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.