PHENOMENON

I am Phenomenon, many legends surround my presence. In the Orient, when the Sun and Moon are in perfect harmony I am washed up as Moonstone by the tides and left to adorn the beaches. In Ruby and Sapphire, the three crossing rays of my star are Faith, Hope and Destiny, captured for eternity. As Star Ruby and Star Sapphire,

I give infinite good fortune and success. When my charm looks out of Cat's Eye, I protect against witchcraft, sorcery and evil spirits.

Qualities - Gemstones which have an optical effect of light are Phenomenal gemstones and are characteristically cut in a cabochon shape. With Cat's Eye the Phenomenon is called chatoyancy, a luminosity producing a thin bright line. The form of a four-rayed or six-rayed star is called asterism, as in Star Sapphire. This effect is caused by the presence of a radiating pattern of needlelike inclusions. Another Phenomenon is adulate sconce, the silvery glow exhibited in gemstones like Moonstone. Even Cultured Pearl joins in this category with the iridescent Phenomenon called orient.

Care - Protect your Phenomenal gemstone from hard blows and scratches by caring for it as you would a fine garment. Since these gemstones include many gemstone species, ask your jeweler about the proper care for your unique Phenomenal gemstone.