Identify Diaspore
Identifying Diaspore is fairly easy as long as you follow the GIA method of gemstone identification. Keep reading below to learn more about gemstone identification and how to quickly spot authentic Diaspore. This gemstone is not well known among the general public but if you’re a collector or gemstone connoisseur then you’ve probably heard of […]
Moldavite Pricing Guide For Buyers and Sellers
Here is the Moldavite pricing guide for buyers and sellers. Feel free to use this as a point of reference when valuing Moldavite. As prices for Moldavite change, I’ll update this page with the new prices I see at the local gem and mineral shows plus I’ll be going to the Tucson Gem and Mineral […]
Fluorite Pricing Guide For Buyers and Sellers
Here is the Fluorite pricing guide for buyers and sellers. Feel free to use this as a point of reference when valuing Fluorite. As prices for Fluorite change, I’ll update this page with the new prices I see at the local gem and mineral shows plus I’ll be going to the Tucson Gem and Mineral […]
Identify Cinnabar
Identifying Cinnabar can be a little tricky depending on whether or not you can actually test the material. As you work your way through this article you’ll become aware of the fact that most Cinnabar is in specimen or crystal form. Most of the specimens are small and difficult to get an R.I. measurement or […]
Identify Tourmaline
Identifying Tourmaline is pretty easy because it has unique identifying characteristics that rarely overlap over gems and miners. With that being said there are quite a few varieties of Tourmaline and being able to ID them quickly and accurately can be a challenge. Learn everything there is to know about Tourmaline varieties by going here. […]
Identify Scapolite
Identifying Scapolite can be difficult because it is easily confused with Citrine and Amethyst. In its crystal form it’s fairly simple to accurately identify it but when it is faceted the difficulty level increases considerably. If you want to get good at identifying Scapolite quickly then you’ll need time with the rough and faceted stones […]
Identify Phenakite
Identifying Phenakite is fairly straightforward but people do confuse it with Quartz, White Topaz, White Sapphire, and Diamond. You won’t see this gemstone very often unless you’re in the gem trade or an avid collector. The number one differentiator between Phenakite and Diamond will be the lack of dispersion in the Phenakite. You’ll want to […]
Identify Moissanite
Moissanite is a silicon carbide that can occur naturally or be grown in a lab. In nature, it’s extremely rare and, thus far, has only been found in upper mantle rocks and meteorites. Believe it or not, this gem occurs naturally as inclusions in Kimberlite, Xenoliths, and Lamproite. Because of Moissanite’s durability, it can be […]
Gemologist Guide to Identifying Epidote
Epidote is a fairly common mineral that is collected by crystal and mineral enthusiasts. This incredible mineral forms elongated crystals that are often interconnected and lustrous. The interesting thing about this mineral is that it can be found as an inclusion in crystals as well as a standalone crystal cluster. How to Identify Epidote […]
Garnet Crystals
All Garnets essentially have the same crystal structure. However, they vary in their chemical compositions and respective colors. Over twenty Garnet categories exist, but only five are considered commercially important gems. The five include Almandine or Almandite, Pyrope, Grossular or Grossularite, Spessartine, and Andradite. Garnets have to be one of the more confusing stones to […]