Gemstones

Gemstones

Industry: Jewelry

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Gemstones

zoning

Fashion; General jewelry

(color zoning) A term that describes the uneven distribution of color in a gemstone. Zoning is best seen when looking at the stone through the top table facet.

adamantine

Fashion; General jewelry

Refers to the diamond-like luster of a gemstone. Gemstones with a diamond-like luster include diamond (of course), demantoid garnet and sphene.

adularescence

Fashion; General jewelry

The shimmering light or whitish opalescence which glides over the surface of some gems such as moonstone. Interference phenomena of the layered structure is the cause of this effect.

alluvial deposits

Fashion; General jewelry

Gem deposits found in water after they have been separated from the mother rock.

amorphous

Fashion; General jewelry

Gemstones without a crystal structure are referred to as amorphous. These include gems such as amber, coral, opal and pearl.

asterism

Fashion; General jewelry

The star effect that you see in star sapphires or rubies, for example. This is usually caused by tiny silk rutile inclusions in the stone. The effect can be four- or six- rayed.