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The most widely-used gemstone exploration techniques today are ground-penetrating radar, known as GPR; trace-element analysis, which involves seeking signature elements as clues to where gems may lie; and use of a device called a 'terra thumper,' which identifies differences in the structure of the host rock through seismic analysis. GPR has proven useful in providing subsurface mapping of potential gem-bearing pockets, or 'vugs,' but the readings can be confused by moisture in the ground, and they can't separate gem-bearing pockets from the non-gem-bearing ones.... (2002) Complete Story
It's called moissanite and it's described as a proprietary, nearcolorless, lab created gemstone. It's visually almost identical to diamond, and has, due to the unusual marketing approach taken by its producers and their success with it, created quivers throughout the industry.... (1999) Complete Story
Think they just lie around? Oh, no! Rocks are constantly meeting, mingling, and occasionally making gemstones....
Every so often you hear about a miner who literally trips over a rock, or takes a good. hard look at the ground in just the right place, and suddenly discovers a gemstone deposit. For the serious prospector, though, finding a deposit requires a good grounding in how the Earth is put together - the different types of rock you encounter and the conditions under which they formed. all of which determine whether or not gems could have grown there.... (3) Complete Story