Buying Guide: Engagement Rings under $2,500
A budget of $2,500 for an engagement ring gives you quite a bit of options. You can look for sizable primary diamonds and/or bands set with side stones…
The Best Clarity Grades for Heart Shaped Diamond Rings
If you are searching for a unique diamond with tons of sparkle, look no further than heart shaped gems. Heart shaped diamonds are a variation of the…
Mineral Hardness
Diamond is the hardest natural material in the world. However, it’s also brittle. Scientifically speaking, hardness measures the ability…
Mineral Physical Properties
The optical properties of minerals attract our eyes and can give a specimen a unique character. However, mineral physical properties are also…
Mineral Magnetism: The Forgotten Property
Although gemstone magnetism isn’t a commonly tested gemstone property, it may be useful for making quick separations outside the lab. By Richard…
Destructive Mineral Tests: Streak Testing
Mineral streak testing is fun if you have rough material to spare. It’s not recommended for finished gems, as there’s a good…
Mineralogy of Oxides and Hydroxides
Some species of the oxide and hydroxide classes are important ore minerals while others are valuable gemstones. We will explore these diverse…
Mineralogy of Phosphates and Other Rare Minerals
This article covers eight rare mineral classes not commonly studied in gemology: phosphates, arsenates, vanadates, wolframates, molybdates,…
IGS Become Member