Gems & Minerals

Beryllium is a shiny metal that combines with other elements to form several gemstones,including emerald, aquamarine, chrysoberyl, and alexandrite.

TURQUOISE describes the treasured gemstone that's the color of the sky. Also included is information about treatments and imitations.

Ivory describes a popular organic material that's harvested from animal teeth. It's been used by humans to make jewelry and art objects for nearly 30,000 years.

JASPER describes several cryptocrystalline members of the
quartz family. These stones are usually opaque and have been valued by people for thousands of years.

CHALCEDONY describes several cryptocrystalline members of the quartz family. These stones are usually translucent and have been valued by people for thousands of years.

ONE NAME: TWO GEMS describes nephrite and jadeite, the two minerals commonly known as jade.

THE KING OF GEMS describes rubies, one of the most valuable of all gemstones.

DOES IT MATTER IF IT'S NOT NATURAL? describes the various ways in which gemstones may be enhanced or "treated" to improve their appearance or durability.

GLORIOUSLY GREEN presents some facts and folklore about emeralds, the loveliest of all the green gemstones.

CLEANING AND CARING FOR YOUR GEMSTONE JEWELRY offers tips on keeping gemstone and metal jewelry lovely and undamaged.