How to Identify Synthetic Rough in Gemstone Parcels
The vast majority of synthetic gemstone material is cut for the finished gem market. However, synthetic rough is also appearing more frequently…
Gemstone Radiation Treatment
Most gems on the market today receive various treatments to change their natural colors and create more desirable, salable products. Radiation…
A Beginner’s Guide To Common Gemstone Heat Treatments
Gemstone heat treatments can turn mediocre pieces into items of great beauty. Heating a gem to a specific temperature and then cooling it is a common…
How Do Amethysts Form?
Deep within the Earth’s crust, a fascinating process creates the striking purple gemstone we know as amethyst. This process involves a…
Idar Oberstein Gem Cutting: What Is It?
The demand for the next new thing defines the Modern Age. However, this expectation of significant developments in rapid succession is a recent…
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: Scratch Testing
Scratch testing can help determine the Mohs hardness value of a mineral sample. If done carefully, this procedure can help mineralogists…
Mineralogy of Phyllosilicates and Tectosilicates
In this article, we will discuss phyllosilicates and tectosilicates. These silicate subclasses include minerals crucial for technology and…
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