Gorgeous Gems: Nature's Magnificent Treasures
I. The Source of Gem's Charm
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Gems, as precious gifts of nature, attract countless people's attention with their unique charm. Firstly, the beauty of gems is an important part of their charm. For example, diamonds present adamantine luster, which is dazzling and fascinating. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds and so on have vitreous luster and are as bright as glass surfaces. There are also resin luster of amber, silk luster of tiger's eye stone, pearl luster of pearls and so on. Various lusters endow gems with rich and diverse beauty.
At the same time, gems are durable. The hardness of most gems is above 5, which can resist bumps, dust abrasion and acid and alkali. For example, as the hardest known natural mineral at present, the durability of diamonds is self-evident. Gems' color and transparency remain unchanged for a long time, which makes them precious heirlooms and can be passed on to the next generation.
Furthermore, the rarity of gems is also their charm. The number of diamond deposits in the world is pitifully small and can be counted on one's fingers. Among the mined diamonds, on average only 20% reach gem grade, while the remaining 80% can only be used for industry. To obtain 1 carat of polished diamond, about 250 tons of ore need to be excavated. The rarity of gems determines their value. As the saying goes, "rarity enhances value." It is these three characteristics of beauty, durability and rarity that make gems the treasures people pursue and emit unique charm in the long river of human history.
II. The Identification Methods of Gems
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(1) Identification of rubies and sapphires
Natural rubies and sapphires have dichroism. Rubies can be seen in two tones of red and orange-red from different directions. Sapphires are blue when viewed from one direction and blue-green when viewed from another direction. Natural rubies and sapphires will have some flaws or cracks, with fissures and inclusions inside. While artificial rubies have uniform color, lack cracks, and the internal structure is also very uniform and clean, with a large block. Generally, natural rubies above three carats are very rare in the market. If encountered, attention should be paid. Natural sapphires have uneven colors and most have growth lines. Artificial sapphires generally have more consistent colors. The growth lines are arc-shaped and there will be different bubbles inside.
(2) Identification of emeralds
Most natural emeralds will have flaws and cracks. Their flaws are mostly cotton-like, and there are more inclusions than green tourmalines. Natural emeralds have dichroism. When observed from different angles, the gem will appear emerald green - blue-green or yellow-green. Synthetic emerald crystals are very transparent. A small amount of bubbles can be found by naked eye observation. The inclusions of emeralds synthesized by hydrothermal method are "gauze-like", and the inclusions of emeralds synthesized by melting method are "breadcrumb-like". Natural emeralds react relatively slowly under ultraviolet light or are dark red, while synthetic emeralds often emit strong red fluorescence.
(3) Identification of diamonds
Diamonds have extremely high hardness and are the hardest substance known in nature at present. Diamonds are lipophilic. Draw a straight line on the surface of a diamond with an oil-based pen. If the line is continuous and uninterrupted, it is a real diamond. Diamonds have good thermal conductivity. When breathing on diamonds and glass at the same time, the water vapor on diamonds dissipates faster than that on glass. In addition, when diamonds are rotated, the reflected light color is only faint yellow and blue. While the reflected light of artificial zirconium oxide imitation is colorful when rotated.
(4) Identification of cat's eye
High-quality cat's eye gems have thin and narrow cat's eye lines with clear boundaries. When the gem is rotated, a clear light band will be seen. While artificial cat's eye stones will have 2 - 3 bright bands at the same time at the top of the arc. When observing the two sides of artificial cat's eye stones with a magnifying glass, a hexagonal honeycomb structure can be seen. At the same time, artificial cat's eye stones have lower hardness than natural cat's eye stones.
(5) Identification of opals
Natural opals and artificial opals have the same composition and structure, but artificial opals are more transparent to ultraviolet radiation than natural opals. After removing long-wave ultraviolet light, most natural opals except Brazilian opals will emit phosphorescence for a few seconds, while artificial opals will not emit phosphorescence. The most prominent feature of artificial opals is their structure. Usually, there is good play of color in the inlaid pattern passing through their surface. Inside this inlaid pattern, there are honeycomb, snake skin or similar fish scale structures. In addition, opals can also be identified by testing specific gravity. Fake opals made of plastic are very light, with a density of only slightly more than 1 gram per cubic meter, while the density of real opals is 2 grams per cubic meter. The minimum hardness value of real opals is 5.5, and nails cannot scratch them. While plastic is very soft and can be scratched by nails.
