Gemology: The Study of Gemstones
Introduction
Gemology is the study of gemstones, including their properties, locations, and origins. It is often studied by individuals in the jewelry business, including business owners, buyers, designers, and appraisers. Antique dealers also study gemology to identify and describe the properties of gems and gemstones.
What is a Gemologist?
A gemologist is someone who can identify gemstones using specialized instruments.
What is a Mineral?
A mineral is defined as a substance that:
- Is naturally occurring
- Is inorganic
- Has a defined chemical composition
- Possesses an orderly atomic structure
What is a Gemstone?
A gemstone is a natural, inorganic or organic substance that has substantial beauty, rarity, and durability.
Types of Gems
- Organic Gems: Made by living organisms, examples include pearls, coral, jet, ivory, shell, and amber.
- Inorganic Gems: Created by geological processes and usually dug from the ground.
Gemstone Characteristics
- Beauty: To be considered a gem, a material must possess beauty, which can depend on color, transparency, luster, brilliance, pattern, optical phenomena, and distinctive inclusions.
- Rarity: The rarity of a gemstone adds to its value. For example, taaffeite is highly valued because it is rare, despite its pale reddish-violet color.
- Durability: This depends on three factors:
- Hardness: The ability to resist scratching, measured on the Mohs scale from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).
- Toughness
- Stability
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