was the key to their success. Why?.
Sillimanite
For some time, this tough, durable gemstone has been either considered a collector's stone or used industrially (in the
Hematite
The metallic silver-grey crystal surfaces of specular hematite are so highly reflective that they were used in the past
Appraising Gemstones
When you are first presented with a tray of gemstones it is easy to feel dazzled and slightly overwhelmed, and to
Peridot (also olivin or Chrysolite)
When peridot is good, it is very good, but when it is bad ... There is so much pale and lacklustre material around it
Chalcedony/Agate
Beautiful in its simplicity, the luminous pure colour of chalcedony makes it a truly versatile stone to work with.
Faceted Square Cuts
The second group of faceted cuts includes straight-sided girdle shapes: squares, rectangles, octagons, triangles,
Blue moonstone
Transparent and crystal clear with a floating blue schiller on the surface, this is the most valuable type of moonstone.