Labradorite

Labradorite, carries unique characteristic, turns sea blue, gold and green in bright light from grey or dark green color if viewed in dim light. It is a variety of plagioclase feldspar which is found in igneous rocks. Polished labradorite is called labradorescence. The crystal is transparent to translucent. The darker variety is known as "black moonstone" which has a bluish inclusions.

Labradorite is generally cut with a flat surface to highlight the flashes of color. Originally it was found along the coast of Labrador in 1805. Today, it is also found in Newfoundland, other parts of Canada, the Ukraine, the Ural mountains, and the USA.

It is believed that Labradorite gem stone brings joy and kindness and provide variety and good fortune. It energizes and provide a balanced mental plane and also heals infections. It is said to raise level of consciousness and act as a barrier against all negative energies. 

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Kunzite

A variety of crystalline spodumene (a silicate of aluminum and lithium) generally of a lilac-pink hue, though yellow and green varieties are not uncommon.

If exposed to the sun, kunzite first loses its colour, then turns green and in time resumes its original hue. If you plan to buy kunzite, choose a specimen of a certain size and thickness, as small specimens tend to be colourless. It must be cut in a special way and only in facets. It may be confused with morganite and pink tourmaline (rubellite).

Kunzite comes from Brazil, Madagascar, and Burma and takes its name from the well-known gemmologist G.F. Kunz.

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Jasper

An opaque crypto-crystalline variety of quartz of varying colours, usually red, green, yellow, brown or white. It is of little value and used mostly for inexpensive jewelry and small ornamental objects such as ashtrays and candlesticks.

It is found everywhere, especially in clay.

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Jade

The definition "jade" is used to define two minerals of similar appearance but different chemical composition: nephrite, a calcium- magnesium silicate, and jadeite, a silicate of sodium and aluminum.

Both minerals are found in a wide range of shades of green, brown, yellow, grey and pink and may be either translucent or opaque. They may be milky or cloudy in appearance and sometimes speckled with tiny black spots.

The most prized of the jades, the so-called "Chinese jade" (jadeite) is emerald green and so beautiful and rare that it has become exorbitantly expensive. In fact, jade is a good investment only if purchased at a reasonable price. A sound policy is never pay more for Chinese jade than you would for an emerald.

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Ivory

This is a hard, white, elastic, fine-grained substance obtained from the tusks of the elephant, walrus, sperm whale and hippopotamus, this last variety being the best.

The colour of ivory ranges from white to yellowish white, to brownish white, the commonest shade being pale cream.

Ivory can be distinguished from bone by virtue of the fine tubules running through it with a spiral course which indicate the growth of the tooth. These are not present in bone.

Ivory comes from Africa and Asia.

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Iolite

Iolite, the gemstone of the Vikings, is very often minstaken for Tanzanite. It is bluish violet in color where the prominent blue tone resembles blue sapphire and the lighter one, tanzanite. The name Iolite has been taken from the Greek word 'ios' which means violet.

Iolite posesses pleochroism, showing of different colors when viewed from different angles and sides. This excellent quality is sometimes a hindrance in cutting. It needs to be handled with expert to make sure of the best color to be shown when viewed from above.

Believes says this stone to be the stone of happiness and joy. It is believed to possess Feng Shui properties which helps in building relationships with others. It cures sore throat, varicose veins and various skin eruptions and blisters. Vikings used to navigate on high seas with the help of Iolite. He used to determine the exact position of the sun by looking through the gemstone at a certain angle and he never used to get lost on the high seas.

Iolite mostly occurs in India, Sri Lanka, Mozambique and Brazil. 

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Indicolite

Indicolite, also popular by the name Blue Tourmaline, is supposed to be the most colorful and rare variety of all the stones in gem world. The name 'Indicolite' has been derived from the Latin word for the indicum plant, famous due to its blue colors.

Indicolite stones are transparent to opaque in shades and is found in metosomatically altered magnesian or dolomitic limestones in contact-metamorphic aureloes. A great deposit of indicolite occurs in Madagascar, North America, Brazil, Myanmar, Africa, Siberia, Australia and Sri Lanka.

It is believed that indicolite is a protective stone which has the power of dispeling curses and protects the user from all dangers. It's property brings happiness and laughter to life. The blue color of the stone contains a soothing power and is said to help in relieving stress. It is used to enhances tolerance and understanding and also to increase flexibility, happiness, objectivity, compassion and serenity.

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