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Featured Gemological Article

Collecting Prescious And Semi-Prescious Stones

By Lee MacRae

The term gemology refers to the art, profession and science of evaluating and identifying gemstones from natural diamonds to loose gemstones. A number of people taken up gemology as a hobby. They become interested in collecting loose gemstones or loose diamonds. Some people even begin to visit various local locations to hunt for raw or rough gemstones. Some of them will even tumble or finish off the gemstones themselves. If you have an interest in this hobby read along as we show you the different aspects of this hobby.

The very first step in starting the hobby of collecting gemstones the intelligent way is through the power of knowledge. By taking a quick trip to the library or local bookstore you'll find numerous books on gemstones that will help you to know exactly what you should do.

To start with, an important aspect in gemstone evaluation is color. Without a doubt, gemstones are the most intensely colored natural material available on earth. Gemstones are so related to color that they've even become associated with particular ones. Without a doubt you will recognize sapphire blue, ruby red, jade green, aquamarine, emerald green or turquoise. Gemstones become higher in value the closer they come to the natural spectral colors of orange, green, yellow, violet and blue. They are valued much less the farther they are from the natural color.

Stone cut is the second most important factor to look at before buying. The precision of cut determines the amount of light is reflected by the gemstone. It will fully ultimately determine the stones brilliance and how much someone will pay for it.

Next up is the aspect of gemstone clarity. The aspect of clarity refers to internal flaws (inclusions) or the external blemishes of a stone. Normally large flaws can be seen with the unaided eye while others need a 10X magnification.

Gemstones are often categorized according to their size aspect because it is more uniform than carat weight. But two different gemstones may be of the same size but different carat weights and consequently, different pricing structures. This is due to gemstone difference of specific gravity or relative density depending upon the chemical composition and crystalline structure. Normally a one carat brilliant round diamond of typical proportions will be approximately 6.5 mm in diameter. A comparable round brilliant ruby of the same size and proportions will weigh approximately 1.55 carats.

Although gems are frequently used in jewelry, they are a great hobby and pastime as well. In fact, there are many attractive and interesting gems that are just too big or fragile to be used for jewelry. Take each loose gemstone and consider it as a piece of art and value it for its unique nature and vibrant colors. And unlike many hobbies where you have to buy everthing you can actually go hunting for raw gemstones in the field. In the United States in New Jersey you can find Smoky Quartz, Agate, Pearl and Prehnite. And if you travel to Canada you will find nephrite jade in Dease Lake, British Columbia or amazonite (microcline) near Eganville, Onttario as well as black spinel in Burgess and bathhurst Townships in Ontario. Think of collecting gemstones as a great hobby and pastime.

Buy Tourmaline loose gemstones as well as loose diamonds and natural black diamonds today in our store!

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Tips About natural fancy colored diamond

In general zircon is transparent to translucent. Impurities cause the various
color. Zircons with a cat's eye effect are known but rare. Some crystals contain
radioactive thorium and uranium. Over time, the radioactivity breaks down the
crystal structure so that such stones (usually green) tend to an amorphous
structure, with a lower refractive index and luster than the crystalline type.
These slightly radioactive zircons are very rare in the trade, but highly prized
by collectors and pose no heath threat to its wearer.
Buy heart loose diamonds today!

The stunning 167.97-carat Mackay Emerald was mined in Muzo, Columbia. The
largest cut emerald in the National Gem Collection, it is set in an Art Deco
diamond and platinum necklace designed by Cartier Inc. In 1931, Clarence H.
Mackay presented the necklace as a wedding gift to his wife, Anna Case, a prima
donna of the New York Metropolitan Opera from 1909 to 1920. The piece was
donated to the Smithsonian Institute by Mrs. Anna Case Mackay in 1984.
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