Category Archives: Minerals

Minerals

Topaz: A Mineral Made of Silica and Fluorine

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Photo by Epitavi – yayimages.com

Topaz is a silicate based mineral that occurs in different colors and shapes. It is usually formed in Pneumatolytic actions under the earth’s surface when gases pass over hot magma.  According to a research conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, during the final stages of solidification of igneous rocks such as pegmatite and rhyolite, the fluorine-rich vapors convert into crystals to take the form of topaz.

Cavities and fracture of igneous rocks are the usual sites of topaz formation and eventual extraction. The secondary deposits of topaz can be found in pebble sediments of streams with their origin in these igneous rocks.

Properties of Topaz

Topaz is one of the hardest known mineral stones. It possesses a hardness of 8 on the Mohs Hardness scale. Only diamond, chrysoberyl and corundum are harder than topaz given this criterion of hardness.

Most of the naturally occurring topaz stones are colorless or possess a milky tinge. Rare ones can be found with shades of orange, pink, red, blue and purple. These rare topazes are the ones used for ornamental purposes.

Topaz is fragile and easy to break. This contrasts sharply against the reading it takes on Mohs Hardness scale. The reason behind their fragility is a distinct basal cleavage that slices perpendicularly to the long axis of the crystal. The long axis of topaz is formed when it is grown unhindered in nature to take the shape of orthorhombic crystals.

Origin of the Name

There are two popular theories regarding the origin of the name ‘Topaz’. Many historians believe that the name comes from a Greek island in the Red Sea called Topazios. The interesting fact about this name origin is that, the island never produced topaz. Deposits of peridots, which were extracted from the island, were mistaken for topaz before the development of the subject of modern mineralogy. Another popular theory associates the origin of the stone’s name with Sanskrit word of topas or tapaz, meaning ‘fire’.  

Historical Significance of Topaz

The ancient Greeks were of the thought that wearing topaz offered strength. They believe that topaz could make soldiers invisible to enemies. During the age of Renaissance, Europeans firmly believed that topaz could be used to dispel magic spells. They were also used for the purpose of anger management. In India, it is worn as a part of a necklace to bring health and intelligence to the wearer. Romans considered topaz therapeutic for failing eyesight. They used to put topaz stones on closed eyelids as  treatment.

Uses of Topaz

Topaz with yellowish color display has been used for thousands of years as a gemstone. Few hundred years ago, it was realized that natural topaz can occur in a wide range of colors. As a gemstone, it has several uses.

Birthstone of November Babies

Other than citrine, yellow topaz is also the birthstone of those born in November. Wearing this birthstone is said to have many positive effects on the wearer. It can increase the capacity of the person to accept feelings of affection and reciprocate it.

Used for Positive Crystal Energy

There is an alternative school of thought that believes that crystals can emit energies with their particular effect on human beings. There are many supposed benefits of the crystal energy of topaz. For instance, it can be used to alleviate pains associated with arthritis and rheumatism. It is supposed to improve the functions of the endocrine glands. Topaz energy is also beneficial for eyes; it can ease eye strain, and improve eyesight.

Topaz as an Abrasive Material

Topaz naturally occurs in many shapes, colors and qualities. Lower grade topaz can be used as an abrasive in many industries and products. For instance, it is used in the making of scouring pads and knife sharpeners due to its abrasive qualities.

Treated Topaz Stones

Since colorful topaz stones are very rare in nature, colorless specimens are also subjected to different treatments to bring a desired color shade. They are subjected to heating and coating of metallic oxides on their surface. Different metallic oxides are used to produce different colors. These treated topaz stones are used to make different jewelry items.

Minerals

Geodes – A Natural Pouch of Stunning Minerals

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Geodes are spherical and semi-spherical rock structures that appear like any other rock from the outside, but are different on the inside. They have an internal cavity that is filled with a variety of minerals. The presence of different valuable minerals inside makes them look attractive. Therefore, these rocks are one of the most sought-after geological structures that professionals and collectors alike strive to acquire.

Natural Formation of Geodes

The formation of these special stones sounds like a tale of magic realism. Hollow cavities inside geodes are made when they take the shape of rocks from cooling magma or lava. Cavities are made inside rocks when a bubble of water vapor or carbon dioxide is formed in the flowing lava.

