Assignment 1 - Introduction Flashcards
• Understand the basics of gem chemistry and physical structure. • Describe the difference between organic and inorganic gems. • Explain how gemologists classify gems. • Understand how a gem’s availability affects the way it’s marketed. • Understand the importance of honestly disclosing gem treatments.
A gem-producing country or
area, or a particular mine in that
area.
Source
Composed of, or arising
from, non-living matter.
Inorganic
Produced by, or derived
from, a living organism.
Organic
Gems produced by natural processes, without human
help.
Natural gems
The basic structural unit of all
matter.
Atom
A substance that consists of atoms of only one kind
Chemical element
Kinds and relative quantities of atoms that make up a material.
Chemical composition
A flat, polished surface on a
finished gem.
Facet
A natural material composed of masses of mineral crystals of one or more kinds.
Rock
A mineral that contains the
elements silicon and oxygen.
Silicate
Regular, repeating internal arrangement of atoms in a material.
Crystal structure
Lacking a regular crystal structure.
Amorphous
A broad gem category based on chemical composition and crystal structure.
Gem species
A subcategory of
species, based on color, transparency,
or phenomenon.
Gem variety
An unusual optical effect displayed by a gem.
Phenomenon
A family of gems from several
closely related mineral species.
Group
Clearly and accurately informing customers about the nature of the goods they buy.
Disclosure
What are gems made of?
Almost all the colored stones you’ll encounter in this course form in the earth. They’re inorganic, which means that they’re composed of— or arise
from—non-living matter. Some other gems—like pearl, coral, amber, and ivory—are produced by living organisms, which means that they’re organic.
What is a mineral?
A natural, inorganic substance with a characteristic chemical composition and usually characteristic crystal structure.
How do gemologists classify gems?
Into groups, species and varieties.
A gem species is a broad gem category based on chemical composition and crystal structure.
Variety is a subcategory of species, based on color, transparency, or phenomenon (a phenomenon is a special optical effect,
Sometimes, several gem species differ only slightly from each other. Because they’re so similar, gemologists might classify them as a group.
How are mining and marketing different for diamonds and colored stones?
Because of the size of their potential output, most diamond mines are massive industrial operations. Mining of this size and scope is almost unknown with colored stones. Most colored-stone mining operations are small in scale, worked by individual miners who are working to feed their families and hoping for a chance at a better life.
For decades, diamond owed its
enormous popularity in part to De Beers’ widespread and well-organized promotional efforts. The marketing of colored stones has always been inconsistent and underfunded.
How does the supply of a gem affect its marketability?
Fluctuation in supply usually produces wild price swings that make a gem difficult to market.
Each time a source changes, colored stone wholesalers and dealers have to educate their customers to accept changes in price, general appearance, and quality. Because the jewelry industry clings to tradition and doesn’t accept change readily, it takes time for wholesalers to get jewelry manufacturers and retailers to accept stones of noticeably different appearance than the ones they’re used to.
How do treatments impact the sales of certain colored stones?
Treatments improve the marketability and availability of many gems.
Most consumers accept gem treatments if they’re ethically disclosed and explained in a positive way.
Media attention in the 1990s regarding its treatment reduced consumer confidence in…
Emerald
A natural, inorganic substance with a characteristic chemical composition and usually characteristic crystal structure is a(n)…
Mineral
Synthetic gem materials
A.
are organic.
B.
are not minerals.
C.
are usually amorphous.
D.
are classified as minerals.
B.
are not minerals.
Which of the following is amorphous?
A.
Beryl
B.
Amber
C.
Garnet
D.
Jadeite
D.
Jadeite
The world’s largest gem-consuming market is
A.
Japan.
B.
Europe.
C.
Thailand.
D.
the United States.
D.
the United States.
To be a gem, a mineral must be beautiful, durable, and
A.
rare.
B.
colorful.
C.
transparent.
D.
lightweight.
A.
rare.
Which group does almandine belong to?
A.
Spinel
B.
Garnet
C.
Feldspar
D.
Tourmaline
B.
Garnet
Which of the following is a gem variety?
A.
Beryl
B.
Garnet
C.
Andradite
D.
Demantoid
D.
Demantoid
Most gems are
A.
rocks.
B.
organic.
C.
minerals.
D.
synthetic.
C.
minerals.
