AFRICAN OPAL

The Opal is thought to project ones inner beauty.  It enhances our creativity, while releasing our inhibitions.  The Opal contains the colors and qualities of many other healing stones.  It is sometimes called the "stone of inspiration."  It is believed to help improve self esteem, bringing its wearer, happy dreams.  It is the birthstone for October.   

The mineraloid opal is amorphous.  The water content sometimes being as high as 20% but is usually between three and ten percent.  Opal ranges from colorless through white, milky blue, gray, red, yellow, green, brown and black. Common opal is truly amorphous, but precious opal does have a structural element. The word opal comes from the Sanskrit upala, the Greek opallios, and the Latin opalus, meaning "precious stone." Opals are also Australia's National gemstone.  Opal is a mineraloid gel which is deposited at relatively low temperature and may occur in the fissures of almost any kind of rock, being most commonly found with limonite, sandstone, rhyolite, and basalt.  

Australia produces around 97% of the world’s opal. 90% is called ‘light opal’ or white and crystal opal. White makes up 60% but not all the opal fields produce white opal; Crystal opal or pure hydrated silica makes up 30%; 8% is black and only 2% is boulder opal.  The town of Coober Pedy in South Australia is a major source of opal. Another Australian town, Lightning Ridge in New South Wales, is the main source of black opal, opal containing a predominantly dark background (dark-gray to blue-black displaying the play of color). Boulder opal consists of concretions and fracture fillings in a dark siliceous ironstone matrix. It is found sporadically in western Queensland, from Kynuna in the north, to Yowah and Koroit in the south.

Fire Opal is found mostly in Mexico and Mesoamerica. In South America, a city called Pedro II, located in Brazil, produces opal that was discovered in 1930. Fire opal, or Girasol, is a translucent to semi-opaque stone that is generally yellow to bright orange and sometimes nearly red and displays pleochroism at certain angles.

The Virgin Valley Opal Fields Of Humboldt county in northern Nevada produce a wide variety black, crystal, white, and fire opal. Most precious opals are wood replacements. Many specimens have a high water content, and as a result, have a greater tendency to desiccate and crack than most precious opal. Discovered in 1904 the mines are still producing gem materials in large amounts to hundreds of seasonal visitors. 

Peruvian opal (also called blue opal) is a semi-opaque to opaque blue-green stone found in Peru which is often cut to include the matrix in the more opaque stones. It does not display pleochroism.

AFRICAN TURQUOISE

Turquoise is said to attract prosperity and success, to have the power to influence creative powers, and to enhance the ability to communicate. The stone has long been prized as a powerful talisman with healing properties. Turquoise increases resistance to viruses and helps to relieve sore throats, lung infections and the affects of allergies.

Turquoise was among the first gems to be mined, and while many historic sites have been depleted, some are still worked to this day. These are all small-scale, often seasonal operations, owing to the limited scope and remoteness of the deposits. Most are worked by hand with little or no mechanization. However, turquoise is often recovered as a byproduct of large-scale copper mining operations, especially in the United States.  The Southwest United States is a significant source of turquoise; Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada. The deposits of California and New Mexico were mined by pre-Columbian Native Americans using stone tools, some local and some from as far away as central Mexico. Cerrillos, New Mexico is thought to be the location of the oldest mines; prior to the 1920s, the state was the country's largest producer; it is more or less exhausted today. Only one mine in California, located at Apache Canyon, operates at a commercial capacity today.  One of the richest mines in Arizona is the "Sleeping Beauty" mine.  It produces some of the highest quality turquoise for jewelry and has a robin's egg blue color. 

Bisbee Blue or Bisbee turquoise refers to the turquoise that comes from copper mines located in the vicinity of Bisbee, Arizona.

