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Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Astrology Sun Signs

Ancient astrologers divided the zodiac into twelve equal parts, naming each after a constellation in that area of the sky. These twelve divisions make up the twelve signs of the zodiac. As the earth orbits the sun during the year, the sun appears from earth to move along a line relative to the fixed stars. This line is called the ecliptic, and the band that extends to about eight degrees either side of this line is the zodiac.

Horoscope

A horoscope is a prediction of someone's possible future based on the relative positions of these planets. It can also be referred to as a diagram of the positions of the planets and signs of the zodiac at a particular time and place.
Interpreting a horoscope involves consideration of the positions of the planets and the houses, and the angles made by the planets to each other (aspects). The signs of the zodiac provide the framework in which the planets interact.
By knowing the constellation that the sun was in at the time of birth, one can discover common charac teristics to people born under a specific sun sign (also called your birth sign, or star sign). By charting the positions of the planets, and their relationships to each other for a specific time period, one can reasonably predict some things about the future. This is best done by a qualified astrologer who has studied the many factors that go into creating an individual astrology chart.

Characteristics of the Sun Signs: The Elements

Each sun sign is assigned one of the principle elements of nature. These are:
  • Fire - These signs tend to be lively, impetuous, aggressive, bright, and enthusiastic. They are self sufficient and can become forceful and demanding with those around them.
  • Air - These signs have quick minds and are gifted in abstract concepts, communications, reasoning, intellect. They express themselves well and demonstrate good logic reasoning. They can sometimes be cold and impractical.
  • Earth - These signs are matter of fact and controlled. The earth is solid matter, it is stable and can be built upon.
  • Water - Sensitive and intuitive, these signs have deep emotional feelings. They are receptive and in tune with the environment in which they live, like a flowing water current.
There are three zodiac signs for each element:

Fire Signs

Aries
Leo
Sagittarius

Air Signs

Gemini
Libra
Aquarius

Earth Signs

Taurus
Virgo
Capricorn

Water Signs

Cancer
Scorpio
Pisces

Characteristics of the Sun Signs: The Qualities

Each sign has a quality assigned to it. The qualities are:
  • Cardinal - initiative, movement, vitality
  • Fixed - steadfastness, stability, earthiness
  • Mutable - adaptable to changes in life, capable of guiding and influencing circumstances

Cardinal Signs

Aries
Cancer
Libra
Capricorn

Fixed Signs

Taurus
Leo
Aquarius
Scorpio

Mutable Signs

Gemini
Virgo
Pisces
Sagittarius
Click on the sun signs to discover more about each sign along with its ruling planet, lucky numbers, colors, symbol, flower, gemstone and primary characteristics.




March 21 - April 20
Aries - Latin for "the Ram" (Krios in Greek).
Aries likes to lead. A good challenge is happiness to Aries. Aries goes through life with confidence and a enthusiastic outlook on everything. They can lack patience and often don't finish what they start.
People born under the sun sign Aries are generous and frank with friends. They have a gift for fun. Aries can fall in love quickly and out of love even more quickly.

Aries Gemstones 


Constellation
Aries, the Ram 
Zodiac symbol
charging ram
Known as
The Pioneer
Ruling planet
Mars
Quality
Cardinal Fiery Sign
Element
Fire
Greatest Overall Compatibility
Leo, Sagittarius
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
Libra
Day
Tuesday
Color
Red
Flowers
Honeysuckle & Sweet pea
Metal
Iron
Lucky Numbers
1, 9
Aries virtues
Abundant physical energy, courage, honesty, independence, self-reliance
Negative traits
Haste, impetuousness, over-agression, rashness
Celebrities born under the sign Aries
Johann Sebastian Bach
Warren Beatty
Marlon Brando
Matthew Broderick
Charlie Chaplin
James Garner
Harry Houdini
Hugh Hefner
Elton John
Thomas Jefferson
Eddie Murphy
Leonard Nimoy
Vincent Van Gogh
Diana Ross
Omar Sharif
Gloria Steinem
Tennesse Williams


April 21 - May 20
Taurus takes its name from the Greek Tauros, meaning "the Bull."
No one is more persistence and steadfast than Taurus. Taurus usually excels at his work, because he understands the importance of method and order. Taurus has a wonderful sense of humor and often uses his humor to be the center of attention. Taurus is not aggressive, but can be stubborn and self-indulgence.
Taurus is loyal and faithful friend. As a lover, Taurus is sensual and amorous. Taurus is very fond of music.

