Transparent Gemstones

Transparent Gemstones:

When it comes to Transparent Gemstones the World seems to be obsessed with the top 5 gems. They are (in no particular order) Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Topaz (also called Precious Topaz) and Aquamarine.

But there is much more to this diverse group of gems than appears on the face of it. For example, did you know that Ruby and Sapphire are actually the SAME GEMSTONE... They are both Corundum, so the Optical, Physical and Chemical makeup of the gem is the same - well almost. If it is red - it is Ruby - if Not - Sapphire.

Just like us - it's in the Genes so to speak. If it contains Chrome, the gem become red, and therefore is known as Ruby. If not and the stone contains Iron and titanium - it become a blue sapphire.

Emerald too has a similar problem because they are all part of the Beryl Group of gemstones which also contain the fabulous Aquamarine in the family. So it is more important than ever to distinguish the different GROUPS within Transparent Gems, as well as the varieties in each group.

Some of the lesser know gems are Spinels, yet they were very popular in Antique Jewelry because they came in a range of colors and have often been used as another gemstone IMITATION. It is important to ensure that we are NOT talking about SYNTHETIC gems here, because Spinel is a natural gem, but in times past the colorless ones were used to be a soft of Diamond Look-alike.

It is interesting to know that the VERY LARGE RED GEMSTONE in the center of the English Imperial State Crown is known as the Black Prince Ruby - which it is NOT. It is, in fact, a Spinel. This is due because Spinel was not recognised as an individual mineral until about 180 years ago and also because Spinel is often found alongside ruby in their natural state. Just another reason to be SURE of what you are buying!

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Topaz has grown into and out of popularity over the years and these days doesn't seem to have the same influence it once did. This is probably due to the many synthetic gems in the marketplace, incorrectly sold as Topaz and also because the manufacturers have created a cheap range of colors for the gem.

With the huge variety of colors and 'sparkle' to choose from, the avid collector should not be help back by price. There are gems in the Transparent Group which range in price from just a dollar or two - up to the thousands. Generally I would advise you to buy what you like, and not keep checking the value. I personally still adore Amethyst and Peridot - the latter being a fabulous green color used prolifically in Victorian Jewelry. The best examples come from the Isle of St John in the Red Sea.

I hope you enjoy and use this site to find just the perfect Transparent Gemstone.

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