Cavities can also be made underwater when lava cools down to solidify in water. The outside surface of the melted magma solidifies before the inside. The liquid lava trapped inside causes the newly solidified crust of rock to leak. Once all the liquid has leaked out, a hollow space is left inside.

After the cavity is formed inside the geodes, the treatment of mineral-rich groundwater starts. Water accumulates a thin layer of minerals inside the cavities by seeping through porous rocks. It is imperative to mention that the process of mineral accumulation take a lot of time. The buildup of minerals gets transformed into crystals and this can take thousands of years. Some large crystals can take even few million years to grow into their final shape.

Geodes are special and rare geological structures and cannot be found in every rock formation. They are usually found in those areas where rocks are formed in a peculiar geographical environment.

Most geodes deposits are found in:

  • Stratified volcanic deposits of tuffs and basalts
  • Sedimentary carbonate deposits of dolomites and limestone

Small amounts of geodes can be extracted from some other rock formations as well.

Which Minerals Stones are Present in Geodes?

Not all geodes are lined with the same type of mineral residue. However, tiny quartz crystal and agate are mostly found inside geode cavities. But there are geode deposits that are lined with more precious minerals.

Purple amethyst, white calcite crystals, pink rhodochrosite, opals with spectacular play of color and colorful agates are also found inside some rare geodes. Geodes don’t have a definite size. Their size can vary from few centimeters to several meters.

Utilities of Geodes

Until they are unopened, there is no general interest in these stones. However, when they are opened and the inner lining of these stunning minerals becomes visible, then they become the center of attention for many reasons.

Collector-quality Geodes

After determining the quality of minerals present inside, there are some geodes that are sold in auction and with astounding price tags. The price of rare geodes can easily race up to five digits. Affluent people with a hobby of precious stone collection take interest in those collector quality geodes.

Geodes:  Decorative Tools

Large pieces of geodes that are mostly lined with agate and quartz are cut into small blocks and pieces with flat base to produce desk sets, clock faces and paperweights. Geodes used to make those economical products are abundant in nature and contain less striking agate and quartz colors like gray and white. These small geode units are often dyed and polished with vibrant colors to make them more appealing for customers.

Fine grade geodes (rocks lined with amethyst) are cut into different artistic shapes and used with weighted base or stand to be used as items of décor in residential and office spaces.

Beware of Fake Geodes

If you are paying a hefty amount for geodes, then beware. Fake geodes are also available in the collectors market. Highly skilled con artists line actual mineral stones inside pottery structures, which looks very identical to the original geodes.   

Geode Sites in the United States

Lake Superior Agate

Located in the state of Minnesota, this lake is a buildup of agate that fills the cavities of basalt. It has formed in billions of years.  Most of the geodes have eroded mineral linings, however some stones still contain linings of crystalline quartz and agate of orange and red shades due to higher amounts of iron impurities in the lined minerals.

Minerals

Silver: A Gift of Star Explosions

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Silver BarSilver is often overlooked and overshadowed by the yellow glistening of gold. It seems as if this mineral (considered a mineral when in its native form) plays second fiddle to its more precious cousin. However, this doesn’t change many distinctive facts about this shiny metal. In this article, we will try to discuss a different aspect of this valuable and noble mineral.

History of silver

Southeast Europe (present-day Turkey and Greece area) was considered to be the place where silver ore was discovered for the first time. The archaeological findings suggest that the silver mining in this region dates back to 3000 BC. Ancient people even found a way to extract pure silver from its ore — the process is called cupellation. They used to heat the silver ore and blow air through it. Base metals present in silver ore, such as copper and lead, oxidize in the air and get separated from the silver element.

Egyptians also developed the method to separate silver and gold from each other. They mastered the art of getting silver into its most refined state. For them, this lustrous metal was considered ‘white gold’. Like gold, silver was viewed as a valuable metal in all the ancient civilizations. Due to its various suitable properties, high malleability and durability, it had been used to make coins, jewelry and other items of use.

Silver’s inertness led to its mythical stature  

Since silver doesn’t react to air and never does rusts, many people from the prehistoric era believed it had supernatural powers. In modern times, silver has started to get tarnished due to the increased amount of sulfur in the air, thanks to the industrial revolution.