III. Gem Selection Skills
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(1) Look at color
Color is indeed the soul of colored gems. When we select gems, gems with deep color, saturated luster and uniform layout are often more valuable. For example, morganite, its rich pink shines brightly in the sun. The brighter and more saturated the color is, the higher the price is relatively. Afghan tourmaline is famous for its rich colors. From light blue to dark green, each color has its unique charm. Spessartite's bright orange is as warm as summer sunlight, while Santa Maria aquamarine's deep blue gives people a sense of tranquility. These gems are typical representatives of both beauty and value. They are beautiful and expensive at the same time.
(2) Observe cutting
The cutting process of gems plays a crucial role in their aesthetic degree. When skilled craftsmen cut gems, they will leave light in the gems. When the gem is rotated, the light inside will flow with it, as if the gem has life. Generally, the more cutting faces a gem has, the brighter it will be. Just like the gem on a diamond ring, it is so shiny under the light because there are many cutting faces that are almost invisible to the naked eye. A good cut should comprehensively consider factors such as well-proportioned ratio, high symmetry and perfect polishing. Taking diamonds as an example, the fire of diamonds depends on the roundness, depth, width and other aspects of the cut. A slight deviation in angle and cutting ratio may make diamonds become dim due to problems such as light leakage.
(3) Distinguish purity
Generally speaking, the cleaner the gem is, the more expensive it is. Inferior gems often have reduced value due to many impurities in the formation process. These impurities may be other minerals, bubbles or liquids. But not completely impurity-free gems are the best, because some specific minerals in gems can help determine their origin. For example, there is a kind of crystal that will generate "crystal hairs" like hair inside. The more "crystal hairs" there are, the higher the age of this crystal. At the same time, when selecting gems, if you see one that is particularly bright and without any impurities, be careful that it may be a synthetic gem. If a gem has cracks and impurities itself, its value will be greatly reduced.
(4) Consider size
The larger and heavier a gem is, the more valuable it is. This is because larger gems are rarer. The price per carat grows in geometric multiples, not in a simple linear relationship. For example, the price of a 1-carat sapphire is 1000 yuan, while the unit price of a 2-carat sapphire may not be 2000 yuan. Sometimes it may even reach a carat price of 5000 yuan or higher. So when buying gems, be sure to ask clearly about the price calculation method.
(5) Consider origin.
(IV) Importance of size
Gemstones are more valuable the larger and heavier they are because larger gemstones are rarer. The price per carat increases geometrically rather than in a simple linear relationship. For example, a 1-carat sapphire costs 1000 yuan, but the unit price of a 2-carat sapphire may not be 2000 yuan. Sometimes it can even reach 5000 yuan or a higher price per carat. Therefore, when buying gemstones, be sure to ask clearly about the price calculation method.
(V) Considering origin
Origin can be used as a reference when choosing gemstones, but it actually has little practical significance. A good origin gives people a sense of security. For example, Burmese rubies, Sri Lankan sapphires, Colombian emeralds, etc. Gemstones from these origins have high recognition in the market. However, origin cannot completely determine the quality of gemstones. Beginners in gemstones can bring an expert when choosing gemstones, ask more and learn more, carefully check the identification certificate to avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous merchants as "people with more money than sense." When choosing gemstones, one cannot rely solely on origin but should comprehensively consider multiple factors such as color, cut, purity, and size.
IV. The mystery of grading colored gemstones
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(I) Basis for color evaluation
Color, brightness, and saturation are the three key elements for color grading of colored gemstones. Color is the cornerstone of building color and determines the basic tone presented by the gemstone, such as red, blue, green, etc. Brightness determines the lightness and darkness of the color, with distinctions ranging from colorless, very light to moderate, dark, extremely deep, and black. Saturation dominates the change in color intensity. When saturation is at its lowest, it is completely neutral gray, and when saturation is at its highest, it is pure spectral color. Only when these three elements come together can the unique color displayed by colored gemstones be formed.
