#One of the few gemstones crossword clue professional#

However, advertisements can’t describe them as minerals. For gem classification purposes, these lab-created gems have the same properties as their natural mineral counterparts. Thus, lab-created stones, even though they have inorganic origins and the same properties as their natural counterparts, can’t legally be described as minerals. However, not all inorganic gems are minerals. In the United States, a gemstone can only be classified as a mineral if it was created geologically in the Earth. So, everything in the mineral world falls into the inorganic classification. The term inorganic covers everything else. This pendant features an amber gem containing fragments of fossilized organic matter. Hence, these gem materials are classified as organic. Organics refer to gems whose formation involves living organisms. Organic and Inorganic GemsĪnother approach to gem classification is to separate gems into organics and inorganics. However, selling an imitation gem as the real thing is unethical. As long as consumers are aware they’re purchasing “fake pearls” or “fake diamonds,” for example, there’s nothing unethical about this. Many vendors frequently sell imitation gemstones, typically for far less than the gems they imitate would cost. In contrast, a CZ represented as a diamond “lookalike” is an imitation. On the other hand, it can also be sold as a real topaz. A CZ described as a cubic zirconia in a jewelry ad isn’t an imitation. For example, a natural white topaz can be sold as an imitation diamond. What are Imitation Gems?Ī simulant or imitation gem is any material presented as a “lookalike” for another gemstone. Manufacturers can create cubic zirconia as colorless stones or in a variety of colors, like these blue specimens. Unlike diamonds, however, a colorless specimen is graded the same way as a colored specimen. For example, gemologists would still classify a colorless sapphire or topaz as a colored stone. Likewise, all colored stones are considered colored stones, even if a specimen is colorless. Nevertheless, colorless diamonds and fancy colored diamonds - those that show any color other than light yellow - have different grading systems. In this gem classification system, all diamonds, whether colorless or colored, are still considered diamonds. Meanwhile, excellent advertising has also convinced the public that diamonds are the premier gemstones for engagement rings. Those in charge are careful not to flood the market. Why does this happen? A near monopoly controls diamond sales and marketing. In fact, there are colored gems far rarer than diamonds. Nevertheless, the diamond industry leads the general public to believe diamonds are incredibly rare. Diamonds are one of the few gemstones with a consistent supply. Second, diamonds and colored stones are mined and distributed differently. Therefore, gem cutters need two different sets of tools for handling both types of stones. With few exceptions, these tools aren’t suitable for cutting colored stones. If you encounter these descriptions, buyer beware.įirst, cutting diamonds requires special tools because these gems are harder than all others.

#One of the few gemstones crossword clue professional#

Professional gemologists no longer use these terms. Referring to a set of gem types as “precious” and all other gems as “semiprecious” can be misleading, since it implies precious stones have inherently greater value. On the other hand, garnet gems have traditionally been considered semiprecious gems, yet some sell in excess of $1,000 a carat, ten times the price of a low-quality diamond.

You can see them (with sufficient magnification) as accent stones on inexpensive jewelry. For example, diamonds have traditionally been considered precious gems, yet some sell for $100 a carat. However, this gem classification has so many exceptions it has no real value. You’ll still occasionally hear these terms today. What's the Difference Between Synthetic and Homocreate Gems?įor centuries, people have used the terms “precious” and “semiprecious” to describe gemstones.What's the Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Gems?.Thai ruby (3.66 cts) and Sri Lankan sapphire (2.75 cts).