Different uses of silver

It might sound fictional, but the truth is that silver actually forms in star explosions known as supernovae. According to one study published in the journal of Astronomy and Astrophysics, explosions of smaller stars produced silver while the destruction of larger stars produced gold. The relevance of silver hasn’t ended with ancient times. Even in recent history to this day, it has had many uses.

Silver as currency

Like gold, silver also has a rich history of having been used as the first choice of metal used in currency. There are several reasons as to why this metal had always been a better option to make coins.

    • Silver has a very high melting point in comparison to other metals
    • It doesn’t corrode and rust like most of the metals
    • The luster of silver also makes it an attractive option to produce coins and jewelry
    • It is neither abundant as iron and copper, nor is rare and precious as gold

Due to all these reasons, silver was minted into coins in a pre-BC era in the Mediterranean region.

.999 ounces fine silver Liberty coin
This recently minted coin is 1 ounce, .999 fine silver, non-graded.

Silver as a Commodity

Silver is also a significant commodity in the financial market. As a precious metal, it is traded every day throughout the world and according to some experts, the price of silver is about to jump to all-time highs. Indeed, the market price of silver has more than tripled since 2000.

In addition, silver (and gold) are collector’s items, where hobbyists can buy it in many different forms (coins, bars, etc.) from a variety of reputable agencies. They can either purchase the actual metal or have the company secure it in a vault in order to maintain it in certificate form. For collectors, the former is more frequent.

Precious metals come in either ounces or troy ounces. One troy ounce equals 1.09714286 ounces of silver; however, acquiring one ounce with respect to one troy ounce is more uncommon. Regardless, they are usually in the area of .999% pure silver.

The metal can also come in certified form and it is best to obtain these as opposed to just the metal without certification. The reason is that in certified form, it proves that it is real silver, as well as having a verified value to them. The higher the grading, the more the metal will cost in the collectors market. (In the precious metals market, it would be sold at the going price of the coin e.g if it was going to be sold to a jewelry store, it would be purchased via the going market price).

As of the writing of this article, the prices of one ounce of silver is $16.81.

Silver in photography

Before the digital technology of photography and film, silver was the centerpiece of photographic films that was used to capture images. The coating of silver halide, when exposed to light, reacts by producing a latent image that can be further developed into a photograph.

Medical uses of silver

Due to its antibacterial non-toxic properties, silver has been used in ointments, eye drops and dental hygiene products. Even before the recent medical developments, silver foil was used to wrap around wounds in order to save them from bacteria.

Due to the same antibacterial and disinfectant properties, silver is also one of the ingredients of dental cavity fillings.

Silver in electronics

Silver possesses exceptional thermal and electrical properties that make it an important part of many electrical components where operations can’t be performed by cheap metals like copper and silver. For printed electronic boards, a silver paste made by dissolving silver into nitric acid is used to make circuit paths.

Sliver in the automotive industry

Silver has been used to electroplate engine bearings made of steel. Due to its high melting point, it can withstand high temperatures of engine combustion. The silver surface of bearings also acts as a lubricant and reduces friction.

Silver in the chemical industry

Silver is used as a catalyst in the formation of two important chemical products: ethylene oxide and formaldehyde. Ethylene oxide is used in the industry of molded plastics while formaldehyde is used to produce solid plastics and protective coatings.

Uses of silver clearly shows us that this metal has traveled a long journey through the boulevards of history and is still very much relevant in today’s time and age.

Minerals

Talc: the Softest Known Mineral

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Talc Mineral
Talc is the softest mineral on earth

Most of us are introduced to the mineral talc through ‘talcum powder’. This powder is the crushed form of talc, which is used to absorb moisture, oil, and odor. It also has contraction effects on the human skin. Due to all these properties, talcum powder has become an important constituent of baby powders, first aid powders, and a range of other cosmetic products.

However, talc is not just limited to making talcum powder and other cosmetic products. There are many other uses of this mineral, which will be discussed in this article.

