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Gemology is the science that deals with the study of precious stones, also known as gems. This discipline covers a wide range of topics related to the formation, identification, evaluation and processing of gemstones. Gemologists are specialists who have expertise in recognizing and evaluating precious stones, including diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, amethysts and more.
Gemology is an interdisciplinary science involving knowledge from fields such as mineralogy, geology, physics and chemistry. Here is some information about precious stones from a scientific perspective:
Precious stones
* Diamond - is a precious stone composed of carbon, crystallized in a cubic structure. With a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, it is the hardest known mineral. The diamond is known for its exceptional brilliance, determined by its power to scatter light. Properties such as color, clarity, carat and cut are essential in assessing the value of diamonds. These gemstones are used in jewelry, and colorless diamonds and those with fewer imperfections are considered the most precious.
*Ruby - is a red gemstone belonging to the corundum family. Ruby has an excellent hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, which makes it resistant to scratches and wear. Originally from regions such as Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand or Mozambique, the ruby is valued for its vibrant color and optical qualities. It is frequently used in jewelry, including rings, earrings, and pendants, symbolizing luxury and love. Evaluating the value of a ruby takes into account criteria such as color, clarity, size and geographical origin.
*Sapphire - is a gemstone known for its deep and beautiful blue color. Belonging to the corundum family, sapphire is the second hardest mineral on the Mohs scale, with a value of 9. This hardness makes it suitable for use in jewelry, resisting scratches and wear. Contrary to general opinion, sapphires come in all colors. These gems can come from various regions such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand or Australia. Sapphire is often used in fine jewellery, including rings, earrings and necklaces, and the assessment of its value takes into account, as with other precious stones, criteria such as color, clarity, size and geographical origin.
*Emerald - is a green gemstone, part of the beryl family. Its intense green color makes it easily recognizable and appreciated in the jewelry world. With a hardness of about 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, emerald is a softer stone than diamond, but is durable enough for use in jewelry. Emerald gets its distinctive color due to the presence of chromium and vanadium in its chemical composition. The main sources of emeralds include Colombia, Zambia, Brazil and Zimbabwe. It is often used in rings, earrings and necklaces, being associated with elegance and royalty.
Semi-precious stones
*Aquamarine - semi-precious stone known for its delicate color and variety of blues, often similar to shades of sea water. It belongs to the beryl family, and its hardness is around 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale. This gemstone gets its color due to the presence of iron in its chemical structure.
*Amethyst - semi-precious stone with a deep mauve or purple color, ranging from light to deep shades. It is part of the family of minerals known as quartz and has a hardness of about 7 on the Mohs scale.