Tree Agate

Gemstone: Tree Agate Birthstone Month: Agate is associated with the birthstone month of May. Zodiac: Agate is associated with the zodiac sign Gemini. Chemical Symbol: SiO2 Chemical Make-up: Agate is a Silicon Dioxide and is a variety of Chalcedony, which is a member of the Quartz family. It is scientifically classified as either a cryptocystalline or a microcrystalline variety of Quartz. History & Lore: The name Agate is believed to derive from the Greek word given to a stone that was found thousands of years ago in the Achates River in South-western Sicily, now known as Dirillo River. Some of the earliest primitive tools that were created by man's ancestors 2.5 million years ago were made of various types of Quartz, including Agate. Agate has also been used as a gemstone and for other ornamental objects dating back thousands of years. Early Greeks used Agate in the form of amulets as protection from the dangerous elements of the sea. In medieval times Agate was worn to bring God's favor and make one agreeable and persuasive. It was also believed to bring protection from all dangers and to be able to bring about victory and strength. Agate has commonly been used to cure insomnia and to bring about pleasant dreams. It is also said to enhance the wearer's courage, improve perception and concentration, and to provide protection from dangers. Agate is believed to enhance trust and honesty, and to assist with acceptance to circumstances and emotions. In addition to this, Agate is believed to be able to improve memory.

Tree Agate is a centering stone that aids in communication and finding peace in the world. In addition to this, it is believed to be a stone of introspection, helping the wearer view the world more clearly with a broader viewpoint. Availability: Tree Agate tends to be one of the more sought-after varieties of Agate, yet remains relatively inexpensive. Sources: It is documented that Agate was originally mined in the Nahe River Valley in Germany in 1497. These findings gave rise to the cutting center of Idar-Oberstein, Germany. When the deposits of Agate began to dry up in the Nahe River Valley in the nineteenth century, deposits were found in Brazil which sparked the discovery of the country's wide and varied gemstone deposits. There are also known sources of Agate in Australia, China, Congo, Egypt, Iceland, India, Italy, Madagascar, Mexico, Nepal, Russia, the United States, and Uruguay. Evaluation: Agate is rated at 6.5 to 7 on Moh's Scale of Hardness. There is not any specific care required, but general gemstone precautions are always a good idea so that the original condition of the stone can be retained. Tree Agate is an opaque, white stone containing dendrite inclusions that appear like dappled, green leaves. Tree Agate found with distinctive or extraordinary tree-like patterns and in larger sizes will demand a premium. Common Cuts: Tree Agates are most often found cut into free-form and calibrated cabochons. Routine Enhancements: Tree Agate is not known to be enhanced. Care & Cleaning: Agate can be cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft brush. As with most gemstones, Agate should be kept away from household chemicals and from prolonged exposure to extremes of heat that can cause damage to the stone. Agate should be kept in a fabric-lined box away from other jewelry items so as to avoid damage / scratching.

Tourmaline

Gemstone: Tourmaline Birthstone Month: Tourmaline is one of the two gemstones associated with the month of October. Zodiac: Being one of the two accepted birthstones for the month of October, Tourmaline is one of the zodiac gemstones for Libra and Scorpio. Chemical Symbol: The general symbol for Tourmaline is (Na, Ca)(Li, Mg, Al)(Al, Fe, Mn)6(BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH)4 Chemical Make-up: Tourmaline is made up of the complex Aluminium Borosilicate element, and depending upon the color of the gemstone, one or more of a number of metal ions, usually Iron, Magnesium and Lithium. History & Lore: The name Tourmaline is widely accepted as being derived from the Singhalese expression tura mali, which when translated means “stone of many or mixed colors”. Tourmaline is often referred to as the rainbow gemstone, due to the huge amout of colors that it is available in. This was certainly believed by the ancient Egyptians who believed that when Tourmaline traveled from its home in the earth's core to the surface, it did so along a rainbow, which subsequently gifted the gemstone with all of the colors of the rainbow. Tourmalines exhibit piezoelectricity and when these stones become warm they become electrically charged – positively at one end and negatively at the other, acting like a magnet and strong enough to attract small particles of dust or ash. It is for this reason that the Dutch of old used Tourmalines to clean their pipes!

