Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Introduction to Gemology: Identifying Gemstones

How do you tell a gemstone from a common rock or an ore?
No matter where you live, there are rocks around. If you can’t see them, they are underground. If you can see them, they may be very large boulders or cliffs, or possibly pebbles that you can pick up as you walk through the field or along a stream. Every region has its share of gemstones, too, and many of them may be mixed in with your rocks.

Have you ever been walking along and picked up a pretty rock that looks like a crystal or a piece of gold? You may have had a pretty rock or a piece of ore, but you may have had a gemstone. How can you tell which is which?

Gemstone Charts

A gemstone chart is a useful tool to have. It will help you identify the different gemstones. If you can find a gemstone chart that is specific to your region, that would be even better. These charts can be found at your local historical society, as well as at many parks, or you can go online and print one out if you have a good printer.

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