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The Difference Between Rubies and Sapphires
March 22, 2012 | 
Author Did you know that rubies and sapphires are virtually the same stone with very similar chemical compositions? Both rubies and sapphires are members of the corundum family, which are classified as a crystalline form of aluminum oxides (AL2O3). Rubies and sapphires are made up of 2 atoms of aluminum and 3 atoms of oxygen along with tiny amounts of various other minerals.
It is the trace amounts of other minerals which determine whether the stone is labeled a ruby or a sapphire. Most of us associate rubies with the color red. Rubies range in color from blood red to reddish to pink. The presence and concentration of chromium is what turns rubies red. The more the chromium, the more the red.
Just as most of us associate red with rubies, most of us think of blue when speaking of sapphires. While blue may be the most common color of sapphires, sapphires can also be yellow, purple, orange, greenish or pink. Technically, pink sapphires have lesser amounts of chromium which is what differentiates them from pink rubies.
So, what turns sapphires any of the above colors? Minute amounts of iron, titanium and good ole chromium, a hard white metal that is # 24 on the periodic table of elements. By the way, chromium is used in making stainless steel.
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Turquoise, the Birthstone of December
TURQUOISE, THE BIRTHSTONE OF DECEMBER
In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers made turquoise the official birthstone of December.
Even though, we are more than half way through the astrological sign of Sagittarius, I want to wish all Sagittarians a very Happy Birthday! The other day, I was talking with my dear friend, telling him that I was running behind on the turquoise blog and that I kept putting it on the back burner. He came back with “Do you not like Sagittarians?” to which I retorted “Of course I do. I love Sagittarians. Sagittarius is one of my favorite signs.”
TO ALL SAGITTARIANS
I am continually amused by your painfully blunt, brutally honest and most sincere comments and I am in awe of your profound wisdom and wise judgment. Isn’t wisdom and judgment the definition of “sage”? I believe that the word “Sagittarius” and “Sage” are similar for a reason and it is not a coincidence. Then again, there is no such thing as coincidences!
WHAT IS TURQUOISE
Turquoise, known as the “Sky Stone” is mineral classified as a hydrous (containing water) copper aluminum phosphate. Turquoise is almost always cryptocrystalline ( crystal structure is so fine that no distinct particles can be seen without a powerful microscope) and without any specific outer shape.
Turquoise is easily identifiable by its coloring, nodular shape, cavities, conchoidal fractures and veins, all of which are a result of the way it forms. Its colors include powder blue, sky blue, greenish blue, yellowish green and white. The black flecks are usually pyrite and its thin veins are limonite. The blue comes from its copper content while the green is usually the result of iron impurities (iron sometimes replaces the aluminum) or dehydration.
ANCIENT BEGINNINGS, ITS POPULARITY AND ITS NAME
Turquoise has been around a very long time and was one of the first gems mined. People loved the coloring so much that turquoise became the name of the blue it resembled.
The Egyptians discovered and mined turquoise in the Sinai Peninsula at least 5000 years ago.
Turquoise was discovered in Persia (modern day Iran) over 2000 years ago and today Iran continues to produce some of the finest turquoise. While many of those mines have long been depleted, some are still being worked by hand or with little or no machinery.
Turquoise was so popular that it was worn by Pharaohs and Aztec Kings. It still remains a popular stone..
As with most names, “turquoise” has many origins. One derivation is the French word “Turquie” for Turkey or Turkish. This was most likely because turquoise was originally brought to Europe from the Turkish mines or through Turkey from the Persian mines. The name could also come from the French words “pierre turquin” meaning dark blue stone.
The Persians had their own name for turquoise calling it “pirouzeh” for “victory.” The domes atop Iranian palaces were made from turquoise because they believed that its intense blue color was a symbol of heaven on earth.
WHERE TURQUOISE IS FOUND
Turquoise is usually found in arid, semi-arid or desert regions where volcanic activity most likely took place. Turquoise is often found in cavities and fractures of volcanic rock. This explains the limonite and iron oxides in it.
