An amazing ring made of 925 Sterling Silver features 7.26cts of the awesome gemstone, Color Change Fluorite and 0.91cts of glistening Ratanakiri Zircon.
Precious metal: 925 Sterling Silver
Average Weight: 4.01g
Number of Gemstones: 29
Shape: Cushion and Round
Total Carat Weight: 8.17cts
Birthstone Month:
Fluorite is associated with the birthstone month of February.
History & Lore:
The name Fluorite is derived from the Latin 'fleure' meaning “to flow”, and refers to its use as a flux in smelting, and it is relatively easy to melt. Fluorite is in fact colorless, with the various colors resulting from tiny amounts of other elements substituting the Calcium in its crystal structure. Fluorite was originally referred to as fluorospar by miners, and is still sometimes referenced using this name today.
Fluorite is used industrially as a flux in the smelting of metallic ores such as steel, and in the manufacture of certain glasses, enamels and porcelains. It is also used as a source of Fluorine for hydrofluoric acid and fluorinated water. The element Fluorine, gets its name from Fluorite, which is Fluorines only common mineral. The term fluorescent is actually derived from the word Fluorite.The household fluorescent tube owes the “fluorescent” part of its name to this gemstone. Many pieces of Fluorite fluoresce when placed under ultraviolet light.
Fluorite is the state mineral of Illinois.
Fluorite is believed to not only balance and focus positive energies, but to absorb, alter, and release negative energies. It has long been believed to enhance intuition, creativity, concentration, and the wearer's sense of order. In addition to this, Fluorite is an aid to promoting healing, and can give protection against numerous types of diseases.
The color of Fluorite is extremely variable, ranging through blue, green, yellow, colorless, brown, pink, black, and purple. Purple is by far the most famous and popular color. Intermediate pastels between the previously mentioned colors are also possible.
Though most specimens of Fluorite will display a single color, it is potentially possible for a specimen to display up to four or five different color zones or patterns. It is this banded Fluorite that is most often seen in the gemstone market. In addition to this, some specimens of Fluorite will have fluorescent qualities from rare elements, un-bonded Fluorine, or organic matter within the crystal. All of these factors will leave no doubt as to why Fluorite has earned the reputation as “The Most Colorful Mineral in the World.” The variable colorations and large sizes have captivated jewelry designers and carvers the world over.
Zircon
Birthstone Month:
Zircon
is associated with the birthstone months of December and October.
History & Lore:
The name
Zircon is believed to have derived from the Persian word 'zargun' which means
“gold-colored”. In the middle ages,
Zircon was believed to aid sleep, promote honor, and to bring prosperity and
wisdom to its wearer.
Geologists
can determine how long a gemstone has existed by using modern analytical
techniques. This is possible because Zircon crystals accumulate atoms of
Uranium which decay to lead at a known rate. By measuring the relative
abundance of the two types of Uranium and Lead in Zircon's chemical
composition, scientists can then determine how old it is. Zircon is so far the oldest mineral known to
man, with the oldest specimens to date being found in Western Australia (4.404
billion years old), and Chile (4.6 billion years old). Ratanakiri Zircon comes from Cambodia.
Colorless
Zircon specimens have long been a popular substitute for diamonds. This is
because of Zircon's high refractive index, luster, and light dispersion. Today,
Zircon is often overlooked, probably due to its name being similar to the
synthetic, man-made Cubic Zirconia, also a diamond substitute. Blue Zircon is
the most popular color and is found in pastel blue and occasionally bright
blue. Natural blue colored Zircon is
somewhat rare and because of this, blue colored Zircon gemstones demand a
premium. Zircon is a beautiful natural gemstone that can be found in various
colors i.e., green, dark red, yellow, golden-yellow, brown, and orange colors.
Zircon
should be worn and stored with care as it can abrade and facets can chip. Zircon
should be kept away from household chemicals and exposure to excessive heat as
both can cause permanent damage to the stone.