Onyx

What does one get when quantities of silicon dioxide get dried up inside molten lava? The end result would be a black multi banded mineral called chalcedony or onyx, as it is most popularly known. It is uniquely characterized by virtue of its colour which features a wide range of hues which commonly come out in shades of brown, tan and white. Such gemstone is also known and valued highly more particularly for its purplish, whitish, bluish and blackish range.
Onyx Information
Mines
In several instances, this gemstone is mistakenly compared with a calcite in Mexico or the banded lapidary found in Pakistan which is softer in terms of hardness value. And while onyx could be found in different mining locations across the globe, its deposits are abundant in Brazil. There are also subsequent mining locations found in Madagascar, Arizona and California for these ornate pieces. One of the ways that miners do in order to enrich its colour and increase its market value is to clean and heat it.
Fashion
This gemstone also holds a distinct role when it comes to contributing to the development of modern fashion trends. When it comes to clothes, it could be sewn as part of the fashion accessory or it could be made into customized jewellery. This gemstone is most often used to add a hint of dark glamour to the outfit, especially when it comes to attires worn on formal occasions. Combining them with pearls is also a magnificent combination for worn jewellery and is fitting as a gift for every man or woman.
Care
It also takes a great deal of caring for the onyx to retain its lustrous shimmer as this semi precious gemstone tends to scratch easily. As such, an ultrasonic cleaner is not suitable for it to be cleaned. Having it soaked in warm water mixed with gentle soap is much more advised. If there would be intricate details, using a soft brush would be fine. Afterwards, dry it in open air and place in a separate box for storage.
Lore
Greek mythology has it that onyx took its name from the time when Cupid cut Venus. fingernails while she was asleep. The term specifically pertains to a finger or claw and in this case, the remains of Venus' nail clippings on the ground. During those times, it is a general thought that no godly body part would decay, so those clippings were transformed into stone.
During the earlier times, this gemstone was used by Romans as part of their engraved talismans during the time of war believing that it would bring a great sense of courage to the wearer. Later, public speakers of the Renaissance era expressed their high regard for this gemstone by donning it while they perform. It was a common thought among people in their profession that this gemstone pushes for the articulateness in speech. There are also beliefs that it helps eliminate body organ diseases and emotional negativities. Some claim it brings about intense sexual passion.
Astrology
Zodiac rules indicate onyx as very significant to Leos. It is also the official gemstone for those couples who are celebrating their seventh and tenth year of marriage. Some regard this as the birthstone for those who were born in February and is said to be of mystical value for December born people

Obsidian

Obsidian has been used in jewelry, as genstone statues as well as other ornamental purposes. Obsidians possess the unique property of a dual appearance: when cut in one direction, the stone is beautiful jet black, when cut on the opposite direction, the stone is beautiful gray. It has been used in variety types of jewelry such as rings, necklaces, pendants and brooches.
 
Obsidian Information
Physical Properties
Obsidian is a dark semi-precious gemstone that is naturally formed from occurring volcanic glass. The crystal is also known as Apache tears. It is a rock, not a mineral, for it is formed out of cryptocrystalline silica grains in a glassy suspension. The crystal is produced when lava is extruded from a volcano that cools with no crystal growth happening. Unlike other volcanic rocks, obsidians are devoid of large holes and bubbles.
Colors
Obsidians are typically dark in appearance. Their color varies from dark green, brown, grey, red, blue black, or anything in between. Some rare stones feature an almost colorless color. These color variations are due to presence of other impurities like iron and magnesium. The crystal is rich in silica, which has about 35% to 80% of the said material. Obsidian is fragile thus it has the tendency to crack.
Where Obsidian Is Found
Obsidian got its name from "Obsidianus", a volcanic glass that has close semblance to a stone found in Ethiopia by one fellow named Obsius. The crystal can be found in places that have experienced rhyolitic eruptions. The stones can be found in Chile, Greece, Iceland, Japan, Italy, Turkey, Scotland, Peru and more. In the US itself, it can be found in many different states, such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Texas, Oregon and Utah.
History
The gemstone has been known since antiquity. It has been valued since Stone Age, used in weaponry for it can be fractured to make blades and arrowheads. The stone was also used to produce early mirrors. The stone has also been instrumental in ancient Meso-American civilizations. Studies have seen that it has been used for commerce, construction, production and distribution. The Meso-Americans used the stone for tools and ornaments. They carved swords with obsidian blades, and many other weapons. The Ancient Native Americans traded obsidians all throughout the continent. It held a huge importance in the development of these ancient civilizations.
Other Uses
Obsidians have been used for many important uses outside ornamental purposes. The stone has been used in Cardiac surgery, as surgical blades. These obsidian blades are many times sharper than the highest quality of steel surgical blades. Even the sharpest of metal knives have jagged, irregular blades when viewed under a microscope. Obsidian blades, on the other hand, are smooth and even when viewed under a strong electron microscope.
Lore and Myths
Like most gemstones, obsidians are believed to have many medicinal and healing properties. The gemstone is known as the "stone of truth". The gemstone is believed to be able to dispel any sort of negativity and transform them into positive attitudes. The gemstone helps its owners see their inner flaws and make the necessary changes to improve and remove these flaws. This helps the individual become a better person and improve his way of life. The stone also helps relieve stress and ailments. The crystal can protect the individual from physical and emotional harm. The black gemstone is a symbol of resilience, control and spirit. The crystal is a stabilizer and also a chastiser

Moonstone

The Moonstone is a semi-precious stone known for its pearly white color. The stone is available in many varied colors such as colorless, yellow, brown, green, grey or pink. It is known to be translucent to transparent. The purest and highest quality of moonstones is colorless, perfectly transparent, with a blue sheen. The stone is often used in rings, pendants and bead necklaces. It is often given as a gift to celebrate 13 years of marriage.