As with most gemstones, ancient civilizations credited Tourmaline gems with magical and mystical powers, including having the power to guard against danger and misfortune. Tourmalines are said to have an especially strong influence over friendship and love, lending permanance and stability to both. Tourmaline gems help to amplify psychic ability / energy and are an excellent aid to increasing self-confidence and understanding. Tourmaline is believed to help assist with tranquil sleep, calm nerves, improve concentration and creative processes and to be an aid to curing cancer. Availability: Tourmaline is a very widely available gemstone, with deposits occuring the world over. Whilst the occurance of very high quality, well-colored natural Tourmaline is rare, modern gemstone enhancements and treatments ensure that heat-treated natural Tourmalines are both available and priced at a level making them accessible to all. Sources: There are known Tourmaline deposits throughout the world including, Afghanistan, Africa, Brazil, Italy, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar (Burma), Nigeria, Pakistan, Siberia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and the United States (California, Connecticut, Maine and Utah). Evaluation: Tourmaline (regardless of variety) is rated at 7 – 7.5 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness and as such is suitable for all jewelry uses and is considered durable enough to be worn everyday. Found in an amazing variety, the sheer number of available Tourmaline colors is second to none and unmatched by any other gemstone. Tourmalines can be found in shades of blue, black, brown, colorless, green, orange, pink, red, yellow and other colors in varying shades and hues, varying from completely transparent to opaque. In addition to this there are also known occurances of bi-color, tri-color, mulit-color and “Cat's Eye” Tourmalines, ensuring that the Tourmaline truly is a gemstone that is available in a color to suit all styles and tastes. A Tourmaline gemstone viewed from different angles will result in differing color intensities being visible. The only one thing that you can be sure of is that the deepest coloration will always be shown along the stone's main axis. When selecting a Tourmaline, go with the color that you like but generally try to steer clear of any stone that is cut too dark. Arguably the most desirable and valuable Tourmalines in today's market are known as “Paraiba” Tourmaline. These are vivid deep blue to bluish-green in color and originate from the Paraiba state in Brazil. Expect to pay a premium for this variety. There is also currently strong demand for the “Verdelith” Green Tourmaline and Pink Tourmaline (Pink Rubellite). Demand is also increasing expotentioally for many of the varieties of Bi, Tri and Multi-colored Tourmalines, most notably “Watermelon” Tourmaline, which are bi-colored stones with a green border enveloping a red center. Common Cuts: Owing to the fact that Tourmaline crystals are long and narrow in shape Tourmaline gems are most commonly, although not exclusively cut into square or rectangular stepped shapes. Routine Enhancements: Tourmalines are often heat-treated in order to lighten colors and to remove “silk” (a form of natural imperfection / inclusion). Some colored Tourmalines actually transform into other Tourmalines (most commonly the Achroite Tourmaline variety), during this heating process. Care & Cleaning: Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush to clean Tourmaline. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe. Never use chemicals such as hydrofluoric acid or ammonium fluoride to clean Tourmaline because it can erode the stone. Much like many gemstones, Tourmaline should be kept away from prolonged exposure to extremes of heat and light as this can cause permanent color change.

Tourmalinated Quartz

Gemstone: Tourmalinated Quartz Birthstone Month: Tourmalinated Quartz is not associated with any particular birthstone month. Zodiac: Tourmalinated Quartz is not associated with any particular zodiac sign. Chemical Symbol: SiO2 Chemical Make-up: Tourmalinated Quartz is a Silicon Dioxide and a macrocrystalline variety of Quartz that contains black or dark green Tourmaline needles. History & Lore: There is not 100% agreement regarding the exact origins of the name Quartz, but the two most widely accepted opinions are that the word Quartz is derived from the Greek 'krystallos', meaning “ice”, or the German 'quarz'. Some of the earliest primitive tools fashioned by man some 2.5 million years ago, and discovered in the Omo valley in Ethiopia were made of Quartz. It is believed that Quartz was used because of its hardness and isotropic brittleness that made the fashioning of the tools relatively easy. Chipped flint projectile points used for fire-making have been found on Mousterian sites in western Europe that date back around 40,000 years. In addition to its use in tool-making, certain varieties of Quartz were used for divination. Spherical Quartz rock crystals were often shaped into crystal balls and used for disease diagnosis and awareness of events occurring in distant places. More recently there was major production of synthetic Quartz during World War II. This synthetic Quartz was used to supply crystals for radios.

