Gemology is both art and science. Learn how identifying gemstones combines traditional testing techniques, modern software, and deductive…
Learn essential ruby buying tips from experts. Discover how to evaluate color, clarity, cut & carat weight. Avoid synthetic stones & treatments.…
The Collector’s Guide to the Minerals of New York State is ideal for both experts and hobbyists. Its information, organization, and photos are…
What factors determine the light return of faceted gemstones? Facet quality, polish, color, and cut style all play roles. Learn more about these…
Learn about the different crystal growth methods used to artificially create gemstones in laboratories.
Many varieties of gems besides diamond can be created in the laboratory. Our synthetic gemstone guide covers many examples and explains their…
A deep green tourmaline that looks almost like a tsavorite garnet. It can also show some medium blue-green flashes from side angles.
Feldspars are the most common minerals at the Earth’s surface. In fact, if the entire composition of the Earth’s crust were regarded as a single…