Taurus Gemstones


Constellation
Taurus the Bull
Zodiac symbol
Bull
Known as
The Builder
Ruling planet
Venus
Quality
Fixed
Element
Earth
Greatest Overall Compatibility
Virgo, Capricorn
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
Scorpio
Day
Friday
Color
green, orange, yellow, earth tones
Flowers
Violet & Poppy
Metal
Copper
Lucky Numbers
6, 4
Taurus virtues
Endurance, loyalty, patience, stability, harmonious disposition
Negative traits
Rigidity, stubborness, tendency toward over possessive and materialistic
Celebrities born under the sign Taurus
Catherine the Great
Ann Margret
Burt Bacharach
Candice Bergen
Carol Burnett
Cher
Albert Finney
Sigmund Freud
Queen Elizabeth II
Audrey Hepburn
Shirley MacLaine
Jack Nicholson
Al Pacino
Michelle Pfeiffer
Barbra Streisand
Orson Welles



May 21 - June 20
Gemini is the Latin translation of the Greek Didymoi, "the Twins."
Gemini has an abundance of intellectual energy. This energy must be expressed and they seldom suffer in silence. Gemini is charming and life is more interesting and beautiful with them around. Gemini can make quick changes in any aspect of life. They cannot bear to be bored.
Gemini craves variety and joy and to have the love of Gemini can be a joyful experience as long as Gemini doesn't get restless.

Gemini Gemstones


Constellation
Gemini
Zodiac symbol
The Twins
Known as
The Artist
Ruling planet
Mercury
Quality
Mutable
Element
Air
Greatest Overall Compatibility
Libra, Aquarius
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
Sagittarius
Day
Wednesday
Color
Yellow
Flowers
Lily of the Valley & Lavender
Metal
Quicksilver
Lucky Numbers
5, 9
Gemini virtues
Communication skills, quick and agile thought process, learns quickly
Negative traits
Tendency toward gossip, hurting others with harsh speech, superficiality
Celebrities born under the sign Gemini
F Lee Bailey
Jacques Cousteau
Clint Eastwood
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Mary Cassatt
Bob Dylan
Judy Garland
Bob Hope
Duchess of Windsor
John F Kennedy
Malcolm McDowell
Marilyn Monroe
Cole Porter
Donald Trump
Gene Wilder


June 21 - July 20
Cancer - "the Crab" (Karkinos in Greek, Cancer in Latin).
Cancer is very patient. Cancer feels all moods to the fullest, joy, sorrow, compassion, horror and sadness. Family is important to Cancer. Cancer will always forgive, but has a good memory.
Cancer can love long and strong. Cancer is a giver and can be taken advantage of by those who are takers.

Cancer Gemstones


Constellation
Cancer the Crab
Zodiac symbol
Crab
Known as
The Teacher
Ruling planet
the Moon
Quality
Cardinal
Element
Water
Greatest Overall Compatibility
Scorpio, Pisces
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
Capricorn
Day
Monday
Colors
Violet, Sea Green & Silver
Flowers
Larkspur
Metal
Silver
Lucky Numbers
3, 7
Cancer virtues
Emotional sensitivity, tenacity, nurturing
Negative traits
Over-sensitivity, negative moodiness
Celebrities born under the sign Cancer
Louis Armstrong
Bill Blass
Yul Brinkley
Tom Cruise
Harrison Ford
Merv Griffin
Kris Kristofferson
Ginger Rogers
Carly Simon
Donald Sutherland
Sylvester Stallone
Henry David Thoreau
Mike Tyson
Ernest Hemingway
John Glenn
Ringo Starr

July 21 - August 21
Leo - Latin for "the Lion", called Leon in the original Greek.
Leo is the king or commander and commands very well. Leo can organize, give out duties and be straightforward. Leo always shows consideration for others and is generous to those in poverty.
Leo is ready to love too quickly and then can be hurt, but will soon be ready to love again.