For centuries, the most valuable turquoise came from Persia (Iran). It was called “Persian Turquoise” and it didn’t have the black and brown veining common to turquoise found in the U.S. More recently, beautiful specimens have been produced in the southwestern U.S. Significant turquoise deposits are found in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, California and Virginia too. Today, Arizona is considered to be the biggest producer of Turquoise. Being a copper based mineral, turquoise is often found around copper deposits and mines. It is often a byproduct of large-scale copper mining operations.
Other countries producing turquoise are Mexico, Chile, Australia, India, Afghanistan and China. China has been a minor source of turquoise for over 3000 years.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MINERALS
Primary or accessory minerals are characteristically formed from molten magma or extreme temperatures and pressure usually deep within the earth’s crust. In contrast, secondary minerals are a product of already formed minerals that had been exposed to hydrothermal alterations (caused by weathering) and / or oxidation.
WHY TURQUOISE IS A SECONDARY MINERAL
In simple terms, turquoise was formed when water from the ground seeped into the soil and mixed with aluminum rich minerals in the presence of copper.
Most likely, the copper in turquoise came from chalcopyrite, (a copper sulfide) or azurite or malachite, (both copper carbonates). Its aluminum could very well have come from feldspar and its phosphorus could have come from apatite.
HOW DOES TURQUOISE FORM
Turquoise grows inside a mother rock, also known as the matrix. This matrix often appears as splotches or netted patterns of veins and is referred to as a “spider web matrix.” This is what creates the black and brown veins running throughout the stone.
As you see, nature plays a big part in the formation of turquoise and explains the various colors, shapes, cavities, fractures and veins.
IMITATION IS THE HIGHEST FORM OF FLATTERY.
When you have a stone as popular as turquoise, the demand is often hard to meet. Such was and continues to be the case with turquoise. As a result, a whole new industry erupted aimed at capitalizing on profits.
The process of reconstitution and stabilization creating synthetic, simulated, treated, altered or enhanced turquoise emerged. These treatments also include light waxing, oiling, dyeing and / or impregnating the color. This practice soon became commonplace with the lesser quality turquoise.
The most common imitation of turquoise is dyed blue howlite because howlite also has black veins. Even though howlite can appears as nodules, it does not have the matrix that turquoise does. Magnesite and chrysocolla are two other minerals used for imitation turquoise.
CHALK TURQUOISE
Chalk Turquoise is considered a lower grade turquoise with many thoughts on what it actually is. One theory is that it is a porous white stone that comes from China. Another thought is that it is a turquoise with a yellowish green chalk like consistency resulting from high amounts of iron. A third theory says it can’t be classified as turquoise since it doesn’t contain copper. (As you know now, copper gives turquoise its blue coloring). Another thought is that it is dyed magnesite.
A SACRED STONE USED IN RITUALS
Tibetans, North American Indians and shamans all over the world consider turquoise to be a very sacred stone, using it in many of their rituals and ceremonies.
TURQUOISE JEWELRY VALUE AND WORTH
Turquoise is one of the most valuable opaque minerals used in jewelry. Its waxy luster finish lends itself to beautiful jewelry when it is cut and polished. Like coral and other opaque gems, the price for turquoise is often based on its size rather than its weight.
Two main factors in determining the value of turquoise are its hardness and intensity of color. The color itself is not usually a good criteria, however experts feel that the blue resembling a robin’s egg is the most desirable. Regardless of the color, turquoise should not be excessively soft or chalky (that also pertains to treated turquoise).
NOT REAL HARD AND QUITE FRAGILE
The hardness of turquoise is slightly under 6 (a little more than window glass) which means it can fracture easily, yet turquoise can only be dissolved by hydrochloric acid.
Its fragile nature is another story.
The phosphorous content in turquoise makes it a fragile mineral sensitive to solvents, jewelry cleaning formulas, perfume, hairspray, cosmetics, skin oils, sunscreen and the like. These all can harm the natural finish and alter its color.
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided as it can distort the color and can dehydrate it.
