Gemstones Info

Gemstone Scene Article

How To Start Loose Gemstone Collecting

By Lee MacRae

Gemology is a term referring to the profession, science, and even art of evaluating and identifying rocks known as natural diamonds or loose gemstones. A number of people taken up gemology as a passionate hobby. They collect and evaluate loose gemstones or loose diamonds. A number of these hobbyists start to travel to various locations nearby or even different countries to look for rough gemstones. Some hobbyists will learn to cut or tumble the gemstones they find. If you have an interest in this hobby follow along as we show you the things you should know to start this hobby.

To begin with your first priority is to visit the library and get some books. You want to understand as much as possible about the subject of gemstones. The more you understand about the hobby of gemstones the wiser will be your purchases. With adequate knowledge you are less likely to be fooled.

To start with, an important aspect in gemstone evaluation is color. Without a doubt, gemstones are the most intensely colored natural materials you can find. Gemstones are so related to color that they've even had their names combined with associated colors. Everyone knows ruby red, emerald green, sapphire blue, aquamarine, turquoise, and jade green Gemstones will have a higher value they closer they are to natural spectral colors of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. 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 gemstone's color, diminishes its inclusions, and exhibits good overall symmetry and proportion. One excellent way to determine the excellence in the cut is to consider how well it reflects light on a consistent basis over its entire surface. If the stone is cut on the shallow side much of the light will refract out of the gem instead of reflecting internally. Gem color appears washed out.

Next to look at is the aspect of gemstone clarity. Clarity refers to the the external blemishes or the internal conclusions or flaws of a stone. Any large flaws are visible to the naked eye with others needing to be magnified 10X

You will note that gemstones are categorized according to their size criteria because of being more uniform than carat weight. But two different gemstones may be of the same size but different carat weights and consequently, different prices as well. This is due to gemstone difference in specific gravity depending upon the chemical composition and crystal structure type Normally a one carat brilliant round diamond with normal proportions is approximately 6.5 mm around. A ruby that is the same size will weigh approximately 1.55 carats.

Getting involved in collecting gemstones can become an enjoyable pastime and also rewarding in the long run. It doesn't have to be very expensive and yet you can build a very exquisite collection. Many people loved to spend weekends to go hunting for raw gemstones. Take the example of the US. In California you can find Agate, Benitoite, Californite, Diamond, Citrine, Tourmaline, Abalone Pearl, Kunzite, Chrysopras Or you can take the time to travel and find opal in Opalton, Yowah, Queensland, Austalia, topaz in Killiecrankie, Tasmania or hunt in the garnet fields in Fullarton River in Queensland, Australia.

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Learn More About loose natural gemstones

In ancient times, it was thought that agate protected the wearer from all
dangers and gave the wearer courage. Legend has it that Wearing Agate cures
insomnia and brings refreshing dreams.
Buy blue Agate loose gemstones today!

Aventurine can look like jade or amazonite. Dark green Aventurine usually has
inclusions (because of the green fuchsite mica and sometimes a bit of pyrite)
which makes a speckled appearance. This identifying feature is often called
aventurescence. Aenturine is found in Brazil, India, Japan, Russia, Tanzania,
and USA.
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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.
Buy loose Emerald gemstones today!

More loose natural gemstones Info

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More Information On Gemstones

Our Latest Gemological Article

So You Want To Collect Gemstones

By Lee MacRae

The term gemology refers to the science, art and profession of identifying and evaluating rocks known as natural diamonds or loose gemstones. A number of people taken up gemology as a hobby. They become interested in making a collection of loose diamonds or loose gemstones. Some people even begin to travel to various neghbourhood locations to look for raw gemstones. Some hobbyists will learn to cut or tumble the gemstones they find. If you have an interest in this hobby then read along as we discuss the in and outs of gemstone collecting.

To begin with you need to learn all you can on the various gemstones available. This knowledge will help you to know the properties of each stone and prevent you from wasting your money. This will help you make informed decisions.

First on the list to evaluate is gemstone color. Gemstones are the most intensely colored natural material available on earth. Gems have become so synonomous with color, they've even had their names combined with associated colors. You've no doubt heard about emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, jade green, turquoise or aquamarine. Gemstones will have a higher value they closer they are to natural spectral colors of yellow, blue, violet, green, orange and red. They become less valuable when they are lighter or darker than the spectral color.

The way a stone is cut is the second most important factor to look at before a purchase. The preciseness of the cut will determine how much light the stone will reflect. It will ultimately determine the brilliance of the stone and its final value.

Gemstone clarity is the next item to consider. When we talk of clarity it relates to the absence of flaws or blemishes inside the stone. A gemstones that is normally found to be clean is obviously worth more. To determine the flaws not seen with the unaided eye you need a 10X gemstone loupe (gemstone clarity magnifier) or gem microscope. Serious hobbyists will employ an inexpensive 10X gemstone or jewelers loup for viewing stamps, coins, beads as well as gems.

Next thing to look at is the duo of weight and size. Due to the fact gemstones can vary greatly in density and specific gravity. Weight and size are not necessarily equal across the board. If you have a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats an equal sized Sapphire would weigh more than 1.20 carats. An Emerald of equal size would be approximately 0.95 carats while an Alexandrite gemstone would be about 1.23 carats.

Getting involved in collecting gemstones can give you an enjoyable pastime and also rewarding in the long run. You can start small and don't have to spend a lot of money and yet you can buy some very beautiful items. Many people love to take vacations to go hunting gemstones. For example in Maryland you can search for Beryl and Clam Pearl. Or you can take the time to travel and find opal at Lightning Ridge in NSW, Austalia, topaz in Mt Surprise or O'Briens Creek in Queensland, Australia or hunt in the garnet fields in Fullarton River in Queensland, Australia.

Buy loose Citrine gemstones along with black loose diamonds and heart natural diamonds today in our store!

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More Info On inexpensive loose diamonds

The Opal is the national gemstone of Australia. The state of Nevada in the
United States honors the black opal as its' state gem stone. The black opal is
found in Humboldt County, Nevada.
Buy Moissanite loose gemstones today!

Rose Quartz is found in Brazil, Madagascar, Scotland, Spain, and USA (Colorado,
Connecticut, Maine, and New York). Rose Quartz is the anniversary gemstone for
the 2nd year of marriage. Though not meant to replace traditional medical
treatment, Rose Quartz is used to balance ones emotions and open the heart. The
star effect seen in some Rose Quartz cabochans and beads happen when rutile
inclusions are present. Wiccans supposedly use Rose Quartz for forgiveness. Rose
Quartz is the US State Gemstone of South Dakota.
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Sometimes, Fancy Jasper is called bloodstone. However these are very different
stones as Fancy Jasper comes in many colors. Generally, the polish will be
removed if you get this type of stone wet. As with other jewelry, avoid
scratches, sharp blows and harsh chemicals.
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inexpensive loose diamonds News From Around The World

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