My friend has a big brown and silver cocktail ring that she wears out on dates whenever she wants to intimidate a guy -- it looks very realistic, like a real topaz or something, so a lot of times guys get a little nervous about it if they're insecure about their finances. It's act...
The true meaning of a promise ring is commitment. It's given by one partner as a token of their fidelity, and in turn worn by the other to show that the commitment is mutual. Something that often trips people up is the difference between a promise ring vs. a purity ring. When you t...
Today, one of its key concerns is telling apart lab-grown diamonds from natural diamonds, but when Robert Shipley started the GIA in 1931, the main priority was telling apart other natural gemstones without training. (For instance, a yellow stone might be a citrine, topaz, yellow diamond, ...
Gem A bud. From the joints of thy prolific stemA swelling knot is raised called a gem. Jewel To bejewel; to decorate or bedeck with jewels or gems. Gem A precious stone of any kind, as the ruby, emerald, topaz, sapphire, beryl, spinel, etc., especially when cut and polished for orn...
November’s birthstone is topaz. This gem comes in many colors, but its golden brown variety is the most popular. The stone is thought to promote energy, creativity and mental strength. Topaz is considered especially beneficial for people who are overworked orstressed. People born in Novembe...
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is on Twitter @nmnh and Instagram @smithsoniannmnh. Curious for more? Check out these resources from Dr. Farfan: What is a Mineral? The AMNH’s “GeoGallery” Hope Diamond Whitney Flame Topaz Dom Pedro Aquamarine Chalk Emerald Carmen Lucia ...
Quartz and rock crystal are both abundant minerals found throughout the world in the Earth’s crust. According to Mindat.org, “Quartz is the most common mineral found on the Earth’s surface.” Quartz and rock crystal are composed of silicon dioxide and
In some cases, a gemologist can tell what gemstone is before him by looking at it, but this may not always be possible. Two different gemstones such as blue topaz and aquamarine may look nearly identical. This means that gemologists are often required to perform a series of tests to determ...
Jet is a rare type of dark black coal. It has a smooth texture that accepts a bright polish, which is why it is often cut as a gemstone. It has the outward appearance of a mineral but lacks a crystalline structure and a definite chemical composition. It is also organic. Should it b...
Yellow topaz stones are associated with strengthening the mind, heart, and overall body. They offer protection to travelers and support good mental health. Topaz is also linked to wisdom, strength, and courage. It can soothe physical pain, promote peace, and reduce our attachment to expressing ...