Spinel

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,…

People often ask me about gem identification. More specifically, they ask me to identify their gems. Some think I can do this simply by looking at…

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…

Diamond simulants, like cubic zirconia and moissanite, often appear in jewelry. See how the properties of real diamonds compare with popular…

Gem faceters and jewelry enthusiasts alike should learn about gemstone toxicity. This table has toxicity ratings for 280+ gems, based on their…

Although many gems show a cat’s eye effect, when the term “cat’s eye” is used alone, it always refers to the rare gemstone chrysoberyl.…

What qualities should you look for when padparadscha sapphire buying? Learn about the sunset colors and other properties of these gems.

Jeff Graham’s SweetHeart cut shows great flash and dispersion. It’s a good choice for novices trying to cut their first heart design and experts…