My Diamonds & Gemstones Authority Bog: Aug 7, 2008

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Information On Gemstones

Featured Gemological Article

Collecting Prescious And Semi-Prescious Stones

By Lee MacRae

Why collect loose gemstones you ask? For many people it's because they've been sought for their beauty for many centuries. And like their more familiar cousin, natural diamonds, they can become extremely valuable over the years. Many in this hobby love to collect and show case the nearly 150 types of gemstones found today. This article will discuss the hobby of loose gemstone collecting.

To begin with your first priority is to visit the library and get some books. You want to learn as much as possible about precious and semiprecious gemstones. The more you understand about gemstones the better off you'll be. You'll know exactly what to buy.

One of the first things you look at is the color of the gem. Top grade gemstones have pure colors there as close as possible in pureness to the spectral colors of violent, blue, green,, orange or red. Muted gemstone colors or too dark are diminished in value.

The cut of your gemstone is an important aspect to consider when buying a gemstone. The stone has to be cut with precision to reflect the light properly. A poor cut can't reflect the light consistently over its surface. Color saturation, hue and tone will always look inconsistent.

The next factor to look at is the clarity. This refers to the purity of the gemstone or the lack of internal inclusions, particles or spots within the crystal. Needless to say, stones with no flaws are hard to find and make your stones very valuable.

You will note that gemstones are categorized according to their size aspect because it is more uniform than carat weight. But two different gemstones may have the same size but differ in carat weights and as a result different pricing structures. This is due to the nature of gemstone difference in specific gravity depending upon the chemical composition and crystalline structure. A one carat round brilliant diamond, for example with standard proportions will be approximately 6.5 mm in diameter. A comparable round brilliant ruby of the same size and proportions will weigh approximately 1.55 carats.

Taking up the collecting of loose gemstones can be very rewarding hobby. And there is such a variety when it comes to gemstones. You could try collecting Chrysoprase, Sugilite Zircon and then try others. The opportunities are seemingly endless. And if you like a hands on hobby you can go hunting for raw gemstones. For example in New Mexico you'll find Turquoise, Garnet, Peridot, Rock Crystal and Obsidian

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The common opal is quite a departure from the precious opal. There are several
different types of common opals: the milk opal, opals with blue and green tints,
resin opal, and a wood opal. There are also opals that can be found around hot
springs and geysers. They are a clear glass opal made up of geyserite. There are
other varieties of opals most notably the fire opal and Peruvian opal. Mexico
and Mesoamerica is the chief source of the fire opal. They come from the Mexican
high country where they can be found in rock surrounding extinct volcanoes. It
is extracted from open-pit mines in the canyons and valleys there. It should be
noted that more durable fire opals are found in drier region. The drier the
region the more durable the opal will be. While Mexico produces the most fire
opals they can be found in Honduras, Ethiopia, United States, Australia, Canada,
Turkey and areas in former Russian states.
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The Cut is the factor that determines the brilliance of a diamond. A classic
round brilliant cut diamond has 58 facets : 33 on the top, 24 on the bottom, and
the culet (1 point at the bottom). Each of the diamond's facets must be placed
in exact geometric relation to one another when the stone is being cut. Quality
diamonds must be properly cut and not "spread", which means that the proper
proportions are compromised to make the diamond weigh more.
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Quartz is a simple clear stone ofen worn as a crystal pendant. It is the very
popular in new age stores and alternative healing shops.Quartz is colorless and
transparent. It is also known as "Rock Crystal". Other colors of quartz have
special names such as: Rose Quartz, Citrine, and Amethyst. It has a hardness of
7.
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Gemstones Updates

How To Collect Gemstones

By Lee MacRae

Gemology is the science, art and profession of identifying and evaluating rocks known as natural diamonds or loose gemstones. A number of people taken up gemology more as a hobby. They become interested in making a collection of items like loose gemstone or natural diamonds. You'll even find some that like to visit different local areas to look for rough gemstones. Some even tumble or learn to cut their own gemstones. If this hobby interest you then read along as this article discusses the in and outs of gemstone collecting.

The very first step in starting the hobby of collecting gemstones the smart way is by acquiring knowledge about them. By taking a quick trip to the library or local bookstore you can find books on the subject that will prevent you from making mistakes at the start.

First, color is a major part in evaluating a gemstone. The closer the color comes to its purer spectral value the more valuable it is. Remember that the spectral colors are yellow, blue, Violet, green, orange and red. Gemstones colors that are paler or darker than the pure spectral color diminish the value of the stone.

