Tourmaline Gemstone

Tourmaline gemstones are found in different colors depending on the chemical composition of the different stones. These stone is known by different names like Verdelite (Green), Rubellite (Pink), Schorl (Black), Indicolite (Blue), Achroite (colorless), Canary (Yellow), watermelon tourmaline. Tourmaline is the birthstone of October.This stone is used as a substitute gem stone. Red, white,green, yellow and blue colored tourmaline are substitutes for ruby,diamond, emerald, yellow sapphire and blue sapphire respectively. This gemstone is also referred to as ‘Rainbow Gemstone'.

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Zircon Gemstone

Zircon is the substitute stone of diamond and comes in several colors and shades. Depending on the impurities found in the stone it is also found in a variety of colors like the blue, green, red, yellow, brown, violet, aquamarine, orange or colorless. Zircon is associated with the Zodiac signs of Aries, Capricorn and Sagittarius. It is also the birthstone of those born in the month of December. This stone is said to bring in success, wealth and fame to the wearer.

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Rock Crystal or Spatik

Rock Crystal is the cold, transparent and colourless variety of quartz stone. This stone is representation of purity,peace, knowledge and beauty. It is widely used for making beautiful jewellery, idols and for healing purposes. Rock Crystal, also known as Spatik Mani, is the substitute of Diamond and representation of the Planet Venus.

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Diamond Gemstone

Diamond is the representation of Planet Venus. It is also the gemstone of Taurus and Libra. The substones of Diamond are Opal and Crystal. This stone is obtained from Coal mines and referred to as the "king of gems" . This gemstone is the most beautiful among gems. Scientifically, Diamond is a form of Carbon. This is a very powerful as well as costly stone and comes in several colors. Wearing Diamond enhanses the artistic and creative abilities in the individual. It is also said to lead toward love and devotion in relationships and increase passion and sexual desires.

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Precious and Semiprecious Gemstones

There are 9 Precious gemstones representing the nine Planets. They are also referred as ‘navaratna’ which is a Sanskrit term which means ‘nine gems’ or ‘a jewelry set with nine gems’. These stones are popular and well known. The navaratna or nine gemstones representing the navagrahas or nine planets are Ruby, Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Red Coral, Blue Sapphire, Gomedh and Cats Eye.

There are several stones which are as popular and costly as the precious ones.I have written about most semiprecious or substitute stones like agate, amazonite,amber, ametrine, amethyst,aventurine, aquamarine, bloodstone, carnelian,Chrysocolla, citrine, crystal, fluorite, garnet, hematite, iolite, jade, jasper, kunzite, lapis lazuli, malachite, moonstone, onyx, peridot, sodalite,spinel, tanzanite, topaz, tourmaline, turquoise and zircon.

Find more on these gems individually in my HubPage Article 'Precious and Semiprecious Gemstones'.

Gems by Zodiac Sign or Birth Date

Aries (March 21- April 20) Coral
Taurus (Apr 21- May 20) Diamond
Gemini (May 21- June 20) Emerald
Cancer (Jun 21- July 20) Pearl
Leo (July 21- Aug 21) Ruby
Virgo (May 21 – June 20) Emerald
Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22) Diamond
Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 22) Coral
Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 20) Yellow Sapphire
Capricorn (Dec 21 – Jan 19) Blue Sapphire
Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18) Blue Sapphire
Pisces (Feb 19 – March 20) Yellow Sapphire

The sub stones which can be used instead of precious stones as Zodiac Stones or Birth Stones are as follows

Diamond - White Agate, Opal, Crystal, White Sapphire
Emerald -Green Agate, Green Onex, Green Jade, Turquoise
Pearl - Milky Agate, White Coral, Moon Stone
Ruby - Star Ruby, Ratva Agate, Garnet
Coral - Red Agate, Red Onex
Yellow Sapphire - Yellow Agate, Golden Topaz
Blue Sapphire - Amethyst, Black Star, Lapis

Classification of Gemstones

Gemstones have been widely mentioned in Vedic literature like the Brihat Samhita, Bhava Prakash, Ayurveda Prakash, Garuda Purana and the Rasa Ratna Samuchaya.The Puranas, Agni Purana and Garuda Purana also have reference of gemstones. Gemstones have healing powers and can remove blockages which are the cause of diseases in the human body. It is said that in order to get maximum effect of gems it should be worn and not just owned unlike Rudraksha beads where benefits of these beads can be obtained by just worship also.

