The Lighter Side of Gemology


Gemstone history, legend, lore and other fun, non-technical articles.

Four Famous Spinels

Four Famous Spinels

Although the world’s most famous spinels are named “rubies,” these gems are distinct species. Learn the stories behind four of...
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Sapphire Symbolism

Sapphire Symbolism

Beautiful blue colors and the star stone effect have influenced sapphire symbolism through the ages. Learn more about the legends...
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Why We Love Montana Sapphires and Yogo Sapphires

Why We Love Montana Sapphires and Yogo Sapphires

With rich cornflower blue Yogo sapphires and fancy-colored gems in any color of the rainbow, Montana sapphires are a great...
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The World’s Largest Emeralds

The World’s Largest Emeralds

Emerald crystals can grow very large. Learn about some of the world’s largest emeralds, whether rough, faceted, or carved.
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Seven Famous Emeralds and Their Stories

Seven Famous Emeralds and Their Stories

Some famous emeralds have amazing histories. These seven gems have gone through revolutions, shipwrecks, and thefts to become crown jewels...
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What are Black Diamonds and Carbonados?

What are Black Diamonds and Carbonados?

Most black diamonds used in jewelry are enhanced, but natural black-colored diamonds do exist. Learn more about these as well...
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Garnet Symbolism

Garnet Symbolism

Garnet symbolism is rich and varied. The January birthstone has inspired many legends and popular associations with love, friendship, light,...
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Ten Gemstones Rarer than Diamond

Ten Gemstones Rarer than Diamond

If you're looking for something unique for your next jewelry purchase, check out these ten gemstones rarer than diamond. How...
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Take the Birthstone Quiz

Take the Birthstone Quiz

What do you know about birthstones? Take our short birthstone quiz and learn about the makeup, cutting, and value of...
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Master Diamond Cutter Mike Botha Takes on Esperanza

Master Diamond Cutter Mike Botha Takes on Esperanza

The Esperanza is the most valuable diamond ever mined in the US. Learn the story behind the find and the...
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Suiseki, Glyptography, and Other Rock Artistry Techniques

Suiseki, Glyptography, and Other Rock Artistry Techniques

Not all creative lapidary work involves cutting gems. Rock artistry techniques like suiseki and glyptography can offer some imaginative possibilities....
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Jade Symbolism

Jade Symbolism

Both jadeite and nephrite have inspired beautiful works of art and a rich body of lore. Jade symbolism covers themes...
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Ethiopian Emeralds (Better than Colombian?)

Ethiopian Emeralds (Better than Colombian?)

Learn everything you need to know about Ethiopian emeralds, including quality, pricing, gemology, and how they compare to those from...
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Onyx Symbolism

Onyx Symbolism

Onyx symbolism and lore is filled with negative associations. Learn how people have counteracted these purported effects and enjoy this...
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Moonstone Symbolism

Moonstone Symbolism

With a silverly light that seems to come from within, moonstone has many associations with the Moon. While you certainly...
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Carnelian Symbolism

Carnelian Symbolism

Carnelian symbolism and lore touches on health, luck, and royalty. However, just wearing these gems isn't always effective. Would-be alchemists...
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Pearl Symbolism

Pearl Symbolism

Prized for millennia, pearls have strong links to the Moon, value, and weddings. Learn more about pearl symbolism and the...
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Gemstones with Health Benefits

Gemstones with Health Benefits

Since ancient times, people have believed gems could have healing properties. Let’s take a look at some popular gemstones with...
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Tips for Cutting and Polishing Halite

Tips for Cutting and Polishing Halite

Halite is a very difficult material to facet, even for experts. Jeff Graham offers his advice on how to cut...
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La Belle De Jour: A Giant Emerald Matrix

La Belle De Jour: A Giant Emerald Matrix

La Belle De Jour is a unique emerald matrix. Learn how it formed, where it was found, and what makes...
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History of Birthstones

History of Birthstones

What is a Birthstone? Birthstones have become very popular for gift-givers and gem-lovers for their dazzling array of colors and...
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Six Famous Aquamarines

Six Famous Aquamarines

Aquamarines have been cut into many large and beautiful gemstones. Let’s take a look at six of the world’s most...
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Amber Symbolism

Amber Symbolism

Amber has a long history of ornamental use and popular associations with animals, energy, and the Sun. Learn more about...
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Malachite Symbolism