Today, Quartz is not only used for gemstone purposes, but also as a raw chemical ingredient in the manufacturing of abrasives, cements, concrete, porcelain, glass, and many other industrial materials. Because of its piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties, Quartz is commonly used in the production of watches, clocks, computers, and radios. Tourmalinated Quartz is believed to be a strong energy deflector that will protect the wearer from negative emotions and thoughts. In addition to this, it is thought to be a grounding stone and can aid in balancing the body and mind. Availability: Tourmalinated Quartz is readily available at affordable prices. Sources: Though Tourmalinated Quartz can be found in most of the major gem producing nations, today the vast majority is mined in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Evaluation: Tourmalinated Quartz is rated at 7 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness. This variety of clear Quartz contains Tourmaline impurities within the stone. Whilst Most transparent varieties of Quartz are valued most when they contain no inclusions, Tourmalinated Quartz is sought-after because of it's Black or dark green Tourmaline needle inclusions. Tourmalinated Quartz is formed because at high temperatures and pressure, the Quartz and Tourmaline minerals are in a liquid state and therefore able to mix. As these temperatures cool and the pressure drops, the two minerals separate once more, with the Tourmaline needles being trapped inside the Quartz and creating Tourmalinated Quartz. There are several closely related Quartz varieties that go through a similar formation process, with the needles of Tourmaline being replaced with different impurities. These include Rutilated Quartz, Grass/Actinolite Quartz, and Dendritic Quartz. Common Cuts: Though Tourmalinated Quartz can be cut into most of the common gemstone cuts/shapes, it is most often cut into cabochons as this cut best displays the Tourmaline needles. It is also occasionally used for carvings / sculptures. Routine Enhancements: There are no known enhancements for Tourmalinated Quartz. Care & Cleaning: Tourmalinated Quartz is generally best cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft brush. As with most gemstones, Tourmalinated Quartz should be kept away from household chemicals and from prolonged exposure to extremes of heat as this can cause damage or permanent changes in coloration. Tourmalinated Quartz jewelry should be kept in a fabric-lined box away from other jewelry items in order to avoid scratching.

Topaz

Gemstone: Topaz Birthstone Month: Yellow Topaz is associated with the birthstone month of November and Blue Topaz is associated with the birthstone month of December. Zodiac: Topaz is associated with the zodiac signs of Aries and Sagittarius. Chemical Symbol: Al2SiO4(F,OH)2 Chemical Make-up: Topaz is an Aluminum Fluorosilicate. History & Lore: Topaz has long been related to desire and the name is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word 'tapas' meaning heat, fire and passion. It is also said to have been derived from the Greek word 'topazos' or 'topazion', meaning “to search.” Topazion was also the name of an island in the Red Sea which today is commonly known as Zebirget or St. John's Island in Egypt. The Egyptians believed that Topaz would protect them from harm because they believed it was colored by the sun god Ra's golden arms. The Romans believed in a similar theory and associated Topaz with their sun god, Jupiter. Topaz has also been biblically referenced as one of the gemstones used to make the 'Breastplate of Judgement' worn by Aaron. Topaz is said to increase the wearers intelligence, creativity and wisdom, and can enhance one's spiritual potential. It is also known to aid in meditation and in the divine manifestation of desired objects. Topaz is said to bring physical and intellectual vigor, good health, and is said to offer protection against infectious diseases.

