What is Mineral Dispersion?
Have you ever seen the colors of the rainbow coming from deep within a finely cut gem? That effect is known as dispersion or “fire.” Diamonds…
Have you ever seen the colors of the rainbow coming from deep within a finely cut gem? That effect is known as dispersion or “fire.” Diamonds…
Adamantine. Silky. Greasy? Gemologists and mineralogists use these and other evocative terms to describe luster. This simply means how the surface…
I’ve faced many questions about the element chromium (Cr), the red coloration of minerals, and the gemstone red beryl. One of the…
Many factors can contribute to a mineral’s color. However, some minerals can have many different colored varieties, while others only occur…
We tend to take light for granted. It’s such a common thing we experience every day. Rarely do we think of the scientific definition of light…
Most gems form naturally as minerals within the Earth. Most form as crystals, solids whose atoms are arranged in highly ordered repeating patterns…
Step 1: Introduction to Gemology Lesson 3 Back to syllabus The chemical composition of a mineral is a primary aspect of its definition as a species.…
A gem species is a type of mineral species. Well over 140 mineral species have been utilized as gems. Throughout history, humans have selected these…
Have you ever wondered where mineral names come from and what they mean? This article will cover the origins of mineral names and discuss the principal…
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