Though small amounts were found in the Campbell shaft mine, as well as in streambeds in the Mule Mountains, the vast majority of Bisbee turquoise surfaced when the Phelps Dodge Corporation started open pit mining operations at the location now known as the Lavender Pit, especially the eastern side of the pit. Large amounts of a conglomerate rock bed needed to be removed before the deeper located copper ore could be reached. This conglomerate "waste" rock was the host for most of the turquoise, both in vein and nugget form. Bisbee turquoise can be found in many different shades of color and quality, from soft, low quality pale blue to the quality hard brilliant blue turquoise and most every shade of blue in between. Green turquoise is also found in Bisbee, but is not usually of very high quality.  During the time that the largest quantities of turquoise were being extracted from the mine, the company made no organized effort to recover it. It simply got loaded into large dump trucks and hauled off to the "dumps". During this time (primarily through the late-50s into the late-60s), almost all recovered turquoise was made by company employees, taking it home in their lunch boxes, etc. Though this activity was prohibited, it was rarely enforced. For several years (mostly the early to late 70s), these individuals locally know as "dumpers", were the only source for this fine turquoise. Also, during this time, Phelps Dodge leased out the dumps to an individual to mine the dumps for turquoise.

There are five “kinds” of turquoise as described by law

1 - Natural turquoise - turquoise that is so hard and beautiful that it is simply mined, cut, polished and set into a piece of jewelry or carved into a fetish or sculpture. Less than 3% of all the turquoise on the market worldwide is natural.

2 - Stabilized turquoise - soft or "chalk" turquoise has been infused with a clear epoxy resin. The resin, under pressure, absorbs into the rock, which permanently hardens the rock and deepens the color. Unlike the collectible natural turquoise which deepens in color over time by gradually absorbing oils from the skin as it is worn, the colors in stabilized turquoise are permanent. Most of the turquoise on the market is stabilized and should not cost as much as natural. Stabilized turquoise can be very beautiful, and is a good buy.

3 - Treated turquoise - soft or "chalk" turquoise that is stabilized as described above, except that the epoxy resin is also dyed. Colors in treated turquoise have a tendency to look artificial. Prices should be much less than natural or stabilized.

4 - Reconstituted turquoise - turquoise "chalk" that is very low grade and has been ground into powder, saturated with epoxy resin, dyed, and compressed into blocks or cakes to be cut into shapes for jewelry making. Prices should be most inexpensive.

5 - Imitation turquoise - there is no turquoise in this category. Either these are stones like howlite (white stone, very porous) dyed to look like turquoise or they are pure plastic (epoxy resin) that has been dyed to look like turquoise.

Turquoise has a waxy luster and is a phosphate of aluminum with copper and traces of iron. Depending on its origin, the stone can be sky blue to green depending on the amount of copper (which makes it blue) and iron (which makes it green).

AMAZONITE 

Amazonite is said to have a soothing effect on the nervous system. Since the nervous system controls our emotions, this stone is said to soothe tense and aggravated situations and enhance love. amazonite is associated with the throat and heart so it is best when worn as a necklace near these areas. amazonite is said to bestow truth, honor and integrity to its wearer.  Amazonite is a mostly opaque stone textured with pale milky-white cloudiness or streaking ranging from light green to greenish blue to deep green/blue.

Amazonite,  sometimes called "Amazon Stone" is a green variety of microcline feldspar.  The name is taken from that of the Amazon River, from which certain green stones were formerly obtained, but it is doubtful whether green feldspar occurs in the Amazon area.

Amazonite is a mineral of limited occurrence. Formerly it was obtained almost exclusively from the area of Miyask in the Ilmen mountains, 50 miles southwest of Chehabinsk, Russia, where it occurs in granitic rocks. More recently, high-quality crystals have been obtained from Pike's Peak, Colorado, where it is found associated with smoky quartz, orthoclase, and albite in a coarse granite or pegmatite. Crystal Peak, Teller County, Colorado is a well-known locality for crystals of amazonite. Some other localities in the United States yield amazonite, and it is also found in pegmatite in Madagascar.

