Let's talk a bit about what gemstones are and how they are formed. I'm breaking it up into two parts, as I'm running short on time tonight. But don't worry, we'll get it all covered! I'll go quickly and yet try to keep all of this stuff as interesting as possible. I mean, it's not that it's boring or anything, but as I'm sure anyone can figure out for themselves, it gets tedious at times.
Gems are basically minerals that have been fashioned for personal use or for wearing around.The Golden Rule is they must be beautiful, rare, and durable. Most are natural, inorganic materials with a certain chemical makeup and a regular internal structure. Some gems come from plants or animals and are called organics (amber, pearl, etc). There are also synthetics, which although not natural in origin have physical properties similar to natural gems. Most synthetics are cut to look like natural gems.
Pretty much every cut stone begins in crystalline form stuck in the host rock, or matrix (we discussed this earlier). At this stage, the stone is called a rough. Many of these you could just stick on a shelf to display to all just the way they are, they are so beautiful! Most go on to be faceted and polished.
Go ahead and take a look below at the possible progression of an emerald.
 |
| Emerald Crystals in the Host Stone (Matrix) |
 |
| Natural Emerald Crystal |
 |
| Polished Emerald Stones |
 |
| Emerald Cabochon |
 |
| Faceted Emerald |
That wraps up Part I, and next time I'll post some basic info on how gemstones are formed. You know, those scientific details that have some of you out there drooling over the idea of igneous rocks. Thanks for tuning in again!
No comments:
Post a Comment