Gemstones

Hardness

Mohs 6.5 to 7.5

Color

Deep red, pinkish rhodolite, orange spessartite and green tsavorite

Found in

Africa, India, Russia, the Americas and beyond

Care

Warm, soapy water is always safe. Ultrasonic is usually fine unless the stone is fractured; avoid steam.

Garnets are one of the most popular stones found in a jewelry store. Garnets are usually affordable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing gemstones. The garnets that you will typically see are a deep red color, called “almandine.” These are the garnets traditionally used in birthstone jewelry. You also might see garnets of a pinkish-red tone, which are known as “Rhodolite” garnets.

At TQ Diamonds, we also carry two rarer varieties of garnets: Spessartite and Tsavorite. Spessartite garnets are a vivid medium-hue orange, reminiscent of a dazzling sunset. Tsavorite garnets are a deep, bright, sparkling green hue. One of our salespeople likes to say that Tsavorite garnets are “what emeralds aspire to be.”

Garnet jewelry goes back to about 3100 B.C. in ancient Egypt, where garnets were used for beads and inlays. The name “Garnet” comes from the Latin granatum, for pomegranate, because the deep red color recalls pomegranate seeds. Today garnets are mined around the world, and many of the rarer varieties, like tsavorite and spessartite, come from Africa.

Hardness

Mohs 7

Color

Pale lilac to rich, dark purple

Found in

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Namibia

Care

Warm, soapy water is safest. Ultrasonic is usually fine; avoid steam. Long exposure to strong light or heat can fade its color.

February’s birthstone is the ever-popular Amethyst. Amethyst is a purple gem whose hue can range from a pale lilac to a rich, dark purple. Its great variety of shades makes it an extremely popular choice for fashion jewelry lovers.

Amethyst has always been a much-loved gemstone. Throughout history, this gem has carried symbolic meaning for many religions and cultures across the world. It has long been a symbol of piety and celibacy in the Christian church, and Tibetans felt that Amethyst was sacred to the Buddha. Greeks thought that Amethysts were an antidote to drunkenness (hence the name “Amethyst,” which comes from the Greek “Amethystos,” meaning “not drunken”). The Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui believes that Amethyst enhances your “wealth corner.” The Renaissance physician Camillo Leonardi wrote that it could dispel evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence. Goblets, rosaries, and crown jewels have all been fashioned from Amethysts.

Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz. Mining of this gem is plentiful, as it can be found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Namibia, and many other African countries.

Hardness

Mohs 7.5 to 8

Color

Light to deep sea blue, often eye-clean

Found in

Brazil, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan

Care

Warm, soapy water is safe. Ultrasonic and steam are usually fine unless the stone has fractures or liquid inclusions.

Aquamarine is a lovely blue gem, reminiscent of the sea. In fact, the name is derived from Latin terms, “Aqua” for water, and “Mare” for the sea. In ancient times, it was believed that Aquamarines were a gift from the god Neptune (the God of the Sea), and that these gems were good luck for sailors. Today, Aquamarines are associated with hope, youth, fidelity, and health.

Aquamarines come in several shades of blue, from light to dark, all equally striking. Aquamarine is also often eye-clean, with few visible inclusions. Aquamarines are generally affordable, with the exception of the larger and more intensely blue stones, which can be very pricey. The best and most important Aquamarine mine is in Brazil. Other sources for these beautiful gems are Afghanistan, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

Hardness

Mohs 6.5 to 7

Color

Dark green chalcedony spotted with red

Found in

India, Brazil, Australia, China, United States

Care

Warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and high heat.

The alternate birthstone for March is the earthier Bloodstone: a dark green chalcedony (some classify it as jasper), spotted with red iron oxide (mostly hematite). It is also known as heliotrope, from the Greek for “turning the sun.” Early Christians called it the martyr’s stone, believing its red spots recalled Christ’s blood falling on the stone at the foot of the cross, and bloodstone was carved with religious scenes for centuries.