Because of its bright green color when polished, amazonite is sometimes cut and used as a gemstone, although it is easily fractured.  For many years, the source of amazonite's color was a mystery. Naturally, many people assumed the color was due to copper because copper compounds often have blue and green colors. More recent studies suggest that the blue-green color is due to small quantities of lead and water in the feldspar. (Hoffmeister and Rossman, 1985)

Amazonite heals and opens both the heart and throat to enhance loving communications. It also opens the third eye and intuition. The stone dissipates negative energy and blockages with in the nervous system. It is beneficial in osteoporosis, tooth decay, calcium deficiency and calcium deposits, balancing the metabolic deficiencies that create these conditions. (T. Ameroso)

AGATE 

This gemstone comes in many different colors. It is procured quite easily. It is priced moderately still many jewelers sell poor quality stone as agate. Glass agate and Iceland agate are basically poor quality of obsidian that are treated and later sold as agate. Similarly, glass opal simulant is named as Lake Superior fire agate or Mexican agate and sold at the price of pure agate.

Agate - agate stabilizes the aura, eliminating and transforming negative energies, its cleansing effect is powerful at the physical and emotional levels. Agate stimulates the digestive process and relieves gastritis. Heals the eyes, stomach, and uterus. It cleanses the lymphatic system and the pancreas, it strengthens blood vessels and heals skin disorders. (T. Ameroso)

AMAZONITE 

It is an opaque beauty that varies in color from yellow-green to blue-green. It is confused many times with another semi precious stone called as Jade.

AMBER 

Amber is commonly used in different jewelry items. At present it is one of the most popular semi precious stones collected by the people in every country. The trade names used for selling imitations and resins as amber are Amberine, Australian amber, Black amber and Earth stone.

Amber - is a powerful cleanser and healer. At a physical level, it imbues the body with vitality and has the power to draw disease out of the body by absorbing pain and negative energy. Amber allows the body to rebalance and heal itself. Amber alleviates stress, it resonates with the throat, treating goiters and other throat problems, it treats the stomach, spleen, kidneys, bladder, liver and gallbladder. Alleviates joint problems and strengthens the mucus membranes. (T. Ameroso)

AMBER

Amber is believed to be a healing stone used to alleviate stomach and liver problems.  It is said that the wearer displays great courage and self confidence.  Amber is a soft stone that is usually transparent.  It is an organic material consisting of fossilized tree resin and frequently has bits of nature sealed within the beads.  Most Amber is heat treated.  Heat treatment is the heating of stones to a high temperature in order to enhance the color or clarity.

The most significant amber deposts are on or near the costs of Sweden, Denmark, northern Germany, Poland, buried under 100-130 feet of sand in a layer of clay called "blue earth."  Most of the world's amber comes from Poland, but only about 15% is of gem quality and suitable for jewelry. Amber was probably the first gemlike material used for personal adornment.

Amber is the common name for fossil resin that is appreciated for its inherent and interesting mixture of Saffron, Olive, and Lemon Chiffon, and is widely used for the manufacture of ornamental objects.

Although amber is found along the shores of a large part of the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, the great amber-producing country is the promontory of Sambia, now part of Russia. About 90% of the world's extractable amber is located in the Kaliningrad region of Russia on the Baltic Sea. Pieces of amber torn from the sea-floor are cast up by the waves, and collected at ebb-tide. Sometimes the searchers wade into the sea, furnished with nets at the end of long poles, by means of which they drag in the sea-weed containing entangled masses of amber; or they dredge from boats in shallow water and rake up amber from between the boulders. Divers have been employed to collect amber from the deeper waters. Systematic dredging on a large scale was at one time carried on in the Curonian Lagoon by Messrs Stantien and Becker, the great amber merchants of Königsberg.

AMETHYST 

It is purple in color and most affordable gemstone. Lab created synthesized stones and other treated stones are sold as amethyst under the fancy names like Japanese Amethyst, Desert amethyst, False amethyst and Lithia amethyst. Bengal amthyst is the treated poor quality purple sapphire.

