Birthstones

This Earth started as a lump of gas, and then it liquefied, froze from the outside and formed a hard outer shell (aardkorst). It is on this stone shell or crust that living things existed: simple forms of life (600 million years ago), vegetation, mammals (175 million years ago) and finally human (half a million years ago, and now is growing in population of hundreds of millions). The age of Earth is estimated to be 2,000 million years old and was formed as a result of external and internal force. The Earth’s crust (aardkorst) contains 25% cillium (sandstone) and what is known as gems or stenen which contains 90% cillium mix. Precious stones are highly sought after and are favourites among human, not only for its accesory nature but also because they are believed to contain hidden powers. Before they are used as sacred items or jewellery, the stones are usually polished to make it shine. Gemstones or jewellery lovers are growing in number day by day.

According to Mohs classification, all stones with hardness rate of 7.5 and above are classified as precious stones or stenen. Stones with hardness rate of 6.5 to 7.5 are called semi-precious stones or half-delstenen, whereas stones with hardness rate of less than 6.5 are called jewels or sierstenes. When we polish a precious stone with wool cloth or heat several types of precious stones, they will reveal electrical force. It means that the precious stones are able to attract or oppose other objects. Tourmalines and ambers (barnsteen) also have magnetic nature. Holding precious stones often trigger certain types of emotion to human.

Gemstones	Hardness
Diamonds Corundum; Rubies and sapphires Chrysoberyl, Alexandriet, Cat’s Eye Spinel and Topaz Beryl, Aquamarine, Emerald, Garnet, Tourmaline, Zircon Agate, Amethyst, Chalcedony, Chrysoprase, Demantoid, Heliotroop, Jade, Onyx, Sardonyx, Smoky Quartz, Tiger's Eye Jadeite, Peridot, Sardonyx, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, nephrite, turquoise, Obsidian Malachite	10 9 8.5 8 7.5 7 6.5 5.5-6 4

Tips to differentiate between genuine and fake gemstones;

Most cold precious stones feel warm if touched in a temperate climate, unlike fake precious stones which are cold to the touch. There are also several types of precious stones which are known to absorb heat.
Blowing real precious stones would almost instantly eliminate the heat or steam on the surface. Fake precious stones take longer time to eliminate such heat or steam.
Real precious stones are lighter than fake ones if they are in the same size.
When seen under ultraviolet lamp, diamonds (which are naturally fluorescent and shine when exposed to light) will flash white, yellow, green and blue sparkles. Fake diamonds do not flash such colors.
A reflectometer is used to assess the intensity of light reflected by a real diamond compared to a fake one. Real diamonds reflect more intense light.
Diamond selector is another tool used to distinguish fake diamonds from real ones. It requires battery and electricity. Some have meter indicator, some have a small red and green bulbs. The cable is attached to another pen-like tool which is used to detect a diamond’s originality. If the green light turns on, the indicator needle moves and the machine emits a beep sound, then the diamond is real. Otherwise, the diamond is a fake.