transparency

Confused about diamond clarity? Don’t worry. First-time buyers may find assessing diamond clarity challenging. Inclusions, tiny crystals…

Rare stibiotantalite possesses an interesting mix of physical and optical properties that help distinguish it from other earth-toned gemstones.…

In this golden age of pearls, a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors are available. Our pearl buying guide can help you select a pearl you’ll…

Opals are unique gems with their own unique terminology. Learn the modern standard system for classifying and appraising opals used by major gem…

Typically blue, durable, and easy to cut, sodalite is highly desired by hobbyists. Even stones that lack transparency make lovely faceted gems.…

Mellite is a rare and unusual organic gemstone. Although soft and fragile, the “honey stone” is quite beautiful when cut.

Although too fragile for most jewelry use, fluorites are often faceted for collectors. They occur in a wide range of attractive colors and can be…

A rather rare mineral, lovely blue-green grandidierite is seldom seen in gem or jewelry collections. Translucent material is sometimes cut into…

Strongly pleochroic, andalusite can show shades of green, brown, and red when viewed from different directions. Although tough enough for most…