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Quartz. Quartz is a hard, crystalline mineral composed of silica (silicon dioxide). The atoms are linked in a continuous framework of SiO 4 silicon–oxygen tetrahedra, with each oxygen being shared between two tetrahedra, giving an overall chemical formula of SiO 2. Quartz is, therefore, classified structurally as a framework silicate mineral ...
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 ...
Chalcedony. Chalcedony (/ kælˈsɛdəni / kal-SED-ə-nee, or / ˈkælsəˌdoʊni / KAL-sə-doh-nee) [2] is a cryptocrystalline form of silica, composed of very fine intergrowths of quartz and moganite. [3] These are both silica minerals, but they differ in that quartz has a trigonal crystal structure, while moganite is monoclinic.
Crystal habit. In mineralogy, crystal habit is the characteristic external shape of an individual crystal or aggregate of crystals. The habit of a crystal is dependent on its crystallographic form and growth conditions, which generally creates irregularities due to limited space in the crystallizing medium (commonly in rocks). [1][2]
Facet. Facets (/ ˈfæsɪt /) are flat faces on geometric shapes. The organization of naturally occurring facets was key to early developments in crystallography, since they reflect the underlying symmetry of the crystal structure. Gemstones commonly have facets cut into them in order to improve their appearance by allowing them to reflect light.
A purple-pink star sapphire displaying asterism in a platinum ring. An asterism (from Ancient Greek ἀστήρ (astḗr) 'star' and -ism) is a star-shaped concentration of light reflected or refracted from a gemstone. It can appear when a suitable stone is cut en cabochon (i.e. shaped and polished, not faceted). A gemstone that exhibits this ...
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral with chemical composition MnCO 3. In its pure form (rare), it is typically a rose-red colour, [5] but it can also be shades of pink to pale brown. It streaks white, [6] and its Mohs hardness varies between 3.5 and 4.5. Its specific gravity is between 3.45 and 3.6. [7]
Adularescence in a moonstone cabochon, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The specimen's diameter is 23 mm (0.91 in). Adularescence (/ ˌædʒələˈrɛsəns / AJ-ə-lə-RES-əns) is an optical phenomenon that is produced in gemstones like moonstone. The optical effect is similar to labradorescence and aventurescence.