Malachite

The optical properties of minerals attract our eyes and can give a specimen a unique character. However, mineral physical properties are also…

Although gemstone magnetism isn’t a commonly tested gemstone property, it may be useful for making quick separations outside the lab. By Richard…

In some cases, a hot point test won’t distinguish plastic simulants from natural stones. Some plastics release a protein smell when hot…

  Mineral streak testing is fun if you have rough material to spare. It’s not recommended for finished gems, as there’s a good…

In this article, we will discuss phyllosilicates and tectosilicates. These silicate subclasses include minerals crucial for technology and…

Halides, carbonates, and sulfites are considered sedimentary minerals. In this article, you will learn about evaporites and how these three…

In crystallography, mineral habits refer to the way crystals form within a specific mineral. In A Guide to Gem Classification, I mentioned that,…

Many factors can contribute to a mineral’s color. However, some minerals can have many different colored varieties, while others only occur…

Most gems form naturally as minerals within the Earth. Most form as crystals, solids whose atoms are arranged in highly ordered repeating patterns…