Gemstones Guide & Visuals

Gemstone Guide and Visuals

Gemstones are often selected based on birthstones, zodiac signs, anniversary stones, favorite colors, wardrobe matches, personality, and of course fashion trends. The following information can be used as a guide to help you choose your gemstone jewelry based on your personal preferences.

The list of Traditional (also referred to as Classic or Ancient) "Birthstones" originated in Poland between the 16th and 18th centuries. Now, in 1912 the National Association of Jewelers (present-day "Jewelers Of America") released a list of so-called “Modern Birthstones".

The "Modern Birthstones" list, to an extent, differed from the "Traditional Birthstones" list, most notably by the inclusion of only transparent gemstones. Presumably, this made it easier for jewelers to create "family jewelry" which features the translucent faceted birthstones of close family members in a manner more suited to modern tastes (compare this to gemstones such as pearl, bloodstone, and cabochon turquoise).

To this day, jewelers continue to add viable options to the "Modern Birthstone" list. For example, white topaz (April), Smoky Quartz (June), Spinel (August), Citrine (November), and Tanzanite (December) are recent modern additions.

Nowadays people select freely from both lists and only pick the stones that appeal to them most -- some traditional gemstones remain popular perhaps due to being less expensive (such as white topaz as compared to diamond) or more easily attainable than their modern counterparts (such as cultured pearls as compared to alexandrite).

Below, we will list the most popular birthstones by month, however, think about selecting the birthstones that appeal to you the most.

Classic & Modern Birthstones:

MONTH	Traditional/Classic BIRTHSTONE	Modern BIRTHSTONE
January	Garnet	Garnet
February	Amethyst	Amethyst
March	Bloodstone	Aquamarine
April	Diamond	White Topaz, Cubic Zirconia
May	Emerald	Emerald
June	Pearl, Moonstone	Alexandrite, Smoky Quartz
July	Ruby	Ruby
August	Sardonyx	Peridot, Spinel
September	Sapphire	Sapphire
October	Opal	Tourmaline
November	Topaz	Citrine, Golden Topaz (Honey Passion Topaz)
December	Turquoise	Tanzanite, Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon

Classic Wedding & Anniversary Stones:

YEAR	STONE
1st	Peridot
2nd	Red Garnet
3rd	Jade, Pearl
4th	Blue Zircon, Topaz, Amethyst
5th	Pink Tourmaline, Sapphire
6th	Turquoise, Amethyst
7th	Yellow Sapphire
8th	Tanzanite, Tourmaline
9th	Amethyst, Lapis, Tiger’s Eye
10th	Blue Sapphire
11th	Citrine, Turquoise
12th	Opal, Jade
13th	Moonstone, Citrine
14th	Agate, Opal
15th	Rhodolite Garnet, Ruby
16th	Red Spinel, Peridot, Aquamarine
17th	Carnelian
18th	Aquamarine, Opal
19th	Garnet, Topaz, Aquamarine
20th	Yellow Diamond, Emerald
25th	Tsavorite Garnet
30th	Pearl
35th	Emerald, Coral
40th	Ruby
45th	Cat’s Eye, Alexandrite, Sapphire
50th	Golden Topaz
55th	Alexandrite, Emerald
60th	Star Ruby
65th	Blue Spinel
70th	Smoky Quartz
75th	Diamond

Gemstone Sourcing and Helpful Visuals:

Gemstones come in a rainbow of strikingly vibrant hues as is apparent in the following Gemstones Color Wheel.

By placing gems in color groupings for easy comparisons, you can see their many exciting possibilities and subtle color shifts. Using the color wheel you can easily visualize the differences between, say Ruby & Garnet, Blue Sapphire & Tanzanite, Emerald & Tsavorite, etc. The wheel can also be helpful when coordinating two or more gemstones for a certain layout.

By making refrence to the Gemstone Color Wheel, the following color coded world map can be used to easily locate gemstone origins.

