Precious stones
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Gemstones are described by gemologists using technical
specifications. First, what is it made of, its chemical composition.
Diamonds for example are made of carbon (C), rubies of aluminum
oxide (Al2O3). Next, many gems are crystals which are classified by
crystal system such as cubic or trigonal or monoclinic. Another term
used is habit, the form the gem is usually found in, for example
diamonds which have a cubic crystal system are often found as
octahedrons.
Gems are classified into different groups, species and varieties.
For example, ruby is the red variety of the species corundum that
belongs to the spinel or hematite group. Emerald (green), aquamarine
(blue), bixbite (red), goshenite (colorless), heliodor (yellow), and
morganite (pink) are all varieties of the mineral species beryl. |
Gems have refractive index, dispersion, specific gravity, hardness,
cleavage, fracture and luster. They may exhibit pleochroism or
double refraction. They may have luminescence and a distinctive
absorption spectrum.
Material or flaws within a stone may be present as inclusions. The
gem may occur in certain locations, the "occurrence."ValueA gemstone is prized especially for great beauty or perfection so
appearance is almost the most important attribute of gemstones.
Characteristics that make a stone beautiful or desirable are color,
unusual optical phenomena within the stone, an interesting inclusion
such as a fossil, rarity, and sometimes the form of the natural
crystal. Diamond is prized highly as a gemstone since it is the
hardest substance known and is able to reflect light with fire and
sparkle when faceted. However, diamonds are far from rare with
millions of carats mined each year.
Traditionally, common gemstones were classified into precious stones
(cardinal gems) and semi-precious stones. The former category was
largely determined by a history of ecclesiastical, devotional or
ceremonial use and rarity. Only five types of gemstones were
considered precious: diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, and amethyst.
In current usage by gemologists, all gems are considered precious,
although four of the five original "cardinal gems" are usually—but
not always—the most valuable.
Rare or unusual gemstones, generally meant to include those
gemstones which occur so infrequently in gem quality that they are
scarcely known except to connoisseurs, include andalusite, axinite,
cassiterite, clinohumite and iolite.
Factors influencing the esteem in which gems are held are
attractiveness, durability, rarity, fashion, and size. |
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