Availability: Red and intense Pink Topaz tend to be the rarest of the Topaz family and are therefore reasonably expensive. Green Topaz is also rare. The bright Orange Topaz, also known as 'Imperial Topaz' tends to be easier to find, with Blue Topaz available in a wide range of cuts and sizes. Blue Topaz is also generally more widely available than the other colors because less attractive colored Topaz's are heat treated and become blue in the process. Sources: Brazil is believed to be the World's largest supplier of Topaz, though there are known deposits in Australia, China, Japan, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Sri lanka (Ceylon), and the United States. Evaluation: Topaz is rated at an 8 on Moh's Scale of Hardness and although relatively hard, blows should be avoided for they can cause the stone to cleave. Topaz comes in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Its brilliance and clarity are its chief attractions. A hard stone, Topaz is very difficult to scratch, although it can be brittle. Imperial Topaz occurs naturally in colors ranging from a light golden yellow to a deep reddish orange. Red and intense pink are the most rare and desirable colors for Topaz. A gem with these colors will command a relatively high price. Bright orange colored Topaz, also known as Imperial Topaz, falls into the moderate price range and is easier to find. Blue Topaz, having a low to moderate price range, is very popular, primarily because of moderate pricing and the availability of a wide variety of shades, sizes and shapes. Common Cuts: Blue Topaz can generally be found cut into most of the commonly recognized shapes/cuts. The other, rarer, more valuable Topaz colors are more often found in oval, cushion, and emerald cuts. Routine Enhancements: The type of enhancement differs depending upon the color and type of the Topaz. Yellow and Orange Topaz are occasionally treated with heat and/or radiation to intensify color. Green and Blue topaz are usually treated with heat and/or radiation to intensify depth of color, although much of the Blue Topaz in on market today was once less attractive colored Topaz examples that were treated to become blue. Brown Topaz is not known to be enhanced. Care & Cleaning: Though Topaz is a relatively hard stone, it has poor toughness due to cleavage. Care should be taken to prevent Topaz from chipping and scratching. As with most gemstones, Topaz should be kept away from sudden temperature changes that can cause permanent changes to the stone's coloration. Topaz is best cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Topaz should be kept in a fabric-lined box away from other jewelry items as to avoid scratching.

Tanzanite

Gemstone : Tanzanite Birthstone Month : Tanzanite is one of the accepted birthstones for the month of December. Zodiac : Tanzanite does not have any strong affiliations with any particular zodiac sign. Chemical Symbol : Ca2Al2(SiO4)3(OH) Chemical Make-up : Tanzanite is a member of the Zoisite family of minerals and is therefore made up of Calcium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide. History & Lore : The name for the gemstone known as Tanzanite is taken from it's place of origin, the country of Tanzania. Tanzanite is a very young gemstone in terms of when it was discovered. Tanzanite's discovery did not occur until 1967, and is widely attributed to a Portuguese geologist named Manuel D'Souza who had traveled to Tanzania with the intention of prospecting for Rubies. It is said that when he reached Tanzania he was led to deposits of this wonderful gemstone why Masai Tribesmen. Practically the only widely accepted tale regarding Tanzanite relates to how it was found. It is believed that Tanzanite was in fact originally discovered by Masai cattle- herders who noticed that previously brown crystals has been turned blue after having exposed ti intense heat brought about by ravaging fires and lightning strikes on the flat and insular mountains surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro. Whilst there is very little in the way of lore surrounding Tanzanite, very likely due to its relatively recent discovery, it does have a special meaning to the Masai Tribesmen who discovered it. The Masai's believe that Tanzanite is the stone of birth, and it is for this reason that they frequently gift their wives with Tanzanite gemstones following the birth of their first child