Leo Gemstones


Constellation
Leo The Lion
Zodiac symbol
Lion
Known as
The King
Ruling planet
the Sun
Quality
Fixed
Element
Fire
Greatest Overall Compatibility
Aries, Sagittarius
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
Aquarius
Day
Sunday
Color
Orange
Flowers
Sunflower & Marigold
Metal
Gold
Lucky Numbers
8, 9
Leo virtues
Leadership, self-esteem, confidence, generosity, creativity, joyful
Negative traits
Arrogance, vanity, bossiness
Celebrities born under the sign Leo
Napoleon Bonaparte
Lucille Ball
Tony Bennett
Julia Child
Robert Di Niro
Henry Ford
C G Jung
Alfred Hitchcock
Julia Child
Fidel Castro
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Mick Jagger
Peter Jennings
Madonna
Roman Polanski
Robert Redford
Andy Warhol
Shelley Winters

August 22 - September 22
Virgo - "the Virgin" in Latin, whose Greek name was Parthenos.
Virgo has a sharp power of discrimination. Virgo is an excellent manager with thrifty ways and a clear head. Virgo should watch out not to be too critical of others not so strong willed.
It takes hard work to win the love of Virgo, but once won, the love glows so hot it seldom cools.

Virgo Gemstones


Constellation
Virgo
Zodiac symbol
The Virgin
Known as
The Craftsman
Ruling planet
Mercury
Quality
Mutable
Element
Earth
Greatest Overall Compatibility
Taurus, Capricorn
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
Pisces
Day
Wednesday
Color
Navy blue
Flowers

Metal
Quicksilver
Lucky Numbers
5, 3
Virgo virtues
Mental agility, analystical skills, healing powers, ability to give attention to details
Negative traits
Destructive criticism
Celebrities born under the sign Virgo
Greta Garbo
Lyndon B Johnson
Virgonard Bernstein
Lauren Bacall
Jacqueline Bisset
Sid Caesar
Sean Connery
Ben Gazzara
Jesse James
Sophia Loren
Bob Newhart
Lily Tomlin
Racquel Welch

September 23 - October 22
Libra - Latin for "the Balance" or "the Scales", from the Greek word Zygos. This sign was originally called, "the Claws", which were attached to the constellation Scorpio; the later idea of a balance most likely derived from the relative equality of day and night at the autumnal equinox.
Libra is balance. Libra will work with concentration and relax with dedication. Some Libras do seek perfection, which can make life trying for those who live with them.
Love and marriage is important to Libra. If you are lucky to marry Libra, your home will be filled with art and music.

Libra Gemstones


Constellation
Libra
Zodiac symbol
Scales
Known as
The Statesman
Ruling planet
Venus
Quality
Cardinal
Element
Air
Greatest Overall Compatibility
Gemini, Aquarius
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
Aries
Day
Friday
Color
Indigo Blue
Flowers
Rose, Cosmos & Hydrangeas
Metal
Quicksilver
Lucky Numbers
6, 9
Libra virtues
Social grace, charm, tact, diplomacy
Negative traits
Violating what is right for the sake of social acceptance
Celebrities born under the sign Libra
George Gershwin
Truman Capote
Mickey Mantle
Julie Andrews
John Lennon
Charlie Brown
Ray Charles
Angie Dickinson
Michael Douglas
Rita Hayworth
Charlton Heston
Jesse Jackson
Johnny Mathis
Luciano Pavarotti
Mickey Rooney
Gore Vidal
Signourney Weaver

October 23 - November 22
Scorpio - Latin for "the Scorpion" (Skorpios in Greek).
Scorpio is all about power and self-mastery. Scorpio is known as the physician's sign, as Scorpio also wants to give to others. Scorpio is often psychic, making excellent diagnosis of illness.
Scorpio can be protective of loved ones in the home, but do not try to hide in goings on from Scorpio, as they like to know everything. Scorpio has very strong likes and dislikes and lets all know what they are.

Scorpio Gemstones


Constellation
Scorpio
Zodiac symbol
Scorpion & Eagle
Known as
The Inspector
Ruling planet
Pluto & Mars
Quality
Fixed
Element
Water
Greatest Overall Compatibility
Cancer, Pisces
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
Taurus
Day
Tuesday
Color
Deep red
Flowers
Chrysanthemum & Rhododendron
Metal
Steel
Lucky Numbers
2, 4
Scorpio virtues
Loyalty, concentration, determination, courage, depth
Negative traits
Jealousy, vindictiveness, fanaticism
Celebrities born under the sign Scorpio
Charles Bronson
Richard Burton
Johnny Carson
Martin Luther
Pablo Picasso
Katharine Hepburn
Billy Graham
Richard Burton
Grace Kelly
Vivien Leigh
Mike Nichols
Charles, Prince of Wales

November 23 - December 20
Sagittarius - "the Archer" in Latin, called Toxotes in Greek.
The curiosity of Sagittarius is truly insatiable and the mental energy is always alert. Sagittarius is a wonderful teacher and student. Sagittarius loves knowledge, all kinds of people and often sports.
Sagittarius is very frank and open with friends and lovers. This is sometimes viewed by others as inconsiderate. Sometimes Sagittarius finds it better not to marry.

