AMETHYST, CITRINE AND OTHER QUARTZ STONES USED IN ESTATE JEWELRY and ANTIQUE JEWELRY
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Amethyst is the birthstone for February and the 6th wedding anniversary stone. Citrine is the alternative birthstone for November and the 13th anniversary stone.
ORIGIN OF NAME
The word quartz derives from the slavic word "kwardy" meaning hard. The Latin version "quarzum" was recorded in the 16th century.
HISTORY
Quartz is one of the first noted stones. Having been found to be dated approximately 25,000 BC with prehistoric man discoveries in Europe where Amethyst was found to be used as a decorative stone. Egyptians used quartz for personal decoration around 3100 BC. Egyptians used Amethyst that they made into beads, seals, amulets and good luck charms. Ancient Greeks and Romans used it in jewelry. Ancient Greeks and Romans placed a high value on Amethyst. Quartz or rock crystal has been used for centuries by the Japanese, the Chinese, Mayas, Aztecs and Incas.
ESTATE JEWELRY AND ANTIQUE JEWELRY USAGE
During the Victorian Jewelry Period amethysts and rock crystals were popular gemstones. Rock crystal was used during the Art Nouveau Jewelry Period and the Art Deco Period. Contemporary estate jewelry and vintage jewelry frequently use amethysts, pink quartz, ametrine and smoky quartz.
LEGENDS
The Greeks believed that Amethyst would prevent intoxication, protect people from infectious disease, have a calming effect and relieve frustrated passion. Rock crystal has been used to foretell the future. When quartz stones are squeezed they become electrically charged. When a single electrical current is run through quartz, it will vibrate at a constant frequency. Crystal balls that the Crusaders brought from the Near East were considered to have magical powers. Recently, quartz has gained popularity from the concept that it enhances psychic powers.
FORMATION
Quartz is a very pure mineral. Quartz has a strong crystal structure that makes it hard and free from cleavage. Quartz is classified as a variety of crystalline or crystals that may be visible to the unaided eye.
ESTATE JEWELRY CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Strong heat may alter the color of amethyst, rose quartz and smoky quartz. In strong light, rose quartz, smoky quartz and amethyst may fade. Use ultrasonic's, steam cleaners, and cleaning chemicals with caution or not at all on estate jewelry pieces.
VARITIES OF QUARTZ:
AMETHYST - Purple or violet quartz. The most expensive is a deep, rich evenly colored purple with flashes of red under incandescent light. The lighter the color the less expensive. Major producing countries are Zambia, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Zambia.
AMETRINE - Ametrine is mined primarily in Bolivia. It is the mixture amethyst (purple quartz) and citrine (yellow or orange quartz) that make ametrine.
CITRINE - Yellow or orange quartz. Natural citrine is generally pale yellow. The name citrine is derived from the French word "citron" for lemon. Popular for intaglios and cabochon rings through the first and second centuries in Greece and Rome.
ROCK CRYSTAL - Transparent, colorless quartz.
ROSE QUARTZ - Pink quartz. Usually translucent. Used by the Assyrians (800 to 600 BC) and later by the Romans.
SMOKY QUARTZ: Brown to black in color. Smoky quartz is found worldwide. Used in the valley of the Euphrates and by the Egyptians before 3100 BC. Smoky quartz has also been very popular with the Navajo. Smoky quartz is also called "Cairngorm" for the Cairngorm Mountains in Scotland where it is also found. Keep out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
TIGER'S EYE - Usually brown or bronze with a gold stripe, most often cut in a cabochon shape to display the gold tone so that it resembles a cat or tiger's eye.
TECHNICAL DATA
Crystal system: trigonal
Cleavage: none
Refractive Index 1.544 - 1.553
Dispersion: low
Specific Gravity:
2.64- 2.66
HARDNESS
With a hardness of 7, on the Mohs' Scale, quartz stones are hard enough for daily wear. However, caution should be used with exposure to heat or heavy sunlight. Quartz's hardness is considered the division between hard and softness.
AMETHYST ESTATE JEWELRY
Vintage and Estate Amethyst Jewelry
Deep Purple Amethyst White Diamond 18kt White Gold Ring
Estate Amethyst Gold Filigree Ring
Black Onyx Amethyst Ring
Denoir Deep Purple Amethyst Ring
Amethyst White Gold Ring
CITRINE ESTATE JEWELRY
Antique Citrine Seed Pearl Brooch
1940s Retro Modern Large Citrine Brooch Pin
SMOKY QUARTZ ESTATE JEWELRY
Big Vintage Smoky Quartz Pendant
