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How To Start Loose Gemstone Collecting

By Lee MacRae

Why would someone go to the trouble of collect loose gemstones? Well to begin with they are very beautiful items. And like their higher counterpart, natural diamonds they can become extremely valuable over the years. Many in this hobby love to find, collect and finish the nearly 150 types of gemstones found today. This article will discuss the hobby of loose gemstone collecting.

The first step in starting the hobby of collecting gemstones the proper way is by acquiring knowledge about them. By taking a quick trip to the library or local bookstore you can find books on the subject that will make you an informed buyer.

To start with, an important aspect in gemstone evaluation is color. Gemstones are the most intensely colored natural material available on earth. Gemstones are so related to color that they've even become associated with particular ones. You've no doubt heard about emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, jade green, turquoise or aquamarine. Gemstones are valued much higher when they equal the colors in the spectrum of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. They drop in value the farther they deviate from the natural color.

Cut is one of the all-important 4Cs and is used not only to appraise diamonds but gemstones as well. A precision cut gemstone highlights the natural color of the gemstone, lessen any inclusions and exhibits good overall symmetry and proportion. One way to determine the precision of the cut is to consider how well it reflects light on a consistent basis over the stones complete surface. If the stone is cut on the shallow side most of this light were refracted away rather than reflecting internally. Gem color appears washed out.

Another factor to consider is the stone's clarity. This means the gemstones purity or the absence of internal inclusions, spots, or particles inside the crystal. Needless to say, stones with no flaws would make the gemstone highly valuable.

Next comes size and weight. Save for pearls and corals, all gemstones are priced by the unit, carat. A carat is equal to 0.2 grams. However you should know weight and size are not the same in gemstones. The density and specific gravity can differ in stones. Take a diamond that is 1.00 carats in weight and you will find that a similar sized sapphire or ruby would weigh 1.20 carats.

Although gems are frequently used in jewelry, loose gemstones are great for collecting. In fact, there are many attractive and interesting gemstones that are too fragile or too large to be used in jewelry. Look at each loose gemstone and consider it as a piece of art and value it for its unique nature and vibrant colors. And in this hobby you don't have to always lay out cash because you can find your raw materials through field trips In the US in Missouri you can hunt for Pearl, Fluorite, Pyrite and Calcite. And in Canada you can hunt for opal in the Okanagan, British Columbia or amazonite (microcline) near Eganville, Onttario and even hessonite garnet in Asbestos, Quebec. Think of collecting gemstones as a great hobby and pastime.

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More Information On small loose diamonds

The Hixon Ruby Crystal is a 196.10-carat gem that was donated to the Natural
History Museum of Los Angeles in 1978 by Frederick C. Hixon. It is considered to
be one of the most perfect large ruby crystals in the world.
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Fluorite is said to possess stabilizing energies and the ability to strengthen the effect of other stones. It is used to increase psychic awareness and universal understanding when placed over the third eye chakra during meditation.Other attributes include improving consciousness, strengthening analytical ability, encouraging and maintaining good health. Blue fluorite is said to sharpen communication skills; green eliminates bad vibrations and purple enhances clairvoyance.
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Rose Quartz is found in Brazil, Madagascar, Scotland, Spain, and USA (Colorado,
Connecticut, Maine, and New York). Rose Quartz is the anniversary gemstone for
the 2nd year of marriage. Though not meant to replace traditional medical
treatment, Rose Quartz is used to balance ones emotions and open the heart. The
star effect seen in some Rose Quartz cabochans and beads happen when rutile
inclusions are present. Wiccans supposedly use Rose Quartz for forgiveness. Rose
Quartz is the US State Gemstone of South Dakota.
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small loose diamonds News From Around The World

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Brushed sterling silver discs with faceted apatite accents. All sterling silver components and findings. Necklace is 16" with a toggle clasp. Also available in 23kt gold vermeil.

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