5081. Shades of Emerald
November 27, 2008
Cleopatra adored the satiny green hue of the emerald. The oldest mines can be found in Egypt near the Red Sea and they are referred to as "Cleopatra's Mines." Unfortunately, she was not alone in her adoration. From 3000 to 1500 B.C., other pharaohs also enjoyed the rich gemstones so much so that the...
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5082. The Peridot Phenomenon
November 27, 2008
Cleopatra thought they were so beautiful, she mistook them for emeralds. But, the peridot has a color all its own.
What exactly is a peridot? Peridot is a mineral of the olivine family. It is made up of iron magnesium silicate. It is the iron that determines how light or dark the shade of g...
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5083. Decadent Pearls
November 27, 2008
How lucky would you feel if you shucked an oyster and found a creamy pearl resting inside? Lucky, but it's not likely. Natural varieties are very rare and most of the world's supply is almost all cultured.
For a rare natural pearl to form, some type of substance has to find its way inside th...
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5084. Aquamarine: Blue as the Sea
November 27, 2008
Often seen as the gemstone of mermaids, due to its sea-like hue, aquamarine actually comes from deep within the earth, just like other gemstones. Aquamarine is a mineral of the beryl family, which makes it a cousin of the emerald. Some shades even hold a green tint, giving it a teal color. However, ...
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5085. Amethyst: The Calming Quartz
November 27, 2008
What is an amethyst? A member of the quartz family, amethyst is the world's most valuable quartz gemstone. Unique for its crystalline structure, it is best known for its varying shades of violet. This eye-catching quartz can be found in mauve, lavender, lilac, or the deepest of purple, offering a s...
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5086. Power Tool Safety Tips
November 18, 2008
If you've ever cut yourself with a small paring knife while cutting up fruit, you know that even the smallest tools have the potential to cause some serious damage. No matter what size power tool or your level of expertise, it is important to follow certain safety rules every time they are used. A l...
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5087. Soil Testing: What to Do Before You Buy Fertilizer
November 18, 2008
Are you curious about why the grass, or perhaps the corn crops, are greener on the other side of the fence? Wonder no more. Simply find a soil testing lab to help you test your fields before you buy your next batch of fertilizer.
As any farmer or gardener knows, all land is not created equal...
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5088. Power Tools: Choosing the Right Ones
November 17, 2008
If your idea of being a handyman is nailing a frame to the wall (albeit slightly crooked), then before you take on any sizeable project, you'll want to ensure that you have the right power tools to get the job done. Your hammer and roll of duct tape isn't going to help you build that deck.
W...
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5089. Wedding Photography: Hiring the Right Photographer
November 17, 2008
You are all surrounded with flowers, colors, dresses, family and friends. No doubt, one of the most important days of your life is your wedding day. Now, how are you going to remember it? As the years pass, your memories will fade, but if you have vivid pictures to document the special day, you'll r...
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5090. Wedding Hall: How To Choose the Right One?
November 17, 2008
Your wedding day is one of the biggest and most memorable days of your life, or at least it should be. A major planning of the day would be the wedding hall you choose, as it will be the location of all the after-ceremony fun and partying that you will remember fondly for the rest of your life. Ther...
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