CLEANING AND STORING
After using turquoise, gently clean it with a soft cloth to remove any residue. Turquoise should be stored in its own container or away from harder minerals which could scratch it. Turquoise does best when it’s NOT stored in an airtight container.
BELIEFS AND LEGENDS
Many ancient civilizations shared the belief that turquoise possessed prophylactic qualities. They also thought that turquoise would change color according to the wearer’s health and protect him or her from unknown forces.
Many cultures held turquoise in high esteem believing that it was a holy stone or talisman that brought good fortune.
Turquoise had been referred to as the “gemstone of the people.” In Persia, sky-blue turquoise was worn to provide protection from an unnatural death. If the turquoise changed color, folks believed that impending danger or death was approaching. Today, we understand that excessive exposure to light or reactions to dust, cosmetics or the acidity of our skin can change the color of turquoise.
PROPERTIES AND BENEFITS OF TURQUOISE
According to Melody (Love is in the Earth), “turquoise is a gift from Earth bringing the blue of Father Sky to the Earth and melding together the energies of the heavens with the consciousness of Mother Earth.”
Turquoise reinforces and aligns our chakras, meridians and our consciousness. It benefits our throat, heart and naval chakras and brings love to everything connected with those 3 chakras. Like most blue stones, turquoise has a strong connection to the throat chakra, the one associated with communication. Turquoise helps us communicate and manifest wholeness and truth. It compliments and arouses the throat chakra allowing for articulation and deep wisdom. (If those two last sentences don’t sound like they apply to most Sagittarians, I should give up my knowledge of crystals and astrology. ; > ) One more word about turquoise and wisdom….Turquoise represents the wisdom that comes from all of our life’s experiences.
Getting back to “wholeness,” turquoise supports overall well being and encourages an even keel with regard to our mood and emotions.
The wisdom and message of turquoise is quite profound. When we let go of our insistence on getting “justice” and replace it with the ability to see others through eyes of compassion and forgiveness, we receive heartfelt loving gifts.
If the above isn’t enough to make you fall in love with turquoise, here is more. Turquoise brings serenity, peace, kindness, understanding and mental and spiritual clarity.
This blue gem lifts our spirits, restores our lost vitality, heals our emotions, relieves stress and brings awareness to the heart.
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Shungite
Be sure to read the IMPORTANT MESSAGE at the end of the blog.
WHAT IS SHUNGITE
Shungite is a black stone that is usually shiny and intense in appearance. It has a hardness of 3.5 – 4 and is often referred to as “black carbon”.
Shungite is a natural composition of primarily amorphous graphite (carbon), crystalline silicate particles and other minerals evenly distributed throughout the stone. The carbon in shungite gives it catalytic abilities, electro-conductivity and chemical resistance. Its complex composition of materials, interesting structure and amazing properties make shungite quite unique.
The varying elements and non elements in shungite are as follows:
Carbon: 20% – 95%, Silicon: 5% – 60%, Aluminum: up to 4%, Iron: up to 3.5%, Magnesium: up to 3.5%, Kaliy: up to 12%, Sulfur : up to 1.2 %, Calcium: up to 0.58 %, Phosphorus:- up to 0.34 % and various other elements and concentrated organic matter
Shungite’s outward appearance resembles anthracite, a compact and lustrous coal mineral. It also resembles black coal, most likely because it contains fullerenes.
WHAT IS FULLERENES , WHEN WAS IT DISCOVERED AND WHAT’S WITH THE NAME
A fullerene is a carbon molecule that is composed of an even number of atoms. Fullerenes consist of hollow carbon ions in the shape of a sphere, ellipsoid or a tube and they resemble the outside covering of a football. These carbon ions enable shungite to open, save and receive ionic information with our body.
Fullerenes were discovered in 1985 by a team of scientists from Rice University and the University of Sussex. On October 9, 1996, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to 3 of those scientists: Professor Robert F. Curl, Jr., Professor Sir Harold W. Kroto and Professor Richard E. Smalley.
Fullerenes is named after Richard Buckminster “Bucky” Fuller , a scientist and architect famous for designing the Geo Dome and other geodesic domes.