India is the main source of Bloodstone, and it is also mined in Brazil, Australia, China and the United States. Despite the large amount of production, fine bloodstone is very difficult to find in today’s market. Medium-quality bloodstone is widely available, and very affordable.

Hardness

Mohs 10

Color

Colorless, full of fire

Found in

Africa, Russia, Canada, Australia

Care

Warm, soapy water is safe, and ultrasonic cleaning usually is too. For stones with inclusions or treatments, stick to soapy water and a soft brush.

Most people born in April feel lucky to have a birthstone that they can wear with everything (though, parents buying birthstone jewelry for their children don’t always feel so lucky!). Diamonds are probably the most popular gemstone in any jewelry store, despite the expense. They are used in engagement rings, wedding bands, pendants, bracelets, earrings, watches, men’s fashion rings, and cufflinks, to name a few. Few things are as universally adored as the simple, sparkling beauty of a diamond.

Diamonds are the hardest stones in the gem world. They have the highest rating on the Mohs Hardness Scale (a 10 out of 10), meaning that only another diamond can scratch one. Diamonds that are unsuited to jewelry are put to work in cutting, grinding and drilling tools, and because diamond conducts heat better than almost any other material, it is also used to draw heat away from electronics.

As you might expect, diamonds have a long history. Some historians estimate that India was trading diamonds as early as the fourth century B.C., and for centuries India was the world’s only major source, until diamonds were found in Brazil in the early 1700s. The oldest dated printed book in the world is the “Diamond Sutra,” from 868 A.D. It was found in a cave in northwestern China. Sutras are used to relay the teachings of the Buddha. Here, of course, “diamond” does not refer to the stone, but to the “diamond blade that will cut through worldly illusion to illuminate what is real and everlasting.” As you can see, diamonds have always left an impression on human beings.

Today, roughly half of the world’s diamonds are mined in Africa, in countries such as Botswana, and other important deposits are found in Russia, Canada and Australia.

Hardness

Mohs 7.5 to 8

Color

Light to deep, vivid green

Found in

Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Zimbabwe and more

Care

Warm, soapy water and a soft brush only. No ultrasonic or steam, and keep it away from heat and harsh chemicals.

The May birthstone is the highly coveted Emerald. Emeralds vary from light to dark green hues, each beautiful in their own way. What stands out about this gem is that even expensive emeralds are allowed to have eye-visible internal inclusions; most emeralds have them. Because color matters most, the more vivid the shade of the green, the more highly prized the Emerald. Of course, an eye-clean and vividly green Emerald would command a very high price. In fact, carat for carat, the very finest Emeralds can cost more than diamonds.

Emeralds have held the fascination of many cultures for thousands of years. They were prized by the Inca and are named among the foundation stones of the heavenly city in the Book of Revelation. Ancient writers credited them with the power to make their owner more persuasive, win disputes, soothe tired eyes and even foretell the future. Egyptians saw them as symbols of fertility and rebirth, and many cultures considered them “good luck charms.”

Though quite beautiful, emeralds are more fragile than their hardness suggests, because most contain inclusions and tiny fractures, and many are treated with oils or resins. People who are hard on their jewelry may want to consider Emerald earrings or a pendant instead of a ring. Any way that you wear them, though, they are certain to make a striking addition to your jewelry wardrobe.

Colombia is the most famous source, prized for the finest emeralds for more than 500 years. Other important mines are in Zambia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Russia.

Hardness

Mohs 8.5

Color

Green in daylight, red-purple in lamplight

Found in

Brazil, Sri Lanka, East Africa (first found in Russia)

Care

Warm, soapy water is safe. Ultrasonic and steam are usually fine.

Alexandrite is what’s known as a “phenomenal” gemstone. This means that the gem displays certain optical characteristics that allow it to show two different colors. Alexandrite is green to bluish green in daylight, but turns red to purplish red under warm incandescent light!

