gemstones symbolism

Many cultures have long considered ruby a king's gem. Not surprisingly, ruby symbolism and lore have many associations with power,...

Topaz's most popular mystical association has been with wealth. However, topaz symbolism and lore also covers areas such as health,...

Garnet symbolism is rich and varied. The January birthstone has inspired many legends and popular associations with love, friendship, light,...

With a silverly light that seems to come from within, moonstone has many associations with the Moon. While you certainly...

Behind every mystical gem is a merchant. Since ancient times, malachite has been “the salesman's stone.” Learn more about malachite...

Beautiful blue colors and the star stone effect have influenced sapphire symbolism through the ages. Learn more about the legends...

Once the stone of royalty, the fragile opal has a convoluted personality and lore. Opal symbolism is as varied as...

Explore pearl symbolism across history - from lunar connections and wealth to purity and spiritual journeys. Discover what pearls represent...

Both jadeite and nephrite have inspired beautiful works of art and a rich body of lore. Jade symbolism covers themes...

Many people consider beautiful sky blue turquoise stones to be lucky. Learn about the turquoise symbolism and lore of Native...

Amber has a long history of ornamental use and popular associations with animals, energy, and the Sun. Learn more about...

Onyx symbolism and lore is filled with negative associations. Learn how people have counteracted these purported effects and enjoy this...

Carnelian symbolism and lore touches on health, luck, and royalty. However, just wearing these gems isn't always effective. Would-be alchemists...

How do you say “love me” with a stone? Learn about lapis lazuli symbolism and legends. This beautiful blue mineral...

Discover the rich historical emerald meaning and symbolism from Cleopatra's treasures to religious significance. Learn what emerald stones truly symbolize...

Explore the amethyst meaning and journey from ancient protection against drunkenness to spiritual symbol. Discover the legends, meanings, and cultural...

Can you rely on gemstone certificates to reveal everything that can affect the value of pricey gems? Learn what to...

Wearing gemstone cufflinks is a great way to add personality and style to a standard tuxedo. Learn how to choose...

Mechanical gemstone cleaning has benefits and risks. Learn all about ultrasonic, steam, and boiling systems and how gems might react...

A gemstone's birefringence is a measure of its double refraction. Learn how to use it to identify gems and see...

Chemical formulas identify the chemical composition of minerals, including gems. Learn what their symbols, numbers, and parentheses mean.

The Pentafan is a unique cut designed for larger gems with deep color saturation. Learn how to cut this design...

How goes gemstone grading work? Learn how gemologists evaluate both diamonds and colored gems and the qualities they examine.

The AGTA has proposed the use of gemstone treatment codes to promote disclosure and a common language for these procedures....

Investors have many gemstone sourcing options, but which ones will work best for you? Learn the pros and cons, as...

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

What kinds of gems can novice faceters cut to make a profit? Learn which gemstones make money reliably and which...

Non-destructive tests are critical for gemologists trying to identify gems. Learn how measuring thermal properties, especially thermal inertia, can help....

Gemstone cleavage is a break in a crystal along internal planes. Learn the science behind this and the difference between...

How is a faceted gem like a retroreflecting prism? Learn to distinguish gemstone brilliance from scintillation and how gem cutters...

A novice gem cutter needs to master various dopping techniques for cabbing and faceting gemstones. Learn how to attach gem...

Gemstone radiation is a common but little understood technique for altering colors. Learn how it works and what gems usually...

Gemstone enhancements improve the appearance and wearability of gems. Learn about the most commonly used procedures and frequently treated types...

Gemstone pricing can vary greatly between dealers. Learn about the myriad factors that go into prices for both colored gems...

Gemstone inclusions are materials trapped inside gems as they form. Learn how gemologists use inclusions to help identify gemstones and...

Destructive gemstone testing, done carefully, can help gemologists and mineralogists with difficult gem or mineral identifications. Learn the right techniques...

Identifying lab-created gems is a critical skill for gemologists. Learn how to spot the most common synthetic gemstone inclusions.

Carats are the units used to measure gem weight and one of the main factors in gem grading. Learn what...

Choosing the best gemstone orientation for your rough takes skill and experience. Learn what factors you should take into account...

Learning how to conduct a gemstone examination takes practice. Follow an expert gemologist step-by-step through tests of five unknown samples....

Gemstone luster describes how a gem's surface looks when it reflects light. Learn the common terms gemologists use for this...

Some gems show pleochroism, two or three different colors depending on the viewing angle. Learn why this occurs and how...

Gemologists use refraction liquids to identify gemstone refractive indices (RI). Learn about the properties of these liquids and safe RI...

Accurately measuring optical properties is critical for identifying gemstones. This article covers the basic terminology and concepts of gemstone optics....

Two of the trickiest gemstone separations to make are scapolite from citrine and apatite from tourmaline. Learn some tips for...

The optical properties of gems attract our eyes and can give a cut stone a unique character. However, gemstone physical...

Learn how gemstone optical properties, like refractive index and pleochroism, help gemologists identify gems and lapidaries choose cuts.

Explore gemstone hardness, wearability, and durability. Learn how hardness, cleavage, and settings affect jewelry use. Essential for smart gemstone choices....