Sagittarius Gemstones


Constellation
Sagittarius
Zodiac symbol
The Centaur, Archer
Known as
The Counselor
Ruling planet
Jupiter
Quality
Mutable
Element
Fire
Greatest Overall Compatibility
Aries, Leo
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
Gemini
Day
Thursday
Color
Light blue & Purple
Flowers
Narcissus & Dandelion
Metal
Tin
Lucky Numbers
5, 7
Sagittarius virtues
Generosity, honesty, broad-mindedness, tremendous vision
Negative traits
Over-optimism, exaggeration, being too generous with other people's money
Celebrities born under the sign Sagittarius
Woody Allen
Ludwig van Beethoven
Mark Twain
Winston Churchill
Noel Coward
Sammy Davis, Jr.
Joe DeMaggio
Walt Disney
Kirk Douglas
Jane Fonda
Billie Jean King
John Malkovich
Bette Midler
Frank Sinatra
Flip Wilson

December 21 - January 19
Capricorn - Capricornus is a Latin compound of "she-goat" (capra) and "horn" (cornus), which translates the original Greek Aegocerus, "goat-horned."
Capricorn is generally an upholder of tradition. Capricorn is usually interested in the welfare of the community. Capricorn has a noble ambition and an extraordinary power of adaptability. Once in a while Capricorn becomes too ambitious in the wealth department.
Capricorn is a bit of a flirt. When it comes to marriage Capricorn looks for a "suitable" marriage and it is usually successful.

Capricorn Gemstones


Constellation
Capricorn
Zodiac symbol
The Goat
Known as
The Ambassador
Ruling planet
Saturn
Quality
Cardinal
Element
Earth
Greatest Overall Compatibility
Taurus, Virgo
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
Cancer
Day
Saturday
Color
Dark Green & Dark Blue
Flowers
Carnation
Metal
Lead
Lucky Numbers
2, 8
Capricorn virtues
Sense of duty, organization, perseverance, patience, ability to see the long term
Negative traits
Pessimism, depression, undue materialism and conservatism
Celebrities born under the sign Capricorn
Mohammad Ali
Steve Allen
Joan of Arc
Isaac Asimov
Benjamin Franklin
Humphrey Bogart
Faye Dunaway
Ava Gardner
Mary Tyler Moore
Richard Nixon
Martin Luther King
J R R Tolkien

January 20 - February 18
Aquarius - called by the Greeks Hydrochoos, "the Water-Pourer." "Aquarius" is a Latin translation of the Greek name.
Aquarius is open-minded and usually holds no prejudices. Aquarius is serene and friendly. Aquarius will listen and learn from anyone to find the truth. Aquarius has so many interests that there are times his energy is spread too thin.
Aquarius makes a sincere friend. Marriage for Aquarius may take longer as he does not open up easily.

Aquarius Gemstones


Constellation
Aquarius
Zodiac symbol
The Water-Bearer
Known as
The Truth-seeker
Ruling planet
Uranus & Saturn
Quality
Fixed
Element
Air
Greatest Overall Compatibility
Gemini, Libra
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
Leo
Day
Wednesday
Color
Sky blue
Flowers
Orchid
Metal
Uranium
Lucky Numbers
1, 7
Aquarius virtues
Great intellectual power, ability to communicate and to form and understand abstract concepts, love for the new and avante-garde
Negative traits
Coldness, rebelliousness for its own sake, fixed ideas
Celebrities born under the sign Aquarius
Mikhail Baryshnikov
Lord Byron
Charles Darwin
Charles Dickens
Clark Gable
Abraham Lincoln
Norman Mailer
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Paul Newman
Jack Nicklaus
Babe Ruth
Ronald Reagan
Burt Reynolds
James Dean
Mia Farrow
Virginia Woolf

February 19 - March 20
Pisces called Ichtyes ("the fishes") by the Greeks, "Pisces" being the Latin translation.
Usually Pisces cares little for making money, but cares about ideals and aspirations. Pisces likes to dream, he is not interested in competition. Pisces is drawn to the arts, especially the stage. Pisces can be moody and vague.
Pisces is often the friend of the under-dog. Pisces may have many marriages.