Major deposits of this rare and beautiful stone were first discovered in 1830 in Russia’s Ural Mountains, and it was named for the young future Czar Alexander II. Today most alexandrite comes from Brazil, Sri Lanka and East Africa, and each source produces alexandrite of slightly varying colors and intensities.

Even with a few mines producing Alexandrite, this is an extremely rare stone in the gem world. Due to the rarity and expense of natural Alexandrite, most affordable June birthstone jewelry uses lab-grown or simulated stones. Many jewelry stores do not carry natural Alexandrite items in stock, because there is a very small demand for such a difficult-to-find and costly stone.

Hardness

Mohs 2.5 to 3

Color

White, cream, rosé, gold and black

Grown in

Oysters, mussels and clams

Care

Wipe with a soft, damp cloth after wearing. Put pearls on after perfume and hairspray. Never ultrasonic or steam.

Pearls are an alternate birthstone for June. People have treasured them for thousands of years: one of the earliest written records of pearls comes from China and dates to 2206 B.C. Today, pearls are a timeless classic and a wonderful gift for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

Pearls come in many shapes, sizes and colors, too many to count, in fact! Natural pearls grow inside mollusks such as oysters, mussels, and clams. A pearl starts to form when a tiny irritant, such as a parasite, becomes trapped inside the shell. The mollusk coats it with a substance called nacre, layer after layer, and those layers eventually form a pearl.

Natural pearls are generally perceived as accidents, and therefore, are quite rare (and expensive). Therefore, the majority of pearls sold in today’s market are called “Cultured” pearls. These pearls are still grown in mollusks, but they are given a helping hand by humans. Because of cultivation for all types of pearls, there is certainly no shortage of pearls in the marketplace!

Hardness

Mohs 6 to 6.5

Color

Silvery white with a blue sheen

Found in

India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar, Tanzania

Care

Warm, soapy water only. No ultrasonic or steam; avoid high heat and hard knocks.

Moonstone is yet another birthstone option for June. These shimmering, silvery stones with their floating blue glow, called adularescence, are absolutely mesmerizing. Moonstones belong to the feldspar family of minerals, which make up more than half of the earth’s rocky crust. Uncut, you would never guess the potential beauty that lies within!

The moonstone is said to symbolize our being in its entirety. They also stand for the true joys of love, intuition, capacity for understanding, dreams, and fertility. Some cultures view this as a holy, magical stone.

The most important sources of moonstone are India and Sri Lanka, and it is also found in Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar and Tanzania. Moonstone itself is not rare, nor is it particularly expensive. However, the more intensely blue, large and transparent the Moonstone, the more rare and expensive it is. Since this type is a rarity, it’s more likely that you will find the opaque, silver kind.

Hardness

Mohs 9

Color

Deep, fiery red

Found in

Myanmar, Mozambique, Thailand, Vietnam, Madagascar and more

Care

Warm, soapy water is always safe. Ultrasonic and steam are fine for untreated or heat-treated stones; glass-filled or dyed rubies need a damp cloth only.

No other stone is associated with royalty quite like the Ruby. In Sanskrit, Rubies are called “Ratnaraj,” which means “King of Precious Stones.” They are revered in the Bible and in ancient Sanskrit writings as among the most precious of all gemstones, and old legends tell of rulers who treated every exceptional ruby as a treasure of the realm.

It is not difficult to see why Rubies have always been a highly decorated gemstone. Rubies rank 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond, so they are very durable. At the same time, they are exceptionally brilliant and colorful stones. The deep red of Rubies conjures up images of heat, passion, and love. The powerful feelings that Rubies evoke make them a wonderful and meaningful gift.

The most important aspect of a Ruby is the color. Moderate amounts of inclusions do not affect the price of a Ruby so much as the color will. High quality Rubies are difficult to find; but large, high quality gems are quite rare and very expensive. Smaller sizes of Rubies can still be pricey depending on the quality, but are not generally unaffordable.

