A gecko is always considered a lizard, while a lizard may not always be a gecko as lizards refer to four other groups of similar species. Lizards are found all over the world. They populate every continent except for Antarctica and are also found on most island chains within the world’s oceans.
Geckos have the unique ability to climb vertical surfaces due to specialized pads on their toes, which is something that lizards are unable to do.
Rival members of Qatar’s royal family are battling for control of the diamond, with one side trying to force a $10m sale.
The Idol's Eye diamond is 70.21 carats and a light blue, VVS1. The diamond's history began at a Christie's sale in London on July 14th, 1865. Later the 34th Ottoman Sultan, Abdul Hamid II (1842-1918) owned the Idol's Eye. The Idol's Eye was one of several large diamonds that came up for auction in Paris on June 24th, 1909. Afterwards a Spanish nobleman bought the diamond.
Harry Winston bought it in 1946. The following year the stone was sold to Mrs. May Bonfils Stanton, daughter of Frederick G. Bonfils, the publisher and co-founder of the Denver Post. Chicago jeweler Harry Levinson bought the Idol's Eye for $375,000, after Stanton's death. In 1979 Laurence Graff of London purchased the Idol's Eye. Guernsey-based Elanus Holdings Limited, which is controlled by the heirs of the late Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed al-Thani bought the diamond.
Mandarin Spessartite Garnet is a rare form of orange garnet colored by manganese.
The combination of vivid color and high refractive index make spessartite garnet one of the most brilliant stones in the world of colored gems. Its hardness is around 6.5 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it ideal for jewelry.
The gems occur in a range of colors from yellowish orange to reddish orange and orange-red. The pure orange, known as mandarin or fanta orange, is very rare and has been found in only a few deposits in Africa, notably in Nigeria.
Top spessartites are highly sought after by gem collectors and are considered investment grade. Very little in the way of new material has been found recently.
The prices and value of spessartite garnet varies according to the size and quality of the gemstone. Color and clarity are the most important factors. Vivid orange is the most valuable. The reddish and orange-red are also valuable in fine quality. Gems with a distinct brownish hue, or heavily included stones, are less valuable.
Spessartites are not currently enhanced by any method.