20 Questions
What is the characteristic of feldspar, spodumene, and diopside that requires protective settings?
Cleavage in two directions
What is the characteristic of sunstone that gives it a reddish or golden sheen?
Small inclusions
What is the trade term for the vivid blue adularescence displayed by the finest moonstone?
Blue sheen
What is the cutting style most commonly used for moonstone?
Cabochon
What is the cause of moonstone's adularescence?
Scattering of light
What is the reason why kunzite's color can fade?
Bright light and heat
Why is chrome diopside considered an effective emerald alternative?
All of the above
What is the term for the imitation of aventurine feldspar made of glass?
Goldstone
What is the characteristic of the finest moonstones?
Colorless, semitransparent to nearly transparent appearance
What is the process used to produce kunzite's rosy color?
Irradiation and heating
What is the main reason why feldspar, spodumene, and diopside require protective settings?
Their softness and cleavage in two directions.
What is the cause of the phenomenal colors displayed by labradorite?
The interference of light reflecting off the gem's layered structure.
What is the main difference between sunstone from Oregon and treated sunstone?
Their treatment.
What is the typical color range of kunzite?
Light pink to intense violetish purple.
What is the main characteristic of moonstone that makes it readily available in modestly priced sizes?
Its widespread availability.
What is the main reason why chrome diopside is considered an effective emerald alternative?
All of the above.
What is the process used to create the rosy color of kunzite?
Irradiation and heating.
What is the main characteristic of the spectacular type of labradorite known as 'spectrolite'?
Its brilliant spectral hues.
What is the term for the scattering of light that causes moonstone's adularescence?
Adularescence.
What is the name for the tiny cracks in moonstone that interfere with adularescence and value ?
Centipedes
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.
Learn about the characteristics of feldspar, spodumene, and diopside, including their cleavage, settings, and types like labradorite and sunstone.
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