Scientifically, Gemstones are formed because of the chemical reactions and can be broadly classified into two, one is those which are mined and the other those come from the Sea. Those gems which are mined include Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby etc and those which are obtained from the sea include Pearl and Coral. Some of the components of gems are Carbon, Calcium, Aluminum, Manganese, Potassium, Prosperous, Beryllium, Hydrogen etc.

According to the astrological point of view the gemstones are divided into two, one is the navratnas and the second is sub stones. The Navaratnas (9 stones) are Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Coral, Pearl, Hessonite and Cat's Eye. There are around 80 substones out of which the main sub stones are Citrine, Amethyst, Rock Crystal, Malachite, Turquoise, Peridot, Tourmaline, Opal, Goldstone,Quartz, Zircon, Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Garnet, Moonstone, Hematite, Load Stone, Malanite/Andradite, Chatiyant Quartz/Tiger Eye, Jade/Jadeite, Onyx, Agate, Sulemani Onyx,Aquamarine, Smoky Quartz, Alexandrite, Blood Stone, Amber, Turmaline, and Rainbow Quartz.

Another mode of classification of Gemstones can be as Hot and Cold. The Hot gemstones include Ruby, Red Coral, Diamond and Cats Eye and the Cold gems include Pearl, Topaz, Blue Sapphire and Gomedh.

Diamond Jewelry Care and Cleaning

Diamond gemstones are used to make beautiful jewelry which enhances the beauty of the wearer. Diamond which is also known to be a girl’s best friend is also one of the hot selling products of Online Shopping Companies like EBay and Amazon. Diamond Gemstone Jewelry is also an Expression of Beauty, Love and Wealth.

Cleaning Diamond Jewelry

Diamond requires special care. Diamonds should be stored separately So that it does not get scratches. Cleaning the diamonds help to maintain their shine. This can be done by putting the jewelry in lukewarm water after putting some mild detergent in it. After some time remove the jewelry and clean it with a soft brush. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly in plain lukewarm water and pat dry using a soft towel.

It is advisable not to use diamond jewelry while using dirt, hand-creams, hair-styling products, perfumes etc. Also do not use cleanser or abrasives on the jewelry.

Diamond Jewelry for Health

The treatment of diseases through gemstones has been considered effective since many ages. Diamond gemstone is considered effective in treating brain related diseases, sexual and skin disorders, diseases of the Kidney, bronchitis, pneumonia, eye disorders, diabetics etc. Diamond is also an antidote to poison. Diamond is also said to expel diseases and enmity and bring in victory in wars. Pregnant woman are said to be blessed with good baby by using diamond jewelry. Those who want to have lucidity or clarity in their expression and want to achieve confidence must wear diamond jewelry. Diamonds strengthens ones concentration and memory. It is believed that explosion, lightening etc does not harm to the wearer of the diamond. Diamond is said to lose its brilliance with the health of the wearer and regains it only when the owner recovers.

Diamond - Introduction

Diamond gemstone is said to be the king of gems. Diamond is also the most beautiful among gems. Diamond derives its name from the Greek word adamas, which means "invincible". Diamond is a form of carbon. Diamonds are strong, transparent and shining. Diamonds are the most popular and costly gemstone of all times. The hardness, brilliance and sparkle of diamonds make them most suitable for making gemstone jewelry. Diamond Jewellery has been used from ancient times as an expression of beauty, love and wealth. Diamond is the favorite gemstone which adorns the engagement rings of the wealthy. Diamonds have earned fame as beautiful symbols of love around the world. Diamonds are usually colorless. However, depending on the impurities present brown, yellow, blue, green, purple, pink, red, gray and black variations are also found. However, white is the most popular and preferred color in Diamond. Diamond, also known as Heera, is the gemstone of Planet Venus and representation of love, marriage, beauty and comforts. Diamond is one of the navaratnas and wearing it is said to attract name, fame, beauty, grace, elegance, longevity, passion and creativity of the individual.

Diamonds are used for several purposes. The hardness, brilliance, various colors and sparkle of diamonds make them most suitable for making gemstone jewelry. But Only 20% of the Diamonds from mines are suitable to be used in jewelry. Diamonds also have a number of important industrial applications . They are used in glass cutters, drill bits, masonry saws and also for cutting other diamonds because of their extreme hardness.