(II) Examples of different gemstones
Amethyst: Amethyst has rich and colorful colors, mainly including light purple, medium purple, deep purple, red-purple, etc. Light purple amethyst is one of the most common color grades. It usually has a lighter purple color and sometimes some white or gray spots can be seen. The price is relatively cheap. Medium purple amethyst has a more obvious color and is higher in price than light purple. Deep purple amethyst is one of the most precious color grades. It has a very deep purple color, almost close to black, and the price is very high. Red-purple amethyst is a very unique color grade. It has a mixture of deep purple and red. It looks very gorgeous and the price is also relatively high. The color evaluation criteria for amethyst include color, crystal, luster, inclusions, and size. Deep red-purple and bright red are the best. The more transparent the crystal, the brighter the luster, the fewer the inclusions, and the larger the size, the relatively higher the price.
Sapphire: Sapphires have rich colors, including blue, pink-orange, pink, yellow, purple, green, colorless, gray, black, etc. The GRC Gem Laboratory divides the color of sapphires into five levels: light blue, blue, rich blue, vivid blue, and deep blue according to the tone, brightness, and saturation of sapphires themselves. "Royal blue" is the noble among sapphires. The color is a fresh and strong blue with a purple tone. It is the best part of Vivid Blue and Deep Blue and is the highest color rating for blue sapphires by the GRC Gem Laboratory. "Cornflower blue" belongs to a part of Vivid Blue and Intense Blue. It is the color rating for high-quality blue sapphires. It has a unique hazy indigo blue with a slight purple tone and a unique texture and appearance like velvet.
Ruby: According to the national standard for ruby grading, ruby grading is the classification of ruby quality from aspects such as color, clarity, fire, and quality. The grading of rubies divides rubies into three tone categories and four chroma levels according to the difference in ruby tone and chroma. These three tone categories are red, purplish red, and orange-red. The four chroma levels are deep red, vivid red, rich red, and red in sequence. "Pigeon's blood red" belongs to the vivid red level. It is the most valuable color in rubies and is a pure red with a relatively high saturation.
Spessartine garnet: Spessartine garnet is one of the important varieties in the garnet gemstone family. Its chemical composition is manganese aluminum silicate. The colors range from red to orange-red, red to brownish red, rose red, and light rose red. Among them, orange-red and orange-yellow are beautiful. Orange-red spessartine garnet is the best variety among red garnets.
Emerald: Emeralds are highly favored for their unique emerald green color and are among the five major gemstones. The color grading of emeralds is in descending order of Vivid, Intense, Deep, Medium, and Light. Verdant green is the highest color rating for emeralds by the Guild Laboratory. It belongs to a part of Vivid Green. Saturation and brightness are the two main factors to consider. Only Vivid Green with high enough saturation and brightness can reach the Verdant Green rating. The clarity of emeralds is difficult to require by the standard of diamonds. Generally, it is equivalent to the clarity level of SI1 or VS in diamonds. For emeralds, this is already considered top-notch.
Yellow diamond: True yellow diamonds only account for 0.1% of naturally formed diamonds. Generally, yellow diamonds of colored diamond grade are in ascending order of Fancy Light Yellow, Fancy Yellow, Fancy Intense Yellow, Fancy Deep Yellow, and Fancy Vivid Yellow. Although yellow diamonds are relatively common, yellow diamonds reaching the vivid color grade are rare and hard to find. According to statistics from the American Gemological Association, among the yellow diamonds it appraises, only less than 5% are vivid yellow diamonds.
V. The collection value of gemstones
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(I) Collection value of jadeite
As a precious gemstone, jadeite has extremely high collection and investment value. Its rarity is self-evident. Although jadeite is produced in multiple regions, there are very few origins that can truly reach gemstone grade. Especially jadeite produced in Myanmar is of superior quality. The uniqueness of its geological conditions creates the excellent color and texture of jadeite.
The aesthetics of jadeite is an important manifestation of its collection value. That intoxicating green color surpasses the green of the vast majority of gemstones and conforms to the aesthetic tastes of Chinese people. At the same time, jadeite has rich and diverse colors. In addition to the iconic emerald green, there are also many colors such as blue, purple, red, and yellow. Each color carries different meanings and emotions, providing collectors with a wide range of choices.