Near the end of 20th century, scientists concluded that fullerenes is a natural healer in its own right and shungite’s superpower was indeed a result of fullerenes.
WHERE SHUNGITE IS FOUND
The only place shungite is found is in a deposit in Zazhoginskoye, near Lake Onega in a region called Shung in the Republic of Karelia. Karelia is north west of Russia and east of Finland. Lake Onega is one of the largest lakes in Europe.
HOW OLD IS SHUNGITE
Russian scientists have been studying shungite for over 100 years and calculate its existence on earth at almost 2 billion years. Even though shungite is a fairly new discovery and is still relatively unknown, it has already been coined “The Stone of Life,” The Stone of the 21st Century and Medicine of the 21st Century.
WHERE DID SHUNGITE COME FROM
There is only speculation as to where shungite originated.
Even though shungite resembles coal, at the time, there were no forests to form carbides such as coal.
Shungite is found deep in the layers of the Earth. It formed at a time when either no life forms existed on Earth or only proto bacteria existed in an atmosphere free of oxygen.
HOW DID IT FORM?
There are at least 3 theories explaining how shungite may have formed.
Primitive microscopic organisms existed in shallow areas of the ancient sea. These eventually produced shungite.
Billions of years ago, a gigantic meteorite could have brought a part of a decomposed planet and landed in what is now known as Karelia. This decomposed planet had carbon based life forms. A side note: Fullerenes WAS recently found in outer space.
Shungite could have formed when a volcano erupted since its form and structure are similar to volcanic ash.
HISTORY
In the early 1700s, Peter the Great of Russian had a palace built near a “magic” spring. That area became the first Russian resort and was named “Martial Waters” after Mars, the god of war.
Back then, the Russians must have had an inkling about the powers of shungite water because they used it to cure all kinds of issues and dis-eases including a weak stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, hypochondria, bile, scurvy, kidney problems and many others.
Peter the Great required every soldier to carry a piece of the unusual stone in their backpack. Many believed that the reason the Russians prevailed in the battle of Poltava was because the soldiers had the shungite with them.
Today, the water at the Martial Resort continues to pass through the thick layers of shungite, exclusive to that area.
HEALING AND HEALTH BENEFITS
Its extensive diversity of healing properties makes shungite a mineral that is unlike any other.
Scientists who have studied, investigated and worked with shungite unanimously agree that it is a “miracle” mineral.
Some words that have been used to describe Shungite’s miraculous powers are: treats, saves, purifies, heals, cleans, protects, improves, normalizes, neutralizes, restores, regenerates and even grows.
Shungite is the ideal stone to have on us because it heals on all levels. Shungite is the stone of regeneration and revitalization. Shungite initiates cell rejuvenation and enhances cell and dna / rna repair.
Shungite eliminates, kills and absorbs everything that can do harm or impose a hazard to all living beings. Shungite focuses on restoring all that is healthy, beneficial and useful for us.
Below is a list of MANY MORE HEALTH AND HEALING BENEFITS of shungite. Wait til you read all the issues it’s good for.
Like many other minerals, shungite can be held, placed on or against the body, carried or consumed as an elixir.
There is much to appreciate about shungite. Shungite eases headaches, stomach aches, backaches, rheumatism, nerve pain, nervousness and skin spots. It can stabilize our organs, our blood pressure, our bio light field and our immune system. It can clear our respiratory tract, increase our sexual activity and help us sleep. It is also beneficial for our gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys and metabolism and varicose veins.
ELECTROMAGNETIC AND PATHOGENIC RADIATION
We all know that radiation exposure can cause heart and cancer dis-ease. Shungite is biologically active and can neutralize or lessen the intensity of high frequency electromagnetic emissions. This powerful stone can shield us from the electromagnetic radiation that comes from computers, microwaves, TVs, mobile phones, power lines, etc. Shungite pyramids are particularly beneficial against that harmful radiation.
What is amazingly unusual is that shungite can store electric current with out creating magnetic fields. Even more spectacular is that shungite takes the negative frequency out of any electro magnetic field which is not in tune with our DNA Light pulse frequency.
