Anhydrite (Angelite) Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Rare and difficult to cut, anhydrite is seldom faceted. However, this material can be carved into beautiful objects. “Angelite,” a blue-gray…
Refractometer Guide, Part 3: Determining Optic Character and Recognizing Optic Effects
Learn how to determine a gem’s optic character with a refractometer and identify optical effects you may encounter during gem identification…
Refractometer Guide, Part 2: Cabochon Testing
Sometimes, analyzing cabochon gems with a refractometer requires different techniques than those for faceted gems. Learn these cabochon testing…
Axinite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
When faceted, the members of the axinite mineral group are usually intensely pleochroic, with rich brown and purple colors dominating. Although…
Six Simple Proposal Ideas
Simple doesn’t mean boring. Here are six simple proposal ideas to help you create a low-key but special and memorable experience for you and your…
Grossular Garnet Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Grossular garnets come in almost every color, even colorless, except blue. However, unlike other garnets, they’re rarely red or dark. Often…
Garnet Symbolism
Garnet symbolism is rich and varied. The January birthstone has inspired many legends and popular associations with love, friendship, light,…
Phenakite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Rare phenakite is a very hard gem material suitable for jewelry. Usually colorless, cut stones have little fire but can be very bright.
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