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Rubies and sapphires are the same mineral: corundum, with different trace minerals creating a wide variety of color. Rubies and sapphires have been treasured for thousands of years. They were named long before anyone realized they were the same mineral. In this text, rubies include all corundum with a red hue predominant; sapphires include all the corundum of all other hues. Nevertheless a world wide debate rages about the definition of ruby. American and European gem dealers contend that "ruby" only included red, not lighter shades such as pink corundum. The Asian dealers argue that.... (1999) Complete Story
This article discusses the decline of Thailand’s ruby mining industry. The author warns that Thailand faces future problems is the country’s leaders do not pay greater attention to environmental protection.... (1997) Complete Story
Dioptase incorporates the native metal, copper in the Si6O18 ring structure with water to form the only gem material that so closely approaches the finest color of emerald. The small and well-defined deep green rhombohedral crystals develop in oxidation zones of weathering copper ore deposits. Its growth in voids of dolomite and limestone formations and irregular druse cavities is often in association with malachite and smithsonite, but admixtures and inclusions seldom occur.... (2003) Complete Story
Though emerald is undoubtedly precious, it is certainly not among the new precious stones. Before the discovery of emerald in Colombia in the sixteenth century, the green variety of corundum was called oriental emerald. The only source of true emerald known to early Mediterranean cultures was the fabled Cleopatra’s mines in the Sinai Desert. Two mines, both discovered.... (2003) Complete Story
The feldspars are a group of related minerals which, as a group are the most abundant minerals in the earth's crust. However, only a tiny percentage of the feldspars fall in the "gem quality" range. The members of the feldspar group have similar chemisty, but some have different crystal structures. Physical and optical properties are very similar.... (1999) Complete Story
