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Collecting Gemstones: Lapidary - as a hobby - A Full Overview by Jc Reardon

Collecting Gemstones: Lapidary - as a hobby - A Full Overview

by Jc Reardon
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Book cover type: Paperback
  • ISBN13: 9798312473728
  • Binding: Paperback
  • Subject: N/A
  • Publisher: Independently Published
  • Publisher Imprint: Independently Published
  • Publication Date:
  • Pages: 286
  • Original Price: USD 19.95
  • Language: English
  • Edition: N/A
  • Item Weight: 386 grams
  • BISAC Subject(s): General

Collecting gemstones is a fascinating hobby that combines elements of geology, history, craftsmanship, and even metaphysics. Whether you're interested in raw mineral specimens, cut and polished gems, or rare and valuable stones, there's a lot to explore. Here's a comprehensive guide to getting started with gemstone collecting:


1. Understanding Gemstones
Types of Gemstones

Gemstones are broadly categorized into precious and semi-precious stones:

  • Precious gemstones: Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald.
  • Semi-precious gemstones: Amethyst, Topaz, Garnet, Opal, Aquamarine, Tourmaline, Peridot, and many others.

There are also organic gems (not true minerals) such as Amber, Pearl, and Jet.

Formation and Sources
  • Gemstones form deep within the Earth under heat and pressure.
  • Some come from igneous rocks (e.g., diamonds in kimberlite), metamorphic rocks (e.g., garnets in schist), or sedimentary rocks (e.g., opals from silica-rich environments).
  • Major sources include Myanmar (rubies), Colombia (emeralds), Sri Lanka (sapphires), and Brazil (various gems).

2. How to Start Collecting
Deciding on a Focus
  • Raw vs. Cut Gems: Some collectors prefer uncut, natural specimens, while others seek faceted, polished stones.
  • By Type or Variety: Some specialize in quartz variants (amethyst, citrine), while others collect only rare gems.
  • By Origin: Some collect stones from specific countries or mines.
Where to Find Gemstones
  • Rock and gem shows (e.g., Tucson Gem Show, Denver Gem Show).
  • Online marketplaces (Etsy, eBay, specialist gem dealers).
  • Gem mining and prospecting (e.g., digging for opals in Australia or sapphires in Montana).
  • Local rock shops and jewelry stores.

3. Identifying and Valuing Gemstones
Identification Factors
  • Color: The most noticeable feature, but variations exist within each gemstone type.
  • Clarity: The presence of inclusions can affect value.
  • Cut: A well-cut gem enhances brilliance and appeal.
  • Carat weight: Heavier gems are generally more valuable.
  • Hardness: Measured on the Mohs Scale (Diamond = 10, Quartz = 7, Talc = 1).
  • Luster: The way a gem reflects light (e.g., adamantine, vitreous, silky).
Common Testing Methods
  • Magnification: Checking for inclusions with a jeweler's loupe.
  • Hardness test: Using the Mohs scale.
  • Refractive index: Measuring how light bends inside the stone.
  • UV fluorescence: Some gems glow under ultraviolet light.
  • Density and Specific Gravity: Determining weight-to-volume ratio.

4. Caring for Your Collection
  • Storage: Keep gemstones in separate soft pouches or display cases to prevent scratches.
  • Cleaning: Use mild soap and a soft brush for most gems; avoid chemicals on porous stones like opals.
  • Handling: Wash hands before touching porous gems like pearls and opals, as oils can damage them.

5. Rare and Valuable Gemstones

Some of the most sought-after gems include:

  • Alexandrite: Changes color from green to red.
  • Paraiba Tourmaline: Electric blue, highly valuable.
  • Benitoite: Rare, bright blue, found mainly in California.
  • Tanzanite: Unique blue-purple found only in Tanzania.
  • Red Beryl (Bixbite): Extremely rare and valuable.

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