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Malachite
Malachite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Malachite is a beautiful decorative stone. Its rich, patterned coloration in shades of green is unique among gems. Malachite's low...
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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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Gem Formation: How are Gemstones Created?
Gem formation usually involves mineral crystallization and other geological processes. Learn how these affect the gemstone properties gemologists study.
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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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Lapidary Health Hazards and Safety Tips
Whether you’re a new or experienced gem cutter, brush up on safety procedures. Learn about lapidary health hazards and how...
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Destructive Gemstone Tests: Acid Testing
Acid testing is a destructive procedure gemologists and mineralogists can use to determine if some pieces are real or fake....
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What are Allochromatic and Idiochromatic Gems?
Learn the difference between allochromatic and idiochromatic gems and why some gem species can occur in many color varieties and...
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Mineralogy of Halides, Carbonates, and Sulfites
Halides, carbonates, and sulfites are sedimentary minerals with many uses, from salt to manufacturing. Learn how to identify these minerals....
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Destructive Gemstone Tests: Streak Testing
Streak testing is a destructive gemstone test rarely used by gemologists, but it is a standard diagnostic test for mineralogists....
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Common Gemstone Treatments Cheat Sheet
There are so many common gemstone treatments available today that keeping track of them can be difficult. This list and...
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Table of Gems Ordered by Crystal System
This table contains a selection of minerals gemologists may encounter as jewelry stones or gem specimens. The gems are sorted...
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32 Green Gemstones: From Everyday Durability to Collector’s Rarities
A favorite color for nature-inspired designs, green gemstones never go out of style. Learn which of these 32 green gems...
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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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Gem, Mineral, and Rock Scanner Identification Apps Review
How accurate are gem, mineral, and rock scanner identification apps? Our review covers the strengths and weaknesses of over 20...
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Gemstone Cufflinks Guide
Wearing gemstone cufflinks is a great way to add personality and style to a standard tuxedo. Learn how to choose...
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What are Crystal Systems and Mineral Habits?
Crystals have habits. In crystallography, mineral habits refer to the way crystals form within a specific mineral. There are six...
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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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Gemstone Care Guide
Our gemstone care guide covers many popular gems. Learn how best to maintain your gemstone jewelry and what kinds of...
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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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Grading Gem Carvings
Gem carvings are judged on material, workmanship, and artistry. Learn how to apply these criteria to a piece with our...
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A Guide to Belle Époque Jewelry
Belle Époque jewelry combined opulent but graceful metalwork with a variety of gems. Learn more about this style and how...
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Distinguishing Common Jade Lookalikes
Our table comparing the properties of jade lookalikes with natural jade will help gemologists distinguish authentic jade from simulants.
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What Is Faceting?
Discover the ancient art of faceting - how rough stones become brilliant gems through 3,000 years of cutting techniques. Learn...
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Specific Gravity Values of Selected Gems
Measuring specific gravity helps gemologists identify gemstones. The following table lists the specific gravity values for a variety of gem...
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A Gem Identification Quiz for Novice Gemologists
Learning how to identify gems involves more than just data. This gem identification quiz can help novice gemologists learn how...
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Mechanical Gemstone Cleaning
Mechanical gemstone cleaning has benefits and risks. Learn all about ultrasonic, steam, and boiling systems and how gems might react...
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Table of Refractive Indices and Double Refraction of Selected Gems
Refractive indices and double refraction (birefringence) help gemologists identify gems. The following table lists these values for selected gemstones.
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The Mohs Hardness Scale and Chart for Select Gems
The Mohs hardness scale measures a mineral's resistance to scratching. Find the traditional scale here and a chart of select...
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What is Your Gemstone Personality?
Think of jewelry stones as reflections of you or the recipient. Learning about colored gems can help you find the...
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A Guide to Early Victorian Romantic Period Jewelry
The Romantic Period marked the start of the Victorian Era. Learn about the typical qualities of Romantic Period jewelry, including...
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Gemstone Toxicity Table
Gem faceters and jewelry enthusiasts alike should learn about gemstone toxicity. This table has toxicity ratings for 280+ gems, based...
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Natural Radiation and Gemstone Color
Natural radiation can create beautiful colors in many gems. Learn how natural radiation works and what gems are most commonly...
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Gemstone Magnetism: The Forgotten Property
Although gemstone magnetism isn't commonly tested, it can help gemologists distinguish similar looking gems. Learn how to analyze this property....
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Gemstone Radiation Treatment
Gemstone radiation is a common but little understood technique for altering colors. Learn how it works and what gems usually...
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Blue Gemstones: 37 Varieties, Properties & Care Guide
Explore 37 blue gemstones from rare collectors' specimens to durable jewelry options. Learn how to assess quality, understand durability factors,...
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Gem Price Guide
A guide for the price of various gemstones that is based on various sources for commonly traded goods. However, gems...
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Gemstone Physical Properties
The optical properties of gems attract our eyes and can give a cut stone a unique character. However, gemstone physical...
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Jade Buying Guide
Learn everything about jade buying with our comprehensive guide. Discover quality factors, treatments, and pricing for jadeite vs nephrite jade...
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Mineralogy of Phyllosilicates and Tectosilicates
The silicate subgroups of phyllosilicates and tectosilicates include minerals used in industry and jewelry. Learn how to identify them.
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The History of Lapidary
A full and complete history of the lapidary arts, from 70,000 BC to present day. The origins of faceting, bruting,...
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