April Birthstone: Diamond

Diamond is the ultimate gemstone, having few weaknesses and many strengths. It is well known that diamond is the hardest substance found in nature, but few people realize that diamond is 180 times harder than the next hardest natural mineral, corundum (sapphire and ruby). But even as hard as it is, it is not impervious. Diamond has four directions of cleavage, meaning that if it receives a sharp blow in one of these directions it will cleave, or split. A skilled diamond setter and/or jeweler will prevent any of these directions from being in a position to be struck while mounted in a jewelry piece.  

Diamonds are found in many areas including South Africa, Russia, and even in Arkansas in the USA.  In all cases, the diamonds formed deep within the earth's mantle, and were brought to the surface in volcanic eruptions.  In many cases, the diamonds weathered out of the kimberlite by natural processes, and were transported downstream by water.  Many diamonds are mined in the resulting alluvial deposits in areas such as along the coast of South Africa.

A Variety of Purple Colors

Jewelry with purple gem stones comes in a variety of different shades, including amethyst, heliotrope, lavender, lilac, magenta, mauve, mulberry, orchid, reddish blue, violet and wine.

Purple color has long been considered a royal color so it is not surprising that it has been so popular through the history. Fine amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels and were also a favorite of Catherine the Great and Egyptian royalty. 

Some common and uncommon purple stones including amethyst, opalite, sugilite, tanzanite, charoite, garnet and jasper.