Rubies come from all over the world. Important sources include Myanmar, Mozambique, Thailand, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania and Madagascar.

Hardness

Mohs 6.5 to 7

Color

Yellow-green to rich apple green

Found in

Arizona, China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam

Care

Warm, soapy water only. No ultrasonic or steam, and keep it away from acids and sudden temperature changes.

Peridot is born deep inside the earth, in the mantle, and carried up to the surface by volcanic activity. Some of the earliest known peridot came from Zabargad, an island in the Red Sea, and it has since been found in volcanic rocks around the world. Peridot has even been found inside a meteorite: the Pallas meteorite, discovered in Siberia in 1749, holds crystals of it. These gemstones know how to make an entrance.

Due to their association with volcanoes, a popular legend calls Peridots the tears of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of the volcano. Peridots have been associated with magical powers throughout history, such as the power to ward off evil spirits and to protect against nightmares. As with many gemstones, Peridots have been frequently utilized in church ceremonies and rituals.

Peridot’s old nickname, the “Evening Emerald,” is often credited to the ancient Romans, because its sparkling green still shows in dimly lit rooms. Peridots range in color from a light yellow-green to a rich, medium apple-green. They are quite affordable, particularly in smaller sizes. This makes them a very popular choice for fashion jewelry. Today, Peridot is mined in Arizona, China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania and Vietnam.

Hardness

Mohs 6.5 to 7

Color

Reddish-brown sard layered with white onyx

Known for

Carved cameos since antiquity

Care

Warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Use caution with ultrasonic and steam cleaners.

Sardonyx is August’s traditional birthstone. It combines layers of sard, a reddish-brown chalcedony, with white layers of onyx, so the stone is opaque and typically banded with irregular white markings. Sardonyx is usually found in men’s fashion rings, but would be beautifully used in women’s pendants, rings, and earrings, as well.

Sardonyx was very highly prized by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who believed that it would bring the wearer courage and victory. Roman soldiers wore sardonyx rings engraved with Mars, the god of war. Its crisp layers are perfect for carving, and Sardonyx is still used for cameos today. Sardonyx has also been associated with harmonious relationships. As an old saying goes, “The August maiden, with sweet simplicity, wears Sardonyx, gem of felicity.”

Hardness

Mohs 8

Color

Red, hot pink, orange, violet and blue

Found in

Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, Tajikistan

Care

Warm, soapy water is safe. Ultrasonic and steam are usually fine unless the stone is fractured. High heat can fade some colors.

Spinel is the newest name on the birthstone list. In 2016 it joined peridot and sardonyx as a birthstone for August. It is hardly new to jewelry, though. For centuries fine red spinel was mistaken for ruby, and some of history’s most famous “rubies” are actually spinel, including the Black Prince’s Ruby set in the front of Britain’s Imperial State Crown. Mineralogists only recognized spinel as a separate gem in 1783.

Spinel comes in vivid red, hot pink, orange, violet and blue, including a rare and prized cobalt blue. At 8 on the Mohs scale it is hard and durable, and it is bright and lively when faceted. Important sources include Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam and Tajikistan.

Hardness

Mohs 9

Color

Blue, and every color but red

Found in

Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Madagascar, Thailand, Australia, Montana

Care

Warm, soapy water is always safe. Ultrasonic and steam are fine for untreated or heat-treated stones; filled or dyed sapphires need a damp cloth only.

Once upon a time, the ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on an enormous sapphire, and that its reflection colored the sky blue. Though we know that isn’t true, sapphires have continued to hold the fascination and admiration of all for thousands of years. Sapphires have always been prized for their beautiful blue color, hardness (second only to diamonds on the Mohs hardness scale), and transparency. It wasn’t until around 1800 that Sapphire and Ruby were recognized as the same mineral, corundum. Prior to this, only blue stones were called Sapphires. Now we know that Sapphires come in every color of the rainbow, except for the red corundum we call Ruby. Any non-blue Sapphire is known as a “fancy” Sapphire.