Malachite Symbolism

Behind every mystical gem is a merchant. Since ancient times, malachite has been “the salesman's stone.” Learn more about malachite...
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Lapis Lazuli Symbolism

Lapis Lazuli Symbolism

How do you say “love me” with a stone? Learn about lapis lazuli symbolism and legends. This beautiful blue mineral...
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Turquoise Symbolism

Turquoise Symbolism

Many people consider beautiful sky blue turquoise stones to be lucky. Learn about the turquoise symbolism and lore of Native...
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Topaz Symbolism

Topaz Symbolism

Topaz's most popular mystical association has been with wealth. However, topaz symbolism and lore also covers areas such as health,...
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Is the 500-Pound Beleza Emerald Really Worth $280 million?

Is the 500-Pound Beleza Emerald Really Worth $280 million?

A couple claims the Beleza Emerald was lost in the Camp Fire of 2018 and was worth $280 million. The...
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The Sacred Emerald Buddha

The Sacred Emerald Buddha

Carved in Thailand in 2006 from a 3,600-ct emerald, “The Sacred Emerald Buddha” has a message of peace. Read the...
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Emerald Symbolism

Emerald Symbolism

Emerald symbolism encompasses not only royalty but also wit, eloquence, and foresight. Learn more about the legends surrounding this prized...
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Ruby Symbolism

Ruby Symbolism

Many cultures have long considered ruby a king's gem. Not surprisingly, ruby symbolism and lore have many associations with power,...
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Eight Famous Rubies

Eight Famous Rubies

Blood red ruby gems have captivated people's hearts and imaginations for centuries. Read about these eight famous rubies and what...
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Eight Famous Sapphires and the Stories Behind Them

Eight Famous Sapphires and the Stories Behind Them

Large, beautiful, and historically important, these eight famous sapphires have fascinating stories to tell. Learn what makes them so special....
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Seven Famous Pearls and Their Histories

Seven Famous Pearls and Their Histories

Cursed, perfect, or just huge, these famous pearls are fascinating. Read their history-rich tales filled with people like Kublai Khan...
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16 Famous Opals and Their Amazing Stories

16 Famous Opals and Their Amazing Stories

These sixteen famous opals include some of the largest and most beautiful in the world. Learn their fascinating backstories in...
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Alternative Birthstones

Alternative Birthstones

Not happy with your birthstone? Explore these alternative birthstones associated with astrological signs, angels, the hour or day of your...
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Opal Symbolism

Opal Symbolism

Once the stone of royalty, the fragile opal has a convoluted personality and lore. Opal symbolism is as varied as...
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Amethyst Symbolism

Amethyst Symbolism

Amethyst has many popular folkloric associations, from love and spirituality to supernatural protection. Learn more about amethyst symbolism and legends....
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Love, Marriage, and Korite

Love, Marriage, and Korite

Marriage and Korite (or ammolite) both need special care. With strong support systems, both can endure. This is the story...
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What is my Birthstone?

What is my Birthstone?

The idea of a single birthstone for each month is a modern idea with a long history, but today's consumers...
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Gemology For Kids: Games And Activities

Gemology For Kids: Games And Activities

Make gemology for kids educational and fun with these gemstone-themed games for all ages. Try these solo and party activities....
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Gemstone Crossword Puzzle Collection

Gemstone Crossword Puzzle Collection

Our gemstone crossword puzzle collection is a fun and challenging way to test your knowledge of gemology, whether you’re an...
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10 Most Famous Celebrity Gemstone Rings

Colored gemstone engagement rings are a trend that has been around for awhile, and the results are unforgettable and beautiful....
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Double Eagle Mining Company

Double Eagle Mining Company

Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. See what his thoughts are on Oregon...
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Out Back Mining Company

Out Back Mining Company

Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. See what he has to share about...
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Sharing the Fun and Folklore of Gemology

Sharing the Fun and Folklore of Gemology

My goal is to share with each of you the fun and folklore or gemstones. Since this is my first...
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Old Mine Tales

Old Mine Tales

Old Mine Tales that were submitted as letters to Faceter's Digest. They are a personal history of the author's experiences...
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Interviews

Interviews

The transcription of the interview of International Gem Society IGS with C.D. Parsons of Santa Paula, Calif. and Gerald Wykoff...
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