How are gems found?
Almost all gems are formed below the Earth's surface.
Some are brought to the surface through earth processes (faulting, folding, large scale uplift, volcanism).
These processes can move rock up from more than 400 km below the surface..
How do you display gems?
You can find gemstone organizers with pullout drawers as well as display cases with glass tops that also allow you to show off your gemstone collection.
You'll need to secure your pieces in small jewelry bags or gemstone jars with foam inserts inside your storage or display cases for extra protection..
What gemstones are in the orthorhombic system?
Minerals that form in the orthorhombic system include andalusite, celestite, chrysoberyl (including alexandrite), cordierite, iolite, danburite, zoisite, tanzanite, thulite, enstatite, hemimorphite, fibrolite/sillimanite, hypersthene, olivine, peridot, sulfur, and topaz..
What is crystallography in gemology?
Crystallography is the study of the formation and structure of crystalline solids.
Gemologists deal with many crystalline gems and use descriptive terms to help visualize how these materials developed..
What is the crystal structure of gemstones?
The gems are sorted by their crystal system: cubic (isometric), tetragonal, hexagonal, trigonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, and triclinic. "Amorphous" gems have no crystal structure..
- A crystal consists of matter that is formed of an ordered three dimensional arrangement of atoms, molecules or ions.
This can be imagined as the stacking of bricks in a wall (resembling to a two dimensional ordered arrangement of bricks).- D Ordered Arrangement of Bricks
- D Ordered Arrangement of atoms
- While crystals are any element in a geometric pattern, gemstones are made up of only rare, precious or semi-precious minerals, like diamonds, and some organic bases like amber.
They're usually polished or cut in a way that makes the gem shine and dazzle - though some crystals can be made to shine a similar way.