Talc: a composition of magnesium and silicon

Talc is made of two different minerals with water trapped in their structure. Chemically, talc is called magnesium silicate hydroxide. Usually, talc remains close to this composition, however, sometimes minor amounts of iron, aluminum, calcium, and manganese can be part of talc in place of magnesium. If large amounts of iron substitute magnesium, then talc is transformed into another mineral called minnesotaite, and if this substitute is aluminum then the transformed mineral is called pyrophyllite.

Naturally occurring talc is usually found colorless with a pearly sheen. Talc with green, gray, and brown tinges are also mined. It is one of the softest minerals known and has been given a hardness measure of 1 on the Mohs Hardness scale.

Why talc is soft?

Other minerals such as limestone can also take the shape of powder, but their touch is not as soft as talc. Indeed there is no other mineral in its amorphous form that can replicate the texture of talc. The softness of talc is credited to its physical and chemical properties. Talc is composed of sheet structures with perfect bond cleavages and very weak bond forces between the sheets. Due to these structural traits, talc sheets can easily slip on one another. This characteristic of talc gives it extreme softness.

How talc is formed beneath the Earth

Talc is usually found in metamorphic rocks. Two geological processes form talc in the earth’s crust.

  • When water carrying the deposits of magnesium and silicon reacts with dolomite stones under extreme temperatures
  • When igneous rocks such as serpentinite and dunite undergo alteration due to high temperature in the presence of chemically reactive fluids

The mining of talc

Drilling, blasting, and crushing of the rocks usually highlight the mining process of talc. Extraction of higher-grade ores of talc is carried out through selective mining. To avoid the mixing of other rock minerals in talc, the mining process is done with great care. The contamination of talc can change its color and most importantly, the level of softness for which it is required in many industries.

Crushed rocks from mines are further reduced to particle size and then treated to remove impurities. Froth floatation is usually used to extract the purest form of talc from its ore.

Apart from the cosmetic industry, there is a range of uses of talc in different manufacturing processes due to its different properties.

Talc in ceramic products

Talc is widely used in the making of different ceramic products such as tiles, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, dinnerware, and other pottery items. Due to its high-temperature resistance, it is used as a filler in ceramic, which enhances the firing ability of greenware (unfired pottery) resulting in durable quality products.

Talc in the plastic industry

Many polymer products such as polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, and polyester get their stiffness reinforced with the inclusion of talc particles. The addition of talc in plastic products also reduces their temperature vulnerability.

There is another reason why plastic industries prefer talc over other mineral fillers. During the process of extrusion, talc’s very low hardness produces less equipment abrasion as compared to other harder mineral fillers.

Talc in the making of paper

Talc is also used in paper production. As we know paper is made from different organic pulps, which are then mixed with talc fillers. The presence of talc in the mixture provides paper with the following characteristics.

  • Smoother surface
  • Increased opacity and whiteness
  • Improves ink absorption

Talc is also used in roofing material to increase its weather-resistant quality. The paint industry also uses talc to improve the suspension of liquid paint.

 

Minerals

Infinity stones: Gemstones of Marvel’s Fantasy Universe

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We humans have been fascinated by the gemstones since time immemorial. From millennia, before branching into different civilizations, we had become fond of the rare stones that look different from the regular ones.

This obsession with gems doesn’t stop here and we have incorporated them into literature and art well. From the fantasy world of Star Wars to the universe of Marvel comics, ‘gemstones’ have important part in the story lines. In this article, we will try to look how Marvel Comic strips incorporate the fascination of gemstones on its vast canvas of stories.

The six infinity stones of Marvel Universe

Many of us have heard a about infinity stones in the marvel cinematic universe. But before that they were called soul gems. All of these fantasy gems, in their color and texture, resemble the real-world gems.

There were total infinity or soul gems in Marvel’s universe and according to the present day timeline all of them are in different places. However, history of this universe tells us that these infinity gems possess infinite and unparalleled powers and that is why they even become the bone of contention among different powerful entities of the universe.

The power of infinity stones can be gauged by two different anecdotes from the comic strip:

  • Thanos, one of the super villains of Marvel Universe tired to use all the six gems in unison to destroy the stars but Avengers stopped him from using the power of infinity gems.
  • Elders of the universe, the oldest and survivor of their respective species used the combined energy of the stones to energize the barren planets.

Let’s look into the qualities and capabilities of each stone that has been important part of Marvel universe since the beginning.