Amethyst boosts production of hormones, and tunes the endocrine system and metabolism, it strengthens the cleansing and eliminating organs and the immune system. An excellent cleanser for the blood, relieves physical, emotional, and  psychological pain or stress and blocks geo-pathic stress, it eases headaches, and releases tension. This stone reduces bruising, injuries, and swellings, and treats hearing disorders. It heals diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract, skin conditions, cellular disorders and diseases of the digestive track. it is beneficial for the intestines, regulating flora, removing parasites and encouraging re-absorption of water. Treats insomnia and brings restful sleep. (T. Ameroso)

Amethyst has been a symbol of peace, purity and unification and can aid in bringing serenity and calmness. Use amethyst to treat insomnia and promote peaceful and healing sleep. It is also commonly used to relieve headaches, sugar imbalances and general edginess, bringing an overall sense of spiritual balance.  Amethyst is found in a variety of shades from lavender to a deep purple. Amethyst is a great stone to use if you are trying to increase your psychic abilities and enhance you intuition.  It is the birthstone associated with February.

Amethyst  is a purple variety of quartz often used as an ornament. The name comes from the Greek a ("not") and methuskein ("to intoxicate"), a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness; the ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication.

Amethyst was used as a gemstone by the ancient Egyptians and was largely employed in antiquity for intaglios. Beads of amethyst are found in Anglo-Saxon graves in England. It is a widely distributed mineral, but fine, clear specimens that are suitable for cutting as ornamental stones are confined to comparatively few localities. Such crystals occur either in the cavities of mineral-veins and in granitic rocks, or as a lining in agate geodes.

Amethyst occurs at many localities in the United States, but these specimens are rarely fine enough for use in jewelry. Among these may be mentioned Amethyst Mountain, Texas; Yellowstone National Park; Delaware County, Pennsylvania; Haywood County, North Carolina; and Deer Hill and Stow, Maine. It is found also in the Lake Superior region. Amethyst is relatively common in northwestern Ontario, and in various locations throughout Nova Scotia, but uncommon elsewhere in Canada. Amethyst is produced in abundance from the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil where it occurs in large geodes within volcanic rocks.

AMETRINE 

It is a beautiful natural combination of two stones viz. amethyst and citrine. It contains purple color of amethyst and yellow color of citrine. Two colors in one stone - is the beauty of ametrine. Market offers many lab created ametrine sold under the name synthetic ametrine. Buyers need to be cautious of this descriptive name of the gem.

Ametrine gets to the bottom of things, its powerful cleansing properties disperse negativity and toxins from the body. An exceptional blood cleanser and energizer, it regenerates the physical body and strengthens the immune system, aids the autonomic nervous system and physical maturation, stabilizes DNA-RNA and oxygenates the body. Heals chronic fatigue syndrome, burning sensations depressions, gastric disturbances and ulcers, fatigue and lethargy, tension  headaches, and stress related disease. (T. Ameroso)

ANDALUSITE

Andalusite is orange brown or yellowish green in color. It is more preferred for men's jewelry. The misleading term used for this gem is Earth stone and Feldspar apyre.

APPLE JASPER

It is thought that Apple Jasper provides focus.  Jasper, like agate, is a powerful healing stone. It helps us move beyond just surviving to making us glad to be alive.  Also referred to as Rainbow Jasper.

AQUAMARINE 

It is the gemstone related with water therefore, it comes in all shades of blue. This gem is rare and expensive. Many sellers sell blue cheap topaz at the price of Aquamarine named as Nerchinsk aquamarine. In the same way blue green zircon is sold as Siam aquamarine. Other names used to mislead the buyers are Mass aqua and Synthetic aquamarine.

ARAGONITE  

Aragonite clears the thinking process, combining reason and intuition so we can see things from a higher perspective. They brings hope and help you "see" things more clearly and sanely in the darkest moments.  aragonite stones have medium translucency, creamy, golden rich color. 

