Posts Tagged ‘art’
Diamond Skull by Damien Hirst
Posted on: October 11, 2011
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It is a platinum cast of a skull from an actual person that lived between 1720 and 1810. He was a 35 year old man from Europe. His teeth are still showing, but the rest of him is covered with 8,601 diamonds.The diamonds are also said to have been “ethically sourced”, whatever that means..Hirst’s diamond skull is on the market for about $100 million, which will be a good return on the artist’s investment as he spent about $20 million on putting the thing together. That’s an $80 million dollar idea! Not bad for an artist out of ideas.
“It works much better than I imagined. I was slightly worried that we’d end up with an Ali G ring.”
Damien Hirst Quote
“I wouldn’t mind if it happened to my skull after my death.”
Damien Hirst Quote
A lot of people feel very strongly about it, either negatively or positively, but that’s part of the job of an artist; to make people think or look at things in a different way. So, in the responses that it has provoked, it succeeds as a work of art.
Do I like it?.. Probably not, but that doesn’t really matter. It does make you think about a lot of things though.. life, death, ethics, precious jewels and the mining of them, money, art, beauty.. and on and on.
Andalusite
Posted on: October 5, 2011
Andalusite
Andalusite is best known for its strong pleochroism and its unusual color which is frequently a mixture of both red and green. It is not a color changing gem. It often shows two colors, (red and green) at the same time. Rough crystals will often show green in one direction and red in another. The color is difficult to match on any standard color chart.
Sourses: Andalusite is an attractive and unusual gemstone, first discovered in Andalusia,Southern Spain, after which it is named. It has some similarities with the more expensive alexandrite, as both are strongly pleochroic. It is suitable for use in jewellery as it is quite hard. The fact that it is seldom seen in jewelry is probably because it is quite rare, and most people, even in the jewellery industry, have never heard of it, let alone seen it. Gem quality Andalusite is found inAustralia,Brazil,Russia,Spain,Sri Lanka(Ceylon) and theUnited States. In addition to this, there are some Andalusite deposits in theUnited Kingdom, although the crystals found there are not of gem quality.
Evaluation :
Andalusite is rated at 6.5 – 7.5 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness, making it a durable gemstone, suitable for every day wear.
Andalusite is found in brown, brownish-green, gray, green, greenish-brown and red. Andalusite gemstones display pleochrism, meaning that a single stone displays different colorations, depending on the angle the stone is viewed at. In addition to this, one variety of Andalusite commonly displays a cross (crucifix), which is present due to natural inclusions. This variety of Andalusite (Chiastolite), is often set in a pendant and is particularly sought after in staunchly Catholic countries due to the symbolism of the cross.
Common Cuts :
The color displayed by an Andalusite stone is often dictated by the way it is cut. Andalusite is commonly cut into Emerald, Marquise, Oval, Round and Square shapes. Emerald, Marquise and Oval cuts tend to make the stone display one central color, with a differing color at each end, whereas Round and Square Cuts commonly create a mosaic effect, blending different colors together beautifully.
Routine Enhancements :
Whilst Andalusite can be heat-treated in order to improve color, this is rarely needed.
Luster is vitreous
Cleavage is good in two directions.
Fracture is splintery to subconchoidal.
Other Characteristics: dark inclusions produce cruciform shapes in the variety chiastolite. Index of refraction is 1.632-1.638.
Color
Andalusite is a gem that is capable of displaying different colors at the same time. This is different from the color changing gems like Alexandrite and the color changing garnets, because the different colors on Andalusite are displayed at the same time. This is called pleochroism, which is caused by the double refraction of light in a stone. When the two rays of light pass through the stone, they travel at both different angles & speeds, and display different colors of the spectrum. This allows a person to see different colors on the stone, when viewed from different angles, in the same light source. For the color changing stones like Alexandrite and color change garnets, it is necessary to have two different light sources to be able to see the color change.
Typical colors for andalusite are green, brown, red, greenish-brown, brownish-green. Its pleochroic colors are red, green and yellow.
Because of the pleochroism, the color of an andalusite can be affected considerably by the direction in which it is cut.
Our photograph is disappointing and deceptive. The actual stone is a pleasant greenish brown to red. We used flash lighting with a digital camera, followed by software adjustment of the lighting levels, and the effect was to make the stone appear quite a dull brownish color.