Space gem (Tesseract)

The purple soul stone inspired by the color of real earth gem of amethyst is famous for its teleportation capabilities. Its blue rays are teleporting objects from one place of the other throughout the universe. It is also able to interfere in the movement of moving objects. Another use of space gem apparently is being used as a part of advanced weapon systems.

You can see this stone in the movie Captain America being used by Red Skull and in The Avengers by Loki.

Reality gem (Aether)

This gem yellow in its color is used to alter the reality, logic and bend the law of physics. The stone has a range of different wonders that are differs in their scale. The stone can be used to resurrect the dead. It can be used to distort and change the reality around any individual.

If used with more power, it can used to create the whole new desired reality. Its power gets exponentially high when it is used with other infinity stones and then it can alter the reality on a universal level. It is inspired by citrine and yellow sapphire.

Mind gem

It was lastly seen in the hands of Loki. This blue stone sapphire-like gem has infinite psychic abilities like telepathy, empathy and moving physical objects with the sheer mind power. When used with other infinity stones, it can connect the user’s mind with all the other minds of the universe in the same moment of time.

Power gem

Seen as the reddish ruby-like stone in the comic stripes, this infinity stone can grant all the power to its possessor that has ever exist or will exist in the universe. It increases the strength and stamina of any human to superman levels. The stone also helps other stones to produce their own powers and energy.

Soul gem

As the name suggests, it can be used to observe, attack or control the soul of any living being. It also protects the user with external magic attacks on his soul. Soul stone can also be used to revert back the mutated beings to their natural state. Soul gem resembles the real word emerald.

Time gem

Resembles with garnet or coral, this infinity stone is capable of playing with time as a physical object. It can stop, slow, speed up the time flow. Wielder of this stone can time travel and can see through the past and future. It can also used to alter the aging process.

The popularity of Marvel’s comic has a significant contribution from these fictional infinity stones and all them are inspired by one or the other real gems.

Minerals

Rose Quartz – The Love Stone

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Rose Quartz Crystal
Rose Quartz

Rose quartz was discovered in Mesopotamia back in 7000 BC in the form of beads. Assyrians used to create jewelry out of rose quartz somewhere around 700BC. Romans and Assyrians might be among the first ones to use the rose quartz.

People in ancient times held the belief that quartz naturally posses magical powers. Romans, Greeks and ancient Egyptians used rose quartz as protective talisman. Women used to posses the stone, as they believed it stopped aging. Rose quartz represented fifth wedding anniversary, holding the idea that the love is still young and growing.

Rose quartz is the name given to the delicate looking pink colored mineral quartz. It is known to be found abundantly in the areas where magma has cooled down and pegmatite is formed. The pink shade of rose quartz is credited to microscopic addition of a pink mixture of the mineral dumortierite. These inclusions are normally enough to give a translucent appearance to rose quartz, rather than making it entirely transparent. Very rarely, it happens those rose quartz are transparent in the form of pink euhedral crystals. These are normally formed in the later stages of mineralization in pegmatite.

Physical properties

Rose quartz or pink quartz belongs to the family of quartz. It is more of a mineral than a gemstone. It belongs to the hexagonal crystal system. It is chemically composed of (SiO2) Silicon Dioxide, and possesses titanium and iron impurities in it. With the hardness level of 7, it comes in colors ranging from pale pink to the deepest lavender shade. It is commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, India, and South Africa. In fact, rose quartz is commonly found almost everywhere.

 

Factors of quality

Color: Rose quartz is known for its light pink color that ranges till medium pink.

Clarity: – The smoky, translucent appearance of rose quartz is because of the mineral impurities in the stone.

Cut: They are not faceted, they have irregular shape and when cut, they give the appearance of asterism pattern.

Carat: Rose quartz is available in large, suitable for making jewelry out of it. The larger sizes of rose quartz give out more intense shade of pink.

 

Healing Properties of Rose Quartz

It is associated with the heart chakra and it is the birthstone of Taurus and Libra. Rose Quartz represents unconditional love, and is known to be an important stone to open one’s heart to compassion and love. It induces love for family, love for one’s self and a sense of peace. Even though rose quartz has the vibration frequency of 7, it still has more of a soothing and relaxing effect.

