Gemstones L-Q

	Labradorite is the plagioclase feldspar that is most commonly faceted as a gemstone. It shows a schiller (labradorescence) in lustrous metallic tints, often in blue and green, make labradorite very popular in jewelry making.
	Lapis is a blue rock made up of several different minerals such as lazurite, sodalite, hauyne, calcite and pyrite. The composition and color of Lapis Lazuli varies, but the intense dark blue is considered the best quality.
	Moonstones is a form of potassium feldspar which has white shimmers similar to moonshine. Vitreous luster and sensitive to pressure.  Deposits are found in Brazil, India, USA and Burma.
	Onyx, sard and sardonyx are all varieties of the microcrystalline quartz. These may be brown and white or black and white.
	Opal is derived its name from Indian word “stone”. Opal is a harden silica gel, usually containing 5-10 percent water. It is divided into three categories; the precious opal, the yellow-red fire opals and the common opals. Deposits are found in Brazil, Australia and Mexico.
	Pearls are formed especially in oysters and mussels.  The light reflecting from the overlapping of nacre secretion, produces a characteristric luster known as "orient of pearl".
	Periodot is commonly known as Olivine because of its olive green color. Peridot has a distinctive greasy luster. Good quality peridots are very rare, however. Peridots remain as very popular gemstones in jewelry making.
	Quartz is named after a Slavic word for "hard". Smoking quartz and rocks crystals are both considered as macrocrystalline quartz. Quartz comes in white, blue, yellow and other colors.
	Rhodochrosite derives its pink color from manganese. In Greek, it means "rose". Because of the distinctive markings on the rhodochrosite, it is very popular for making necklaces and cabochons.
	Rhodonite derives its red color and black stripes from manganese oxide. In Greek it means "rose". It is said to bring love and mind  stabilizing.
	Ruby is highly prized for its finest and richness in color and is considered as one of the best gemstones for jewelry setting. The most desired color is the "pigeon's blood", pure red with a hint of blue. Ruby is the hardest mineral after diamond.
	is also known as corundum. The hardness of a sapphire is somewhat similar to a ruby. The variation in color is due to iron and titanium impurities which span many shades but the most valuable is a clear, deep blue.
	Sodalite is commonly used for jewelry making because of its lovely deep blue-violet color. Soldalite is accented with white streaks of the mineral calcite. It is said to have a calming effect.
	Tiger-eye is also known as Chatoyant Quartz. This gemstone has a fibrous structure with inclusion of crocidolite that causes a tiger eye effect known as chatoyancy. Tiger’s eye is widely used in jewelry because of these beautiful stripes on the gemstone.
	Topaz occurs in many colors such as deep golden yellow, green, blue and salmon-pink.  Topaz is very well sought after in jewelry making industry because of the vibrant and striking colors.
	Turquoise has long been prized for its intense blue color. The name turquoise mean “Turkish stone” as it was historically introduced to Europe by the Turkish via trades.