Technical Information on Gemstones

There are so many tools on the market for testing a gemstone, but what are the main tools required for simple analysis. Lets look at four tools for gemstone testing.

Gem Rock Auctions has one of the largest range of Certified Gemstones online. Browse this list of approved gemstone testing laboratories.

Azotic treatment of Topaz and Quartz is a treatment that creates a layer of color over a gemstone. Learn more about this treatment and check out our stones fro sale.

There are dozens of quartz and chalcedony gems with various colors and patterns. Learn all about quartz properties and every type of quartz, from amethyst and agate to plasma and phantom quartz!

Gota De Aceite Emeralds have a special feature which increases their value. Read more about this rare type of Emerald and learn how it adds to the value.

Color changing gemstones are gemstones which change color in different lighting conditions. Learn more about these stones and browse our gemstones for sale.

Have you ever wondered how they treat Ruby gemstones? There are so many different types of treatments on the market and we will help to explain them

There are many treatments for Pearls that change their apperance. Most of these treatments are acceptable. Learn more about this gemstone and browse the beautifully cut stones we have for sale.

The Mohs scale describes how hard a gemstone is based on scratch resistance. It’s important for gem cutting, identification, and protection. Find each mineral’s hardness in this guide!

Each gemstone has it's own unique set of physical properties that can be used to identify it. These include hardness, growth patterns and cleavage. Learn more about the physical properties of gemstones.

The Four C's are a standard definition on how to describe and judge the quality of a Diamond. let us explain it in more detail.

What are Synthetic Gemstones, Imitation and Simulants? We will explain the difference and how some of them are created.

Emerald Inclusions are fascinating. inside each Emerald the tiny inclusions tell a story about where the gem came from and how it formed.

How do gemstones form in the earths crust? It is far more complicated than first thought but we have broken it down to make it easier to understand

Carat and Karat are two terms you will here in the Jewelry business that sound exactly the same. They have very different meanings though.

The color of a Sapphire is cuased by different impurities inside the gemstone. Titanium for example creates the beautiful deep blue that we love so much in Sapphires

In the world of gemstones there are special types of stones that show the Schiller effect or Aventurescence. Lets explore what these gems are and how they behave

Compliance issues in the Gemstone Industry are affecting countries worldwide. Sellers will face audit requests to prove the legitimacy of their business.

Ever heard of phenomenal gemstones? These gemstones display amazing optical effects under different lighting, such as cats eyes and stars. Read more about these amazing gems..

Mineraloid gemstones resemble minerals but don’t form crystals. They’re often organic, like pearls, amber, and coral. Learn how they differ from minerals and which gems are mineraloids!

The main crystal shapes of Garnets are dodecahedral and trapezohedral. Both shapes are polyhedrons, which are three-dimensional geometric figures with flat faces.

While there is a strict scale to grade Diamonds on that was devised by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), there is not an international standard for grading clarity in colored gems.

Why do certain gemstones have a rainbow effect? What is gemstone dispersion? Learn about the amazing fire effect of gemstone dispersion and which gems have it.

What are gemstone inclusions? Have you ever looked at a gemstone and seen unique features within the stone? Learn all about inclusions and how to identify them!

A cabochon cut gemstone is polished to be ultra smooth: but how is it done, what tools are needed and what skills required? Learn all about cabochon cutting in this article.

Learning how to cut gemstones is a highly-specialized skill that takes years to perfect! Learn the fundamentals of gemstone faceting in this helpful guide.

When it comes to cutting gemstones, the L/W ratio is a vital measurement, but what does it mean? Find out how to master this common technique in this guide!

Cutting rough stones is a fundamental practice for Lapidaries, but the skills, tools and techniques required vary from project to project. Learn all the important details in this informative guide!

How can you differentiate between natural and color-treated gemstones? In this guide, we’re sharing how to test for diffusion treated gems, and tools you’ll need.