Sapphires are valued by size, color, and transparency. The most prized are a pure, vivid, velvety blue, and sapphires with exceptional color carry corresponding price tags, particularly if they’re large. Very dark blue or blue-black sapphires are much more common and inexpensive. As with all things, though, different shades are valued by different people, regardless of rarity or expense. The great thing about Sapphires is that each gem is as individual as the person who wears them.

Sapphires are mined in Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Madagascar, Thailand, Cambodia, Australia and Montana, and historically Kashmir.

Hardness

Mohs 5 to 6.5

Color

Milky white, black or boulder, with play of color

Found in

Australia, Ethiopia, Mexico, Brazil, United States

Care

Warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. No ultrasonic or steam, no sudden temperature changes, and never soak doublets or triplets.

Opals are truly a gem that has been adored, worldwide, for thousands of years. For centuries, Europe’s finest opal was believed to come from mines in present-day Slovakia, and opal was also known in Mexico long before the Spanish arrived.

Some cultures believed that opals could improve your eyesight; others believed that they could render you invisible. Ancient Romans believed that Opals symbolized hope, innocence and purity.

Since Opals are mined from rocks, they come in a variety of shapes with a huge range of color play. The most common type of Opal is a translucent, milky white color with a minimal spray of rainbow colors. Opals also come in a “black” variety, where the background is black or dark gray, with much more vivid splashes of rainbow colors. This makes for a very dramatic Opal. The third type of Opal is called a Boulder Opal. Boulder Opals are mined from Ironstone Boulders in Australia. They have a reddish-brown ironstone backing, but the rainbow coloring is often quite vivid, like Black Opals.

Opal was first found in Australia in 1849, and Australia has supplied most of the world’s opal ever since the great fields opened in the late 1800s. Ethiopia has become another major source, and opal is also mined in Brazil, Mexico and the United States. White Opals are not very expensive or difficult to find. Black Opals and Boulder Opals can be moderately to extremely expensive, depending on the size and amount of red, orange, yellow light flashes.

Hardness

Mohs 7 to 7.5

Color

Pink, green, blue, yellow and bicolor

Found in

Brazil, Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Maine, California

Care

Warm, soapy water only. No ultrasonic or steam.

Tourmalines are a unique, colorful breed of gemstone. No two Tourmalines are alike! Though usually seen in green and hot pink shades, Tourmalines also have yellow and blue variants. There are even two-toned Tourmalines, like the pink and green “Watermelon Tourmaline.” In fact, the name comes from the Sinhalese word “toramalli,” often translated as “stone with mixed colors.” Ancient Egyptians thought that while Tourmalines moved up from the heart of the Earth, they traveled along a rainbow, collecting all the colors on the way. Tourmaline has long been considered a “lucky gem” and a “stone of wisdom.”

Tourmalines are hard, durable stones with rich color, which make them a wonderful choice for fashion rings. The colors have different terms associated with them that you might hear being tossed around. Deep pink-red Tourmalines are called “Rubellites.” Green Tourmalines are sometimes called “Verdelite,” and a rare, intense green is known as “Chrome Tourmaline.” Blue Tourmalines are called “Indicolite.” The rarest of all are the neon blue-green tourmalines colored by copper, called “Paraíba” after the Brazilian state where they were discovered in the late 1980s. Tourmalines are mined all over the world, including Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and in the U.S. (in Maine and California). Because there are so many different colors and qualities, it is certain that you will be able to find a Tourmaline that fits your budget.

Hardness

Mohs 6 to 7.5

Color

Pale to vivid blue, usually heat treated

Found in

Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Australia

Care

Warm, soapy water only. No ultrasonic or steam. Store it apart so its facet edges do not chip.