Star Andalusite or Chiastolite
An impure variety of andalusite known as chiastolite contains carbonaceous inclusions in a cruciform arrangement. These are cut as cabochons and polished for use as amulets in many countries, largely because of the symbolism of the cross.
Ametrine
Posted on: October 5, 2011
Ametrine is a Silicon Dioxide and is a member of the Quartz family. The unusual color variation in Ametrine is due to the presence of iron impurities in different oxidation states within the crystal structure
History:
The name Ametrine was coined for a member of the Quartz family which displays a combination of both Amethyst and Citrine.
Natural Ametrine first arrived in the market in 1980 when it was discovered at the Anhai mine inBolivia. This mine became well- known when a Spanish conquistador received it as a dowry when he married a princess from the Ayoreos tribe in the seventeenth century.
Ametrine is said to aid meditation, to calm and relieve tension, and dispel negativity . It is also believed to have all the metaphysical properties of both Amethyst and Citrine:
Amethyst has been thought to protect against intoxication and to help maintain a sober and serious mind. Amethyst opens and activates the crown chakra, the third eye chakra, and can also open the heart chakra. Amethyst can be used to fight a number of disorders including headaches, insomnia, hearing disorders, heart disorders, digestive system disorders, and has even been thought to help stabilize mental disorders. Amethyst also works emotionally and spiritually by providing patience, balance, calmness, and peace
It has been said that Citrine helps to manifest your goals and keeps the wearer cheerful. In ancient times, Citrine was carried as protection against snake venom and evil / impure thoughts. Citrine does not absorb negative energies but rather dissipates and transmutes them, which is why this stone is good for clearing your aura. It attracts abundance, prosperity, and success, and because of this Citrine has been nicknamed the “success stone.” Citrine stimulates the solar plexas and third eye chakras, promoting stamina and activating intuition. It can also help to overcome sleep related problems such as insomnia and nightmares. Physically it is said to help with poor blood circulation, digestion, allergies, and an aid to curing life-threatening diseases.
Sourses:
Until very recently, the world’s only source of this bicolored natural quartz is the Anahi Mine located in the jungles ofBolivia. It is rumoured that the mines where first discovered by native Indians in the seventeenth century. The Bolivian government declared the land a state reserve and built a fortress near the mine entrance. Despite its remote location, ametrine (as well as natural amethyst and citrine) made its way across the border toBrazil. These goods were then sold as Brazilian products. This caused a change in the government inBoliviain 1989. The rights to the mine were sold, and during the past decade, these collectible gems became available on the domestic marketplace.
*Miners in the Brazilian state ofBahiaare finding small amounts of this combination amethyst/citrine.
Ametrine is among an elite group of gems, because as of now there is just one source of this treasure in the world. You should add an ametrine to your collection now, since its future availability is uncertain at best.
Medicine: Ametrine is very helpful in getting rid of depression. This leads to inner peace and tranquility.
Many believe that it contains the powers of amethyst and citrine in one stone, making it a very powerful money stone as well as an excellent via to higher psychic awareness and spiritual enlightenment.
Evaluation :
Ametrine is rated at 7 on Moh’s Scale of Hardness and is a durable gemstone that lacks cleavage. Ametrine combines the appeal of both the violet-purple Amethyst and the yellow-orange Citrine in one bi-colored gemstone. Ametrine gemstones can be found displaying an equal share of the Amethyst and Citrine as well as a blended color affect, displaying attractive shades of rosy gold and mauve. The most important aspects to consider when viewing an Ametrine is the depth and intensity of the colors and the distinctiveness of the separation. The creativity of the cut should also be taken into account.
Routine Enhancements :
Most of the Ametrine found on the market today is actually heat-treated Amethyst.
Availability :
Ametrine rarely occurs naturally and most of the Ametrine found on the market today is heat-treated Amethyst. For Ametrine to occur naturally, the iron impurities in the quartz have to be affected in different ways. For example, both sides of the stone must be subjected to two slightly different temperatures during the crystallization process of the Quartz for Ametrine to form. The only two known sources of natural Ametrine is the Anahi mine inBolivia and theRio Grande do Sul mine inBrazil. Although this gemstone is rare it is relatively inexpensive.