Pisces Gemstones


Constellation
Pisces
Zodiac symbol
Two fishes
Known as
The Poet
Ruling planet
Neptune & Jupiter
Quality
Mutable watery sign
Element
Water
Greatest Overall Compatibility
Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
Virgo
Day
Friday
Color
Sea-green & Lavender
Flowers
Violet, Jonquil & Water Lily
Metal
Platinum
Lucky Numbers
2, 6
Pisces virtues
Psychic power, sensitivity, self-sacrifice, altruism
Negative traits
Escapism, keeping bad company, negative moods
Celebrities born under the sign Pisces
Edgar Cayce
Chopin
Wyatt Earp
Jackie Gleason
Liza Minnelli
Ralph Nader
Auguste Renoir
Harry Belafonte
Elizabeth Taylor
Tommy Tune
Gloria Vanderbilt
George Washington

Birthstones by Month

 Traditionally, a birthstone is associated with each month of the year. For example, the birthstone for January is a garnet, while lucky babies born in April get a diamond as their birthstone.
The origin of birthstones is believed to date back to the breastplate of Aaron which 
contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The current list 
dates back to 1912 with only one addition since then – the tanzanite was added to 
December.
There are numerous legends and myths about birthstone healing powers and their 

therapeutic influence. According to these legends, wearing a gemstone during its assigned 

month heightened its healing powers. For the full effect, individuals needed to own all 

twelve and alternate them monthly.


JANUARY BIRTHSTONE

GARNET
Garnet, the birthstone for January,  signifies eternal friendship and trust and is the perfect gift for a friend.  Garnet, derived from the word granatum, means seed, and is called so because of the gemstone's resemblance to a pomegranate seed.  References to the gemstone dates back to 3100 B.C., when the Egyptians used garnets as inlays jewelry.  Garnet is the name of a group of minerals that comes in a rainbow of colors, from the deep red of the pyrope garnet to the vibrant green of tsavorites.  Today, the most important sources for garnet are Africa, Sri Lanka, and India.

Garnet


FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONE

AMETHYST

Amethyst, the gemstone believed by ancient Greeks and Romans to ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus, also is said to keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted.  Throughout history, the gemstone has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures.  English regalia were even decorated with amethysts during the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. It has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures. Amethyst is purple quartz, a beautiful blend of violet and red that can found in every corner of the earth. Historically, the finest amethyst were found in Russia and were featured in much royal European jewelry.  Today, while Brazil is the primary source of this gemstone, fine material can be found elsewhere, especially in Zambia.
Amethyst

MARCH BIRTHSTONE

AQUAMARINE

The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea.  This gemstone was believed to protect sailors, as well as to guarantee a safe voyage.  The serene color of aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded.  Its pale, cool color beautifully complements spring and summer wardrobes.  Aquamarine is most often light in tone and ranges from greenish blue to blue-green; the color usually is more intense in larger stones.  This gemstone is mined mainly in Brazil, but also is found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique.
Aquamarine


APRIL BIRTHSTONE

DIAMOND

As the April birthstone, diamonds are the ideal gift for a loved one.  And now you have more choices than ever. Get creative and give the ultimate gift of beauty: a fancy-color diamond. Fancy-color diamonds are natural, rare and truly exotic gem of the earth.  Diamonds in hues of yellow, red, pink, blue, and green range in intensity from faint to vivid and generally the more saturated the color, the higher the value. In fact, diamonds sparkling with intense color are rare and may be priced higher than a colorless diamond of equal size.  Because fancy-color diamonds are very desirable, color is sometimes introduced in a laboratory. These are correctly called color-treated diamonds. When purchasing a fancy-color diamond, the shopper should ask if any enhancements or treatments were used to improve its color and/or clarity.
Diamond

MAY BIRTHSTONE

EMERALD

As the birthstone for May, the emerald, a symbol of rebirth, is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. Emerald, derived from the word smaragdus, meaning green in Greek, was mined in Egypt as early as 330 B.C. Today, most of the world’s emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zambia. The availability of high-quality emerald is limited; consequently, treatments to improve clarity are performed regularly.
Emerald

