Guilding the Stone - March Trivia Quiz

Answer: Lapidary

Beryl is a mineral whose gemstones include colours of blue (aquamarine) and green (emerald).

Jasper is a chemical compound of silicon dioxide (silica) whose manifestations are (primarily) red, brown, yellow, and (rarely) green. The rarest of jaspers is the green "bloodstone" whose red-speckled colouring presents in the form of splashes or flecks of red against a green jasper background.

Heliotrope is a form of green jasper whose red-speckled colouring presents in the form of veins running through the silica as distinct from the bloodstone's "flecks" or "specks" of colouring.

A lapidary is a craftsperson who works with forming, cutting or finishing minerals, stones and / or gemstones. The primary forms of lapidary artistry are tumbling, cabochon cutting, and/or faceting.

There is also a secondary meaning to the term "lapidary" as applied to literature or oratory. Writing (or the ancient art of chiselling in stone) or speaking in a crisp, brief and short style is called "lapidary". The writing style of Ernest Hemingway and the speaking style of Abraham Lincoln are both considered examples of the lapidary style.

Answer: Anselmus de Boodt, "Gemmarum et Lapidum Historia" 1609

The "Gemmarum et Lapidum Historia" (1609) of Anselmus de Boodt (1550-1632) was the first known catalogue of mineral elements known to the European world. His "catalogue" provided the first systematic description of 600 different types of metals and crystals. He and Georg Pawer [also known as "Georgius Agricola"] (1494-1555) are considered the founders of modern mineralogy.

Agricola's "De Re Metallica" (1556) described the process of mining as well as a rudimentary explanation of the geology of the earth. Interestingly, "De Re Metallica" was translated into English in "Mining Magazine" (London) in 1912 by Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover, the future President and First Lady of the United States.

Aristotle and Pliny the Elder voiced their opinions and theories as to the composition of the earth and its resources, but neither provided a systematic or comprehensive study of metallurgy or mineralogy.

George Frederick Kunz (1856-1932) was a noted US mineralogist who became a vice president of the New York jeweller Tiffany & Company. His many articles and publications fanned popular interest in the purchase of gems at the turn of the 20th century. Many of his writings were intended more as a merchandising ploy than a serious discussion of mineralogy.

Answer: Jesus Christ

Belief in the Middle Ages was that bloodstone was formed when drops of Jesus' blood fell and stained some jasper at the foot of the cross. This may in turn have led to the tradition of using bloodstone in sculptures showing flagellation and martyrdom, hence its alternative name of "The Martyr's Stone".

Answer: Nineteenth

Some sources suggest that aquamarine is also associated with the sixteenth wedding anniversary. The traditional gifts associated with the other anniversaries (all fairly well attested) are paper (first); silver (twenty-fifth) and gold (fiftieth).

Aquamarine is also sometimes associated with newly-wed couples, and is supposed to insure a long and happy marriage.

Answer: In powdered form, as an aphrodisiac

Throughout the ages, bloodstone has had a wide variety of medical associations in different cultures. It was at one time thought to be able to stop haemorrhages, and was used as a relief for stomach and bowel pain. Another property was that of strengthening blood and improving circulation.

Answer: Brazil

The biggest aquamarine ever mined was found at the city of Marambaia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 1910. It weighed over 110 kg, and its dimensions were 48.5 cm long and 42 cm in diameter.

Answer: Iron oxide

The main substance of the bloodstone is a dark green form of chalcedony (a crypto-chrystalline variety of quartz). The green colour comes from particles of chlorite or Hornblende needles.

Answer: Intense heat-treatment

While deep blue aquamarine does occur naturally, it is more often found in a range of hues from near-colourless pale blue through blue-green and teal. Because the deeper blue colours are more popular, and thus more desirable for retailers, the vast majority of aquamarine sold on the open market is ultra-heat-treated to remove any green colours and bring out the deepest blue shades.

Answer: Mars

Many references to the bloodstone note its association with the planet Mars, both being associated with action, passion and vibrant energy. It is regarded as a stone with powerful healing energy, and is associated with boosting stamina and enhancing physical strength. For this reason, it is recommended to athletes (so far, it has not been declared an illegal substance).

Answer: Sailors

The name "aquamarine" derives from the Latin aqua marina, "water of the sea", which may explain its popularity with sailors. It was believed to ensure safe passage and protect from danger, as well as warding off sea-sickness. Some sources suggest the stones were thought to come from the treasure chests of mermaids.

FOOTNOTE: This quiz was started by Quiz-Makers Guild member SocalMiguel, who sadly passed away early in March 2009. It has been completed and submitted as a testament to his memory. During his short time in the Guild, Miguel contributed enormously to the team and its quiz-making activities. Requiscit in pace.