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Gemstones of the World revised 5th edition, 2013 by Walter Schumann ISBN 978-1454909538 Smithsonian Handbook: Gemstones by Cally Hall, 2nd ed. 2002 ISBN 978-0789489852 v
In 1986, California named benitoite as its state gemstone, a form of the mineral barium titanium silicate that is unique to the Golden State and only found in gem quality in San Benito County. [80] ^ Colorado is the only state whose geological symbols reflect the national flag's colors: red (rhodochrosite), white (yule marble), and blue ...
Herkimer diamonds are double-terminated quartz crystals discovered within exposed outcrops of dolomite in and around Herkimer County, New York, and the Mohawk River Valley in the US. [ 1][ 2] They are not diamonds; the "diamond" in their name is due to both their clarity and well formed faces. Because the first discovery sites were in the ...
Gemstone. Group of precious and semiprecious stones—both uncut and faceted—including ( clockwise from top left) diamond, uncut synthetic sapphire, ruby, uncut emerald, and amethyst crystal cluster. A gemstone (also called a fine gem, jewel, precious stone, semiprecious stone, or simply gem) is a piece of mineral crystal which, when cut or ...
Diamond[ a] is a gemstone formed by cutting a raw diamond. Diamonds are one of the best-known and most sought-after gems, and they have been used as decorative items since ancient times. The hardness of diamond and its high dispersion of light —giving the diamond its characteristic "fire"—make it useful for industrial applications and ...
Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica (SiO 2 · n H 2 O); its water content may range from 3% to 21% by weight, but is usually between 6% and 10%. Due to its amorphous property, it is classified as a mineraloid, unlike crystalline forms of silica, which are considered minerals. It is deposited at a relatively low temperature and may occur ...
The first theme is using legendary luminous gems to illuminate buildings, for navigation lights on ships, or sometimes as guiding lights for lost persons (Ball 1938: 498–500). In India, the earliest country in which fine gemstones were known, belief in luminous gems dates back some twenty-five centuries.
Native American jewelry refers to items of personal adornment, whether for personal use, sale or as art; examples of which include necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings and pins, as well as ketohs, wampum, and labrets, made by one of the Indigenous peoples of the United States. Native American jewelry normally reflects the cultural diversity ...