1. Uses of Minerals

3. Imperial State Crown – made for Queen Victoria of England in 1838. It includes several precious gems, namely: 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies.

4. Minerals and their Gems

17. The nine largest pieces of the Cullinan Diamond.

18. The Cullinan IV (upper, 63.60 carats) and Cullinan III (lower, 94.40 carats), set in a pendant brooch.

19. The Cullinan VI (lower, 8.80 carats) and Cullinan VIII (upper, 6.80 carats)

20. The Cullinan II Diamond. Note the two tiny platinum loops on the edges. This is so the stone can be worn as a brooch, alone or with the Cullinan I attached. However, it usually resides in the front of the Imperial State Crown.

26. Magnetite – contains iron (for frying pan and ships)

27. Hematite – contains iron (for frying pan and ships)

28. Bauxite – contains aluminum (for bicycles, soft-drink cans, foil, and lightweight parts for airplanes and cars)

30. Ilmenite

31. Rutile (protruding from a quartz crystal)

32. Rutile (with a center of hematite)

33. Birthstones

34. January - Garnet

35. By her who in January was born No gem save garnets shall be worn They will ensure her constancy True friendship and fidelity.

36. February - Amethyst

37. The February born shall find Sincerity and peace of mind, Freedom from passion and from care, If they, the amethyst will wear.

38. March - Aquamarine

39. April - Diamond

40. She who from April dates her years, Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears For vain repentance flow.

41. May - Emerald

42. Who first beholds the light of day In spring's sweet, flower month of May And wears an Emerald all her life Shall be a loved and a loving wife.

43. June - Moonstone

44. June - Pearl

45. By her who in June was born No gem save Pearls shall be worn They will ensure her constancy True friendship and fidelity.

46. July - Ruby

47. The gleaming Ruby should adorn, All those who in July are born, For thus they'll be exempt and free, From lover's doubts and anxiety.

48. August - Peridot

49. Wear a Peridot or for thee, No conjugal fidelity, The August born without this stone, `Tis said, must live unloved; alone.

50. September - Sapphire

51. A maiden born when autumn leaves Are rustling in September's breeze, A Sapphire on her brow should bind; To bring her joy and peace of mind.

52. October - Opal

53. October's child is born for woe, And life's vicissitudes must know, But lay an opal on her breast, And hope will lull those woes to rest.

54. October - Tourmaline

55. November - Topaz

56. Who first comes to this world below In dreary November's fog and snow, Should prize the topaz amber hue, Emblem of friends and lovers true.

57. November - Citrine

58. December - Turquoise

59. If cold December gave you birth The month of snow and ice and mirth Place on your hand a turquoise blue; Success will bless whate'er you do.

60. December – Blue Topaz