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Viewing Precious Minerals for JewelryPrecious Minerals for Jewelry
By otaffy
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With the exception of the pearl, which is a shellfish, precious stones are minerals that possess traits that make them desirable for personal adornment. Precious stones originate from the most awesome powers of nature. With the exception of the pearl, which is a shellfish, precious stones are minerals that possess traits that make them desirable for personal adornment. Precious stones originate from the most awesome powers of nature. They are found mixed around, in, under, and between the earth's crust. Their beauty is concealed by their rough and worn outer layers, but their splendor can be brought to life by skilled and knowledgeable craftsmen. Precious stones are so beautiful that kings and queens have worn them; men and women have looked upon them admirably, scientists have studied them, and poets have sung of them. Precious stones have been the fondest expression of love in all ages. The great Christian prophet, John, spoke of gates of pearls and walls of precious stones. Gemstones also endure through the test of time. Long after their original owners are gone, precious stones shine with pristine brilliancy. Time destroys nations and reduces everything in them to ashes, but jewels remain. The two qualities that make precious stones so desirable are their beauty and durability. The beauty of a precious stone lies in its brilliancy, color, or both. The durability of a precious stone comes from a native hardness which resists the abrasion of time and wear. Nature does not form all jewels fit for stones. Some lack brilliancy, but they are valuable for their hardness and durability. Stones of this sort are valuable and used for mechanical purposes. The stones that are considered to be precious stones are the diamond, ruby, pearl, sapphire, emerald, Oriental cats-eye, opal, turquoise, alexandrite, and spinel. In the area between precious and semi-precious gems are andalusite, aquamarine, golden beryl, hiddenite, olivine, tourmaline, zircon, and the finer varieties of amethyst, topaz, and garnet. In order to describe the hardness of stones, a scale was devised by a German mineralogist named Moh. The scale ranges from 1 to 10: the larger the number, the harder the stone. The number attached to various stones does not designate absolute degrees of hardness, but is approximate. Of the same stone, some forms are harder than others. For example, one diamond may be a little harder than another. These variations are slight, and no other stone - at its hardest - approaches the softest diamond. Many precious stones have a grain or cleavage, along which lines they can be split like wood. Some stones break easier than others. The optical qualities of precious stones when cut and polished are various. Among the different degrees is the power of reflection. Most precious stones are doubly reflective. Many precious stones are phosphorescent upon exposure to sunlight, application of heat, or other electrical or mechanical methods. Some diamonds are more phosphorescent than others. In the quality of transmitting light precious stones are divided into four kinds: opaque like jasper; translucent like the opal and carnelian; semitransparent like rose-quartz; transparent like diamonds, etc. Not all stones of transparent varieties are truly transparent. Many crystals and others are almost opaque. In some respects, precious stones are constant; they resist or are subject to heat or acids after their own invariable fashion. Many gems are very resistant to heat, and only change tints, but rarely change shape due to extreme heat. The colors of different stones are often almost identical. It is sometimes hard to tell what kind of stone a gem really is after cutting it. Sometimes even tests of hardness and specific gravity can fail. Fraudulent stones are always a problem and an issue in the gem world. Experienced jewelers can usually look at a stone and have a good idea what type it is. About the Author: Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular jewelry site, http://www.JewelerWeb.com. This site provides informative advice on buying rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches. The site also has information on diamonds, birthstones, gemstones, pearls, gold, sterling silver, and platinum. Article Source: 1st Rate Articles - http://1stRateArticles.com |
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