| ARCTIC
COLORED GEMSTONE BOOM
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| The
long-promised diamond boom has finally come to the Arctic, bringing
in its wake newly recognized prospecting for colored gemstones and
semi-precious stones. Canada's diamond mining industry in particular
has gone from zero production five years ago to US$1.3 billion a year
now, making the country the world's third- largest producer of rough
diamonds by value. Only Russia and Botswana are still ahead, and it
likely that Canada will surpass the former within two years.
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But
important as they are, diamonds contribute less than 10 percent
to Canada's annual US$14 billion production of 60 different kinds
of gemstones, semi-pre cious stones and minerals.
1
Cut Emerald 2 Blue spinel
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| The
vast and sparsely populated land boasts a geological environment
rich with mineral occurrences, in favorable setting similar to the
world's other great gemstone-producing districts. Private and govern
ment-financed expeditions have confirmed gem-quality occurrences
of 45 types of stones. Most of these were discovered and initially
developed by amateurs, hobbyists and professional prospectors. Small
seasonal operations produce limited quantities of these gemstone.
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Large-scale
commercial production of colored gemstone rough is on the way. In
the past five years, exploration expenditures for coored gemstones
in Canada have risen from near zero to around US$5 million. To take
one example, True North Gems was founded in 2001 to explore and
develop colored gemstones in the far norther latitudes.
3. 200 carat ruby crystal from Aappalutop,
Fiskenaesset, Greenland
4. Laser Inscribed Emerald.
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| Canada,
the country can boast of being the world's largest commercial producer
of two: nephrite and ammolite.Nephrite jade is the best known of all
Canadian gemstones and dcurrently of the greatest commercial significance.
The tree mines active today are operated by Jade West. |
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Ammolite
is the brilliant red, blue and green iridescent shell of a fossilized
Cretaceous mollusk. The annual value of the retail ammolite trade
to Canada is approximately US$10 million.
5 Greenland ruby on display at
the Copenhagen Geology Museum.
6 Large Sapphire
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Fancy Yellow Sapphire from Beluga: 1.47 carat oval, 1.09 carat
cushion |
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Among
collectors, Canada is also known world wide for the rare minerals
associated with the alkalic intrusive rocks of Mont St. Hilaire
in Quebec .
Canada 's long-range
colored gemstone prospects are excellent as prospectors make new
discoveries and the Canadian mining industry starts up production.
The country ljs on its way to becoming a major gemstone producing
indconsuming nation. |
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BIRTHSTONE
BY: DR. A. AYOOB
MAY: EMERALD PROMOTES CREATIVITY AND PERCEPTION |
Through
the ages emerald has been one of the most desirable of all gemstones.
Those born in the month of May have also been the most desirable
person because Emerald being their birthday stone.
Emeralds
is not only a lovely stone, it is also a love stone! It is the
symbol of immortality and faith. The subtle change of color that
the gemstone sometimes displays was thought to reveal the inconsistency
of lovers.
The Greeks dedicated this stone to the
goddess Venus, believing that it ensured security in love. Orientals
believed that this green gem strengthened memory, in creased
intelligence and gave those who wore it the power to foretell
future events.
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Emerald
denotes not only love but also goodness and fidelity. It is a precious
gem that promotes creativity and perception. It is also a natural
tranquilizer. |
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Even
in ancient times, Emerald has had an im portant place among
the gems that fancied by man. Its pleasing green color, giving cool
comfort to the eyes, has been the reason forthis. It was once believed
that gazing at an emerald was beneficial to the eyes. Emeralds stimulate
clear vision and insight.
Emerald is basically the green variety of
beryl. The biggest and most beautiful Emeralds come from Colombia
. A small quality is obtained from South Africa , Brazil , Zambia
and India .
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Moreover,
it also has the power to cure diseases I of the eyes. It is always
considered as a great insightful prophecy stone, according to legend.
Would hurl itself frorr1 its mounting in order to fore warn of impending
danger or J iliness. |
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During
the middle ages, the Emerald was though! I to protect a woman's
chastity and to preserve the love anc esteem of her husband, similar
to the Greek's version of the Emerald, securing love.
The Emerald has often been considered the
true symbolic gem of hope and faith. It has, as well, an important
J folklore background as a gem that link's with the spiritua parts
of self and is often considered the symbol of psychic | power and
immortality.
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The
light energy of an Emerald can aid you strengthening your
memory, enhancing your speech, and can act as a natural tranquilizer
when you are worried or your mind is troubled. In planetary
gemology, Emerald belongs to the moon. |
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Arctic colored gemstone boom 