Availability : There is real concern regarding the long-term future of the Tanzanite gemstone and already demand outstrips supply. An additional factor is that due to the single location of the occurrence of this gem, there may realistically be as little as ten years of mining production before the supply of all jewelry grade Tanzanites has been depleted. Sources : Whilst from time to time reports of new discoveries of Tanzanite surface, the only widely accepted genuine deposits of Tanzanite is the five square mile hilltop at Merelani, relatively close to Tanzania's international airport, and a few isolated deposits in Kenya. Evaluation : Tanzanite is rated at 6.5 – 7.0 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness and is therefore considered suitable for all jewelry applications and durable enough for everyday wear, although some care should be taken. Whilst most people know Tanzanite as a blue gemstone, it is also found in shades of brown, gray, green and purple. Probably the most predominant factor explaining the high demand for this gemstone is that Tanzanite is a stone that exhibits beautiful color changes, and depending upon the angle that it is viewed at it most commonly exhibits changes between reddish- purple, blue and deep purple colors, with the most desired and therefore the most valuable color being blue. Currently Tanzanite is a relatively inexpensive gemstone. Having said this, the prices of Tanzanite fluctuates wildly and overall prices per carat of good, gem quality Tanzanite have more than doubled over the last two years. Taking this into account the fact that there is only a finite amount of Tanzanite available, this gemstone represents a real opportunity for investment. It is predicted that prices will continue to rise and that these rises will likely be very steep once the known deposits have been depleted, which may well occur at some point within the next ten years. Common Cuts : Tanzanite gems are most commonly, although by no means exclusively, fashioned into Oval and Cushion cuts. All accepted gem cuts are however available. Routine Enhancements : In it's natural form, Tanzanite is most commonly a dull brown color. However, when heated to around 600 degrees celcius an amazing transformation occurs and the gem changes color to a vibrant blue or purple color. It is worthy of note that whilst other gemstones are routinely enhanced / heat-treated in order to create additional color, Tanzanite is heated simply to bring out the color already present in the stone, not to create a better quality gemstone. Heat-treated Tanzanite is considered to be the same quality as non heat-treated Tanzanites, it is simply richer in color. Care & Cleaning : As with may gemstones, it is best to clean Tanzanite with warm, soapy water. Ultrasonic ans steam cleaning cleaning devices should be avoided, as should exposure to acids or prolonged exposure to extremes of heat as this may cause the gem to shatter. When storing your Tanzanite jewelry do so away from harder gemstones that may scratch the softer Tanzanite.

Sapphire

Gemstone: Star Sapphire Birthstone Month: Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September. Zodiac: Sapphire is associated with the zodiac signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Taurus. Chemical Symbol: Al2O3 + other mineral traces depending upon the gemstones main coloration. Chemical Make-up: Sapphire is a form of Aluminium Oxide known as Corundum. Pure Corundum is in fact clear, with other present mineral traces responsible for coloration. History & Lore: The name Corundum is believed to originate from either the Indian word kauruntaka, or the Sanskrit word kurivinda. Sapphire, the name for this particular type of Corundum is taken from the Latin word sapphirus, menaing “blue”. Star Sapphires are said to be the most powerful Sapphires and are collectively known as the Stones of Destiny. The star shown on the gemstone is said to represent destiny, faith and hope. Star Sapphires have the ability to protect their wearer from physical harm, and from other peoples negative energy and thoughts. Star Sapphires are an aid to meditation and believed to gift the wearer mental clarity and higher wisdom. Availability: It is an extremely hard and a very expensive exercise trying to source natural Star Sapphires that have not been heat-treated as these gems are amongst the most valuable gemstones known today. However, thanks to modern gemstone enhancements and treatments, it is now possible to own wonderful, heat-treated natural Star Sapphires that are both available to meet demand, and priced at a level making this beautiful gemstone attainable / available to most people. Asterism, or stars are produced using a process known as diffusion. Star Sapphires that have been created this way will often be known as Linde Sapphires.