AUTUMN JASPER  

Jasper, like agate, is a powerful healing stone. It helps us move beyond just surviving to making us glad to be alive. The Earthy mixture of warm brick reds and avocado greens in autumn jasper beads add that feeling wherever you use them-in wrist and ankle bracelets, dangle earrings, or mixed in multiple strands with other autumn colors.

AVENTURINE

This semi precious gemstone is soft stone, semi translucent to opaque in nature. It is an inexpensive gemstone. Some people associate this gem with 'patron Saint Andrew' thus refer aventurine as Andrew or Andre. Sometimes it is also sold as Aventurescence.

BLACK ONYX

Onyx comes from the Greek for "fingernail."  The color Black is associated with regeneration and new beginnings.  It is thought that Black Onyx holds a protective quality.  It is said that Black Onyx is useful in overcoming basic fears.  It is thought that it helps with moving beyond broken relationships assisting with healing emotional wounds.  The Romans associated Black Onyx with courage.

BLOODSTONE 

Also called heliotrope, Bloodstone is a deep green and white chalcedony with occasional red spots.  The occasional red spots are thought to be the Blood of Christ.  bloodstone is said to be associated with prosperity.  It is thought that bloodstone is an excellent healing stone.  The trade name used to sell this gem is Bottlestone that basically is moldavite cut gems.

Bloodstone - Is an energy cleanser and immune stimulator for acute infections . It stimulates the flow of lymph and the metabolic processes, revitalizes and reenergizes when body and mind are exhausted. Purifies blood, and detoxifies the liver, intestines, kidneys, spleen, and bladder. Bloodstone benefits blood-rich organs, regulates and supports blood flow and aids the circulation, it reduces the formulation of pus and neutralizes over-acidification. It is helpful in cases of leukemia as it supports the blood and removes toxins. The ancient Egyptians used if to shrink tumors. (T. Ameroso)

BOTSWANA AGATE

It is believed that Agates were worn and used in ancient history as talismans to protect the wearer from storms, to quench thirst and to bring good luck. Botswana Agate is used to sustain attentiveness to detail.  

CARNELIAN

Named after the red-orange Kornel cherry, Carnelian was believed by the Romans to be a stone of courage.  Carnelian has been worn in cameos in the belief that it will ward off depression and insanity.  Carnelian is thought to enhance self esteem.  Some say that it increases energy.

CHALCEDONY 

It is also known as Calcedony. It is quite similar to quartz thus, mostly confused with the same.

CHAROITE

It is lavender, violet or dark purple in color that consists of white, gray and black veining. It is relatively quite new and recent discovery. As such no specific trade name for this gem had been traced till date.

CHINESE WRITING STONES

Chinese Writing Stone is said to connect us to the Earth. It reminds us of our own inner beauty.  

CHRYSANTHEMUM STONE

Chrysanthemum Stone is said to help us see that which stunts our growth as people.  It is believed that it guides us through our life's journey helping create harmony. 

CHRYSOCOLLA

Chrysocolla is said to be representative of Mother Earth.  It is believed that the wearer is one who gives unconditional love and respect. 

Chrysolite

It is an additional name for peridot gemstone. However, few jewelers use trade names for this gem i.e peridot / chrysolite viz. Volcanic chrysolite and Water chrysolite.

Citrine

It is a bright translucent yellow coloured gem. It is most confused as Topaz. Smoky Citrine is a type of quartz sold as citrine. Madeira citrine, Topaz quartz are few unreal names for this gemstone.

CORAL 

Real coral possess unique wood grain texture. It is available in variety of colors viz. red, white, orange, blue, brown and black. Japanese Moro coral, Chinese coral are few of the misleading names. Many imitations made up plastic, glass, porcelain and stained bone are sold in the market at the price of original coral.

Crazy Lace Agate is sometimes called the generational stone.  It is said that it helps the generations understand each other.  This beautiful agate with its hues of whites, browns, blacks, greys, golds and pinks compliments a multitude of other beads.

DIOPSIDE

Diopside is a very unusual name but it is a very beautiful gem green in color. It is not very popular among the gemstone lovers. It is very cheap. However, Chrome diopside is the misleading name for this gem.

