[caption id="attachment_555" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Which is sapphire and which is tourmaline?[/caption] Specific gravity (SG) is often used by gemmologists to...
As previously mentioned a key aspect of a gemstone is that it has sufficient durability. There are three aspects that...
In the last article we looked at symmetry and as an extra note we should mention that integral symmetry of...
A crystal structure is a regular, repeating, three dimensional arrangement of bonded atoms. Though the generic term crystal is used...
Ionic Bonding- bonding resulting from electrostatic attraction of negatively and positively charged anions and cations. Examples: peridot, topaz, garnet (note...
The world as a whole can be said to be a collection of atoms, the smallest divisible part of an...
Rose Quartz Mine, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. Terms: Attached- Attached crystals are those which grow ‘attached’ to another rock an hence...
A mineral is defined as “a solid inorganic substance of natural occurrence” and they have a defined chemical composition and...
Gemstone: A material possessing beauty, rarity and durability (and acceptability). e.g. diamond, ruby, emerald. Ornamentals: A class of gemstones...
Throughout history gems have fascinated and been coveted by human society, but just what makes a gem? A gem must...
Gemmology is a fascinating world of light and colour, of physics and beauty, of adventure and perfection. The following series...
As Director of Lawson Gems I pride myself on an in-depth and up to date knowledge of the gem and...
On our most recent trip to Mozambique we spent the majority of our time in the Northern region of the...
When it comes to finding the gems, there are a few avenues I take personally. Though I started my professional...
