A Gemstone's Journey: 1. Formation & Discovery

Gemstones have been treasured for their beauty and value for thousands of years. Each gemstone has its own unique story, and in this blog post, we will explore some of our gemstones: sapphires, rubies, spinels, tsavorites, and chrysoberyls. We will examine how they were formed, where they are found, and how they were initially discovered. 

Formation of Gemstones

Before we dive into the specifics of each gemstone, it is important to understand how gemstones are formed. Most gemstones are formed deep within the earth's mantle, where intense heat and pressure transform minerals into crystals. These crystals are then brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions or other geological processes. Some gemstones, such as pearls, are formed within living organisms.

Sapphires

Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum, which is formed when aluminum and oxygen combine under high pressure and temperature. Sapphires come in a range of colors, with blue being the most well-known. Other colors include yellow, pink, and green. Sapphires are found in many countries around the world, including Tanzania, Montana, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. Read More on Sapphires

Rubies

Like sapphires, rubies are also a variety of corundum. However, rubies are distinguished by their rich red color, which is caused by the presence of chromium. Rubies are found in many of the same locations as sapphires, including Burma, Winza, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique. Read More on Rubies

Spinel

Spinels are a lesser-known gemstone that come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, purple, and pink. Spinels are often mistaken for rubies or sapphires, and were once called "balas rubies" or "balas sapphires." Spinels are formed from magnesium, aluminum, and oxygen, and are found in countries such as Afghanistan, Tanzania, and Vietnam.

Tsavorite

Tsavorite is a green garnet that was first discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. Tsavorite gets its green color from the presence of chromium and vanadium. Unlike many other gemstones, tsavorite is not treated or enhanced in any way. Tsavorite is found in several countries in East Africa, including Tanzania and Kenya. 

 Chrysoberyl

Chrysoberyl is a rare gemstone that is prized for its vivid green or yellow color. Chrysoberyl is formed from beryllium, aluminum, and oxygen, and is found in countries such as Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. One of the most famous chrysoberyls is the Alexandrite, which changes color from green in daylight to red in incandescent light.

Discovery of Gemstones

The discovery of gemstones throughout history has been the result of both luck and persistence. Some gemstones were discovered by chance, while others were sought after for their perceived value.

Sapphires were first discovered in ancient times in the region that is now Sri Lanka. They were prized for their blue color and were used to adorn the robes of royalty. In the 1800s, sapphires were discovered in Australia, and they quickly became a valuable export. Today, sapphires are found in many countries around the world. Read More on Sapphires

Rubies were first discovered in Myanmar, where they were considered to be more valuable than diamonds. The mines in Myanmar were the only source of rubies for centuries, and the ruling powers kept the location of the mines a closely guarded secret. Rubies were later discovered in other parts of the world, including Sri Lanka and Mozambique. Read More on Rubies

Spinels were once considered to be the same as rubies or sapphires, and were often sold under those names. It wasn't until the late 1800s that spinels were recognized as a separate gemstone. Spinels were first discovered in Afghanistan, and today they are found in many countries around the world.

Tsavorite was discovered by a Scottish geologist named Campbell Bridges in Tanzania in the 1960s. Bridges spent years searching for the gemstone, and when he finally discovered it, he named it after the Tsavo National Park in Kenya. Today, flawless tsavorites can be considered to be one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world.

Chrysoberyl was first discovered in Brazil in the early 1800s. The Alexandrite variety was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830. The gemstone was named after Alexander II, who was the Tsar of Russia at the time. Today, chrysoberyl is found in many countries around the world.

In conclusion, the journey of a gemstone from its formation millions of years ago to its discovery and eventual transformation into a cherished piece of jewelry is a fascinating one. Sapphires, rubies, spinels, tsavorites, and chrysoberyls are just a few of the many gemstones that have captured the attention and admiration of people throughout history. By understanding the unique properties and histories of these gemstones, we can better appreciate their beauty and value.

 Up Next : A Gemstone's Journey: Mining