Moonstone Information

Why Moonstone Shimmers
Moonstone is made up of two feldspar types: orthoclase and albite. The stone can be mined in many different parts of the world. The stone looks enchanting and beautiful, because of its captivating play of light. It got its name due to the mysterious shimmer of light it produces, known as "adularescence". This is caused due to the lamellar inner construction of the moonstone. Light rays come in, they are refracted and then scattered in the stone. A unique light effect takes place, which makes the stone look so enchantingly beautiful. Obviously, the gemstone got its name for its physical semblance to the moon.
History
The gemstone has been popular since the Ancient Roman Civilization, where Romans constantly used the stone in jewelry and ornaments. The Ancient Romans in fact believed that the stone formed out of moonlight. Moreover, the people of ancient times actually believed that they could tell the phases of the moon just by looking at the stone!
Mines
Nowadays, the stones are found in Brazil, India, Myanmar, Madagascar, Mexico, Sri Lanka, European Alps, Tanzania, the United States, and many more. The highest quality moonstones are produced in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is actually the place of origin of moonstones. They were very popular during the Art Nouveau period, which was used extensively in jewelry, crafted by master goldsmith Rene Lalique, which is now found in collections and museums worldwide.
Folklore
Moonstones strengthen its wearers. emotional and unconscious facets. It is believed that it could evoke tender feelings and protect love. It is rightfully called the "lover's stone" because of its enchanting and romantic quality.
The gemstone is believed to help both men and women alike. For men, the stone is believed to help them connect to their emotional side and creative side. The stone is believed to help enhance and improve the wearer.s vision. For women, the stone is believed to help in balancing hormones during the menstrual period. Many women of olden times place the stones inside their skirts to increase their fertility. Moonstones are also beneficial for the women going through menopause.
The Moonstone is believed to have many other metaphysical and medicinal purposes. It is believed to give the person greater flexibility. It aids in soothing stress and anxiety. It is believed to help enhance the individual.s intuitive sensitivity, help the person cope in new changes and enhance perception. The ancient people believed that the stone is a bringer or wealth and good luck. Moonstone is the birthstone of Gemini and it is considered as a holy stone in India.
Care
The gemstone however is relatively soft and sensitive, thus it should be handled with care. Flaws and scratches can occur, and its shimmer may dwindle. They can be remedied by going to a jeweler and have your gemstone re-polished, afterwards it will shimmer like brand new.

Malachite

Malachite is a semi-precious stone popular for its opaque property and brilliant green color. The gemstone got its name most probably after the Greek word "malache", meaning "mallow", which means green herb, or from another Greek word "malakos", which means soft. It is known for its beautiful light and dark green pattern, a unique property found in malachite only. The light and green pattern is so distinctive that it the gemstone is one among the most easily recognized minerals in general.
 
Malachite Gemstone Information

History
Malachite was discovered in 4,000 B.C. by the Ancient Egyptians. The stone is mined in large quantities in the Urals and Israel. Archaelogical evidence proves that the gemstone has been mined for some 3,000 years in "King Solomon's Mines" at Israel, Timna valley, only to be disrupted during the 10th century, during the time of King Solomon. The gemstone can also be mined in Zambia, Congo, Namibia, Russia, Mexico, Wales, England, Lyon, and the Southwestern United States.
Folklore
The gemstone was worn during the middle ages to protect the wearers from black magic and sorcery. Ancient Greeks gave their children amulets made of the stone as protection. This gorgeous stone is also worn to help detect imminent danger. Many believe it could give extra energy to its wearers. It was believed to bring about knowledge, patience and calmness in the wearers. lives. The gemstone is believed to aid wearers in the regeneration of body cells, help attain peace and tranquility, and aid sleep. Usually, the stone is attached to baby.s cradles. Today, the gemstone is the traditional gift to celebrate thirteen years of marriage.
Famous Malachite
Because of its softness, the stone is easy to carve and shape, and takes on a good polish. This makes the stone fairly popular in sculpture and jewelry, most especially common in Southwestern Native American jewelry. It has been used for aesthetic decorative purposes, like the Hermitage's Malachite Room, and "The Tazza". Russian Royal Families often used the stone for their dinnerware, vases, sculptures and panels. A large piece of malachite was given as a gift from Tsar Nicholas II. "The Tazza" is in display at the Linda Hall Library. The gemstone is popular during the Victorian era, which they used for decorative purposes. Malachites are usually set in silver or gold. Now, the stone has been used as beads, cabochons and small carvings usually set in silver.
Other Uses
Since antiquity until the 1800s, the stone has also been used as a pigment for paints. It has some disadvantages though, for the pigment is fairly lightfast and extremely sensitive to acids. It has also been used as an eye shadow during the ancient times. Although the stone produces amazing and beautiful results, it is hazardous to health for it releases copper content that is toxic to breathe.
Gem Look-A-Like
Where there are real gemstones, gem imitations are always present. In the case of malachite, its imitation gem is called "pseudomalachite", a copper phosphate with properties very similar to that of malachite. In Latin, pseudomalachite means "false malachite", and is much rarer compared to malachite.
Care
The gemstone is very soft and painfully fragile. Always protect your stones from sharp blows and scratches. They cannot withstand from intense temperatures and sudden temperature changes. Practice carefulness even when cleaning. Do not clean your stone using a home ultrasonic cleaner, and even water---water will remove the protective polish of the stone. Keep it away from heat, for it may damage the stone.