Rose Quartz opens the heart to generosity toward others and also towards one’s self. It aids in dealing with guilt and harmonizes the emotional imbalances. It has an effect that lowers stress and instills a sense of serenity. It wipes off jealousy, envy and malice from the heart and helps in controlling anger.  

 

 

Minerals

Gold Currency: How History is Backed by Modern Day Rationale

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Gold Bars Stacked Up in a PyramidGeologists suggest that gold has always been the most sought-after element to be mined, as compared to other metals and minerals. This indicates that the preciousness of this mineral was recognized since the beginning of human existence, which eventually resulted in gold becoming a premium currency.

From the Beginning to 2024

There is no doubt that gold has increased in value substantially. Records going back to just 1973 up to today visually depict this.

In this article, we will follow the historical track of gold being used as a currency. We will also provide you with a modern rationale as to why gold has become the most suitable element for the backing of paper currency.

Historical Traces of Gold Being Used as Currency

In 300 BC, the ancient Egyptians began using gold as a commodity. Before that, trading goods, such as food and clothing was the preferred method of exchange.

In 50 BC, ancient Romans issued the first gold coin, which used the element as currency, replacing the barter system. After that, gold was used by different kingdoms and civilizations around the world. In 1284 AD, gold currency was issued in different major European countries.

In 1792 AD, the United States adopted the silver-gold standard monetary system. This system established the value of the dollar concerning the amount of gold and silver available.

Four Chemical Qualifications for an Element to Become Suitable as Currency

Four chemical characteristics should be possessed by an element to stand as an option for currency. It will be interesting to see how gold has constantly been favored as currency, because it meets all of those four chemical qualities, while others fail to do so.

Should Have a Definite Shape

Many elements naturally occur in the gaseous and liquid state of matter. Their indefinite shape and volume make them unfeasible to be exchanged as currency, which means that plenty of elements become unfit for the purpose due to their criteria alone.

Should Not be Reactive and Corrosive

Many elemental metals are knocked out due to this criterion. Most of them are reactive as well as prone to corrosion. For instance, lithium ignites when it is exposed to the external environment. Iron and copper are subject to severe corrosion. 38 elements become ineligible to be used as currency due to these characteristics.

Gold, on the other hand, doesn’t corrode and it is way less reactive to other elements or nature.

Can’t be Radioactive

To be used as currency, elements possessing radioactive characteristics can’t be selected. There are two major reasons for this.

  • Radioactive elements radiate away, which means they lose their mass with time. They can’t be retained in their actual form if placed openly.
  • Radiations emitted by these elements are harmful to human life.

There is no way that something that depreciates so fast, or something that can harm people can ever be used as currency, irrespective of their value. Plutonium, for instance, is very expensive but equally dangerous. Two rows of the periodic table get out of the currency race because they are radioactive.

Rarity

We are left with nearly 30 elements that pass the above three measures. These 30 elements are stable enough to represent money. However, almost all of them except three fail to meet the fourth qualification of being rare.

An element needs to be rare so that it can be valued as currency, otherwise, everyone would have it, and valuing currency would become impossible.

So which three elements are left in the end? Silver, platinum, and gold!

  • Silver has been used as currency but it couldn’t sustain its position for long because it tarnishes easily
  • Platinum on the other hand has a melting point of 3000 degrees Fahrenheit. It can’t be melted in traditional furnaces which were used by ancient civilizations to make coins.

As you can see, we are eventually left with only one element which is the most suitable among all the 115 known elements.

Apart from these chemical properties, some other characteristics of gold made it popular throughout history as currency.

  • It can easily be tested for its purity anywhere in the world without much hassle.
  • The production of gold throughout history has remained stable. This means gold has succeeded in remaining available while maintaining its status of being rare.
  • Unlike other valuable items like oil and diamonds, gold only comes in one grade which makes it convenient to use as currency.
  • Gold doesn’t have industrial and commercial uses like other metals and minerals which makes it suitable to be used as currency.
Graph of gold on the rise
Expect gold to rise during unexpected world events

Where is the World’s Gold Kept?

