properties – Artful Gems

Blue Zircon

Posted on November 30, 2019November 30, 2019 by Artful Gems

The ZIRCON is one of December’s alternate birthstones. It is found in blue, red, yellow, orange, brown, and green colors. Zircon crystals grow in many different types of rocks and possess a range of optical and physical properties. Zircon is widely found on Earth. The colorless form, called “Matara” zircon after a city in Sri Lanka Read More

Citrine

Posted on November 6, 2019November 6, 2019 by Artful Gems

Citrine is November’s birthstone and the 13th anniversary gemstone. It is a variety of quartz that ranges from pale yellow to brownish orange in color. Its yellow hues are caused by traces of iron in quartz crystals. These transparent crystals are found in all sizes as geodes, points, and clusters. The largest producer of this quality Read More

Abalone

Posted on August 2, 2019August 2, 2019 by Artful Gems

Although not a Gemstone, Abalone is cherished as such and used in jewelry. It is nicknamed the Sea Ears because of its flattened, oval shape with iridescent interior. They are also known as Paua, Mother of Pearl, and Nacre. Abalone is a single-shelled, uni-valve saltwater mollusk, native to the Pacific Coast of California stretching up Read More

Emerald Green

Posted on May 23, 2019May 23, 2019 by Artful Gems

The Emerald is one of the most beautiful green stones in Nature!!! It is the birthstone of Taurus, April 20 – May 20, and the anniversary gemstone for the 20th, 35th, and 55th year of marriage. Emerald’s Symbolism The Emerald is a symbol of love and is associated with Venus, the goddess of love in Read More

The Power of the Hamsa

Posted on December 6, 2018 by Artful Gems

Hamsa All is Well Today I wanted to write a quick post. I’ll write these once in a while and talk about a symbol or a culture, or just a quick motivation. I began the blog and planned to continue adding to the Cultures and Symbols page, but honestly, it has been hard to keep Read More

Opals for Me

Posted on October 8, 2018October 13, 2018 by Artful Gems

Opal Amy Lowell, 1874 – 1925 You are ice and fire, The touch of you burns my hands like snow. You are cold and flame. You are the crimson of Amaryllis, The silver of moon-touched magnolias. When I am with you, My heart is a frozen pond Gleaming with agitated torches. In the eighth grade, a close classmate, Read More