Citrine

Named from the French name for lemon, "Citron", Citrines have a lemony colour. The shades of yellow to gold to orange brown go very well with the luster of yellow gold. Citrine was considered in the ancient times to ward of evil thoughts and protect against snake venom. The darker, orange brown colour of citrine also called "Madeira Citrine", for the colour of wine, are the most expensive ones. Citrine is generally a bit less expensive than Amethyst. Citrine deposits on earth are mostly located in Brazil. Some of the other places are Madagascar, U.S.A., Argentina, Namibia, Russia, Spain and Scotland. Citrine is a birthstone for November.




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Coral

Coral as a gemstone has been used for adornment since pre-historic times. It was also considered to be a powerful talisman against bad luck, injuries and accidents. It has colors ranging from white to red and there are some black corals also. As seen in the coral reef, it's formation in underwater colonies look more like trees. Coral colonies are found in the Mediterranean Sea or in the Pacific, off Japan and Taiwan.

Corals are most valuable when they are available in the colors red, black or pink. It being very soft as compared to the other gemstones, has to be stored very carefully to avoid scratches and should be kept away from all chemicals, even those which are not corrosive.



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Diamond

Diamond is the hardest mineral on earth, combined with exceptional luster and a brilliant fire, diamonds happen to be the most highly priced substance on earth. Diamonds, which have a transparency of 100 percent, are the most popular. They are also available in colors from yellow and brown to green, blue, pink, red, gray, and black depending on the impurities present. Being very hard, only a diamond can cut or polish another diamond.

Exceptionally high temperatures and pressures are necessary to form diamonds. This can be found only at depths of 80 kilometers underground. India and Brazil used to be the primary producers of diamonds, mainly sifted out of river gravel. Since the discovery of diamond in the Kimberly rock, South Africa in 1870, it is the biggest diamond producer in the world. Other countries are Ghana, Sierra Leone, Zaire, Botswana, Namibia, the former USSR, the USA, and Brazil. Diamonds are graded by color, cut, clarity, and carat (weight)- the four "C's".