You may be surprised that the largest volume of gold is not kept at Fort Knox, although this facility does contain quite a lot of it. The location where the largest amount of gold is stored is at the Federal Reserve Bank in Lower Manhattan, NYC, and is considered one of the most secure buildings in the world. The United States owns 2% to 5% and the rest by other countries around the world.

Photo of the Federal Reserve Bank of NY
Federal Reserve Bank of NY

International trading is done here, as gold is moved around the vault continuously. The barter process is as follows: Canada is buying something from Germany for a certain price. To complete the transaction, that agreed-upon amount of gold is physically moved from Canadian ownership to German ownership. No human touches these precious stones. They are moved around by robots. Of course, this example is simplified, but you get the picture.

Conclusion

Gold is a primary commodity in the trade market. The prices fluctuate a few dollars each day but remain stable. In the event of a world incident, such as a war, gold may skyrocket to new heights or the opposite may occur, should the dollar gain substantial new strength, but when instability occurs, you can count on the mineral gold to strengthen in price. Gold remains to be the strongest and healthiest commodity for trading and safe keeping. Many people buy gold as a buffer, should a world event occur that may threaten the global economy.

Geology, Minerals

Formation of Gemstones

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Valuable gemstones are extracted from the earth’s core and include mineral rocks, diamonds and stones in a variety of colors;, for example, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. While the diamond is still the world’s most precious and well-sought after stone among all, we can see a rise in demand for various other gemstones as well. Not that they were not valued any time before, but in recent times, people have shifted their interests towards gemstones other than diamond, and in fact, most of the engagement and wedding rings now hold a semi precious gemstone in center.  However, just as their demand and value has been on the rise, so is the need to authenticate their originality.

Almost all gemstones are found in the crust of earth. However, there are two which are found deep below in earth’s mantle: Peridot and diamond. There are kimberlitic pipes below the earth which is the main passage for diamonds to surface up. Through these pipes, molten magma flows and as it reaches the surface, it collects foreign rocks known as xenoliths on its passage. Diamond is one of the rocks, which are assimilated on the way and brought up the surface through volcanic eruptions.

Igneous rocks

Igneous rocks are those that are formed when the molten magma beneath the earth cools down and starts to crystallize. Igneous rocks include two further types further: intrusive, which are formed beneath the surface when the magma cools down, and extrusive, which are formed when lava cools down above the surface of earth.

At the time of cooling, there are many minerals present which starts to combine and form a crystallized structure. This is how gemstones are formed. Environment, cooling time, pressure, temperature – all these factors play an important role in forming each of the gemstone. Larger gemstones will be formed if the cooling process is slower. Diamonds, spinel, Peridot, quartz, moonstone, topaz, tourmaline, zircon, citrine, and amethyst – these all are the most common types of igneous rocks.

Sedimentary cycle

Sedimentary cycle is the second most important process in the rock formation. Rocks formed through this cycle are not actually formed, but rather found. Due to the process of weathering over the time, many rocks are washed down with rain, wind and river and deposited into the sea or riverbanks. There, they keep accumulating along with other organic and inorganic material mixing into it, such as plants, mud, shells. As the time passes, these mixtures are compressed and compacted to form hard rocks. Most of the time, those rocks will be found in sedimentary rocks that have been originally weathered from their parent rocks, which then can be igneous or metamorphic in nature. Common rock minerals found in these sedimentary deposits include Beryl, Opal, Turquoise, Malachite, Azurite, Chrysoprase, Chrysocolla.

Third source of gemstones are the metamorphic rocks. As the name suggests, these rocks are formed when already existing rocks goes through a change process due to pressure changes or changes in temperature. The process is called recrystallization, since during this process, molecular structure of these rocks is broken down and restructured, forming a completely new rock, with same basic composition but different structure. Some of the common metamorphic rocks are garnet, tanzanite, sapphire, ruby, kyanite and emerald.

Minerals

Pearls of Healing – Do Pearls Have Any Health Benefits?

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Pearls are associated with elegance and sophistication. Throughout centuries, they have had an important position with different cultures, and are the only gemstones made by living animals! Cleopatra famously dissolved pearls into her drinks and drank them.

These gorgeous, delicate beads are used for creating stunning necklaces, rings and bracelets. These beautiful gemstones also come in different sizes and colors! For example, if the inside shell of the oyster is purple, the color of the stone will also be purple. Some of the other are white, gold, purple and even black!

