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 apps.
Fantasy Gem Designs: Cutting Techniques
Fantasy gem designs combine elements from faceted and cabbed stones as well as artistic embellishments. Learn the basics of this modern lapidary…
Evaluating Gemstone Cutting: The Five Ps
In recent decades, something remarkable invaded the thinking process of the colored stone industry. From dealers to consumers, they all discovered…
Polishing Gemstones for Beginners: Pre-Polishing Advice
Polishing gemstones is difficult to master. Pre-polishing plays a major role in how well a gem can take a polish. Avoid scratches with these techniques.…
Gemstone Optical Properties
Learn how gemstone optical properties, like refractive index and pleochroism, help gemologists identify gems and lapidaries choose cuts.
Refractometer Guide, Part 2: Cabochon Testing
Sometimes, analyzing cabochon gems with a refractometer requires different techniques than those for faceted gems. Learn these cabochon testing…
Spinel Buying Guide
Master spinel buying with our comprehensive guide covering the 4 Cs, color grading, pricing, origins, and how to identify quality natural vs synthetic…
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