ELEPHANT SKIN JASPER

Elephant Skin Jasper is said to help us see that which stunts our growth as people.  It is believed that it guides us through our life's journey helping create harmony. 

GARNET 

It is a beautiful stone that comes in many different colors. Due to the vaired colors, jewelers sell garnet using trade names in accordance with the color of the gem. For Example - Hessonite is the named for a fine orange garnet, cinnamon brown or pinkish shade. In the same way Tsavorite and Green garnet are the fancy names for dark green garnet. Some other stones sold as garnet with their respective trade names are White garnet and Vesuvian garnet for the stone leucite while Pyramidal garnet for idocrase.

Black titanium, green in color is named as Melanite. Some more trade names used for pyrope garnet are Rhodolite, Bohemian garnets and Malaya.

Garnet has always been regarded as a good luck charm for travelers. It has been said that garnet enhances creativity and attracts love. 

HELIOTROPE 

It is the additional name given to the gem known as ' Bloodstone' . Refer the same.

HEMATITE 

It is a opaque gemstone and appears as hard as metal. It is procured in different forms that are named differently by different sellers. Micaceous hematite, Red ochre or ruddle, Kidney ore and Pencil ore are few names that are not standardized so can mislead the buyers.

IOLITE

Iolite is one among the affordable gemstone and is gaining popularity due to its rich clear violet color. It is available in blue and violet shades. Dichroite and Cordierite are the additional names. Spanish lazulite and Water sapphire are the trade names.

JACINTH 

It is name given to Zircon semi precious gemstone that is green in color.

JADE 

It is the royal gemstone of China. It is green in color and priced moderately. Treated quartz is sold as jade under the trade names Australian jade, Red jade and Indian jade while Jasper is named as Jasper jade, Oregon jade and Swiss jade. Similarly, garnet is changed to African jade, Transvaal jade and Garnet jade. Feldspar is named as Amazon jade and Colorado jade. Poor quality Opal and Malachite are named as Fire jade and Silver peak jade respectively. Imitations are also sold as Korea jade, Imperial sodden snow jade and Meta-jade.

Some other common names created to deceive customers are Jade tenace, Jadine, Fukien jade, Korean Jade, Manchurian Jade, Mexican Jade, Soochow Jade, Alaska jade, Andesine jade, California jade, Jade tenace, Imperial Mexican jade, Honan jade, Serpentine jade, Shanghai jade, New jade, Pectolite jade, Manchurian jade, Styrian jade, Soochow jade and Vesuvianite jade.

JASPER 

It is a multi colored gemstone consisting dull luster and different patterns. Ribbon jasper, Orbicular jasper, Landscape jasper, Picture jasper and Zebra jasper are the misleading terms used in jewelry business.

KUNZITE

Kunzite is mined along with mining of other pink colored gemstones like Morganite. It possess light colors. The trade names for this gem are Rose kunzite and pink sapphire.

LAPIS LAZULI

It is the only gemstone name consisting of two words. It is treasured for its amazing blue color. This semi precious stone is quite expensive therefore other stones of poor quality are enhanced and sold at a high price. For example - artificial jasper is dyed in blue color and sold as Swiss lapis, False lapis, German lapis and German Lapis. Other trade names are Nevada lapis, Faience lapis, Italian lapis, Copper lapis and Canadian lapis.

LEMON CHRYSOPRASE

Chrysoprase is known to release body tension and stress.  It is thought that this stone gives one an insight to compassion.  It is often considered to be a good luck stone.

MALACHITE

Malachite is bright green color semi precious stone containing irregular black banding within it. It is a valuable gem. The trade names for this gem are Emerald malachite, Blue malachite, Copper malachite and Siliceous malachite.