Gemstone cut is very important and is used not only to appraise diamonds but gemstones as well. An excellent cut will showcase the gemstone's color, lessen any inclusions and exhibits good overall symmetry and proportion. One excellent way to determine the excellence in the cut is to look at how well it reflects light on a consistent basis over the stones complete surface. If the stone is cut on the shallow side most of this light were refracted away rather than reflecting inside. That will make the gem seem washed out and windowed.

Next to look at is the aspect of gemstone clarity. Clarity refers to the the internal conclusions or flaws of the gemstone. Any large flaws are visible to the unaided eye with others requiring a 10X magnification.

You will note that gemstones are categorized according to their size criteria because it is more uniform than carat weight. But two different gemstones may be the same size but different carat weights and consequently, different prices as well. This is due to gemstone difference of specific gravity and depends on the materials chemical composition and characteristic crystalline structure. For example, a one carat round diamond with standard proportions will be approximately 6.5 mm in diameter. A comparable a brilliant ruby of the same proportions in size will weigh approximately 1.55 carats.

Collecting various gemstones can be very rewarding hobby. And there is such a variety in precious and semi precious stones that you can collect. You can collect gemstones like Agate, Spinel or Kornerupine for instance. The varieties are nearly endless. And if you like a hands on hobby you can go hunting for raw gemstones. Take the example of the US. In New Jersey you can find Smoky Quartz, Agate, Pearl and Prehnite.

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The sapphire has traditionally been involved in the area of religious magic, and
it was believed that the owner of the stone could use it to harness psychic
powers. It was, and still is, the choice of high church officials and regents
especially when their rings are mounted. There are several language origins for
the word "sapphire." In Sanskrit it was known as "sauriratna" in honor of the
planet Saturn. Ancient Chaldean references called it "sampir," while the Greeks
had a modern translation, "sappheiros" which denoted the color blue. The Arabic
translation was "safir" and the Latin texts call it "saphirus."
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Aquamarine gemstones are found in Brazil, India, Nigeria, Russia, Pakistan and
the United States. Aquamarine is the March Modern Birthstone. For the 16th and
19th year of marriage, Aquamarine is the anniversary gemstone. Besides being
used for anniversary jewelry, used as an aquamarine engagement ring is very
affordable and fairly traditional.
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Brilliance is the amount of light reflected from the crown facets of a facet-cut gemstone. It is a combination of the light reflected back out of the stone and the light reflected directly from the facet surfaces. Two factors critical in achieving maximum brilliance are the angle of the pavilion facets and the degree of polish on the facet surface (lustre). The table facet of a diamonds is cut to various sizes depending on the desire for more brilliance and less fire(dispersion), where a larger table is used. Or more fire and less brillinace, where a smaller table is used. A good balance is obtained by cutting to ideal proportions. The pavilion facet angles are not only critical in determining the amount of brilliance, shallow angles may result in creating a 'window' in the stone; an area of the stone that can be seen through. Deep angles result in dark areas in the stone, termed extinction. Brilliance is lost in both situations.
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loose semi precious gemstones Stories

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More Information On Gemstones

Latest Article On Gemstones

So You Want To Collect Loose Gemstones

By Lee MacRae

Why would anyone collect items like loose gemstones, you ask? Well for one thing they've been sought for their beauty for many centuries. And like their higher counterpart, natural diamonds they can become extremely valuable over the years. Many in this hobby love to find, collect and finish the wide variety of gemstones available today. This article will discuss the hobby of loose gemstone collecting.

To begin with you'll need the knowledge on the wide variety of stones available. This will help you to know what exactly you're looking for so you buy the right items. Without the proper knowledge you can make costly mistakes.

First on the list to evaluate is gemstone color. Gemstones are the most intensely colored natural material available on earth. Gemstones are so related to color that they've even become associated with particular ones. Without a doubt you will recognize sapphire blue, ruby red, jade green, aquamarine, emerald green or turquoise. Gemstones become higher in value when they are equal in color to the spectral colors of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. They become less valuable the more they deviate from the spectral color.

The cut of the gemstone is easily one of the most important aspects when buying a gemstone. The gemstone must be cut in a way that reflects light back to the viewer. A stone that has a poor cut will never be able to reflect light consistently. Tone, color saturation, and color hue will never look consistent.

Our next consideration is the aspect of gemstone clarity. Clarity refers to the the internal conclusions or flaws of the gemstone. Larger flaws can be seen with the unaided eye while others require close examination using a 10X magnification.

The next factors to consider our size and weight. Save for pearls and corals, all gemstones are priced by the carat. One carat is the equivalent of 0.2 grams However you should know weight and size are not the same in gemstones. The density and specific gravity can differ in stones. Take a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats and you will see that a similar sized sapphire or ruby weighs out at 1.20 carats.

