Mineralogist Answers Gemstone Questions From Twitter | Tech Support | WIRED
WIRED・2 minutes read
Gemstones are mineral crystals cut and faceted by artists from their natural crystal shape, with rubies and sapphires both being corundum but designated by color. Various minerals have different properties and uses, some like Obsidian as volcanic glass, while others like diamonds are graded based on color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
Insights
- Rubies and sapphires are both corundum minerals, but rubies are distinguished by their red color, with valuable sources in Burma, highlighting the importance of ethical sourcing in the gemstone industry.
- The curator of gems and minerals at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History acquires unique specimens like sapphirine from Madagascar, emphasizing the significance of studying and displaying rare mineral specimens for educational and research purposes.
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Recent questions
What are rubies and sapphires made of?
Rubies and sapphires are both made of the mineral corundum, with rubies specifically designated for the color red.
How are diamonds cut?
Diamonds are cut using other diamonds on a rotating lap covered in diamond powder.
What are the four Cs used to grade diamonds?
Diamonds are graded based on color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
What is the composition of granite?
Granite is composed of individual crystals of quartz, Feld Spar, and biotite.
What is the Mohs hardness of bio apatite?
Bio apatite, found in Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's bones, has a Mohs hardness of 5.
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Summary
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"Minerals, Gems, and Rocks: A Summary"
- Rocks are made up of minerals, with Granite containing individual crystals of quartz, Feld Spar, and biotite.
- Gems are mineral crystals cut and faceted by artists from their natural crystal shape.
- Rubies and sapphires are the same mineral, corundum, with rubies designated for the color red.
- Emeralds are a variety of the mineral Beryl, with different trace element impurities giving them color.
- Sodalite variety Hackmanite exhibits tenebrescence when exposed to UV light, changing color.
- Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's bones are made of bio apatite, with a Mohs hardness of 5.
- Diamonds are cut using other diamonds, with a rotating lap covered in diamond powder.
- Diamonds are graded based on the four Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
- Synthetic diamonds have the same properties as natural diamonds but are created in a lab.
- Obsidian is natural volcanic glass, not a mineral, used by prehistoric humans for tools.
- Gold is a mineral with a golden color, while Fool's Gold (pyrite) is iron sulfide with a similar luster.
- Over 5,000 mineral species are known on Earth, with potential for more based on periodic table elements.
- Mobile phone minerals come from rocks like pegmatites, rich in critical elements like lithium.
- The Hope Diamond is famous for its curse, with owners facing misfortune, now a blessing in the museum.
- Crystals form based on temperature, pressure, and fluid conditions, with atoms arranging in specific patterns.
- Pearls are not minerals but formed from the mineral aragonite through organic processes.
- "Gemmy" refers to a crystal suitable for cutting into a gemstone, based on its transparency.
- Moonstones can get wet without harm, while opals, not technically minerals, can absorb water.
- Geodes form in open cavities allowing crystals like quartz to grow inside, creating unique structures.
- Turquoise jewelry is expensive due to the rarity of the gemstones and the labor involved in mining and crafting them.
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Global Ruby Mining and Ethical Sourcing Practices
- Rubies, also known as corundum, are found worldwide, with North Carolina being a potential location in the United States for mining. However, the most valuable rubies are from Burma, specifically in a city in Muk Burma where people mine rubies from a mountain of marble. These precious gemstones, like diamonds, hold significant value but have been linked to conflicts and unethical practices. Ethical sourcing, such as the Kimberly Process for diamonds, is crucial to ensure responsible trade. The curator of gems and minerals acquires new specimens like sapphirine, the largest crystal of its kind in the world, from places like Madagascar for display and study at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