Gemstone Care Tips:

Knowing how to properly care for your gemstones can prevent damage, and keep them beautiful for generations to come. Here is a gemstone caring guide for your handy reference:

The best way to clean your gemstone jewelry is in a bowl of water with a few drops of ordinary dish detergent. Using an old toothbrush or other soft brush, scrub gently behind the stone where dust and soap can collect. Then just rinse and pat dry with a soft cloth.
If you have a home ultrasonic cleaner, it should be used with "extreme caution". It can be used to clean Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond, Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Chrysoberyl, and unadorned gold jewelry, but it may damage gems like Coral, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Pearls, Peridot, Tanzanite, Tourmaline, Turquoise, and any gem that has many inclusions. The rule of thumb on using ultrasonic cleaners is" "When in doubt, do not use it!".
Remove your jewelry before vigorous activities.
Household items that are used every day can certainly ruin your gemstone jewelry. Make sure you don’t expose your gems to the chemicals in cleaning products, hair care products, fragrances, and cosmetics.
When getting dressed, put your jewelry on last. At the end of the day, take your jewelry off first. Store your jewelry in a cloth-lined box or pouch and keep them away from other jewelry, which might scratch them.

Alexandrite Alexandrite is rated “excellent” for everyday wear. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.	Amethyst Amethyst is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat which may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.	Ametrine Ametrine is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat which may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.
Aquamarine Aquamarine is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.	Bloodstone Bloodstone is rated “fair” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.	Cameo Cameos are quite fragile and are not for everyday wear and special care should be taken wearing. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, wipe gently with a moist cloth.
Carnelian Carnelian is rated “fair” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.	Chalcedony Blue and lavender Chalcedony is rated “fair” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.	Chrysoprase Chrysoprase is rated “fair” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.
Citrine Citrine is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat which may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.	Coral Coral is not for everyday wear, and one should take care when wearing. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, wipe gently with a moist cloth.	Emerald Emerald is rated “fair to good” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.
Garnet Garnet is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and sudden changes in temperature. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.	Iolite Iolite is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.	Jade Nephrite Jade is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.
Lapis Lapis is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.	Marcasite Marcasite is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat and protect from scratches and harsh blows. Typically, the surface will oxidize over time. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.	Moonstone Moonstone is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.
Onyx Onyx is rated “fair” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.	Opal Take care when wearing Opal. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.	Opal, Ethiopian Most Ethiopian opals tend to readily absorb any liquids with which they come into contact. Should your opal accidentally be immersed in water for an extended period of time, remove it and place it in a safe and dry location. Like most gems, opal should be handled and cleaned with care. Never use a steamer or ultrasonic, keep away from harsh cleaning agents, avoid high temperatures or sudden temperature changes. Only wiping with a clean and dry soft cloth is recommended.
Opal, Fire Take care when wearing Mexican Fire Opal. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.	Pearl Pearls are not for everyday wear, and one should take care when wearing. Avoid exposure to heat and protect from scratches and harsh blows. Avoid contact with chemicals, especially perfumes, perspiration and hair sprays. To clean, wipe gently with a moist cloth.	Peridot Peridot is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat and sudden changes in temperature. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.
Quartz, Smoky Smoky Quartz is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat which may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.	Ruby Rubies are rated “excellent” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.	Sapphire Sapphires are rated “excellent” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.
Tanzanite Tanzanite is not for everyday wear, and one should take care when wearing. Avoid exposure to heat and sudden changes in temperature. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.	Tiger’s Eye Tiger’s Eye is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and sudden changes in temperature. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.	Topaz, Precious Precious Topaz is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat which may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.
Topaz Blue and White Topaz is rated “fair to good” for everyday wear with care. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat which may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.	Topaz, Diffused Diffused Topaz is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid contact with chemicals. Re-cutting is not recommended. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.	Tourmaline Tourmaline is rated “fair to good” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.
Turquoise Turquoise is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.	Zircon Blue Zircon is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat which may cause color to fade. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Enhancement Codes:

Enhancement: Any treatment process other than cutting and polishing that improves the appearance (color/clarity/phenomena), durability, or availability of a gemstone.