JUNE BIRTHSTONE


PEARL

Historically, pearls have been used as an adornment for centuries.  They were one of the favorite gem materials of the Roman Empire; later in Tudor England, the 1500s were known as the pearl age.  Pearls are unique as they are the only gems from living sea creatures and require no faceting or polishing to reveal their natural beauty. In the early 1900s, the first successful commercial culturing of round saltwater pearls began. Since the 1920s, cultured pearls have almost completely replaced natural pearls in the market.
Pearl


JULY BIRTHSTONE

RUBY

There’s no better way to demonstrate your love than by giving a ruby in celebration of a July birthday. Rubies arouse the senses, stir the imagination, and are said to guarantee health, wisdom, wealth and success in love. Ruby is a variety of the gems species corundum. It is harder than any natural gemstone except diamond, which means a ruby is durable enough for everyday wear. Fine-quality ruby is extremely rare, and the color of the gem is most important to its value. The most prized color is a medium or medium dark vivid red or slightly purplish red. If the gem is too light or has too much purple or orange, it will be called a fancy-color sapphire.
Ruby

AUGUST BIRTHSTONE


PERIDOT

Peridot is said to host magical powers and healing properties to protect against nightmares and to bring the wearer power, influence, and a wonderful year.  As peridot is a gemstone that forms deep inside the Earth and brought to the surface by volcanoes, in Hawaii, peridot symbolizes the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes.  Today, most of the peridot supply comes from Arizona; other sources are China, Myanmar, and Pakistan.  This gemstone comes in several color variations ranging from yellowish green to brown, but most consumers are attracted to the bright lime greens and olive greens.  Peridot, in smaller sizes, often is used in beaded necklaces and bracelets.
Peridot

SEPTEMBER BIRTHSTONE

SAPPHIRE

Sapphire, the September birthstone, has been popular since the Middle Ages and, according to folklore, will protect your loved ones from envy and harm.  Medieval clergy wore sapphires to symbolize heaven, while commoners thought the gem attracted heavenly blessings.  Blue sapphires range from very light to very dark greenish or violetish blue, as well as various shades of pure blue.  The most prized colors are a medium to medium dark blue or slightly violetish blue.  Sapphire is a variety of the gem species corundum and occurs in all colors of the  rainbow.  Pink, purple, green, orange, or yellow corundum are known by their color (pink sapphire, green sapphire).  Ruby is the red variety of corundum.
Sapphire

OCTOBER BIRTHSTONE

 

TOURMALINE

Tourmaline has become a favorite gemstone among jewelry designer, and gem collectors the world over. Since it is available in a wide variety of colors, it is ideally suited to almost anyone's taste. Tourmaline also is known for displaying several colors in the same gemstone.  These bi-color or tri-color gems are formed in many combinations; gemstones with clear color distinctions are highly prized.  One multi-color variety is known as watermelon tourmaline, and features green, pink, and white colors bands; to resemble its namesake, the gemstone is cut into thin slices having a pink center, white ring, and green edge.  Tourmaline is found in many localities including Brazil, Afghanistan, East Africa, and the USA.
Tourmaline

NOVEMBER BIRTHSTONE


TOPAZ

Topaz is a gemstone available in a rich rainbow of colors. Prized for several thousand years in antiquity, all yellow gems in antiquity were called topaz. Often confused with citrine quartz (yellow) and smoky quartz (brown), quartz and topaz are separate and unrelated mineral species. The most prized color of topaz is called Imperial topaz after the Russian Czars of the 1800s and features a magnificent orange body color with pinkish undertones. Topaz also comes in yellow, pink, purple, orange, and the many popular blue tones.
Topaz

DECEMBER BIRTHSTONE


TANZANITE

Discovered in the late 1960s in Tanzania, and found exclusively in this tiny area of the world, tanzanite exhibits a rich violet-blue color for which the gemstone is treasured; often it is heat-treated to achieve this color.  Colors range from blue to purple, and tanzanites that are medium dark in tone, vivid in saturation, and slightly violet blue command premium prices.  As tanzanite can be less expensive than sapphire, it often was purchased as an alternative.  However, it has increased in popularity and now is valued more for its own beauty and brilliance than as a sapphire substitute.
Tanzanite