Moissanite

The history of natural Moissanite can be traced back to the late 1800`s, and a man who later became a Nobel Prize winner. Dr. Henri Moissan discovered natural silicon carbide in Arizona, while analyzing part of the Diablo Canyon meteorite, in 1893. The name Moissanite was given in Dr. Moissan`s honor in 1905. The synthetic Moissanite is known as silicon carbide because of its chemistry and the trade name is carborundum.

Moissanite is considered sturdier than diamond because it has no natural fractures that can crack if the stone is subjected to an impact of some kind. Also, Moissanite, at 9.25 Mohs, is second in hardness only to diamond and incredibly tough. This is the reason that Moissanite maintains its clarity and sparkle throughout a lifetime. It will not look like a piece of rock salt, like cubic zirconia, after two weeks.

Regarding colour Moissanite cannot compare in color to a colorless diamond. Moissanite has a slightly darker but really cannot be differentiated from a diamond in the same setting. Moissanite`s essence was the potential for an absolutely shimmering brilliance, fire, luster, and incredible hardness. For all these qualities it can compete to all other gemstones. This gemstone possesses all the romance and passion of rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Moissanite is found only in meteorites and in limited areas beneath the earth`s surface.

Unlike other diamond, it is thermally conductive and this property is used as the test for the authenticity of real diamonds. Other things, which differentiate Moissanite with diamond, are that it is hexagonal and doubly refractive. It is also less dense and rarely has the clarity of color. A pale shade of green is always there.

Naturally occurring moissanite is extremely rare and found only in microscopic crystals that are too small to use in jewelry. Only after years of research a breakthrough discovery enabled the production of moissanite crystals large enough to produce an uncommon combination of science and art. Natural sources of silicon carbide are rare, and only certain atomic arrangements are useful for gemological applications. Recently, single-crystalline silicon carbide, in certain forms, has been used for the fabrication of high-performance semiconductor devices. North Carolina-based Cree Research, Inc., founded in 1987, has developed a commercial process for producing large single crystals of silicon carbide. Cree is the world leader in the growth of single crystal silicon carbide, mostly for electronics use. Gem quality Moissanite is created, exclusively by Charles & Colvard, Inc.

The specific gravity of moissante stone is from 3.1 to 3.2 and hardness 9.25 on Mohs scale.

Onyx

Onyx is striped, semiprecious variety of the silica mineral agate with white and black, brown or red alternating bands. Its properties are the same as those of quartz. The layers in these stones range from translucent to opaque for sardonyx. The stones vary in color, too. They may be white or gray, ranging to many colorful varieties. Sardonyx stones usually contain flat-banded, white and brownish-red bands. Onyx is a gemstone with alternating light and dark bands, which are colored in brown, red, black, white and gray.

Sardonyx is the birthstone of Leo. The timeframe starts from July 23 to Aug 22. Onyx is the anniversary gemstone for the 7th year of marriage whereas Black Onyx is the anniversary gemstone for the 10th year of marriage. The word Sardonyx is derived from the Greek, Sard meaning `reddish brown,` and onyx meaning `veined gem.`

The varieties of onyx include carnelian onyx, with white and red bands, and sardonyx, with white and brown bands.

Onyx may chip or scratch rather easily, so onyx should be stored carefully and it is also noted that two specimens of onyx should not touch each other. Cameos are cut from stones, such as onyx, sardonix or agate, where different colors occur in layers. The background material is cut away, leaving the cameo design in relief. Onyx is also used in intaglios because its layers can be cut to show a color contrast between the design and the background. Sardonyx at one time was more precious than gold, silver, or sapphire. Sardonyx is always widely used in cameos and intaglios.

Onyx is a rich-looking, affordable gemstone. It is often mixed with pearls to create elegant jewelry. Treated agate is often sold as Black Onyx, which is regarded as a popular stone.

Healing ability
Onyx is used as a heart, kidney, nerve, capillary, hair, eye and nail strengthener. Onyx is said to help one sleep. This gemstone helps to eliminate apathy, stress and neurological disorders. This gemstone eliminates negative thinking, it is also believed to sharpen the wits of the wearer. Onyx is said to bring spiritual inspiration. It is a great assistance in holding emotions and passions under control. It can be mentioned that Onyx fortifies self-confidence and responsibility and also sharpens the senses. Onyx encourages a healthy egotism

Black onyx
Black onyx is believed to be one of the most powerful protection stones. The onyx generally does this by absorbing and transforming negative energy. Because of this quality people find it helpful in relieving stress and for emotional stability. It`s one of the first i.e. root chakra grounding stones. It also encourages connection to material goals and to determination in realizing them. In much crystal literature black onyx is strongly associated to Saturn, and it is said that this stone works most positively for those with a strong Saturn in their natal charts. Although this may include people born under the sign of Capricorn, it`s not limited to them. It has been said that in India it was commonly worn to cool the ardors of love. Thus it may be very helpful for people who can`t let go of past relationships. The same can be true of any belief, which no longer serves one and they can be as hard to let go of as past relationships. Onyx`s can help to bring into contact with the actual realities, and assist the people in gradually releasing all that is not in harmony with the present lives.