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| [563] Opals |
Every opal is unique in appearance. Opals contain fireworks of every possible color dancing inside them. The flashes of color that make opal such an interesting stone are referred to as play of color. Opals will vary in body color, which is the background color of the stone. White body color is most common. The most valued body color is gray to black, with black considered best because it emphasizes and accentuates the play of color. Fire opal is material with yellow, orange, or red body color. In rare cases, opals will have green or blue body colors.... (1999)
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| [546] Optical and Physical Properties of Gemstones |
The beauty, color, and brilliance of each different gemstone variety is a result of its unique set of physical and optical properties. Gemologists study these properties to identify gemstones and to read where they are from and how they were formed. Many people spend their lives studying this subject but a basic summary is not difficult to learn and can make looking at gemstones more interesting. The beauty of a gem, the distinctive way it handles light, its color are all a result of these properties....
(1999)
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| Releated Categories: [Gemology]|[Handbook for the Gem Buyer] |
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| [564] Pearls and Cultured Pearls |
Pearls are organic gem materials form in a variety of mollusks when the mollusk covers an irritant with layers of nacre. Oysters, mussels, conch, and abalone can produce pearls. Oysters and mussels can do this job by themselves when an irritant accidentally enters its shell to produce natural pearls or can be aided by man introducing a bead into the mollusk to produce cultured pearls.... (1999)
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| [565] Quartz: Amethyst, Citrine, Chalcedonies, Agates, Chrysoprase and Bloodstone |
Quartz is generally divided into two groups: the transparent crystalline varieties and the translucent to opaque chalcedonies that are microcrystalline forms of quartz. There are many different varieties in these two types but they have one thing in common: they are low in cost. Some are downright cheap! Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on the earth's crust. It is also one of the most interesting.... (1999)
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| [566] Spinel |
The most famous ruby in the world is actually a spinel! It is the "Prince Edward Ruby" which is the center of attention on British Crown of State: this crudely shaped cabochon weighs about 167 carats. It is a magnificent red color. Spinels and rubies are often found in the same gem gravels and for centuries they were thought to be the same gemstone.... (1999)
Complete Story |
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