Diamond Is No Longer Nature’s Hardest Material?

Diamond Is No Longer Nature’s Hardest Material?

It is said that Diamond is the hardest material known to man. But according to scientist," a rare natural substance, called lonsdaleite, which is made from carbon atoms just like diamond, has emerged as 58 per cent harder than the gemstone, according to a report in the New Scientist.

An international team, led by Zicheng Pan at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, simulated how atoms in two substances believed to have promise as very hard materials would respond to the stress of a finely tipped probe pushing down on them.

The simulation revealed that the first one, wurtzite boron nitride, withstood 18 per cent more stress than diamond, while the second, the mineral lonsdaleite, 58 per cent more.

Rare mineral lonsdaleite is sometimes formed when meteorites containing graphite hit Earth, while wurtzite boron nitride is formed during volcanic eruptions that produce very high temperatures and pressures.

Gemstones And Minerals

Gemstones And Minerals

Rocks, Gemstones and Minerals

The earth has been undergoing tremendous changes for over four and a half billion years to become the planet that we now know. That also applies to the fact that it has also taken that long to form some of the minerals and rocks that it has produced. Even though the earth is in perpetual change, evolution, and renewing, constantly making new rocks, this vision assists us by placing us in the right perspective about time and the formation of rocks and minerals. In view of that, let us consider: what rocks, crystals (gemstones) and minerals have in common and how do they differ?

• Rocks, minerals and gemstones are all found beneath the vegetation and soil that cover the earth's surface and as a result of different geological processes.
• Rocks and minerals make up the underlying crust of the earth. On the surface, the earth is covered by water, sand, soil and ice. In some places we can also observe exposed rocks, especially in the mountain ranges. Rocks are exposed as a result of rain, wind, erosion and volcanic eruptions that push them up to the exterior.
• A mineral is a naturally occurring compound or element found in the earth's crust. Minerals are the most common material on earth. Unlike rocks, a mineral has the same chemical composition throughout and is made up of two or more chemicals. Minerals are not rocks. Rocks and crystals are minerals that have undergone different geological processes.
• Rocks are a combination of two or more minerals in different proportions. There are different types of rocks depending of how they are formed. Most rocks and minerals form deep in the crust as the contents from inside the magma escape through holes and crevices, the only exception is sedimentary rocks that develop from slow buildup of soil deposits.
• Crystals are minerals that form when liquid molecules bond through a process called crystallization. The molecules of crystals arrange themselves in regular and orderly patterns. With the exception of diamonds and peridot, crystals form within the earth's crust. As a general rule, when people talk about crystals, they are usually referring to gemstones Crystal formation occurs when the liquid minerals from inside the earth cool and harden. Most mineral crystals take thousands of years to develop.
  

The tectonic plates make up the earth's crust and they measure approximately three miles deep at the ocean floor and twenty-five miles deep under the continents. These plates glide over the mantle are in constant motion, friction and renewal from all sides. The magma is mostly molten rock, found below the surface of the earth's crust in magma chambers. What escapes from the mantle, through the renewal process of the earth, becomes rocks and crystals.

Source:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Rocks,-Gemstones-and-Minerals&id=2540680

Gemstones And Minerals

Gemstone Beads

Gemstone Beads

A gemstone is a precious or semi-precious stone used for jewelry. Scientifically, it is a mineral, rock or petrified material. Some beautiful gemstones are too soft or too fragile to be used in jewelry, for example, single-crystal rhodochrosite, but are exhibited in museums and are sought by collectors of mineral or crystal specimens.

There are natural and manmade gemstones. Natural gemstones are one of the nature’s finest creations. A genuine real gemstone is available in one piece only, meaning no two gemstones are alike. Sometimes these gemstones are further finished, dyed and stained.

History tells us that semi-precious beads have been used as both ornament and as currency. Coral, lapis and amber were used in the past, but today we there are many more options. One can find many semi-precious and precious beads. These gemstones are available in different shapes, like round, oval, rondelle, tubes and stars. Some of the most popular are oval- and bean-shaped gemstone, cube- and brick-shaped gemstone, nugget shaped, faceted cuts and button and roundel-shaped gemstones. Genuine gemstone beads include amazonite, amber, aquamarine and topaz, and are available at different prices. The prices of these beads vary in terms of the color, weight and clarity.

Gemstones have been used to make beads for ages, and every culture uses them not only as adornment but to express social circumstances, political occurrences, and religious beliefs. There are gemstones which represent planets and are believed to carry spiritual importance. They are often used to cure the alleged effects of planetary movements. One can choose a gemstone of their ruling planet, or their birthstone. These gemstones can be combined with metal and worn as a piece of jewelry as well.

