Kunzite

This gemstone namely Kunzite is a variety of crystalline spodumene i.e. a silicate of aluminum and lithium, generally of a lilac-pink hue, though yellow and green varieties are also common. If exposed to the sun, kunzite first loses its colour, then turns green and in time resumes its original hue. Small specimens tend to be colourless more than the bigger one. It must be cut in a special way and only in facets. It may be confused with morganite and pink tourmaline i.e. rubellite.

Kunzite is a pink stone discovered early in the 20th century by a Tiffany`s gemologist, Dr. Kunz. It typically comes from the Afghanistan-Pakistan mountain region, and is treated by both heat and radiation. Some people call it as the evening stone, because the color fades when exposed to sunlight. Though, it would take many years of daily exposure to the sun to notice any kind of fade. It is believed that the color will remain for the natural life of the piece of jewelry when worn with care. From time immemorial pink has come to symbolize love, romance and marriage and so does the Pink Kunzite gemstone, which embodies eternal love. This stone is evolved from the mineral Spodumene, the Kunzite gem stone has been associated with various healing properties. Pink Kunzite gem stone, is believed to bestow its wearer with tremendous love and positive energy. At Rio Gems, the loose kunzite gemstone is available in an array of cuts from the classic oval to the modern cushion cut.

A kunzite gemstone is its vibrant best in larger sizes of minimum 8 carats. A pink Kunzite ring is ideally worn to keep the mind calm and attract good luck. A kunzite loose gemstone, with its gleaming violet tinge, is mostly symbolic of peace and harmony and is believed to heal broken hearts. The kunzite gemstone can be cut in a single blow like the diamond. This is very delicate, making it a fashion favorite for indoor events. These dainty gemstones are always in vogue, just like the color pink.

Darker colors of this stone are produced by cutting them at certain angles but Kunzite being susceptible to chips makes the cutting proposition rather difficult. Therefore, the deeper the shade, the more expensive it gets. A negative point of this stone is that it loses its color when placed under harsh light. So it should not be exposed to sunlight for a length of time.

While buying this Gemstone one should pay attention to the color first and then go for the clarity. The lilac or purple Kunzites score over the pink ones. Kunzite shows properties of pleochroism, as 2 or more colors are seen from the various angles of the stone. This is used mainly in pendants and usually not used for necklaces and rings. It is also employed to make chunky decorative pieces as big stones can be afforded easily. It is believed to have certain medicinal properties like inducing mental calm, reducing mental exertion and anxiety. This gemstone with its beautiful color, crystalline appearance and restorative qualities is sure to tug the hearts of a million people.

Its hardness is fairly good, and this is mentioned in between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale. To the chagrin of the cutters, however, this gem has perfect cleavage and is thus extremely difficult to cut. It has been said that once it is given its final shape, it becomes uncomplicated. But it is very difficult to re-cut. Cut kunzite surprises even experts again and again with its brilliance. The silvery gloss on its facets forms a beautiful contrast to the fine violet-pink of the gemstone. In the trade, kunzite is available in many beautiful cuts. It is one of the gems which are available in relatively large sizes at affordable prices. The more intense the color, the more valuable the kunzite is. The question of whether the color should tend more or less strongly towards violet will depend on the personal preference and skin type.

This gemstone with its fine, delicate pink is not only an ideal precious stone for lovers, it is also popular as a healing stone. Kunzite is said to enhance a person`s capacity for devotion and understanding and to bestow inner peace and enjoyment on its wearer. It is said to activate the mind and liberate the wearer from worry and anxiety, it is an excellent gemstone for those suffering from strain or exam nerves. Whether or not one actually believes in these positive effects, one thing is certain that its fine pink with a hint of violet radiates a serene composure and keeps moods of depression and anxiety at bay right from the outset.

Peridot

Peridot is a French word derived from the Arabic faridat, which means gem. The stone ranges in color from light yellow-green to the intense bright green of new grass to olive. Peridot splits and bends the rays of light passing through it. Because of this reason it has a velvety, `sleepy` appearance i.e. a shining rich glow. Chemically peridot is an iron-magnesium-silicate. The intensity of the color of the stone depends upon the amount of iron contained. The color comes in variation from yellow-green and olive to brownish green. The rare treasure varieties of Peridot can be mentioned as Peridot-Cat`s Eye and Star-Peridot. Peridot is a stone with a sparkling pale green color. But it also occurs in lime, yellowish green, olive green or medium dark green hues.