With the continuous growth of market demand, the price of jadeite is also continuously rising. High-end jadeite jewelry is limited in quantity, and its value naturally rises. Even medium-end jadeite also has certain value preservation. As time goes by, the price may increase.
(II) Comparison between tourmaline and Hetian jade
Tourmaline has rich colors, including red, green, blue, purple, and other colors. It has high transparency and unique sparkle and shines brightly in the sun. Hetian jade is known for its warm and delicate texture and elegant color. The colors are mainly white, cyan, green, and black. Among them, mutton-fat white jade is the most precious.
From a cultural perspective, Hetian jade has a long history in China and is one of the symbols of traditional culture, carrying the cultural heritage of the Chinese nation. Although tourmaline does not have as deep a cultural history as Hetian jade in China's cultural history, it also has a certain status in Western culture.
In terms of lucky meanings, tourmaline is considered a symbol of auspiciousness and can bring good luck, health, and longevity. Hetian jade is also regarded as a symbol of auspiciousness, beauty, and happiness and is widely used in traditional etiquette, religion, and wedding occasions.
In terms of making jewelry, tourmaline has good ornamental value and can be worn as an ornament. Hetian jade not only has ornamental value but also has good health care effects during wearing. It can massage acupoints and promote blood circulation and is suitable as a family heirloom.
(III) Comparison between Hetian jade, jadeite, and diamond
Hetian jade is favored by collectors and investors for its warm and delicate texture, profound cultural connotations, and scarcity. It has extremely high historical and cultural value and was regarded as a valuable gift and cultural symbol in ancient times. As resources gradually become depleted, the price of Hetian jade is rising year by year and has great appreciation space.
Jadeite attracts many collectors with its bright colors, rich varieties, and unique charm. The collection value of jadeite is also very high. It has strong historical and cultural value and medical value. Under the huge market demand, the collection value is also relatively high.
Diamond is one of the most popular gemstones globally. It not only has high beauty and preciousness but also has a relatively transparent market and stable price. Diamond is a single crystal with various shapes and is relatively easy to identify. It can even be regarded as hard currency in the international market.
When choosing these three gemstones for investment and collection, it needs to be decided according to personal needs and preferences. If you pay attention to the cultural connotations and investment value of gemstones, Hetian jade is a good choice. If you pursue the bright colors and unique charm of gemstones, jadeite may be more suitable. If you like gemstones with transparent markets and stable prices, diamond is a better choice.
(IV) Analysis of emerald and Hetian jade
Emerald is a chromium-containing aluminum beryllium silicate mineral with bright and pure colors and strong visual impact. Its texture is relatively hard, with a Mohs hardness of 7.5 - 8 and has high wear resistance. Hetian jade is mainly composed of tremolite. It has a delicate texture and obvious greasy luster. The color is mainly white, and there are also green, yellow, etc. The Mohs hardness is 6 - 6.5, and the texture is relatively soft.
In terms of collection value, emeralds are known for their bright green color and rarity and have a very high market value. At auctions, the prices of high-quality emeralds have repeatedly reached new highs. Hetian jade is famous for its warm texture and profound cultural connotations and has extremely high historical and cultural value and medicinal value. The price of high-quality Hetian jade is also very expensive, especially seed jade.
(IV) Analysis of Emerald and Hetian Jade
Emerald is a chromium-containing aluminoberyllium silicate mineral with bright and pure colors and strong visual impact. Its texture is relatively hard, with a Mohs hardness of 7.5 - 8 and high wear resistance. Hetian jade is mainly composed of tremolite, with fine texture and obvious greasy luster. Its color is mainly white, but also includes green, yellow, etc. The Mohs hardness is 6 - 6.5, and the texture is relatively soft.
In terms of collection value, emerald is known for its bright green color and rarity and has high market value. At auctions, high-quality emeralds repeatedly set new price records. Hetian jade is famous for its warm texture and profound cultural connotations and has extremely high historical and cultural value and medicinal value. High-quality Hetian jade is also very expensive, especially seed materials.
When identifying emeralds and Hetian jade, we can start from the following aspects: observe the color. The color of emeralds is bright and full, while the color of Hetian jade is soft and low-key; check the texture. Emeralds have a fine texture, while Hetian jade has a warm texture; understanding the origin can help judge the preciousness of gems; consulting experts to ensure that the purchased gems have high collection value.
