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…
Although gemstone magnetism isn’t a commonly tested gemstone property, it may be useful for making quick separations outside the lab. By Richard…
Minerals may be dyed to enhance their color. Distinguishing natural from enhanced stones is an essential skill for mineralogists. The…
Hot point testing can determine if a gem or mineral is plastic imitation. It can also reveal if a stone is treated with wax or plastic. By Donald Clark,…
In this article, we will discuss phyllosilicates and tectosilicates. These silicate subclasses include minerals crucial for technology and…
In this article, we will discuss cyclosilicates and inosilicates. These two silicate subclasses include such well-known minerals as beryls,…
Silicates are the largest mineral class, making up over 90% of the Earth’s crust and mantle. Statistically, you are more likely to encounter…
Halides, carbonates, and sulfites are considered sedimentary minerals. In this article, you will learn about evaporites and how these three…
Crystallography is the study of the formation and structure of crystalline solids. Mineralogists deal with many crystalline minerals and use…
Adamantine. Silky. Greasy? Gemologists and mineralogists use these and other evocative terms to describe luster. This simply means how the surface…