LUSTRE BLOG / gemstone blog

Before the 20^th century, all gems in the brown, orange, and yellow colour range were called topaz. Modern gemology was only recognized as a science in the 1930s. Today we know that topaz and brown quartz are actually two different gemstones. Citrine  is less likely to be confused with Topaz today, but it does happen. 

Through the ages referred to as, ‘The tears of Zeus”, and believed by the Bedouins to be filled with Lightning, the kaleidoscopic play of colour trapped within Opals has made them a source of fascination for centuries.

Most modern references suggest it is adapted from the Sanskrit word "Upala” which literally translates to the word “jewel”. The argument for the Sanskrit origin is strong. The term first appears in Roman references around 250 BC, at a time when the opal was valued above all other gems. The word itself has two meanings, one is related to "seeing" and forms the basis of the English words like "opaque"; the other is "other" as in "alias" and "alter". It is claimed that opalus combined these uses, meaning "to see a change in colour".

May signifies Spring, Green and Emeralds; The colour of growth, immortality, and life. ...

These lethal babies used to be my drink of choice until I looked up the number of calo...