Cleaning :
Ametrine is best cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft brush. Though there is no special care required,
African Jade
Posted on: September 27, 2011
Jade is an ornamental stone. The term jade is applied to two different metamorphic rocks that are made up of different silicate minerals:
- Nephrite consists of a microcrystaline interlocking fibrous matrix of the calcium, magnesium-iron rich amphibole mineral series tremolite (calcium-magnesium)-ferroactinolite (calcium-magnesium-iron). The middle member of this series with an intermediate composition is called actinolite (the silky fibrous mineral form is one form of asbestos). The higher the iron content the greener the colour.
- Jadeite is a sodium- and aluminium-rich pyroxene. The gem form of the mineral is a microcrystaline interlocking crystal matrix.
Nephrite can be found in a creamy white form (known in China as “mutton fat” jade) as well as in a variety of green colours, whereas jadeite shows more colour variations, including blue, lavender-mauve, pink, and emerald-green colours. Of the two, jadeite is rarer, documented in fewer than 12 places worldwide. Translucent emerald-green jadeite is the most prized variety, both historically and today. As “quetzal” jade, bright green jadeite from Guatemala was treasured by Mesoamerican cultures, and as “kingfisher” jade, vivid green rocks from Burma became the preferred stone of post-1800 Chinese imperial scholars and rulers. Burma (Myanmar) and Guatemala are the principal sources of modern gem jadeite, and Canada of modern lapidary nephrite. Nephrite jade was used mostly in pre-1800 China as well as in New Zealand, thePacificCoast andAtlanticCoasts of North America, Neolithic Europe, and south-eastAsia. In addition toMesoamerica, jadeite was used by Neolithic Japanese and European cultures.
Chemical Symbol:
African Jade is a complex Calcium Aluminum Silicate. Its bright green coloration is due to traces of chromium.
History :
African Jade is mined in South Africa, and for this reason alone receives its name. It is occasionally referred to as Transvaal Jade.
Medicine:
It is considered to bring good luck, wealth, relaxation, and can improve the wearers response during a crucial situation. African Jade is also thought to be an important aid in business relationships and can help in keeping long distance relationships intact.
African Jade is a gemstone of general healing abilities and is considered to specifically aid kidney and skin related disorders and diseases.
Common Cuts:
African Jade can be cut into a variety of shapes/cuts with oval, round, and cushion cuts being the most common. African Jade has also traditionally been used in tribal carvings and sculptures.
Routine Enhancements:
There are no known enhancements for Agrican Jade.
Evaluation:
African Jade is a tough, opaque stone that lacks cleavage and is rated at 6.5 to 7.5 on Moh’s Scale of Hardness. African Jade has a vitreous luster and is most often a forest green to a greyish green, but may also be multi-colored and display shades of pink and white.
Amber
Posted on: September 27, 2011
Chemical Make-up :
Amber is a mixture of Succinic acid, numerous resins and volatile oils. In addition to this, Amber also contains Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S).
Used by man even before the ice age, natural amber gemstone can be categorized as an organic gem material of vegetable origin. Amber is not a mineral, but time-hardened fossilized resin of the species of pine called Pinus Succinisera. These trees grew in forests around 45 million years ago, in the European main land known to us as the Baltic region today!
The early Germans called this Baltic amber by the name of Bernstein, due to the sweet smell it emitted when burnt. The Greeks called it Elektron due to its properties of developing static electricity when rubbed. Amber is known as Kerba in the local markets inIndia.
History:
Amber is one of the three organic gemstones and is actually made-up of the fossilized resin of pine trees from between twenty and sixty million years ago. Amber produces static electrivity when rubbed and for this reason Amber was known as elektron to the ancient Greeks, which translates very simply as “electron”, and refers to the negatively charged particles in electricity. In the Middle Ages, Amber was known as bernstein, or “burn stone” in Germany, as powdered Amber was commonly burnt as an incense.
Amber helps to remove blockages in the flow of energy throughout the body and therefore works as an aid to strengthening the body. Amber has traditionally been used to bring protection, strength, love, luck and healing to the wearer. Amber is an excellent healing stone as it takes negative energy and transforms it into positive energy. Amber also helps to calm stressed nerves and to bring about humour and joy as well as acting as a guard against impotency and as an aid to fertility. Amber opens the crown and solar plexus chakras, thereby helping to increase intellect and confidence.