E: Indicates that a gemstone has undergone its traditional enhancement process.

Enhancement Code	Definition
(N) - Natural	No modification; natural stones which are not currently known to be enhanced (or currently has no known modification process)
(B) - Bleaching	The use of heat, light and/or other agents to lighten or remove a gemstone's color
(C) - Coating	The use of such surface enhancements as lacquering, enameling, inking, foiling or sputtering of films to improve appearance, provide color or add other special effects
(D) - Dyeing	The introduction of coloring matter into a gemstone to give it new color, intensify present color or improve color uniformity
(F) - Filling	The filling of surface-breaking cavities or fissures with colorless glass, plastic, solidified borax or similar substances. This process may improve durability and/or appearance, and/or to add weight
(H) - Heating	The use of heat to effect desired alteration of color, clarity and/or phenomena. If residue of foreign substances in open fissures is visible under properly illuminated 10X magnification, H F should be used
(HP) - Heating and Pressure	The use of heat and pressure combined to effect desired alterations of color, clarity and/or phenomena
(I) - Impregnation	The impregnation of a porous gemstone with a colorless agent (usually plastic) to improve durability and appearance
(IMIT) - Imitation	A simulant, which is defined as a man-made single crystal product that is used to simulate the appearance, but not duplicate the characteristic properties of the natural gemstone it imitates
(L) - Lasering	The use of a laser and chemicals to reach and alter inclusions in gemstones, usually diamonds
(O) - Oiling/Resin Infusion	The filling of surface-breaking fissures with colorless oil, wax, resin or other colorless substances, except glass or plastic, to improve the gemstone's appearance
(R) - Irradiation	The use of neutrons, gamma rays or beta particles (high energy electrons) to alter a gemstone's color. The irradiation may be followed by a heating process
(SYN) - Synthetic	Synthetic materials that have essentially the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as a naturally occurring counterpart. In all cases, stones must be referred to as "synthetic ruby," "laboratory-grown sapphire," or "Chatham-Created emerald," etc.
(U) - Diffusion	The use of chemicals in conjunction with high temperatures to produce ARTIFICIAL color change and/or asterism-producing inclusions
(W) - Waxing	Waxing/Oiling: The impregnation of a colorless wax, paraffin or oil in porous opaque or translucent gemstones to improve the appearance

Gemstone Treatment Chart:

Gemstone	Enhancement Code	Typical Enhancement Method	Estimated Frequency	Estimated Stability	Special Advice
Alexandrite	N	None	---	---	---
Amethyst	H	Heated to lighten color and/or remove smokey components	Occassionaly	Excellent	Some unheated material may fade in long exposure to sunlight
Ametrine	N	None	---	---	---
Aquamarine	H	Heated to remove a yellow component, thereby producing a pure blue color	Usually	Excellent	---
Chrysoprase (Chalcedony)	N	None	---	---	---
Citrine	H	Produced by heating various types of quarts	Usually	Excellent	---
1. Diamond (colorless to faint yellow) 2. Diamond (colorless to faint yellow) 3. Diamond (colorless to faint yellow) 4. Diamond (colorless to faint yellow) 5. Diamond (colored) 6. Diamond (colored) 7. Diamond (colored) 8. Diamond (colored) 9. Diamond (colored) 10. Diamond (colored)	L C F HP L F R C H HP	1. Laser drilled to improve the appearance 2. Coated to disguise off-color 3. Surface cavities or fractures filled with a hardened substance 4. Heated with pressure to alter the color and/or clarity 5. Laser drilled to improve the appearance 6. Surface cavities or fractures filled with hardened substances 7. Irradiated and/or heated to induce "fancy" colors 8. Coated to “fancy” colors 9. Heated to alter the color 10. To create "fancy" color	1. Occasionally to commonly 2. Rarely 3. Occasionally 4. Rarely 5. Occasionally 6. Rarely 7. Occasionally 8. Rarely 9. Rarely 10. Commonly	1. Very good 2. Very good to poor depending on method 3. Very good 4. Unknown 5. Very good 6. Very good 7. Excellent to very good 8. Fair to poor 9. Unknown 10. Excellent	1. --- 2. Recutting, steam cleaning, ultrasonic & occasionally alcohol may adversely affect color & appearance 3. Recutting or extreme heat may remove filling material 4. --- 5. --- 6. Recutting or extreme heat may remove filling material 7. Avoid heating treated green stones as the color may change. Some green stones have been radium irradiated for safety requirements 8. Recutting, steaming, and ultrasonic cleaning may adversely affect color & appearance 9. --- 10. ---
Emerald	O D	The penetration of colorless oil, wax, and resins into fissures to improve the appearance Dyed with agents	Usually Occassionally	Very good to Fair Variable	Avoid sudden temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic Avoid sudden temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic
Garnet (Mozambique, Rhodolite, Tsavorite, Orange)	N	None	---	---	Avoid sudden temperature change
Iolite	N	None	---	---	---
1. Jade (Jadeite) 2. Jade (Jadeite) 3. Jade (Nephrits)	W B or W D	1. Coated with colorless wax 2. Two-step bleaching and wax impregnation 3. Dyed selectively to alter color for artistic purposes in carvings	1. Commonly 2. Rarely 3. Rarely	1. Fair 2. Poor 3. Unknown	1. Avoid ultrasonic cleaning 2. Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaning 3. Avoid chemicals, ultrasonic cleaning, and strong light
Lapis	W D	Coated with colorless wax or oil improve the appearance Dyed to provide color and/or uniformity	Commonly Commonly	Fair Variable	Avoid chemicals and ultrasonic Avoid chemicals and ultrasonic
Moonstone	O	Oiled to improve clarity	Occassionally	Fair	Avoid ultrasonic
Morganite (Pink/orange-pink Beryl)	R	Irradiated to improve color	Rarely	Fair	Avoid heat
Mexican Fire Opal	N	None	---	---	Avoid heat
1. Pearl (Natural) 2. Pearl (Natural) 3. Pearl (Cultured) 4. Pearl (Cultured) 5. Pearl (Cultured) 6. Pearl (Cultured) 7. Pearl (Cultured) 8. Pearl (Cultured)	B D B D D D R D	1. Bleached to improve color and appearance 2. Dyed with or w/o chemical treatment combined with heat to produce gray to black 3. Bleached to improve color and uniformity of white color only 4. Dyed to give rose, blue or golden overtones 5. Dyed blue, black, and other colors includes the use of colored nuclei 6. Dyed all colors (freshwater) 7. Irradiated to produce blue, gray, black, and bronze colors 8. Chemical treatment combined with heat to produce gray to black	1. Usually 2. Rarely 3. Usually 4. Usually 5. Occasionally 6. Usually 7. Occasionally 8. Commonly 9. ---	1. Very good 2. Very good to good 3. Excellent 4. Good 5. Variable 6. Very good 7. Very good 8. Very good to good 9. ---	1. Avoid chemicals, cosmetics, and ultrasound 2. Avoid chemicals, cosmetics, and ultrasound 3. Avoid chemicals, cosmetics, and ultrasound 4. Avoid chemicals, cosmetics, and ultrasound 5. Avoid chemicals, cosmetics, and ultrasound 6. Avoid chemicals, cosmetics, and ultrasound 7. Avoid chemicals, cosmetics, and ultrasound 8. Avoid chemicals, cosmetics, and ultrasound 9. Avoid chemicals, cosmetics, and ultrasound