In terms of investment guidelines, choosing high-quality gems is the key. At the same time, pay attention to market dynamics and seize investment opportunities; enrich collection knowledge and improve appreciation ability to avoid purchasing counterfeit and shoddy products; choose regular channels to ensure the authenticity and quality of gems.
VI. The Exquisite Embodiment of Gems
(1) The Beauty of Materials
Diamonds, with their crystal-clear characteristics, have become the leader among gems. The high refractive index of diamonds enables them to sparkle with dazzling light under the illumination of light, as if the most brilliant star in the night sky. Tourmaline catches people's eyes with its pure and colorful colors, ranging from bright red to deep blue, from bright green to mysterious purple. Each color exudes a unique charm. The color of emeralds is transparent, and that touch of bright green seems to contain the vitality and energy of nature. The color of emeralds is bright and pure, with strong visual impact and is unforgettable. Different gem materials have their own characteristics and attract people's attention with their unique charm.
(2) The Importance of Craftsmanship
Processing technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the value of gems. Taking Hetian jade as an example, exquisite carving technology can turn it into a work of art. Craftsmen combine the warm texture and beautiful shape of Hetian jade through ingenious design and fine carving, endowing it with higher artistic value. The processing technology of gems includes multiple links such as cutting, polishing, and inlaying. Each link requires superb skills and rich experience. For example, cutting technology can make gems show the best optical effect, polishing technology can make the gem surface as smooth as a mirror, and inlaying technology can perfectly combine gems with materials such as metals to create exquisite jewelry. These processing technologies not only enhance the beauty of gems but also increase their value.
(3) Cultural Connotations
Taking "jade nourishes the heart" of jadeite as an example, it fully illustrates that the beauty of gems lies in the physical and mental pleasure brought by cultural connotations. In traditional Chinese culture, jadeite is endowed with noble character and profound cultural connotations. Jadeite not only has a beautiful appearance but also carries people's yearning and pursuit for a better life. Wearing jadeite can make people feel a kind of quiet and elegant temperament and can also play a role in nourishing the body and mind. The virtues represented by jadeite are particularly precious today when material desires are rampant. It requires those who have a predestined relationship to be strict with themselves, be lenient to others, correct their conduct, have a broad mind, and be kind-hearted. In addition, jadeite also inherits Chinese millennial culture and is one of the best carriers of Chinese history and culture. Its grace, accumulation, mystery, and unpretentious and unflashy character not only have the style of Hanlin literature but also have the quality of a gentleman. The cultural connotations of gems are not only reflected in jadeite. Other gems also have their own unique cultural significance. For example, diamonds represent eternal love, emeralds symbolize luck and happiness, and tourmaline is considered a symbol of auspiciousness. These cultural connotations endow gems with deeper beauty, allowing people to feel the charm of culture while admiring gems.
VII. World-Famous Gems
(1) List of Precious Gems
Tanzanite: Tanzanite is a silicate mineral discovered in Tanzania in 1967 and named after its country of origin. Tanzanite belongs to the orthorhombic crystal system and is columnar or tabular. The common colors are blue, blue-violet, and green, and it is known for its strong trichroism. The color range of tanzanite ranges from rich sapphire blue or vibrant violet to light water color. The color advantage depends on the cutting method and polishing of tanzanite rough stones. The top-quality tanzanite and the most popular color is bright blue. In addition to its charming color and special trichroism, tanzanite is superior to other colored gems in that it can maintain high clarity and transparency on the premise of large carat weight.
Black opal: Black opal is a truly multicolored gem among gems and a mineral with hypnotic beauty. This gem is formed in the presence of silicon dioxide and is characterized by a large color spectrum, creating a magical light and shadow effect. Black opals have unique variations, and each has its own unique beauty. For example, the most famous variety of black opal is the Black Lightning Ridge opal, which is famous for its colorful mosaic that sparkles against a black stone background. This type of opal is considered one of the rarest and most expensive opals.
