Apatite the Gemstone That Looks Like the Ocean

It has always been said that Aquamarine was the gemstone that looks like the ocean. I have to disagree. I think neon blue Apatite, is more akin to the blue you see at the ocean. Apatite comes in a variety of colors, but the most popular is the popsicle blue Apatite. Apatite is fairly rare, and can be very expensive. It only has a hardness of 5, so you must be careful when wearing it. If you invest in a large, expensive Apatite, I would recommend earrings or a necklace, as opposed to a ring or bracelet. I have one Apatite wire wrapped ring in my Etsy store, and you can see it by clicking this link. Very affordable! Wear the ocean on your finger. Watch the video below to learn even more about this amazing gemstone.

Two Gemstones in One: Ametrine

Next up on my list of gemstones is, Ametrine. Ametrine is a member of the Quartz family of gemstones, and is Purple Quartz or Amethyst, and Yellow Quartz or Citrine, that form together creating Ametrine. Ametrine is a natural forming gemstone, not man made, and is almost exclusively found in Bolivia. There are treatments available to enhance color and quality. a 50/50 split stone is the most prized of all Ametrine. Below is a video from the GIA explaining Ametrine much better than I can. I do not have any Ametrine in my current gemstone collection.

Alexandrite Color Change Gemstone

I have probably blogged about Alexandrite before, it is one of my all time favorite gemstones, but it is next in alphabetical order of gemstones, so here we go again. I will try to add something different.  I actually wore an Alexandrite ring for years, that I made, and one day the stone just fell out and I could not find it.  I was heart broken.  I do have another, but it is quite small, and I have not found a setting I like to put it in.

Alexandrite is a color changing gemstone.  What does that mean?  It means in one light it is green, and in another light source it is red to purplish.  The newest location is Africa, but also comes from Brazil, and even USA.   It is amazing.  Alexandrite, is of course more expensive the more color change you get.  It is a naturally occurring gemstone, with no enhancements.  Most famous source is Russia, and was a stone named after Czar Alexander of Russia, hence the name Alexandrite.  It is a very durable gemstone, with a hardness of 8.5 out of 10, on the Moh's Hardness Scale.  If you can get one, and not break the bank, do it.  You won't be sorry.  There is synthetic Alexandrite, and Alexandrite simulated stones.  The best way to tell, if you are not sure, is the fakes are usually very large, with beautiful vibrant color, and 100% color change.  A genuine natural Alexandrite most likey will not be bigger than a carat, unless it came from an estate.  Alexandrite is a member of the Chrysoberyl family of gemstones.

Check out the video below showing the color change.  Please note I am not affiliated with the seller, I am just sharing the video showing the beautiful color change.

Gemstone Identification Made Easy

I own this book, and I love this book. My kids even love to look at the pictures, and my son reads it. It is for all ages. If you have someone on your Christmas list that makes jewelry, collects gemstones, or is just a jewelry nut this is the perfect gift for them.

The Queen Of All Gemstones: The Emerald

If you are lucky enough to be born in the month of May, then your birthstone is the Emerald. One of the top 3 collectible gemstones in the whole world, along with Sapphire, and Ruby. Emeralds are highly valuable, and sought after. Watch the short video, and click the link to go to another video, to learn about Emeralds. These are both great, short videos, check them out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ryodrpc6NQ