A gemstone's luster refers to the stone's surface when it reflects light. Rough gemstones can appear dull or greasy, like butter but not as shiny as glass. They can also be shiny and glasslike, metallic or silky
layer-by-layer as these microcrystals self organize to form concentric bands or other patterns. The colors and arrangement of the microcrystals are influenced by changes in pressure, temperature, and mineral content that occur during the formation process. Unlike other gemstones, each agate is unique...
There is a lot of synthetic quartz on the market. We have to take special care to ensure that all the quartz we sell is natural. Gemologists can usually identify the presence of seed crystals in synthetic quartz. The best way for consumers to identify synthetic quartz is by size, color an...
Chalcedony is the noncrystalline form ofquartzthat is found exclusively in sedimentary settings and as a secondary mineral in igneous rocks. Usually milky to clear, it takes on red and red-brown colors from iron impurities, and it forms the gemstones agate and carnelian. Luster waxy; hardness 6...