SHUNGITE WATER NEVER NEEDS PURIFICATION
For thousands of years, the natural shungite water from Lake Onega in Russia has never needed purification prior to drinking.
Shungite is a more safe and effective method of “disinfecting” and cleaning our drinking water than boiling or using chlorine. One reason for this is because shungite has strong antibacterial abilities.
Shungite has the ability to eliminate almost all organic compounds (including pesticides), metals (including copper and iron), chlorine, bacteria, nitrates, magnesium and harmful micro-organisms from our water.
Beginning in the 1990s, shungite water filters were used commercially. During that time, many experiments and studies were conducted on shungite’s influence on the human body. Scientists concluded that shungite water was absolutely safe, non-toxic and consumable without the need to boil first.
In one experiment, water was contaminated with concentrated groups of A and D streptococcus. After 30 minutes in shungite water, both groups of streptococcus were significantly decreased.
DRINKING SHUNGITE WATER
Drinking at least 2-3 glasses of shungite water daily can cure or prevent digestive, muscular and / or neural system illnesses and increase blood circulation.
Shungite water is also beneficial for the treatment of the following: acne, allergies (all kinds), anemia, asthma, cardiovascular dis-eases, chronic fatigue, common cold, diabetes, upset stomach, indigestion, gall bladder issues including inflammation, gastritis, immune system (weak), impotence, kidney dis-ease, liver dis-ease, pancreas dis-ease, skin issues including redness.
Shungite water has an antihistaminic effect. After drinking shungite water, there is a dramatic decrease of histamine in the blood stream, which helps reduce allergies.
APPLYING SHUNGITE WATER WHERE NEEDED
“Shungite water” provides powerful cures for many illnesses and helps improve many issues.
Shungite water has been found to rejuvenate our face and skin, improve skin elasticity, eliminate skin dis-eases and smooth our wrinkles.
Washing with or applying shungite water to our hair can restore its health, strengthen hair roots, fight dandruff and prevent hair loss.
Shungite water helps heal burns, cuts, rough patches of skin, arthritis, osteoarthritis and varicose veins.
Shungite water “mouth wash” can cure sore throats, stomatitis, colds and tonsillitis.
DAY TO DAY LIVING
Shungite helps combat stress and our environment , two things that adversely affect our health.
EVIL EYE PROTECTION
Shungite guards against the evil eye and protects us from negative fields and influences that can have serious effects on our health.
SHUNGITE BENEFITS ANIMALS TOO
Shungite is even beneficial to animals. Animals in Karelia with digestive or other health issues find the stone and lick it.
From my own personal experience with shungite and hearing what others have experienced with this powerful stone, I have to agree that shungite is most definitely the miracle “medicine stone of the 21st century”.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Most crystal enthusiasts are aware of the strength and power of crystals. That being said, I have to say that shungite is by far the most powerful crystal I have ever been around.
A WORD ABOUT POWERFUL CRYSTALS…
Powerful crystals can give us all kinds of reactions. They can range from minor discomfort to mild annoyances to almost violent reactions. Crystals can make us dizzy, light headed, nauseas and cause headaches, cramps, trembles, uncontrollable shaking and pains in various areas of our body.
If you ever experience any of these symptoms, we don’t believe that (in most cases) it is cause for alarm. Based on experience, we feel that these uncomfortable symptoms are usually a result of the crystal working their magick and bringing out, eradicating, opening up and unblocking what is doing harm within our body.
When working with a new crystal for the first time, please exercise caution and awareness. If you ever initially experience an unpleasant side effect, please ONLY use the crystal for short periods of time until your body adjusts to it and its energy. Begin by simply holding it in your hand for a few minutes at a time. Hold off on putting it in your bra or kept on your body for long periods of time. This also holds true for drinking a gem elixir.
You will most likely find that the symptoms eventually ease up and go away once the crystal has done what it needs/needed to do. If you initially experienced a strong reaction to the crystal, it may be one that you need to work with from time to time.
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