How To Collect Loose Gemstones
By Lee MacRae
Gemology is the science, art and profession of identifying and evaluating rocks known as natural diamonds or loose gemstones. Many people take up gemology more as a hobby. They become interested in collecting and evaluating items like loose gemstone or natural diamonds. You'll even find some that like to visit various locations close by or even in other countries to hunt for raw or rough gemstones. Some of them will even tumble or finish off the gemstones themselves. If this sounds like a hobby you would like to get involved in read along as this article discusses the things you should know to start this hobby.
The first thing you need to do is to get some books from the library or bookstore. You want to learn as much as you possibly can about the subject of gemstones. The more you learn about each kind of gemstone the better off you'll be. With adequate knowledge you are less likely to be fooled.
To start with, an important aspect in gemstone evaluation is color. Gemstones are the most intensely colored natural materials you can find. Gemstones are so related to color that they have even lent their names to specific colors. You've no doubt heard about emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, jade green, turquoise or aquamarine. Gemstones are valued much higher when they equal the colors in the spectrum of violet, blue, green,, orange and red. They are valued much less the farther they are from the spectral color.
Cut is one of the all-important 4Cs and factors into appraisal of diamonds but gemstones in general as well. A good cut showcases the natural color of the gemstone, diminishes its inclusions, and exhibits good overall symmetry and proportion. One way of determining the excellence in gemstone cut is to consider how consistent and well, it reflects the light throughout its surface. But if a gem is cut too shallow, most of this light were refracted away instead of reflecting inside. Gemstone color will be washed out.
The clarity in a stone is our next factor. When we talk of clarity it relates to the amount of inclusions (trace elements or large particles of other elements or minerals) that a gem has. A flawless gemstone is obviously valued highly. To determine the flaws not seen with the unaided eye you need a gemstone loupe (gemstone clarity magnifier) or gem microscope. Serious hobbyists will buy a jewelers diamond gemstone loupe 10X for viewing their coins, beads, stamps or in our case gemstones.
Next comes size and weight. Except for corals and pearls, all gemstones are valued by the unit called the carat. One carat is the equivalent of 0.2 grams However you should know weight and size are not the same in gemstones. Density or specific gravity can vary in gemstones. If you have a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats, you will find a Sapphire or ruby of the same size would weigh 1.20 carats.
Taking up the collecting of loose gemstones can create an enjoyable hobby and pastime. And there is such a variety in gemstones you can collect. You can start collecting gemstones like Jade [jadeite and nephrite], Chalcedony (bloodstone) or Iolite for example. The varieties are nearly endless. And if you like to save money but love vacations you can go hunting for raw gemstones. Take the example of the United States. In Pennsylvania you can find Amethyst, Almandite Garnet and Pyrope Garnet, Beryl, Sunstone and Moonstone.
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Gemstones For Sale
Tips About loose semi precious gemstones
Citrine is yellow quartz. It has a hardness of 7. Citrine can be easily
scratched. Citrine often permenantly changes color if left in the sunlight for
several hours. Most citrine on the market is heat treated amethyst. Citrine is
found in Brazil, Madagascar, Spain, USA (California, Colorado, Georgia, and
Nevada) and the former USSR.
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Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone introduced by Tiffany's. It's unique blue
color looks fabulous. Tanzanite gem stones make wonderful eye-catching jewelry.
Tanzanite gems may be blue, purple or slate gray. Tanzanite has a hardness
rating of 6.5. Tanzanite gem stones are often heat treated to improve its color
and clarity.
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loose semi precious gemstones Stories
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