1. Gemstones are minerals, when cut and polished demonstrate: Beauty, Rarity, Durability, Size

2. Beauty Translucent (see through) Even color throughout is most prized Market colors are blue, red, yellow, and green Exception is a colorless diamond, with “brilliance” (can reflect many colors) www.pbs.org/.../diamond/images/gp06emerald.jpg

3. Durability Related to hardness, ability to resist scratching Level 7 on Moh’s Scale (quartz is a 7) Opal is a soft gem – a mineraloid Displays “fire” or variety of brilliant colors. http://www.mineralminers.com/images/sapphire-blue/gems/sblg136.jpg

4. Rarity Uncommon, very few found Large, Unique color Very few impurities http://www.mineralminers.com/images/ruby/gems/rbyg111.jpg 287.42 carats and is considered to be one of the largest yellow diamonds in the world. Yellow diamonds are extremely rare.

5. Size (portability) The stone represents a high concentration of value in a small object, permitting the owner to transport great wealth with relative ease. Often the choice for ellicit trade.

6. What to look for in a Gemstone: Color The more pure and vivid the color, the more valuable even and translucent Cut The cut determines the brillance Of the gemstone The Hope Diamond

7. Clarity- addition of other color or rock fragments Carat – approx. 0.2 grams or 1/5 of a gram The Logan Sapphire Brooch 423 carats 530.20 carats The Star of Africa, a stunning pear shaped diamond

8. Precious or Semiprecious? Precious – a gem must have all 4 of the following qualities: Beauty Durability Size Rarity Examples: Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires, and Emeralds Pearls and Opals are sometimes included though they are not minerals Semiprecious Has only one or two of the characteristics of precious stones Examples: Topaz, Garnet, Peridot, Amethyst,

9. Classifications – most common Diamond – family is diamond – all carbon Ruby – family is corundum- Al 2 O 3 with Fe Sapphire – family is corundum- Al 2 O 3 with Cr Emeralds – family is beryl- B,Al,Si,O green blue color, also aquamarine, jade Quartz – family is quartz – SiO 4 with other elements Opals, turquoise, lapis lazuli Organics – pearls, coral, amber

10. Is it REAL? Natural Formed in nature has flaws, often a part of their beauty REAL Synthetic Made in lab Composition the same No (or very few) flaws (inclusion) Difficult to identify (leave to the professionals) REAL Imitations Not same Composition Only “looks” the same Plastic or glass usually NOT REAL

11. Diamonds Found in kimberlite – type of volcanic rock Extreme temperature and pressure Largest selling gemstone – MARKETING Anyone can own one, not very expensive Mined mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and Australia Cut in Europe and Israel

12. Diamond Costs Environmentally – many are not mined using environmentally friendly methods or with safety for the miners a consideration Politically – to fund para-military groups or insurgents against govt.s Illicit trade – easy to smuggle – “blood diamonds” http://www.fotosearch.com/thumb/IMP/IMP182/1525R-80643.jpg