jade

Imagine you find this blue gemstone for sale at a pawn shop. Can the inclusions you see help you narrow the range of possible identifications? Absolutely.…

In crystallography, mineral habits refer to the way crystals form within a specific mineral. In A Guide to Gem Classification, I mentioned that,…

When choosing gemstones for jewelry, it’s crucial to understand more than just how beautiful a stone looks. Gemstone hardness and wearability…

Cabochon cutting or cabbing is the most popular form of gem cutting. Although it requires a fair amount of skill, almost anyone can master this technique.…

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

We’ve tallied your opinions from our gem treatment survey. Are treated gems natural? How much should they cost? With a wide variety of attitudes…

As Mogok, Myanmar prepares to celebrate its 800th anniversary, the inhabitants of this prolific gem producing region face an uncertain future.…

One of the most prized ornamental materials in China, chicken-blood stone has been used for centuries to create carvings with characteristic…

Some natural as well as synthetic gems have specific, characteristic inclusions. Learn the identifying inclusions of some of the most popular…