Difference between revisions of "Gemstone"
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== Description == | == Description == | ||
| − | An ornamental, often valuable, mineral used for decoration in jewelry, small objects and clothing. Gemstones are normally transparent, crystalline stones such as [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=diamond diamonds], [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=ruby rubies], [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=sapphire sapphires], [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=emerald emeralds], [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=topaz topaz], and [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=garnet garnets]. Non-transparent gems include [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=opal | + | An ornamental, often valuable, mineral used for decoration in jewelry, small objects and clothing. Gemstones are normally transparent, crystalline stones such as [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=diamond diamonds], [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=ruby rubies], [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=sapphire sapphires], [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=emerald emeralds], [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=topaz topaz], and [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=garnet garnets]. Non-transparent gems include [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=opal%3Eopal%3C%2Fa%3E%20and%20%3Ca%20href cat's eye] chrysoberyl. Non-stone materials that have sometimes been used as gems are [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=ivory ivory], [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=amber amber], [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=jet jet], and [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=coral coral]. Gems are found in alluvial deposits and dug from veins. Major mining locations include Sri Lanka, southeast Asia, South Africa, Australia, Russia, Brazil and Colombia. Gemstones are characterized based on their color, clarity, cut and weight. Stones of exceptional size, beauty or rarity are highly valued. Techniques for cutting and polishing gemstones were developed in India in the 14th century. |
[[File:Diamondcutkes.jpg|thumb|Gemstone facet cuts]] | [[File:Diamondcutkes.jpg|thumb|Gemstone facet cuts]] | ||
== Synonyms and Related Terms == | == Synonyms and Related Terms == | ||
| − | gemstones; gem; gem; | + | gemstones; gem; gem; ædelsten (Dan.); Schmucksteine (Deut.); gema (Esp.); gemme (Fr.); edelsteen (Ned.); gema (Port.); Ädelsten (Sven.) |
== Comparisons == | == Comparisons == | ||
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== Authority == | == Authority == | ||
| − | * ''Encyclopedia Britannica'', http://www.britannica.com Comment: "gemstone." | + | * ''Encyclopedia Britannica'', http://www.britannica.com Comment: "gemstone." Encyclopædia Britannica. 10 Nov. 2004 . |
| − | * | + | * C.W.Chesterman, K.E.Lowe, ''Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals'', Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1979 |
* ''The Dictionary of Art'', Grove's Dictionaries Inc., New York, 1996 Comment: Gems: cutting. by Ken Scaratt | * ''The Dictionary of Art'', Grove's Dictionaries Inc., New York, 1996 Comment: Gems: cutting. by Ken Scaratt | ||
Revision as of 06:27, 24 July 2013
Description
An ornamental, often valuable, mineral used for decoration in jewelry, small objects and clothing. Gemstones are normally transparent, crystalline stones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, topaz, and garnets. Non-transparent gems include cat's eye chrysoberyl. Non-stone materials that have sometimes been used as gems are ivory, amber, jet, and coral. Gems are found in alluvial deposits and dug from veins. Major mining locations include Sri Lanka, southeast Asia, South Africa, Australia, Russia, Brazil and Colombia. Gemstones are characterized based on their color, clarity, cut and weight. Stones of exceptional size, beauty or rarity are highly valued. Techniques for cutting and polishing gemstones were developed in India in the 14th century.
Synonyms and Related Terms
gemstones; gem; gem; ædelsten (Dan.); Schmucksteine (Deut.); gema (Esp.); gemme (Fr.); edelsteen (Ned.); gema (Port.); Ädelsten (Sven.)
Comparisons
Properties of Common Gemstones
Authority
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "gemstone." Encyclopædia Britannica. 10 Nov. 2004 .
- C.W.Chesterman, K.E.Lowe, Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1979
- The Dictionary of Art, Grove's Dictionaries Inc., New York, 1996 Comment: Gems: cutting. by Ken Scaratt
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, at http://www.wikipedia.com Comment: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemstone (Accessed Nov. 2, 2005)