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Beader’s dictionary


Z

ZAMAK (See products)

Zamak is an alloy made with zinc, aluminum and magnesium, to which is at times added copper. It’s name is an acronym made from the german names of its components : Zinc (zinc), Aluminum, Magnesium and Kupfer (copper). It can also appear as “zamac”, as « Kupfer » is translated to “cuivre” in French and “Copper” in English. It is an grey colored alloy, easy to use and malleable. Zamak is an alloy that will oxidize. Thus, it is often treated with a protective coating ( anti-corrosive treatment) to prevent its oxidization. The term zamak is also used to identify a type of clasp used in fashion jewelry. As this alloy is also used to made a specific type of clasp, the clasp is often referred to as a “zamak clasp”. However, all zamak clasps are not made with this alloy.

ZIRCON

Zircons are translucent gemstones that when under their colorless form, can sometimes be used as a substitute for diamonds. In its natural state, zircon can be found in several colors : yellow, orange, red, violet, blue and green. The most widespread are the brown-green and the red-brown. Colorless zircons are very rare. However there is a process that uses heat and allows for a colorless rendering of browns zircons. These heated colorless zircons are fallaciously called “Matura diamonds” or “Matara”. On the market these appellations are not permitted.

ZODIAC STONES

During Antiquity as well as Middle-Ages, it was believed that the formation of gems was influenced by constellations, some gems were as bright as stars. They were thought to be the mirrors of the cosmos. Therefore each planet was associated with one or more gems that possess “magical” properties. These beliefs still circulate in todays modern society, even though there are no tangible proof to support them.
Sign Stones
ARIES Carnelian, red jasper
TAURUS Carnelian, pink quartz
GEMINI Citrine, tiger's eye
CANCER Chrysoprase, aventurine
LEO Rock crystal, golden quartz
VIRGO Citrine, yellow agate
LIBRA Orange citrine, smoked quartz
SCORPIO Blood red Carnelian
SAGITTARIUS Sapphire, chalcedony
CAPRICORN Onyx, rutilated quartz
AQUARIUS Turquoise, falcon eye
PISCES Amethyst, quartz amethyst