Taking up the collecting of loose gemstones can be a great hobby. And there is such a variety in gemstones you can collect. You can collect gemstones like Chrysocolla, Quartz and its varieties or Turquoise for instance. The choice and beauty and variety is almost endless. And if money is tight you can go gemstone hunting and find the raw materials instead of buying them. Take the example of the US. In Missouri you can hunt for Pearl, Fluorite, Pyrite and Calcite.

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Interest in natural healing methods such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, crystal/gemstone therapy, herbs, and homeopathy is growing. Gemstones are powerful healing tools used to heal holistically, treating the whole person � on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. One definition of health is to be in a state of physical, mental, and social well-being.
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When it comes to gemstones, size matters. All else being equal, the bigger the
stone, the more valuable it is. In wholesale gem trading, gems are often priced
per carat. It would make sense therefore that the more carats, the more its
worth. However, it doesn�t stop there. An additional factor in the value is
the rarity of large stones. This means that the larger the stone, the higher
the price per carat. For example, a 1 carat ruby with a nice color and cut
might cost $700. But a 5 carat ruby of similar cut and color will not cost $
3500 (5 X $700); it might cost $10,000. This is because it is very rare to find
a ruby that is 5 carats. The effect that size has on price and value is
determined by how rare large stones are. For example, very large pieces of
amethyst and topaz are relatively easy to find meaning that the price of large
stones is not exponentially higher.
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The Duke of Devonshire emerald is deep green in colour, 2 inches square and
weighs over 1383 carats. The Duke of Devonshire was given the emerald in 1836 by
the Emperor of Brazil.
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The Latest loose ruby gemstones News

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More Info On Gemstones

Our Featured Gemological Article

How To Start Gemstone Collecting

By Lee MacRae

Gemology is the science, art and profession of identifying and evaluating rocks known as natural diamonds or loose gemstones. A number of people taken up this profession as a hobby. They become interested in collecting and evaluating loose diamonds or loose gemstones. You'll even find some that like to travel to different areas close by to look for rough gemstones. Some hobbyists will learn to cut or tumble the gemstones they find. If you have an interest in this hobby follow along as we reveal the various aspects of gemstone collecting.

Right at the beginning, what you need is to visit the library and get some books. You want to learn as much as you possibly can about the subject of gemstones. The more you know about the hobby of gemstones the wiser will be your purchases. You need to be as informed as possible.

First on your list to factor in should be the color of the stone. You want the gemstone to be as close in color as possible to the pure spectral colors. The spectral colors are orange, red, violet, green, yellow, and blue. In general terms, the prices of very dark are very pale stones are lower than the vibrant colors.

The cut of your gemstone is an important aspect to consider when you consider a gemstone's value. The stone has to be cut with precision to reflect the light properly. A gemstone with an improper cut can't reflect the light consistently over its surface. The color hue, color tone and saturation will always appear inconsistent

Next to look at is the aspect of gemstone clarity. The aspect of clarity refers to internal flaws (inclusions) or the external blemishes of a stone. Any large flaws can be seen with the unaided eye with the others needing a 10X magnification.

Gemstones are often listed according to size because of being more uniform than carat weight. But two different gemstones may have the same size but different carat weights and consequently, different in prices as well. This is due to gemstone difference of specific gravity depending upon the chemical composition and crystal structure type Normally a one carat brilliant round diamond of typical proportions will be approximately 6.5 mm in diameter. A comparable a brilliant ruby of the same proportions in size will weigh in at 1.55 carats.

Getting involved in collecting gemstones can become an enjoyable pastime and could be rewarding as well over time. You can start small and don't have to spend a lot of money and yet you can end up with some very beautiful stones. Many people love to set aside vacation or weekend time to go looking for gemstones. Take the example of the United States. In Hawaii you can find Peridot and Coral. Or ou can take a longer vacation and find opal in Opalton, Yowah, Queensland, Austalia, topaz in Killiecrankie, Tasmania or check out the quartz regions in Mt Hope or Inverell, New South Wales.

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The aquamarine is a member of the beryl family and ranges in color from a pale
almost colorless blue to blue-green to pure blue. Some of these stones are
heated to enhance their color and change a light colored stone to pure blue.
Usually faceted,aquamarines are also cut as cabochons and may then exhibit
asterism. Legend tells of sailors who wore aquamarines to keep them safe and to
prevent seasickness. The most valuable aquamarines come from Brazil.
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Sapphires do twinkle. This is caused by the smaller, microscopic stones inside
the primary gem that were created at the same time. This twinkling phenomenon is
known as "silk" referring to its silky and silvery qualities. It appears as a
star that seems to be imposed over a silk like background.
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