Emerald

Step 1: Introduction to Gemology Lesson 2 Back to syllabus For thousands of years, people have used terms like “gem” and “gemstone”…

Step 1: Introduction to Gemology Lesson 3 Back to syllabus The chemical composition of a mineral is a primary aspect of its definition as a species.…

Most gems form naturally as minerals within the Earth. Most form as crystals, solids whose atoms are arranged in highly ordered repeating patterns…

Why are some gems more common in nature than others? Gemology teaches us that crystalline gemstones need five things to develop: ingredients,…

Little is simple and straightforward in gemology. Every established principle has an exception. This applies to gem classification as well.…

In crystallography, mineral habits refer to the way crystals form within a specific mineral. In A Guide to Gem Classification, I mentioned that,…

Gemology involves studying the optical and physical properties that make gems such unique little treasures. Gem identification involves analyzing…

The simple 10X loupe fits in your pocket and costs less than any other piece of gemological equipment. You’ll learn more with it than any other…

Step 1: Introduction to Gemology Lesson 16 Back to syllabus Gemstone faceting is a marvelous amalgam of engineering and art. Through a mechanical…