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The minerals grouped as jasper belong to the quartz family. Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth. It's formed primarily from silica and oxygen, but includes trace amounts of dozens of other minerals. Because of these ineralogical impurities.... (2002) Complete Story
Lapis lazuli, as lovely as its exotic name, has decorated humans and enhanced their art for thousands of years. Normally a rich deep shade of blue or blue-violet, lapis lazuli may at times have a slight greenish cast.... (2001) Complete Story
Two gemstones bear the name jade: nephrite and jadeite. Nephrite, first known as yu, was treasured by the Chinese for centuries. Its current name, and the word "jade," both came from the Europeans via the Spanish conquistadores who.... (2001) Complete Story
The fragile opal first flashed its fiery colors at mortals millennia ago, igniting a love affair that has survived the fickleness of the human heart. Its faults, like softness and lack of stability, are overlooked by those entranced by its beauty.... (2001) Complete Story
Pearls don't need polishing or faceting to reveal their natural beauty. That's why pearls were among the first gems worn by humans. The oldest known pearl necklaces graced the necks of women more than 4,000 years ago....
(2001) Complete Story