Peridot has been adored since ancient times and has been valued for centuries. People in the Middle Ages wore peridot to gain foresight and divine inspiration. Legend has it that pirates favored peridot to protect them against evil. Peridot was greatly prized by Egyptian Kings. Some of Cleopatra`s emeralds were in fact peridots.

According to astrologers, the wearer of peridot will enjoy happiness in marriage, the power of eloquence in speech and enduring freedom from insecurity-both emotional and physical. Ancient Egyptians called peridot `the gem of the sun,` although they believed its seekers might not find it in sunlight. Because of their brightness in the desert sun, the stones were supposedly invisible by daylight. In darkness, however, they were alleged to give off a light of their own by night, miners were said to mark their locations accordingly and return to recover their treasures by day. Peridot was believed to have the power to dissolve enchantments. To exert its full potential, the stone was to be set in gold. Then it would drive away night`s terrors. If it was to be used to protect the wearer from evil spirits, it had to be pierced, strung on the hair of a donkey, and worn on the left arm. As a medical remedy, it was powdered to cure asthma. Holding a peridot under the tongue was supposed to lessen the thirst of a person suffering from fever. Peridot along with sardonyx is birthstones of Leo i.e. Lion. The time starts from July 23 to Aug 22. This is the anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage. Slightly golden shimmering green variety of it is ideal gemstone color to complement a light summertime outfit. It is formed of olivine, silicate found in igneous rocks, and a very good constituent of Earth`s upper mantle. As a matter of fact Peridot is called by three names, Peridot, Chrysolith and Olivin. Peridot is derived from Greek word `Peridona,` which mean `giving plenty.` The word `Chrysolith` means `goldstone` in Greek. It is one of the few stone that exist only in one color.

Healing properties of Peridot
This beautiful stone is worn or carried for general healing purposes. Peridot increases strength & physical vitality. Peridot protects against nervousness and aids in healing hurt feelings. It helps liver & adrenal function. Peridot is also thought to protect lungs, sinuses, and wrists from illness and injury. Peridot is used to help dreams become a reality. This very popular stone is believed to attract love. The deep green shade of the peridot also suggests a connection in wealth-attracting. Peridot calms a raging anger. It is also useful to dispel negative emotions, and it is believed to promote sleep when worn to bed.

Peridot helps to move past the hurt, and understand the relationships. It adds intelligence to the romantic situations, giving a bit of common sense in affairs of the heart, and protecting someone from unnecessary heartache. This is a visionary stone, it brings understanding of destiny and purpose. It usually releases negative vibrations, and promotes clarity and well being. A Peridot can be put in a cash box along with Citrine. Peridot will help to draw money to the person, and Citrine will help to keep it once one gets it. Peridot is the money stone. These stones are particular good in helping to deal with jealousy, a very dark destructive emotion. These were worn by the ancient Egyptian high priest to guard against jealousy of the Pharaoh`s power. Peridot is a `Sun` energy stone due to its yellow-green color. This trait makes Peridot a warm, friendly, and happy stone. This is a great stress or anxiety reliever. These are more powerful when set in yellow gold and more effective when pierced in a bead form. In ancient times, the Romans wore Peridot to relieve depression. This stone strengthens, and regenerates all organs, stimulating new and healthy growth. It usually acts as if one had just taken a Health Tonic. These promote sleep. The stones can be used to bring results to a search - seeking and of lost or mislaid items, but applies to the spiritual realm as well, as in feeling despair, spiritually lost , or emotionally isolated. It has also been used to facilitate the birth process, stimulating contractions and opening the birth canal. A piece can be slipped into the `birth room` to enhance the process.

Peridot is used in rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and accent stones. Its hardness is 6.5 - 7 in Moh`s scale. As with all gems, peridot should be protected from scratches and sharp blows. Drastic temperature changes should be avoided. Peridot should not be cleaned in a home ultrasonic cleaner. Peridot is a beautiful stone that wears well and looks beautiful with a lot of your wardrobe. Peridot is readily available in most sizes and a variety of shapes. Peridot should be priced about the same as a garnet or tourmaline. The buyer should be knowledgeable so that he or she can get the difference between the original and a very good imitation of peridot that is actually a type of synthetic peridot.