Mineralogy of Phosphates and Other Rare Minerals
This article covers eight rare mineral classes not commonly studied in gemology: phosphates, arsenates, vanadates, wolframates, molybdates,…
This article covers eight rare mineral classes not commonly studied in gemology: phosphates, arsenates, vanadates, wolframates, molybdates,…
In crystallography, mineral habits refer to the way crystals form within a specific mineral. In A Guide to Gem Classification, I mentioned that,…
Crystallography explores stunning mathematical concepts you can see in nature and art. In this article, we’ll discuss crystallography…
Pleochroism means “more colors.” Pleochroic minerals show two or three colors when viewed from different angles. This property appears…
I’ve faced many questions about the element chromium (Cr), the red coloration of minerals, and the gemstone red beryl. One of the…
Many factors can contribute to a mineral’s color. However, some minerals can have many different colored varieties, while others only occur…
We tend to take light for granted. It’s such a common thing we experience every day. Rarely do we think of the scientific definition of light…
Most gems form naturally as minerals within the Earth. Most form as crystals, solids whose atoms are arranged in highly ordered repeating patterns…
A gem species is a type of mineral species. Well over 140 mineral species have been utilized as gems. Throughout history, humans have selected these…
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