Don’t be fooled: Zircon is not the same as Cubic Zirconia. Zircon is a natural stone, which only adds to its spectacular beauty. Zircon comes in many shades, from clear to brown, to the most popular version, blue, and most blue zircon owes its color to heat treatment. Most Blue Zircon has a pale-to-medium hue, but you can find some vivid, bright blue gems. The very bright Blue Zircons are the most expensive, and are far more difficult to find in stores. No matter what shade you choose, Zircon’s strong fire gives it a sparkle that rivals a diamond’s.

During the Middle Ages, Zircon was thought to protect the traveling wearer from harm. It was thought to promote restful sleep, honor, wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Even today, some Hindus believe that Zircon can aid in spiritual growth.

Today, Zircon is mined in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Australia. Zircon is a heavier gemstone than most others, but its facet edges can chip and wear easily, so treat it with care!

Hardness

Mohs 6 to 7

Color

Blue violet to soft lilac

Found in

Only Tanzania (Merelani Hills)

Care

Warm, soapy water only. Never ultrasonic or steam, and avoid sudden temperature changes.

Unlike every other stone in this guide, Tanzanite does not have much history. It was only discovered in 1967, in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, and in 1968 Tiffany & Co. introduced it to the world. The mineral’s name is zoisite, and Tiffany reportedly worried that “blue zoisite” sounded too much like “blue suicide,” so the stone was named “Tanzanite.” It has been a hit ever since.

Tanzania is the only place in the world where Tanzanite can be found. Obviously, this makes it a rare and often very expensive stone. Gem lovers are taken by Tanzanite’s deep blue-purple hue, and most tanzanite is gently heated to bring out that color. Most Tanzanite that you will see in the marketplace is a light to medium lilac-blue. Lighter Tanzanite is not exactly inexpensive, but is much more affordable than the deepest colors. No matter what shade you wear, bold and beautiful Tanzanite expresses each individual’s unique qualities.

Hardness

Mohs 8

Color

Sky, Swiss and London blue, treated colorless topaz

Found in

Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, China

Care

Warm, soapy water only. No ultrasonic or steam; protect it from hard knocks and sudden temperature changes.

Blue Topaz is not on the official birthstone list, but it is a very popular choice for December. It is very inexpensive, even if the stone is large. The color is so vibrant that it attracts many people. The shades of blue vary from a pale “Sky Blue” (like an Aquamarine), to a bright, medium “Swiss Blue,” to a dark, smoky “London Blue.” All shades are equally lovely, and which one you choose is entirely up to your individual taste.

The vast majority of Blue Topaz begins as colorless topaz that is treated with irradiation and heat. The result is permanent, so the color will not fade.

Blue Topaz is mined in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and China.

Hardness

Mohs 5 to 6

Color

Sky blue to green, often veined

Found in

U.S. Southwest, Iran, China, Mexico, Sinai

Care

Wipe with a soft, damp cloth or warm, soapy water. Never ultrasonic or steam. Keep it away from heat, chemicals and cosmetics.

Turquoise is a beautiful copper-rich stone of varying shades of blue, often veined with dark matrix, the remains of the rock it formed in. The color can vary from sky blue to green, but all shades seem to be popular. Since Turquoise looks good on all skin tones, it has been popular for many years in various forms (including beads, rings, bolo ties, and belt buckles).

Turquoise has a rich history. It adorned rulers of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, China, and the Aztecs. Its most well-known historical use was to decorate King Tut’s burial mask and tomb. It was first introduced to Europe through Turkey, which is how it got the name “Turquoise,” from the French for “Turkish.” Turkey does not produce Turquoise; it was simply a trading route. Wearers of Turquoise were thought to be protected against unnatural death. It was also thought to promote well-being and affluence.

Turquoise is relatively soft and porous, so it should be treated carefully. Wipe it clean with a soft cloth, and keep it away from heat, chemicals, cosmetics and perfume, which can discolor it. Turquoise is a very affordable stone, which has added to its appeal in fashion jewelry. It is mined in the southwestern United States, Iran, China, Mexico and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.