MOONSTONE

It comes in array of colors. It constitute as a very important part of all sort of jewelry varieties. Due to such high demand gemstone sellers sell Chalcedony gem at the price of true moonstone under the trade names Blue moonstone, California moonstone, Mojave moonstone, Oregon moonstone and Prismatic moonstone. Few more faulty names are Beach moonstone, Pink moonstone and Rose moonstone.

MORGANITE

It is a gem preferred for the all jewelry items due to its exclusive pink color. Pink Beryl and Aka Morganite are the fancy names of Morganite gemstone.

MOSS AGATE

Moss agate is said to help with balancing male and female energies. This lovely agate is various shades of golden brown with moss-like inclusions.

OBSIDIAN

It is a natural glass formed at the time of volcanic eruption. Rhyolite glass and Montana jet are the fancy names used for selling imitations or treated stones as genuine obsidian.

OCEAN JASPER

Ocean Jasper with its warm creams, lavenders, greens and golds brings a unique seashore warmth to your designs. Ocean Jasper is thought to bring its wearer protection against negativity.

ONYX

It is a gemstone that displays different color bands against its background color brown, black, white, red and gray. It is an affordable gemstone. However, sometimes treated agate is sold as onyx named as Black Onyx. Few other common trade names used to sell other treated stones as onyx are Mexican onyx, Alabaster onyx, Green onyx, Pedrara onyx, Utah onyx, Yaqui onyx and Yava onyx. 

Onyx is beneficial for teeth, bones, bone marrow, blood disorders and the feet. (T. Ameroso)

OPAL

Opal comes in variety of colors. In order to distinguish between the color of opal , specific names are given to each color of opal. Black opal is dark gray or blue to black in color. White opal has light body colors. Fire opal is characterized by yellow, orange or red color. Rest all other names are mentioned to mislead the buyer. Few to name are Blue opal, Brazilian Fire Opals and Ceylon opal. Opal glass is the glass imitator of other stones sold as opal.

OPAL, It strengthens the will to live. it treats Parkinsons disease, infections and fevers and strengthens memory. Purifying the blood and kidneys, regulates insulin, eases childbirth, and alleviates PMS (use dark colors). This stone is beneficial to the eyes. (T. Ameroso)

PEARL

Pearl is ultimate beauty that shall remain in fashion and in demand forever. Natural pearls are white in color while cultured pearls are available in all possible colors and are very expensive. Throughout the world, pearl imitations are sold at huge price. Buyers are mislead using the trade names like Atlas Pearl, Delta pearl, La beau pearls, La tausca pearls, Roman pearls and Tecla pearls. Sometimes white coral beads are also sold as natural perals named as Red Sea Pearl. Few more faulty names used are Antilles pearl, Atlas pearls, Ivory pearls, Cave pearl, Fire pearl, Oil pearl and One-year pearl.

PERIDOT

Peridot is also known as Olivine and Chrysolite. These are the genuine names. This gem is gaining popularity with the passage of time. It is often confused with emerald. Treated yellowish-green tourmaline is sold as Ceylon peridot to mislead the buyer. Similarly green zircon and green garnet are treated and sold at the price of peridot. Hawaiite is yet another trade name for this gemstone.

Peridot - has a tonic effect, it heals and regenerates tissues, it strengthens the metabolism and benefits the skin. Peridot aids the heart, thymus, lungs, gallbladder, speen, intestinal tract, ulcers and strengthens eyes. Its energy balances bipolar disorders and overcomes hypochondria.  (T. Ameroso)

QUARTZ

It is comes in many varieties, each having some distinctive characteristics. The common varieties of quartz are Rock crystal, Rose quartz, Smoky quartz, Tiger's Eye quartz, Rutilated quartz and tourmalinated quartz. The trade names Bohemian crystal, Smoky topaz, Prismatic quartz, Golden rutile, Sapphire quartz and hawk's eye quartz are used just to deceive the people who lack the knowledge about gems.

Quartz - Is a master healer and can be used for any condition. It stimulates the immune system and brings the body into balance. It is excellent for healing burns.  (T. Ameroso)

RHYOLITE

Rhyolite is said to help its wearer to complete things unresolved.  It is thought to aid with perception. Rhyolite warm patterns of leafy golden browns, greens and swirls of creams.  Works well with River Stone.   