Taaffeite: Taaffeite is an oxide mineral of beryllium, magnesium, and aluminum. Its composition is between spinel and chrysoberyl and is also known as "beryllium magnesium spinel." Taaffeite has a hexagonal crystal system. The common crystal forms are hexagonal bipyramidal or hexagonal barrel-shaped and are granular aggregates. The colors are colorless, green, blue, purple, purplish red, pink, red, dark brown, etc. Taaffeite is very rare. The world's production is very small, and those that can reach gem grade are even rarer. In 1956, taaffeite was discovered in Xianghualing, Hunan Province, China, but it did not reach gem grade.
(2) Inventory of Expensive Sapphires
Imperial Kashmir: Centered around a step-cut sapphire weighing 17.16 carats, surrounded by round-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately 6.00 carats and set in platinum. Sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong in October 2014 for $4.6 million.
Kelly Sapphire: The Kelly sapphire is set with a cushion-cut sapphire weighing approximately 21.71 carats, with trapezoidal diamonds on each side and connected to a square-cut diamond ring. The ring size is 6 1/2. Sold at Sotheby's New York in 2015.
In addition, there are unique sapphire and multi-gem "Cte D'Azur" brooches, Kashmir sapphires, Cartier's sapphire and diamond brooches, Burmese and the Sapphire of Diamond Brooch, Burmese sapphires, royal blue, The Sapphires Richelieu and other top ten most expensive sapphires. They all occupy an important position in the gem world with their unique charm and high price.
VIII. There are Many Kinds of Gems
Gems in nature are numerous, and each has its unique charm and value. The following will introduce 30 expensive and beautiful gems such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.
Diamond: Diamond is a mineral composed of carbon elements. It is known as the "king of hardness" and is the hardest naturally occurring mineral in nature. The Mohs hardness is 10. It is the best material for making grinding tools and is widely used in the industrial field. At the same time, as a "diamond" in the gem world, it is a symbol of eternal firmness and unwavering love. Diamonds can improve their degree of dispersion after cutting and polishing, and the better the quality. Pure diamonds are colorless and transparent. Due to impurities, they show different degrees of color and the transparency also decreases. According to the content of nitrogen impurities and different thermal, optical, and electrical properties, they are divided into two types: type I and type II.
Ruby: The scientific name of ruby is corundum. The main component is aluminum oxide and is red due to the presence of chromium elements. The Mohs hardness of ruby is 9, second only to diamond. Among them, "pigeon blood red" is the most valuable color in rubies, with high saturation and fluorescence effect under sunlight. Rubies are mainly produced in regions such as Myanmar, Mozambique, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Rubies from different origins have different characteristics and the price gap is also very large.
Sapphire: Sapphire is also corundum. Corundum of other colors except red is called sapphire. The Mohs hardness of sapphire is also 9. The colors are rich, including blue, pink, yellow, green, etc. "Royal blue" and "cornflower blue" are high-quality color ratings for sapphires. Sapphires are mainly produced in regions such as Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and the Ural region of Russia. Sapphires from different origins have their own characteristics. For example, ruby polycrystalline twins in Thailand are very developed. Two or three sets of polycrystalline twins often appear, and at the junction, there are often white long acicular diaspore inclusions with burrs.
Emerald: Emerald is the best quality among beryl. The main component is beryllium aluminosilicate. It is produced in regions such as Colombia. The hardness is 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Emeralds are loved for their charming green tones, ranging from dark green to blue-green. Colombia is known for producing some of the highest quality emeralds.
Chrysoberyl: Produced in Sri Lanka, also known as alexandrite. It is a gem with relatively rich colors and is mainly deep yellow. It is very precious.
Aquamarine: Aquamarine and emerald are both beryl. They show different colors due to different internal structural compositions. They have a cat's eye effect and a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale. The main producing areas are Brazil, Mozambique, Madagascar, etc.
Topaz: The scientific name of topaz is yellow jade. Most of the common blue topaz is artificially dyed. Topaz has strong permeability and a beautiful luster effect. The hardness is 8 on the Mohs scale.
Tanzanite: An ore discovered in Tanzania, Africa in the 1960s. The main component is calcium aluminum silicate. The hardness is very high, about between 6 - 7. The color range of tanzanite ranges from rich sapphire blue or vibrant violet to light water color and is known for its strong trichroism.
Tourmaline: Also known as tourmaline. It is a trigonal crystal system and a combination of borosilicate crystals and other metal elements. The colors are very diverse. The hardness is 7 - 8 on the Mohs scale.
