|
|
|
Topaz
Left
: Octagonal
Step Cut Blue Topaz
Right
: Oval
Mixed Cut
Yellow topaz
|
|
Left :Transparent,
Sherry Coloured Crystal
Right
:
Oval
Step Cut
Pink Topaz
|
|
Topaz
is available in a wide range of colours going through brown,
yellow, orange , sherry, red and pink topaz. The "Braganza"
is the most famous topaz, set in the Portguese crown. Topaz
is believed to dispel all enchantment and help to improve eye
sight as well. The most common colour is yellow with a red tint.
Pink to reddish orange are valuable. The most important supplier
of topaz is Brazil. Other deposits are in Afghanistan, Australia,
Myanmar, China, Japan, Namibia, Pakistan, Russia, Sri-Lanka
and U.S.A. Light blue topaz are found in Northern Ireland, Scotland
and Cornwall, England. Topaz is a birthstone for the month November.
...Back
|
 |
|
Tourmaline
"Turmali" in Sinhalese means "mixed" and hence Tourmaline. Available
in a wide range of colour, it is one of the most colourful variety
where bicolour and tricolour tourmaline add to the already existing
rainbow of colours. "Watermelon tourmaline", in which there is
a pink center and green rind, is very popular. Other varieties
are Achroite, Cat's eye Tourmaline, Dravite, Indicolite, rubellite
and Schorl siberite.
|
Left
: Top Rectangular Step cut Green Blue Transparent Stone
Right : Cushion Mixed Cut
|
|
Table -Cut Water Melon Tourmaline Crystal Section
|
|
Tourmalines of all colours are found in Brazil, especially in
Minas Gerais and Bahia. Paraiba tourmaline have vivid blue and
green colours. Tourmalines are hard and durable gemstones, mainly
cut in long rectangular shapes due to their long and narrow crystal
shape. Besides Brazil, tourmaline deposits are found in Tanzania,
Zambia, Zimbabwe, Russia, Switzerland, Kenya, Afghanistan, Sri-Lanka,
Pakistan Nigeria, Australia, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Italy, Zaire
and U.S.A.
|
|
|
|
|
Turquoise
Turquoise is one of the oldest known
gem materials. As the name suggests, turquoise was believed to
have come from Turkey, though this is not true. Persia has been
the major source for thousands of years. The blue of this gemstone
is so vivid and distinct that it has given its name to the colour.
The Egyptians mined turquoise in 3,200 BC in the Sinai. The most
important turquoise deposits are in Iran, Tibet, China, and the
Southwestern United States.
|
|
Turquoise
engrained, inlaid with gold |
Turquoise is a mineral usually found in association with copper
deposits. Many ancient cultures considered turquoise to have powerful
properties. In ancient Mexico, turquoise was reserved for the
gods; mortals would not wear it. Turquoise from Iran is said to
be the best because of it being a clear sky blue colour and no
black veins running through it. Turquoise is a birthstone for
the month December.
|
|