Amber is a hydrocarbon (C10 H 16 O). It is a complex mixture of several resinous bodies, succinic acid, volatile oil and also contains some amount of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Its specific gravity is 1.08 and refractive index is 1.54. It`s hardness on Mohs scale is 2 to 2.5, and is sectile (i.e it can be sliced or shaved). The Burmese amber is said to be hardest and the Dominican, the softest.
Sources :
Gem quality amber gemstone is mainly found in the Baltic Sea region. The other regions where amber is found include Myanmar (Burma), Dominican Republic, Germany, Rumania, Sicily, North America, Russia and Malaysia. Some of the popular jewelry is comprised of Celtic amber jewelry and blue amber jewelry. However, a honey colored amber ring is always sought after by many buyers – especially if it is a carved amber ring. Amber stone rings and amber mala are also very popular. Due to the history of amber gemstone in the Baltic region, Baltic amber jewelry is very highly prized. Baltic amber jewelry like necklaces, pendents made out of amber beads fetch a good price in the market. There are many markets where wholesale Baltic amber jewelry is traded and sold worldwide. Amber jewelry is usually made using silver, rather than gold because it gives the stone a very unique look. Small and large stones are fashioned into silver pendants and sold all over the world. The markets are full of various kinds of jewelry items such as amber earrings, amber bracelets, amber bead necklaces, and even amber stud earrings. A small piece of amber stone can be fashioned into a delicate silver wire wrap amber pendant. Depending on the design and the color, a number of great looking custom jewelry items can be created out of amber stones. These can make for wonderful gift items.
The color of amber fossil varies from yellow to dark brown to almost black. Very rarely this gem may be found in green and blue-gray colors and hence green amber can be very rare. In addition, it is dyed in many colors like green, blue, pink etc. The color of this gem denotes the area from where it has originated. Baltic amber is yellow, Sicilian is reddish yellow, Rumanian is brown and Burmese is yellow to reddish-brown.
Evaluation :
Amber is rated at 1.5 – 2.5 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness, making Amber a very soft gemstone that may not immediately bw deemed suitable for jewelry purposes. However Amber is often used in all kinds of jewelry applications and providing that you take the correct precautions and wear your Amber with care, there is no reason why it should not form part of your jewelry collection.
Amber is found in a number of colors including, Black, Blue, Brown, Green,Orange, Red, White and Yellow, with rich golden Yellow being the color that most people associate with the gemstone Amber. The most valuable Amber is translucent and unlike other gemstones, inclusions actually enhance its rarity and beauty. These inlcusions are usually entrapped insects from thousands and thousands of years ago. The more complete the specimen of trapped insect / inclusion is, the more the value of the Amber increases.Amber is generally speaking a very affordable gemstone, but the very best examples can reach tens of thousands of dollars per carat.
Amber gemstone is usually cut as beads and cabochons. Many times it is just polished and used in its crude rough shape. Opaque gems of big sizes are mostly used in carvings. Gems with inclusions are mainly fashioned as cabochons. Amber beads are popular choice for use in necklaces and bracelets. Amber gemstone is usually sold by piece and not by weight.
Clarity:
Inclusions in amber gemstone actually serve to increase its value. Its transparency may vary from transparent to semi-translucent to opaque.
During the process of fossilization, a variety of flora and fauna tend to remain trapped in the amber resin and eventually become an integral part of the final gem i.e. amber. Flora like wood fragments, leaves, flowers, larvae, caterpillars, bees, flies, butter flies, spiders and even land snails and other plant parts and ferns are also found in.Identification of Amber from its Imitation
Natural Amber gemstone is easily distinguished from its plastic imitations. Natural Amber gemstone floats in saturated salt solution but plastics sink, as it has a very low specific gravity – near 1.08. Also if heated or a contact with hot point, plastics give off an acrid odour, in contrast to the resinous smell of amber. An amber imitation called amberdan (and sometimes as cultured amber) has properties fairly near natural amber. Its refractive index is about 1.56 (natural amber is 1.54) and its specific gravity is 1.23, also well above that of natural amber. The hot point gives an odor at once reminiscent of plastic and amber, suggesting a natural resin with a plastic binder.
Natural Amber gemstone is readily distinguished from more recent resins by the simple test. If it is dipped in ether and left for a few minutes, it is unaffected. While the recent resins soften.
Unlike natural amber gemstone, pressed amber is made by mixing bits of amber with linseed oil and compressing it. It is also softened by ether and has elongated bubbles and distinct flow structure. The bubbles in natural amber are spherical.
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