What Is A Crystal?
What comes to mind when you think of crystals? Many people might visualize beautiful, mineral objects with smooth faces in regular geometric patterns.…
What Is A Mineral?
We live in a world of minerals. They’re closer to you than you might realize, even if you don’t wear any gemstone jewelry. Minerals…
What is Crystallography?
Crystallography is the study of crystalline solids and their properties. Learn how mineralogists use this to identify minerals.
Are Alexandrites Expensive?
Photo Credit: Shutterstock/boykung If you say the phrase “emerald by day, ruby by night” to any gemstone professional or collector, they…
A Guide to Mineral Names and Classification Systems
Some mineral names can quickly yield important information about specimens. Learn how minerals get their names and how they’re classified.
Mineralogy of Oxides and Hydroxides
Oxides and hydroxides are mineral classes that include well-known gems as well as significant ores. Learn how to identify these minerals.
Precious — The History and Mystery of Gems Across Time: Book Review
What tales could gems tell? Jeffery Bergman reviews Precious — The History and Mystery of Gems Across Time, a new book by Helen Molesworth.
10X Loupe for Gemologists and Jewelers
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…
Zircon Sources
Zircon sources can be found all over the world. The mineral zircon can occur in many different geological environments. However, only a small percentage…
IGS Become Member