1- Basic Terms

Question 1

Amorphous

Answer 1

Lacking a regular crystal structure

Question 2

Chemical composition

Answer 2

Kinds and relative quantities of atoms that make up a material.

Question 3

Chemical formula

Answer 3

Written description of a material’s chemical makeup.

Question 4

Colored stone

Answer 4

Any gem material other than diamond.

Question 5

Crystal structure

Answer 5

Regular, repeating internal arrangement of atoms in a material.

Question 6

Durability

Answer 6

A gemstone’s ability to withstand wear, heat, and chemicals.

Question 7

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Answer 7

A US Gov’t agency that issues guidelines for the jewelry trade.

Question 8

Gemology

Answer 8

The study of gems.

Question 9

Gem species

Answer 9

A broad gem category based on chemical composition and crystal structure.

Question 10

Gem variety

Answer 10

A subcategory of species, based on color, transparency, or phenomenon.

Question 11

Group

Answer 11

A family of gems from several closely related mineral species.

Question 12

Hardness

Answer 12

How well a gemstone resists scratches and abrasion.

Question 13

Inorganic

Answer 13

Composed of, or arising from, non-living matter.

Question 14

Luster

Answer 14

The appearance of a material’s surface in reflected light.

Question 15

Mineral

Answer 15

A natural, inorganic substance with a characteristic chemical composition and usually characteristic structure.

Question 16

Natural gems

Answer 16

Gems produced by natural processes, without human help.

Question 17

Organic

Answer 17

Once living, or produced by a living organism (plant or animal.)

Question 18

Phenomenon

Answer 18

An unusual optical effect displayed by a gem.

Question 19

Stability

Answer 19

How well a gemstone resists the effects of light, heat, and chemicals.

Question 20

Lab-grown gem

Answer 20

A manmade (synthetic) gem with essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and properties as its natural counterpart.

Question 21

Toughness

Answer 21

How well a gemstone resists breaking, chipping, or cracking.

Question 22

Trace elements

Answer 22

Atoms in a gem that aren’t part of its essential chemical composition.

Question 23

What traits do all gems share?

Answer 23

Beauty, rarity, and durability.

Question 24

Why is color the most important factor in a colored stone’s visual appeal?

Answer 24

Because color is the first thing a consumer notices.

Question 25

What features help classify gems?

Answer 25

Chemical composition, crystal structure, transparency, and phenomenon.