1863. Nephrite is found as aggregates of fibrous amphibole
Ð Natural freshwater Ð Winged and baroque specials
crystals. These form an interlocking structure tougher than
steel. Hence it was first used as weapons and now used as
ornament. Jadeite is made up of interlocking, granular pyroexene
crystals and occurs in a wide range of colours, we seek the lilac
Ð Natural freshwater Ð Mississippi purple-pimpleback
tints and the most prized variety being the imperial jade colour,
Ð Natural freshwater Ð Numerous strands
rich emerald-green, due to the presence of chromium. Also
seeking the black nephrite found in Australia. Zircon, (Birthstone for December) has been known since
antiquity. The intense fire and great brilliance comes from its
Physical properties: hardness = 6 Specific gravity = 3.33
high refractive index and its strong dispersion. Although 6.5Ð7.5
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.66 Ð 1.68 Birefringence =
on MohÕs hardness scale the stone is never the less eassilly
damaged at the edges and can be sensitive to pressuer and
Folklore: One of the few gemstones to have retained its ancient
All Zircons (except the rare Grees colour ) have strong double
association with medicine and magic and is often worn as an
refractionwhich can be seen under the loupe at the facet edge,
amulet. Strengthens heart, kidneys,immune system. helps
an important identification mark as Zircon has always been
cleanse blood. One of the toughest known minerals. Known (of old) to cure hip and kidney complaints.
The yellow-Red and Red-Brown colour is called Hyacinth.
The Blue variety is called Starlite and is usually heat enhansed.
The Green variety is rare to the trade and are sought by
Ð Pi disc Ð Timeless style (we use a bracelet enhancer)
Ð Burmese Jadeite Ð Unusual cuts, polished forms, by Janis
Ð Burmese Jadeite Ð Go-Go loops (copied from the Hmong
Physical properties: hardness = 6.5Ð7.5 Specific gravity
Ð Burmese Jadeite beads Ð all unusual necklace shapes; cones,
Optical: Refractive Indices = 1.77Ð1.98 Translucent
Ð Antique Jadeite Ð Bracelet flats and beads
We have a couple of beautiful faceted stones to view
Ð Antique Nephrite Ð Collection of amulets to be recycled
Ð Antique Serpentine pieces Ð Four esoteric shapes to be
Ð A single synthetic round brilliant cut for the collection
Pearl, (also June) is formed in shellfish - especially oysters and Folklore: Nothing, but in his tract in ÔThe curious lore of
mussels as a natural defence against irritants. Layers of
precious stonesÕ, Frederick Kunz mentions on page 238 that
aragonite, known as nacre, are secreted around the irritant
the Kalpa Tree; the symbolic offering to the Gods, in the Hindu
and gradually build up to form the pearl. Every cultured pearl
religion has the foliage (except the young leaves) entirely formed
should be examined using the following four judgements; Lustre,
of Zircons. Remember that Zircon also can have relatively high content of radioactive elements; Uraniun and Thorium which
Various types abound; Akoya are saltwater pearls from the
cause large variations of the physical properties of these gems.
(Pinctada imbricata) oyster, generally round but they come in
shapes called baroque, button, oval and drop. Primarily white,
cream and yellow, they do come with greenish overtones and
sometimes grey. But seldom pinkish to rose. White South sea
cultured pearls are harvested from a type of mollusc called
(Pinctada maxima). This is the biggest of all species and includes
the (gold-lipped or yellow-lipped) shell and the (white-lipped
Sources: ÔSolid FriendsÕ notes, DaddowÕs Rock Shop notes,
and the silver-lipped) shell we know of here in Australia. Tahiti
Michael GatesÕ Santa Rosa notes, Cally HallÕs ÔGem StonesÕ;
cultured pearls come from the (black-lipped) oyster found in
a Collins Eyewitness Handbook, George KunzÕs book mentioned
that terrirory. Fresh water pearls are mainly from the (Hyriopsis
earlier, Jewellery WorldÕs Pearl Issue January 2003, my buyers
schlegeli) freshwater mussel. The Japenese started cultivation
in the Lake Biwa region in 1946 and strangely all good white
Help from R, WebsterÕs 5th Edition ÔGems, their sources,
freshwater pearls are called after this regionÕs high quality
descriptions and identificationÕ. And my fave rave; Walter
lustreous stock and the extraordinary natural colours of their
SchumannÕs ÔGemstones of the worldÕ.
nacre. The Mabe cultured pearl is a half pearl from the (Pinctada
margaritifera) or abalone shell and are known as blister pearls. Malcolm Enright <[email protected]>
Keshi; a Japanese word meaning ÔpoppyÕ is probably the hardest
Barbara Heath - Jeweller to the Lost
to distinguish from all pearls as it is the only pearl resulting
Manganese Dioxide [MnO2] Lithium Batteries (CR type) Available in 6 different cylindrical configurations and 23 different coin cell sizes, this 3V chemistry is popular because of its slightly lower cost and broad availability on the retail market so it is typically found in applications where replacement of the battery is performed by end users. The CR chemistry is preferred for higher curre
Abolitionist Movement Although some Americans had criticized African slavery for many years, the thirty years before the Civil War saw the growth of more active abolitionist and antislavery organizations. Two men provided the foundation for the organized crusade against slavery: David Walker and William Lloyd Garrison. A free black from North Carolina, Walker opened a used-clothing store i