Sources: Whilst today's main sources of Sapphire are Africa, Australia, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Thailand and the United States (Montana, North Carolina), there are also known Sapphire deposits in Brazil, Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Tanzania and Vietnam. The highest quality and most desirable Sapphires are those that originate in India, Myanmar (Burma), and Sri Lanka (Ceylon). Sapphires from India and Myanmar (Burma), are highly prized for their pure blue colors and stones from these regions are priced accordingly, often at collectors prices, particularly if there is documentation available to prove the origin of the Sapphire. Sri Lankan (Ceylon) Sapphires are sought after for both their delightful pastel blue and fancy colored variations. Evaluation: Sapphire is rated at 9 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness and is second only to the Diamond in this regard. Sapphires therefore are perfectly suited to all jewelry purposes / uses and is a very hard-wearing, durable and versatile gemstone suitable for everyday wear. When thinking of Sapphire, most people immediately think of, and prefer, a blue gemstone. Sapphire is however actually much more than just a blue gem and is found in various colors including, black, blues, browns, colorless, pink, orange, peach, purple, voilet, white and yellow. The one color that Sapphire is not is red. Red Corundum is what we know as Ruby. In adition to the single colors, Star Sapphires are also available. A Star Sapphire is a Sapphire that exhibits a star-like phenomenon (asterism). This is caused by inclusions known as silk. When silk inclusions are abundant the Sapphire begins translucent or Opaque and this effects the way that the gemstone reflects light. The effect created is a star (usually made up of six rays, but sometimes twelve), that seems to float over the surface of the Sapphire as it is moved. The quality of Star Sapphires is judged primarily by taking into account the sharpness of the star and the gemstone's overall body color. A natural, untreated Star Sapphire with a very sharp star and a bright blue body color is extremely valuable, very desirable and very hard to find. Common Cuts: Regardless of whether or not a Sapphire initially displayed a star, once it has been faceted, it will no longer offer up a star. For this reason, when examining Sapphires gemstone cutters must always take the time to look closely at the stone and check to see whether it has enough properly orientated inclusions to form a star. If it does, the Sapphire will be cut into a Cabochon shape, the only shape that allows the stone to display the beautiful asterism, or star. Routine Enhancements: Almost all Sapphires found on the market today have been heat-treated in order to intensify color and remove “silk”, small inclusions present in most natural Sapphires. This method of treatment is considered permanent and color should not fade over time. Asterism can also be produced through a process known as diffusion. Star Sapphires that have been created this way will often be known as Linde Sapphires. Care & Cleaning: Sapphires are a very tough, durable gemstone and can safely be cleaned with soapy water or commercial solvent and a brush, and can also safely be cleaned using most modern mechanical cleaners. Do however avoid subjecting Sapphires to prolonged exposure to strong heat or light sources, particularly with regard to some varieties of heat-treated gems, as prolonged exposure may cause permanent changes in coloration.

Smoky Quartz

Gemstone: Star Quartz Birthstone Month: Star Quartz is not associated with any particular birthstone month. Zodiac: Star Quartz is not associated with any particular zodiac sign. Chemical Symbol: Quartz: SiO2 Rutile: TiO2 Chemical Make-up: Star Quartz is a Silicon Dioxide containing needles of Rutile, a Titanium Oxide. History & Lore: There is not 100% agreement regarding the exact origins of the name Quartz, but the two most widely accepted opinions are that the word Quartz is derived from the Greek 'krystallos', meaning “ice”, or the German 'quarz'. Some of the earliest primitive tools fashioned by man some 2.5 million years ago, and discovered in the Omo valley in Ethiopia were made of Quartz. It is believed that Quartz was used because of its hardness and isotropic brittleness that made the fashioning of the tools relatively easy. Chipped flint projectile points used for fire-making have been found on Mousterian sites in western Europe that date back around 40,000 years. In addition to its use in tool-making, certain varieties of Quartz were used for divination. Spherical Quartz rock crystals were often shaped into crystal balls and used for disease diagnosis and awareness of events occurring in distant places. More recently there was major production of synthetic Quartz during World War II. This synthetic Quartz was used to supply crystals for radios.

Today, Quartz is not only used for gemstone purposes, but also as a raw chemical ingredient in the manufacturing of abrasives, cements, concrete, porcelain, glass, and many other industrial materials. Because of its piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties, Quartz is commonly used in the production of watches, clocks, computers, and radios. Availability: Star Quartz are in fact quite rare but surprisingly affordable in comparison with other gemstone varieties that display asterism. Sources: Star Quartz can be found in most of the major gem producing nations. Evaluation: Quartz is rated at 6.5 to 7 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness and is for the most part suitable for all jewelry. Star Quartz contains microscopic rutile needles which are oriented in such a way that a star effect is visible, known in the gem trade as an asterism. This optical phenomenon is displayed on either colorless or Rose Quartz and can best be seen when a light source is viewed through the stone. The quality of Star Quartz is judged primarily by taking into account the sharpness of the star. Star Quartz that displays the delicate pink color of Rose Quartz, together with a distinct star is the most valuable and desired of the Star Quartz's. Common Cuts: Star Quartz are most commonly and almost exclusively cut into cabochons. This is because a tall, round cut is required to maximize the asterism, or star effect. Routine Enhancements: There are no known enhancements for Star Quartz. Care & Cleaning: Star Quartz are generally best cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft brush. As with most gemstones, Star Quartz should be kept away from household chemicals and from prolonged exposure to extremes of heat as this can cause damage or permanent changes in coloration. Star Quartz jewelry should be kept in a fabric-lined box away from other jewelry items in order to avoid scratching.