Choosing Quality Semi-Precious Gemstones
Don't think that you need to pay a fortune to enjoy beautiful jewelry! The "semi-precious" gemstones are far more affordable than diamonds, rubies or emeralds, yet can be just as attractive.
The dedicated gem-lover can't go wrong with quartz. Available in an incredible array of colors and cuts, there's a quartz variety for everyone. Happily, quartz is the most abundant mineral on Earth so there's plenty to go around. Here are some of the lesser known varieties.
Chrysoprase: The most valuable type of chalcedony (opaque quartz), chrysoprase is a vivid apple-green color that resembles jade. Look for fine-textured, nearly translucent stones. Chrysoprase that's been exposed to intense heat or sunlight can lose its color, but don't panic - you can restore it to its original luster by soaking the stone in water.
Citrine: Named for the French 'citron,' meaning 'lemon,' citrines are typically pale yellow to reddish-orange. Most citrines are actually amethysts or smoky quartz that have been heat-treated to change the stones' color. The best citrine is a clear, radiant yellow resembling yellow topaz.
Tiger's eye: These gorgeous stones are made up of contrasting bands of color, ranging from yellow to red to brown. They are typically cut cabochon (smooth rather than faceted) to best display the gem's color changes. Good tiger's eye has a silky luster, and when tilted the color bands glow and shift with an almost holographic effect.