RUBY IN ZOISITE

Zoisite is said to provide the wearer creative focus. This dark green stone with its black inclusions and occasional ruby crystals pairs beautifully with black onyx.

SPINEL

This semi precious gemstone replaces precious gem ruby in many jewelry items. The common trade names used for spinel are Balas rubies, Cobalt spinel, Pleonast, Rubicelle, Arizona spinel, Sapphire spinel and Kandy spinel. These names are given according to the color of the stone.

Due to its increasing popularity, many dealers in order to earn huge money by wrong means started selling synthetic or lab created stones as spinel under the trade names Almandine spinel, Aqua gem, Zircon spinel, Rozircon and Azurite.

SARDONYX

It is one of onyx variety that consists reddish brown and white bands on its basic color. This is valued most in Rome. Catalina sardonyx is the only trade name for this gem.

TANZANITE

It is a bright blue colored gemstone that is preferred by all age groups. Blue talc and Blue zoisite are the misleading names being used for this gem.

TOPAZ

Topaz is widely used in all the jewelry items. It is available in many colors. Sellers enhance quartz and sell the same as original topaz under the trade names Madeira Topaz, Palmeira Topaz, Rio Topaz, Smoky Topaz, Hinjosa topaz, Gold(en) topaz, Spanish topaz, Smoky Topaz, Scottish topaz, Orange topaz, Topaz quartz and Topaz saffronite. Similary poor quality sapphire is treated and sold as Indian topaz, King topaz, Star topaz, Palmeira topaz and Topaz cat's eye.

Citirine is also sold as topaz named as Bohemian topaz, Colorado topaz, Jeweler's topaz, Madeira topaz, Saxon topaz, Scotch topaz, Salamanca topaz, Palmyra topaz, Quartz topaz and Occidental topaz. Few more trade names are Nevada topaz, Hyacinth topaz and Hawaiian golden yellow topaz. Buyers have to be very careful of these trade names while making the purchase of Topaz.

TOURMALINE

It occurs in all the basic colors viz. blue, yellow, pink, red, black, green and colorless. Different colors are designated different names but none is recognized by the international federation . The reason being, same name is used to describe two different colors by two different jewelers like Rubellite is referred for deep red tourmaline and also for pink tourmaline. Thus, the dealer should be reputable to avoid all the future shocks.

The common names that mislead the buyers are Green Tourmaline, Verdelite and Aqualite. Few fancy names used by sellers are Watermelon Tourmaline, Moor's head Tourmaline, Chromium Tourmaline, Indigolith and Dravite.

TURQUOISE

It is opaque gemstone with unique colors. It is popular everywhere and widely used for making all types of jewelry items. It is available in all price range . Yet many sellers sell artificial stone or synthetic gems as original turquoise using the trade names Vienna turquoise, Turquosite and Gilson turquoise. Few more misleading names are Australian turquoise, Utah turquoise, Chinese turquoise, Fossil turquoise, Ivory turquoise, Tooth turquoise, Sacred turquoise and Nevada turquoise.

Turquoise strengthens the meridians of the body and the subtle energy field. It enhances the physical and psychic immune systems and regenerates tissue, supports the assimilation o f nutrients, alleviates pollution and viral infections, and heals the whole body especially the eyes including cataracts. It reduces excess acidity and benefits gout, rheumatism and the stomach, This stone in an anti-inflammatory and detoxifying and alleviates cramps and pain. (T. Ameroso)

ZIRCON

Colouless zircon is used to imitate diamonds. It also comes in blue, yellow, orange, red, brown and green in color. These colored zircon gems are collected by the people. It is also quite affordable like other semi precious gemstones. Names like Starlite, Siam Zircon, Ceylon, Matura diamond, Vermeil Cubic zirconia and Blue zircon are not being certified hence, these are created to mislead the buyers.