Do Pearls Have Health Benefits?

Some people believe that pearls have calming effects and healing properties. But there hasn’t been proof of that. Regardless, pearls are very popular as they are associated with elegance and beauty.

Howard Fensterman, an expert in minerals, says that pearls are simple and have been used throughout the centuries because of their minimalistic and pleasant look. They’re great for gifting to loved ones and even as an anniversary gift if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly present.

Where Do Pearls Come From?

Mr.  Fensterman also says that, “People often don’t know where pearls come from. They know that they come from the sea, but some believe that they come from clams; however, clams are rather small and cannot produce these gems.”

He explained the process of collecting pearls. Some pearl farmers insert mussel seeds into oysters to create the gemstones.

After the pearls are extracted, the oysters are sent back into the water so they can create more pearls.

Howard Fensterman also highlighted that no damage is done to the oysters and caution is taken when extracting the mineral or inserting mussel seeds.

Pearls—The Perfect Gemstone Collection!

While pearls don’t have any healing properties or health benefits, one thing is certain: they make an excellent collection. You can use them in decoration pieces or just simply create a nice, simple dress by adding pearls.

A few decades ago, women often wore pearls in their hats. People even decorate their wedding bouquet with these precious, timeless jewels! There are various ways to get creative with pearls. Today, you can find online projects detailing creative ways to use pearls in decoration, jewelry and even clothing!

If you want to learn more about these gorgeous gemstones and other minerals, follow Howard Fensterman Minerals, a renowned expert in minerals and discover a world of glittering, fabulous marvels!

Minerals

Gemstones and Their Significance in Ancient History

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Amethyst

Amethyst
Photo by Conscious Design on Unsplash

Known for its purple hues, amethyst is believed to be a stone that can cure the drunkenness of whoever owns it. Amethyst has been used by ancient Egyptians and Greeks to engrave their goblets with it, as it was perceived to be a cure for intoxication. The deep purple color, which occurs because of irradiation, represents royalty.

Amethyst is thought to have its roots in Rome, however, in reality, it originates from ancient Egypt where it was used in the crowns and bracelets worn by the goddesses. In Buddhist culture, prayer beads are made with amethyst as it holds a sacred status there. Amethysts were once thought to be among the most precious gemstones until large reserves of them were discovered in Brazil.

Malachite

Malachite Gemstone

Malachite has been used in making pigments throughout the history. Ancient Egyptians thought of it to protect from evil spirits and black magic. The green color represents growth and fertility. It was commonly found in the headdresses of the pharaohs to bring condition their prophetic visions.

Emeralds

Set of realistic green emeralds with rectangle cuts isolated on white background.
Photo: iStock

Famously known as the gemstone adored by Queen Cleopatra, the earliest occurrence of emeralds can be traced back to Egypt where they were found near the Red Sea. Not just in Egyptian history, but also in Iranian, catholic, and Islamic culture, emeralds have been a status symbol. In ancient Hindu scriptures, it is referred to as the stone that brings light and luck.  

Red Jasper

Photo of a red jasper stone
Natural red jasper gemstone. iStock

This stone is known to possess astral properties and it was believed to help the dead have safe passage from here to the afterlife. It was often called the bloodstone due to its red color which represents fertility and the blood of Mother Earth. It was used to make amulets and breastplates. It was believed to protect against evil and enforce endurance, which is why it was engraved in the handle of a sword belonging to the Viking king.

Lapis Lazuli

This stone holds both mystical and cosmic importance. In ancient times, it was used by royals for its majestic looks. Priests used it because of the belief that it holds water elements to purify one from the negative influences of the lower self. It was seen as the symbol of power, mystery, and respect. The presence of gold flakes in the gem is perceived to add a touch of wealth, royalty, and wisdom.

Turquoise  

The gem was first found in the tomb of Queen Zar, dating back to the second ruler of Egypt. It was engraved in a bracelet. Egypt is often called the “land of turquoise” because the gemstone is found abundantly over there.

Topaz

Because of its fiery red-orange color, it is also known as the stone of fire. Associated with the sun god, Ra was believed to ward off evil spirits and bad dreams.