Garnet: Known as the woman's stone. The main components and structures vary according to different colors and transparencies. The hardness is between 6.5 - 7.5.
Spinel: Produced in Myanmar. It is an octahedral crystal system gem with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. Generally, there are mostly red and blue. The redder the color, the higher the value.
Moonstone: The scientific name is adularia. It is a kind of feldspar. It is named because of its strong permeability and moonlight effect when reflected. There are many producing areas. Moonstones produced in Sri Lanka have the highest quality.
Rose quartz: Also known as rose quartz, hibiscus quartz, or rose crystal. The producing areas are generally the United States and Madagascar.
Crystal: It is a crystal of quartz. The main component is silicon dioxide. There are different colors according to different associated stones contained inside.
Prehnite: It is a silicate ore. Named because it resembles grapes. Generally, the most common color is green. Yellow and red are the rarest. The hardness is 6 on the Mohs scale.
Olivine: It is a silicate ore of iron or magnesium. The more intense the color, the higher the value. Olivine from Brazil is the best quality olivine in the world.
Chalcedony: Essentially a kind of quartz. It is a variant of quartz. Although similar in composition to agate, the internal structure is different. It has strong permeability. The hardness is 6 - 7 on the Mohs scale.
Amber: An organic gem formed after resin has been petrified for millions of years. It is rich in internal elements and is amorphous. The hardness is low, at 2.5 on the Mohs scale.
Labradorite: It is a kind of plagioclase. Belonging to the feldspar family. Labradorite with high purity is very beautiful and has iridescence. The hardness is 6 on the Mohs scale.
Zircon: A silicate ore. The main component is zirconium silicate. The colors are rich. The hardness is 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
Rhodochrosite: Relatively soft in texture. The hardness is 3 - 4 on the Mohs scale. It is a carbonate mineral. It has bright luster and a glassy texture and is suitable for making carved works.
Jeremejevite: Discovered in Russia in the late 19th century. Later, it was also produced in Namibia. It has multiple colors. The blue variant is loved for its deep and vivid color. The average price range is $1750 - $1850 per carat.
Fire opal: Known as water opal in scientific terms. It is mainly produced in regions such as Mexico, Brazil, the United States, and Australia. It is famous for its gorgeous colors, especially red, orange, and yellow. The Mohs hardness is 5.5 - 6.5. The average price range is $1980 - $2200 per carat.
Benitoite: First unearthed near the San Benito River in California in 1907. It presents a series of blue tones. In rare cases, it is white, pink, or even colorless. The Mohs hardness is 6 - 6.5. The average price is about $3400 per carat.
Poudretteite: Discovered in the Poudrette quarry in Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada in the 1960s. Later, it was also found in Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Madagascar. It usually presents a transparent glass-like appearance with a shiny surface. The Mohs hardness is between 5 - 6.
Demantoid: Belongs to the calcium iron garnet family. It is famous for its charming green tone, ranging from light almost transparent green to rich deep forest green. It was initially only found in Russia. In recent decades, other producing areas including Madagascar and Namibia have emerged. The average price range is $5000 - $10000 per carat.
Musgravite: Discovered in the Musgrave Ranges, South Australia in 1967. It belongs to the oxide mineral family and is known for its hexagonal crystal structure. The Mohs hardness is 8 - 8.5. It is famous for its brilliant glass-like diamond-like luster. The colors are rich and diverse. The average price range is $6000 - $6500 per carat.
Black opal: Considered the most respected opal. The vivid colors are particularly prominent against a dark background. It was discovered in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia in 1902. The average price range is $9500 - $12000 per carat.
Red beryl: Usually called bixbite. It is mainly found in the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah. It is famous for its unique tone ranging from raspberry pink to red-purple. The Mohs hardness is 7.5 - 8. The average price range is $10000 - $12000 per carat.
Alexandrite: It becomes one of the most valuable gems because of its extraordinary color-changing ability. It appears green under natural light and turns to a red tone under artificial incandescent light. The average price range is $10000 - $50000 per carat.
Diamond: Known for its incomparable hardness and dazzling light. It occupies the highest position on the Mohs mineral hardness scale with a full score of 10, marking them as the hardest natural substances. The average price range is $15000 - $18000 per carat.
