GEM HUNTERGem hunting can be like playing the geological lottery. You may spend hours performing backbreaking work and pay fees for access to mine tailings only to find a few semiprecious stones that aren't worth much. Another person may randomly reach into a pile of dirt and pull out a diamond worth thousands of dollars. Looking for interesting gems and crystals can be a rewarding hobby, even if you don't hit the jackpot. Many recreational gem hunters enjoy spending time outdoors, learning about geology and hanging out with their gem-hunting friends. Whether you're new to gem hunting or a seasoned pro, this new book provides in-depth information on some of the Earth's most sought after precious and semi-precious gemstones. |
Common terms and phrases
Alexandrite aluminium amethyst aquamarine asterism atoms blue sapphires boron Brazil brown cabochons California called carats carbon chromium clarity Colombia colored diamonds colored gemstones copper corundum County Cr3+ crystal system crystals of beryl cut and polished diamond simulants diffraction dome shape emerald exhibit faceting machine Fe3+ fire opals fluorite Fracture filling gem-quality Gemological Institute gemstones golden beryl goshenite grading granitic pegmatites Greek hardness heat heliodor hypogene ions Iranian irradiation jewelry known Laboratory largest lattice located luster Madagascar material maxixe Mexico mined mineral Mohs scale moissanite morganite Myanmar natural rubies nitrogen occur opaque orange Padparadscha Pakistan pale pegmatites pink sapphire play of color precious opal produce purple quartz rare red beryl rhyolite rubies rutile saturation secondary hue semi-precious shades silica sometimes Sri Lanka star sapphire stone synthetic Tanzania tinted by impurities topaz tourmaline transparent treatment turquoise typically Utah variety of beryl violet visible light yellow