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The history of natural Moissanite can be traced back to the late 1800`s, and a man who later became a Nobel Prize winner. Dr. Henri Moissan discovered natural silicon carbide in Arizona, while analyzing part of the Diablo Canyon meteorite, in 1893. The name Moissanite was given in Dr. Moissan`s honor in 1905. The synthetic Moissanite is known as silicon carbide because of its chemistry and the trade name is carborundum.
Moissanite is considered sturdier than diamond because it has no natural fractures that can crack if the stone is subjected to an impact of some kind. Also, Moissanite, at 9.25 Mohs, is second in hardness only to diamond and incredibly tough. This is the reason that Moissanite maintains its clarity and sparkle throughout a lifetime. It will not look like a piece of rock salt, like cubic zirconia, after two weeks.
Regarding colour Moissanite cannot compare in color to a colorless diamond. Moissanite has a slightly darker but really cannot be differentiated from a diamond in the same setting. Moissanite`s essence was the potential for an absolutely shimmering brilliance, fire, luster, and incredible hardness. For all these qualities it can compete to all other gemstones. This gemstone possesses all the romance and passion of rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Moissanite is found only in meteorites and in limited areas beneath the earth`s surface.
Unlike other diamond, it is thermally conductive and this property is used as the test for the authenticity of real diamonds. Other things, which differentiate Moissanite with diamond, are that it is hexagonal and doubly refractive. It is also less dense and rarely has the clarity of color. A pale shade of green is always there.
Naturally occurring moissanite is extremely rare and found only in microscopic crystals that are too small to use in jewelry. Only after years of research a breakthrough discovery enabled the production of moissanite crystals large enough to produce an uncommon combination of science and art. Natural sources of silicon carbide are rare, and only certain atomic arrangements are useful for gemological applications. Recently, single-crystalline silicon carbide, in certain forms, has been used for the fabrication of high-performance semiconductor devices. North Carolina-based Cree Research, Inc., founded in 1987, has developed a commercial process for producing large single crystals of silicon carbide. Cree is the world leader in the growth of single crystal silicon carbide, mostly for electronics use. Gem quality Moissanite is created, exclusively by Charles & Colvard, Inc.
The specific gravity of moissante stone is from 3.1 to 3.2 and hardness 9.25 on Mohs scale.
Onyx is striped, semiprecious variety of the silica mineral agate with white and black, brown or red alternating bands. Its properties are the same as those of quartz. The layers in these stones range from translucent to opaque for sardonyx. The stones vary in color, too. They may be white or gray, ranging to many colorful varieties. Sardonyx stones usually contain flat-banded, white and brownish-red bands. Onyx is a gemstone with alternating light and dark bands, which are colored in brown, red, black, white and gray. Sardonyx is the birthstone of Leo. The timeframe starts from July 23 to Aug 22. Onyx is the anniversary gemstone for the 7th year of marriage whereas Black Onyx is the anniversary gemstone for the 10th year of marriage. The word Sardonyx is derived from the Greek, Sard meaning `reddish brown,` and onyx meaning `veined gem.` The varieties of onyx include carnelian onyx, with white and red bands, and sardonyx, with white and brown bands. Onyx may chip or scratch rather easily, so onyx should be stored carefully and it is also noted that two specimens of onyx should not touch each other. Cameos are cut from stones, such as onyx, sardonix or agate, where different colors occur in layers. The background material is cut away, leaving the cameo design in relief. Onyx is also used in intaglios because its layers can be cut to show a color contrast between the design and the background. Sardonyx at one time was more precious than gold, silver, or sapphire. Sardonyx is always widely used in cameos and intaglios. Onyx is a rich-looking, affordable gemstone. It is often mixed with pearls to create elegant jewelry. Treated agate is often sold as Black Onyx, which is regarded as a popular stone. Healing ability Onyx is used as a heart, kidney, nerve, capillary, hair, eye and nail strengthener. Onyx is said to help one sleep. This gemstone helps to eliminate apathy, stress and neurological disorders. This gemstone eliminates negative thinking, it is also believed to sharpen the wits of the wearer. Onyx is said to bring spiritual inspiration. It is a great assistance in holding emotions and passions under control. It can be mentioned that Onyx fortifies self-confidence and responsibility and also sharpens the senses. Onyx encourages a healthy egotism Black onyx Black onyx is believed to be one of the most 
powerful protection stones. The onyx generally does this by absorbing and transforming negative energy. Because of this quality people find it helpful in relieving stress and for emotional stability. It`s one of the first i.e. root chakra grounding stones. It also encourages connection to material goals and to determination in realizing them. In much crystal literature black onyx is strongly associated to Saturn, and it is said that this stone works most positively for those with a strong Saturn in their natal charts. Although this may include people born under the sign of Capricorn, it`s not limited to them. It has been said that in India it was commonly worn to cool the ardors of love. Thus it may be very helpful for people who can`t let go of past relationships. The same can be true of any belief, which no longer serves one and they can be as hard to let go of as past relationships. Onyx`s can help to bring into contact with the actual realities, and assist the people in gradually releasing all that is not in harmony with the present lives.
