Gemstone Windows and Dark Patches: What to Look for in a Cut Gem

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AI-generated educational illustration. Conceptual only; not a photograph of an actual specimen or location. A coloured gem may have a pale, see-through centre or areas that look almost black. Both affect its appearance, but they do not have the same cause. What is a window? A window is an area where light passes through the gem instead of being returned towards the viewer. You may see the background through it, especially near the centre. Cutting angles and the material's refractive index—how it bends light—help determine whether this happens. There is no single ideal depth for every gemstone. Why dark patches need a closer look Darkness can have several causes. The material may absorb a lot of light. Some facets may reflect dark surroundings or the observer. Extinction is another cause, involving light that is not returned to the viewer after internal reflection. For that reason, calling every black patch “extinction” can be misleading. A simple viewing routine Look at the gem fac...

Periclase Information's

 

Periclase

Periclase is a chemical compound with the formula MgO. 

Discovery

Named by Arcangelo Scacchi in 1841 from the Greek περικλάω, to break around, in allusion to the cleavage.

Physical Properties

  • Density: 3.58 g/cm³
  • Melting Point: 2,852 °C
  • Boiling Point: 3,600 °C
  • Color: white, yellowish, greenish, grayish
  • Odor: odorless
  • Taste: tasteless

Optical Properties

  • Refractive index: nω=1.735 nε=1.730
  • Birefringence: δ = 0.0050
  • Pleochroism: weak, yellowish to greenish

Ranking of Rarity

Periclase is a relatively common mineral, but faceted gems are extremely rare.

Occurrence (countries)

  • Brazil
  • Russia
  • North Korea
  • United States
  • Italy
  • Austria
  • Switzerland
  • Germany
  • France
  • Norway

Healing Properties

Periclase is believed to help with insomnia, enhance memory and improve concentration.

Uses

Periclase is used in the manufacture of refractory bricks and monolithic refractories for the steel industry. It is also used as a source of magnesia (MgO) in the production of magnesium metal, ceramics, and glass.

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