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How To Start Loose Gemstone Collecting

By Lee MacRae

Gemology is a term referring to the profession, science, and even art of evaluating and identifying rocks known as natural diamonds or loose gemstones. A number of people taken up gemology as a passionate hobby. They collect and evaluate loose gemstones or loose diamonds. A number of these hobbyists start to travel to various locations nearby or even different countries to look for rough gemstones. Some hobbyists will learn to cut or tumble the gemstones they find. If you have an interest in this hobby follow along as we show you the things you should know to start this hobby.

To begin with your first priority is to visit the library and get some books. You want to understand as much as possible about the subject of gemstones. The more you understand about the hobby of gemstones the wiser will be your purchases. With adequate knowledge you are less likely to be fooled.

To start with, an important aspect in gemstone evaluation is color. Without a doubt, gemstones are the most intensely colored natural materials you can find. Gemstones are so related to color that they've even had their names combined with associated colors. Everyone knows ruby red, emerald green, sapphire blue, aquamarine, turquoise, and jade green Gemstones will have a higher value they closer they are to natural spectral colors of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. They are valued much less the farther they are from the spectral color.

Cut is one of the all-important 4Cs and factors into appraisal of diamonds but gemstones in general as well. A good cut showcases the gemstone's color, diminishes its inclusions, and exhibits good overall symmetry and proportion. One excellent way to determine the excellence in the cut is to consider how well it reflects light on a consistent basis over its entire surface. If the stone is cut on the shallow side much of the light will refract out of the gem instead of reflecting internally. Gem color appears washed out.

Next to look at is the aspect of gemstone clarity. Clarity refers to the the external blemishes or the internal conclusions or flaws of a stone. Any large flaws are visible to the naked eye with others needing to be magnified 10X

You will note that gemstones are categorized according to their size criteria because of being more uniform than carat weight. But two different gemstones may be of the same size but different carat weights and consequently, different prices as well. This is due to gemstone difference in specific gravity depending upon the chemical composition and crystal structure type Normally a one carat brilliant round diamond with normal proportions is approximately 6.5 mm around. A ruby that is the same size will weigh approximately 1.55 carats.

Getting involved in collecting gemstones can become an enjoyable pastime and also rewarding in the long run. It doesn't have to be very expensive and yet you can build a very exquisite collection. Many people loved to spend weekends to go hunting for raw gemstones. Take the example of the US. In California you can find Agate, Benitoite, Californite, Diamond, Citrine, Tourmaline, Abalone Pearl, Kunzite, Chrysopras Or you can take the time to travel and find opal in Opalton, Yowah, Queensland, Austalia, topaz in Killiecrankie, Tasmania or hunt in the garnet fields in Fullarton River in Queensland, Australia.

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Learn More About natural black diamond

When it comes to gemstones, size matters. All else being equal, the bigger the
stone, the more valuable it is. In wholesale gem trading, gems are often priced
per carat. It would make sense therefore that the more carats, the more its
worth. However, it doesn�t stop there. An additional factor in the value is
the rarity of large stones. This means that the larger the stone, the higher
the price per carat. For example, a 1 carat ruby with a nice color and cut
might cost $700. But a 5 carat ruby of similar cut and color will not cost $
3500 (5 X $700); it might cost $10,000. This is because it is very rare to find
a ruby that is 5 carats. The effect that size has on price and value is
determined by how rare large stones are. For example, very large pieces of
amethyst and topaz are relatively easy to find meaning that the price of large
stones is not exponentially higher.
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Amber has been used for decoration since the stone age. Amber with special
markings such as the intials of ones name was thought to be a great protective
talisman.
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For opals, do not use a commercial cleaner or an ultrasonic cleaner. Clean an opal using mild, warm sudsy water (1 part to 1 part) and be gentle. Rinse in clear, warm water and gently pat dry. Since opals have a high-moisture content, you need to keep them hydrated by storing them with a moistened cotton ball.
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