Garnet is a naturally occurring gemstone. Its name comes from Latin `granatus` meaning seed, because it often resembles small round seeds when found in its matrix rock.
Garnet is a family of related minerals rather than a single gemstone. Some of which occur as gemstones. Each has a common crystal structure, and a similar chemical composition.
The popular understanding of garnet is as an inexpensive dark red stone. Because it is relatively common and inexpensive, it is often thought of as `only garnet`, and as being inferior.
Garnets are actually one of the largest families of gemstones. Most natural garnets are mixtures of two or more of the following pure species: pyrope, almandine, spessartine, uvarovite, grossular, andradite. Garnets occur in a very wide variety of formations, colors, and clarities. Garnets were so called by the ancient Greeks. This is because of the fact that color reminded them of the pomegranate seed or granatum. Garnets are a group of common silicate minerals that have similar crystal structures and chemical compositions. It can be translucent to transparent, sometimes opaque with a vitreous or resinous lustre. The best known type of garnet is red semi-precious stone pyrope, one of several red gems. The ancient people used to call this as Carbuncles.
Color
The versatile garnet comes in a virtual rainbow of colors, including pink, red, purple, orange, yellow, violet, green, colorless, occasionally black, brown and many shades of red and green. The most common color of garnets is reddish brown whereas the most prized garnet is an emerald green variety called demantoid and is a member of the adradite group.
The garnet is considered to be the birthstone for Capricornus or goat. The time ranges from the month of Dec 22 to Jan 19.
There are some major types of garnets. The names can be mentioned as Almandine, Pyrope also called Bohemian garnet, or Cape ruby, Spessartine, Grossular also called grossularite, or Gooseberry garnet, Andradite, Rhodolite, Carbuncle, Hessonite also called essonite, or Cinnamon stone, Topazolite, Uvarovite and Uralian emerald or demantoid.
Garnet should be cleaned with a dry soft cloth. As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.
Garnet can be called as one of the world`s most ancient gems; garnet has been treasured for thousands of years. From ancient times the artisans created beautiful garnet beads, bracelets and other jewelry. Since then Garnets are used widely as an abrasive. Garnets are said to have been used by Asiatic tribes in place of bullets. During the latter part of the 19th century, garnet bracelets and brooches were particularly popular. Most familiar during the peak of popularity were varieties of pyrope.
The hardness of garnets and their sharp fracture make them suitable as abrasives for wood, leather, glass, metals, and plastics. Garnet is a reasonably priced stone. It is beautiful in rings, pendants, necklaces and bracelets. There are some beautiful orange garnets. A green tsavorite garnet is a very rare and high-priced stone. The dazzling beauty of garnets is responsible for their widespread use as gemstones.
Healing properties of Garnet: Garnet is an excellent assistance for blood deficiency diseases. It stimulates bloodstream and pituitary gland, relieves rheumatism and arthritis pain. Garnet combats depression and lethargy. Garnet also stimulates the spleen properly. It usually protects against depression and impure thoughts. This kind of gemstones cures fever and promotes good health. Garnet should be carried close to the body. Its energy is balancing and peaceful. This stone of passion stimulates the sexual drive. Garnet gives energy and courage. It is said to encourage robust good health and sexual desire. The stone also enhance the wearer`s imagination. Garnet symbolizes fire, faith, courage, truth, grace, compassion, constancy and fidelity. It also offers protection to the traveler. The Garnet is a stone of purity and truth as well as a symbol of love and compassion. The information released in a search may be painful, but it will always be what the searcher needs. The Garnet will help everyone`s security level and spiritual awareness. It can also help increase the sex drive.
The Garnet is known as the stone for a successful business. If someone`s business is not as good as it should be, one can just put three or more garnets on the desk. It is believed that if a garnet is put under a pillow it will cure depression. Garnets can be used to make a person popular and have self-esteem when worn as jewelry. It helps protect one on trips. Garnets bring constancy to friendships. Garnets are also known for stimulating success in business.