Peridot	O F	1. Penetration of colorless oil, wax, and resins into voids to improve the appearance 2. Surface fractures filled with a colorless hardened substance	1. Rarely 2. Rarely	1. Good to fair 2. Good	1. Avoid sudden temperature changes, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic 2. Avoid sudden temperature changes, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic
Ruby	H D F R U	1. Heated to improve color and appearance 2. Dyed with colored oil to improve the appearance 3. Intentional filling of surface cavities & fractures with foreign material, including glass 4. Irradiated to change color 5. Diffusion with an element(s) into the lattice of a stone during the application of heat to create artificial color or asterism. Effects may be throughout the stone or at or near the surface.	1. Usually 2. Rarely 3. Commonly 4. Rarely 5. Occassionally	1. Excellent 2. Poor 3. Fair to poor 4. Unknown 5. Excellent or good	1. --- 2. Avoid household chemicals and ultrasonic 3. Fracture filling requires special care. Avoid heat, ultrasound, and common household chemicals 4. --- 5. ---
Sapphire	H R U	1. Heated to produce, intensify or lighten color and/or improve color uniformity and appearance 2. Irradiated to provide temporary intense yellow or orange color 3. Diffusion with an element(s) into the lattice of a stone during the application of heat to create artificial color or asterism. Effects may be throughout the stone or at or near the surface. Most colors may be produced.	1. Usually 2. Occasionally 3. Commonly	1. Excellent 2. Very poor 3. Good	1. --- 2. Fades quickly in light or heat 3. ---
Spinel	N	None	---	---	---
Tanzanite	H	Heated to produce violet-blue color	Usually	Excellent	Avoid sudden temperature changes and harsh abrasives
1. Blue Topaz 2. Yellow/Orange Topaz 3. Pink Topaz 4. Red Topaz 5. Green Topaz 6. Green Topaz 7. Topaz (All Colors)	R R H N R U C	1. Irradiated brown and often heated to produce a blue color 2. Irradiated to intensify the color 3. Heated chromium-bearing pinkish-brown to orange stones 4. None 5. Irradiated to produce a green color 6. Diffusion of color at or near the surface 7. Any substance applied to the surface of the gemstone to artificially modify the color and/or appearance	1. Usually 2. Occasionally 3. Usually 4. --- 5. Occasionally 6. Usually 7. Commonly	1. Excellent 2. Variable 3. Excellent 4. --- 5. Poor 6. Good 7. Poor	1. --- 2. Avoid heat and strong light 3. --- 4. May fade in exposure to sunlight 5. Color fades in exposure to sunlight 6. Avoid repolishing or recutting 7. Avoid repolishing or recutting, steaming, chemicals or ultrasound
1. Tourmaline (Cat's Eye) 2. Tourmaline (Yellow/Orange) 3. Tourmaline (Yellow/Orange) 4. Tourmaline (Green, Blue) 5. Tourmaline (Green, Blue) 6. Tourmaline (Pink, Red, Purple) 7. Tourmaline (Pink, Red, Purple) 8. Tourmaline (Pink, Red, Purple) 9. Tourmaline (Pink, Red, Purple)	N H R H O H R O D	1. None 2. Heated to improve color 3. Irradiated to improve color 4. Heated to improve color 5. The penetration of colorless oil or resins into voids to improve the appearance 6. Heated to improve color 7. Irradiated to intensify the color 8. The penetration of colorless oil or unhardened resins into voids to improve the appearance 9. Penetration of coloring agents into voids to improve appearance	1. --- 2. Rarely 3. Rarely 4. Commonly 5. Occasionally 6. Occasionally 7. Commonly 8. Occasionally 9. Occassionally	1. ---- 2. Excellent 3. Very good 4. Excellent 5. Good to fair 6. Excellent 7. Good 8. Good to fair 9. Fair to poor	1. --- 2. --- 3. --- 4. --- 5. Avoid temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic 6. --- 7. --- 8. Avoid temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic 9. Avoid temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic
Turquoise	I W D	1. Impregnated with plastic to create or improve color and increase durability 2. Impregnated with colorless oil or wax to enhance or create color 3. Dyed to improve color	1. Commonly 2. Commonly 3. Rarely	1. Good 2. Fair to poor 3. poor	1. Avoid hot water and household chemicals 2. Avoid hot water and household chemicals 3. Avoid hot water and household chemicals
Blue Zircon	H	Brownish crystals are heated to this color	Always	Good	Avoid strong UV light