Hobbies And Interests
Blue
There are a number of semi-precious stones that come in various shades of blue, including sapphire, turquoise, topaz, lapis lazuli, aquamarine, tanzanite and lolite. The most popular blue stones are sapphire, turquoise, topaz, lapis lazuli and aquamarine. Blue sapphire stones are available in varying shades of a crystal clear blue, whereas turquoise is a sky blue in a solid stone. Lapis lazuli is also a solid stone and sometimes has white speckles on it. Aquamarine is a clear stone with a hint of green or turquoise to it. Aquamarine, sapphire and turquoise are the birthstones for March, September and December, respectively.
Purple
Examples of purple semi-previous stones are amethyst, ametrine, jadeite, spinel and sapphire. Amethyst and purple sapphire are the most popular purple semi-precious stones for jewelry making. Both stones are available in deep shades of clear purple. Ametrine is very similar to amethyst, but it has specks of gold in it. Amethyst is the birthstone for February.
Red
Ruby, garnet, tourmaline, spinel, coral, carnelian, zircon and jasper are examples of red semi-precious gemstones. Garnet and ruby are the most popular red semi-precious stones and they are also the birthstones for January and July, respectively. Coral and carnelian are less popular and have more of an orange-red color to them.
Green
Examples of green semi-precious stones are emerald, tourmaline, peridot, chalcedony, jasper, jade and malachite. Emerald is a very popular green stone for jewelry making. Jade and malachite are also used in jewelry making, but are sometimes used for figurine carvings. Emeralds are a clear, deep green, whereas jade and malachite are solid stones with a rougher and uneven look. Emeralds and peridot are the birthstones for May and August, respectively.