Gemstone Characteristics and Their Attributes
In the captivating realm of gemstones, beauty meets science as modern technology unveils the hidden secrets within these natural wonders.
Carbonates, budget-friendly options in the gem world, offer a range of colours and stunning appearances. Popular for their affordability and unique textures, they are often used in pendants and earrings. Calcite and aragonite are two well-known examples of carbonate gemstones. Despite being softer and more porous than other gem families, they are less suitable for high-impact jewelry like rings.
Natural gemstones, formed over millions of years in the Earth's crust, are generally more valuable due to their rarity and unique formations. Understanding these properties can help in identifying, appreciating, and making informed decisions about gemstones.
Emeralds, belonging to the beryl mineral family, are renowned for their vibrant green colour. This green hue comes from trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. Emeralds, although relatively soft compared to diamonds, usually score between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale.
Classification is essential for identification and valuation purposes. Advanced methods for classifying and identifying gemstones primarily use spectroscopy, microscopy, and chemical analysis techniques. These methods provide a much more precise understanding of their composition than traditional visual or UV light inspection.
Spectroscopy techniques, such as the GIA iD100 tool, use sophisticated methods to detect trace lattice features and chemical signatures to distinguish natural from lab-grown diamonds, simulants, or treated stones with near-100% accuracy in seconds. UV-Vis-NIR Spectroscopy, on the other hand, analyses how a gemstone absorbs light across ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared ranges to spot subtle changes indicating treatments or synthetic origins.
Microscopic examination can reveal internal features such as fingerprint inclusions or growth patterns, which can reveal disruptions caused by treatments or differentiate natural from synthetic gems. Chemical testing, through the application of acids and other reagents, can elicit reactions from treated versus untreated stones, offering further clues about artificial modifications.
X-Ray Diffraction involves directing X-rays at a gemstone and measuring how they scatter upon hitting the stone to reveal the arrangement of atoms within the gem, providing insights into its crystal structure. This method can detect if a gemstone has been treated or altered in any way, which is crucial for both valuation and authentication.
Silicates, Oxides, and Carbonates are families of gemstones, each with unique characteristics. Silicates, the largest gemstone family, are known for their complex crystal structures and diversity in colour and form. Oxides, known for their durability and vibrant colours, have ruby and sapphire as notable examples.
Rubies, a variety of the mineral corundum, are famous for their vibrant red colour, which comes from trace amounts of chromium. Classification is crucial for gem collectors, jewelers, and anyone who appreciates them.
In summary, while traditional methods rely on surface observation and UV fluorescence that sometimes give ambiguous results, advanced spectroscopy combined with microscopic and chemical tests deliver precise, rapid, and reliable identification and classification of gemstones by probing their complex inner structures and chemical compositions. These advanced techniques ensure that the world of gemstones continues to sparkle with authenticity and value.
[1] GIA, (2021). GIA iD100 tool. Retrieved from https://www.gia.edu/gia-id-100 [3] GIA, (2019). Advanced methods for identifying gemstones. Retrieved from https://www.gia.edu/advanced-methods-for-identifying-gemstones
In the realm of health-and-wellness, trace elements found within certain gemstones could potentially offer additional benefits beyond their aesthetic value. For instance, certain carbonate gemstones like calcite are often used in crystal healing practices, due to their ability to balance and cleanse the body's energy.
Fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts might find an unusual motivation in the science behind their favorite gemstone. Emeralds, for example, are not just prized for their stunning green color, but also for their connection to the heart chakra, encouraging love, unity, and inner harmony - sentiments ideally mirrored during physical activity.
