Minerals: Feldspar, Spodumene, and Diopside
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Questions and Answers

What is the characteristic of feldspar, spodumene, and diopside that requires protective settings?

  • Hardness
  • Adularescence
  • Brilliant spectral hues
  • Cleavage in two directions (correct)
  • What is the characteristic of sunstone that gives it a reddish or golden sheen?

  • Small inclusions (correct)
  • Large inclusions
  • Adularescence
  • Labradorite type
  • What is the trade term for the vivid blue adularescence displayed by the finest moonstone?

  • Blue sheen (correct)
  • Adularescence
  • Spectrolite
  • Goldstone
  • What is the cutting style most commonly used for moonstone?

    <p>Cabochon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the cause of moonstone's adularescence?

    <p>Scattering of light</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the reason why kunzite's color can fade?

    <p>Bright light and heat</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is chrome diopside considered an effective emerald alternative?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the imitation of aventurine feldspar made of glass?

    <p>Goldstone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the characteristic of the finest moonstones?

    <p>Colorless, semitransparent to nearly transparent appearance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process used to produce kunzite's rosy color?

    <p>Irradiation and heating</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason why feldspar, spodumene, and diopside require protective settings?

    <p>Their softness and cleavage in two directions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the cause of the phenomenal colors displayed by labradorite?

    <p>The interference of light reflecting off the gem's layered structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between sunstone from Oregon and treated sunstone?

    <p>Their treatment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical color range of kunzite?

    <p>Light pink to intense violetish purple.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main characteristic of moonstone that makes it readily available in modestly priced sizes?

    <p>Its widespread availability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason why chrome diopside is considered an effective emerald alternative?

    <p>All of the above.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process used to create the rosy color of kunzite?

    <p>Irradiation and heating.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main characteristic of the spectacular type of labradorite known as 'spectrolite'?

    <p>Its brilliant spectral hues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the scattering of light that causes moonstone's adularescence?

    <p>Adularescence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name for the tiny cracks in moonstone that interfere with adularescence and value ?

    <p>Centipedes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Feldspar, Spodumene, and Diopside

    • Feldspar, spodumene, and diopside are soft gems with cleavage in two directions, requiring protective settings.
    • Feldspars are the most widespread minerals on earth.

    Labradorite

    • Spectrolite is the most prized type of labradorite, known for its brilliant spectral hues.
    • Labradorite's phenomenal colors are caused by interference of light reflecting off the gem's layered structure.

    Moonstone

    • Moonstone's adularescence is caused by the scattering of light by stacked, alternating mineral layers.
    • The finest moonstones possess a colorless, semitransparent to nearly transparent appearance and vivid blue adularescence.
    • The most common cutting style for moonstone is the cabochon.
    • Moonstone is readily available in modestly priced, calibrated sizes, but rare and expensive in fine quality.

    Sunstone

    • Small inclusions give sunstone a reddish or golden sheen, while larger inclusions create glittering reflections.
    • Sunstone from Oregon is not treated, which is a selling point.

    Kunzite

    • Kunzite is most commonly light pink, but its most valuable colors are intense pink and intense violetish purple.
    • Light-colored or colorless spodumene is irradiated and then carefully heated to produce kunzite's rosy color.

    Chrome Diopside

    • High clarity and lack of treatment make chrome diopside an effective emerald alternative.

    Other Terms

    • Blue sheen: a highly prized, vivid blue adularescence displayed by the finest moonstone.
    • Goldstone: an imitation of aventurine feldspar made of glass containing small copper crystals.

    Feldspar, Spodumene, and Diopside

    • Feldspar, spodumene, and diopside are soft gems with cleavage in two directions, requiring protective settings.
    • Feldspars are the most widespread minerals on earth.

    Labradorite

    • Spectrolite is the most prized type of labradorite, known for its brilliant spectral hues.
    • Labradorite's phenomenal colors are caused by interference of light reflecting off the gem's layered structure.

    Moonstone

    • Moonstone's adularescence is caused by the scattering of light by stacked, alternating mineral layers.
    • The finest moonstones possess a colorless, semitransparent to nearly transparent appearance and vivid blue adularescence.
    • The most common cutting style for moonstone is the cabochon.
    • Moonstone is readily available in modestly priced, calibrated sizes, but rare and expensive in fine quality.

    Sunstone

    • Small inclusions give sunstone a reddish or golden sheen, while larger inclusions create glittering reflections.
    • Sunstone from Oregon is not treated, which is a selling point.

    Kunzite

    • Kunzite is most commonly light pink, but its most valuable colors are intense pink and intense violetish purple.
    • Light-colored or colorless spodumene is irradiated and then carefully heated to produce kunzite's rosy color.

    Chrome Diopside

    • High clarity and lack of treatment make chrome diopside an effective emerald alternative.

    Other Terms

    • Blue sheen: a highly prized, vivid blue adularescence displayed by the finest moonstone.
    • Goldstone: an imitation of aventurine feldspar made of glass containing small copper crystals.

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    Description

    Learn about the characteristics of feldspar, spodumene, and diopside, including their cleavage, settings, and types like labradorite and sunstone.

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