Source:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Gemstone-Beads&id=190731

Gemstone Beads

Susa Beck Jewelery

Susa Beck Jewelery

This is the time of year for all things luxe! Get in the mood by browsing the work of Munich's Susa Beck, whose ornate pieces are tailor-made (or maybe that should be "jeweller-made") for special occasions. Pictured here are her "Starlake" (right) and "Vanity Fair" rings.

A Brown Diamond And A Brownish Pink Diamond

A Brown Diamond And A Brownish Pink Diamond

Giving jewelry is a great way to show someone special how much you care - and chocolate diamond jewelry makes the occasion even more special.

Very Small Pink Brilliants, In Two Shades Of Pink

Very Small Pink Brilliants, In Two Shades Of Pink

These pink diamonds came from deep mines and being able to get one for a gift makes a person very fortunate. You may find other shades of color such as yellow diamonds for another option, however, pink would still be preferable by most women because they are aware of its rarity as well as it signifying femininity.

Brown And White Diamonds For This Very Modern Design

Brown And White Diamonds For This Very Modern Design

Chocolate Diamond Jewelry has been around on the market for a time now and has caught the eye of famous Hollywood celebrities. These stones were thought to be less desirable and many people don't know these Fancy Colored gems even exist. These stones are found in the mines of South Africa and the Argyle mines of Australia. Thanks to diamond dealers like Le Vian, Fancy Colored Diamonds are proving to be more unique and just as beautiful as white ones.

Three Green Diamonds, All Green But Different Shades

Three Green Diamonds, All Green But Different Shades

Diamond set tungsten rings are gaining popularity for both men and women due to the indestructible nature of the metal. Many purchase tungsten carbide rings ordained with a single diamond or several circling the ring. Whatever is chosen diamond education is important before making a purchase.

White Golden Ring, Set With Blue Diamonds

White Golden Ring, Set With Blue Diamonds

White gold, today, is a favorite choice for so many jewelry lowers. I suppose it is because of its shiny, beautiful white color, which makes it perfect match for diamonds. That is why white gold diamond earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings are perfect choice.

Gemstones Blue Topaz

Gemstones Blue Topaz

Blue Topaz has become one of the most popular gemstone on the market today, because of its clarity, durability, availability and affordable cost. Yet, it is a shade of Topaz rarely found in nature. The stone's watery blue color is most often created through a combination of heat treatment and irradiation.

Topaz is one of the well known pegmatite minerals that also includes beryl and tourmaline. Blue Topaz is the birth stone for month of December and is also recommended gemstone for couples celebrating their 4th wedding anniversary.

Gemstones Blue Topaz

Aquamarine Gemstone History

Aquamarine Gemstone History

Aquamarine History and Facts

Although Brazil is the largest producer of aquamarines today, Madagascar is the place where they were first found. The word "aquamarine" comes from the Latin words "aqua," meaning water, and "mare," meaning sea. The Greeks were the first documented people to use it, and it is now known as the sailors' lucky stone because ancient sailors used to use it as protection from rough seas. Ancient beliefs hold that the strength of an aquamarine is most powerful after being placed in water, and bathed in sunlight.

The color of an aquamarine gem can range from light blue to a greenish-blue, teal color. Generally, the more intensely blue colored stones are considered to be the most valuable. These brilliantly blue-colored aquamarines are referred to as Santa Maria aquamarines. Most of these rare gems come from Brazil, although some also come from Africa. Aquamarine stones usually occur naturally with less inclusions than other gemstones.

aquamarine mermaid

Here are a couple more aquamarine facts:

• Aquamarine is supposed to fortify mutual love and help sustain a happy marriage.
• The American National Association of Jewelers proclaimed Aquamarine as the birthstone for the month of March.
• Aquamarine is the birthstone for the Scorpio and Pisces zodiac signs.
• Aquamarine stimulates feelings of sympathy, trust, friendship, harmony, and a positive outlook on life.
• Insomnia and short-sightedness are two ailments thought to be cured by aquamarine.
• Aquamarine is a 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
• Aquamarine is usually pretty easy to work with in terms of cutting it, so it is a favorite of jewelry designers.

From:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Aquamarine-History-and-Facts&id=3481984

Aquamarine History and Facts

Meaning Gemstones Crystals

Meaning Gemstones Crystals

A wide variety of gemstones are now available elsewhere. Most common are the crystal gemstones, which are said to seize mystical powers and offer good luck to anyone who has such precious asset. Crystal gemstones come in various types. The most prominent is the Quartz Crystal Gemstone.

Meaning Gemstones Crystals

Diamond Plate Background

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Diamond Plate Background

Diamond Plate Font

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Diamond Plate Font