separation
Process of distinguishing natural gems from each other as well as from synthetics,
simulants, and treated gems.
minerals
A natural, inorganic substance with a characteristic chemical composition and, usually,
a characteristic structure.
inorganic
Composed of, or arising from, non-living matter.
chemical composition
Kinds and relative quantities of atoms that make up a material.
crystal structure
Regular, repeating internal arrangement of atoms in a material.
trace elements
Atoms in a gem that aren’t part of its essential chemical composition.
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amorphous
Lacking a regular crystal structure.
organic
Produced by, or derived from, a living organism.
gem species
A broad gem category based on chemical composition and crystal structure.
phenomenon
An unusual optical effect displayed by a gem.
gem varieties
A subcategory of species, based on color, transparency, or phenomenon.
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group
A family of gems made up of several closely related mineral species.
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isomorphous replacement
Substitution of one chemical element for another in the crystal structure of a mineral.
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synthetic gems
A laboratory creation with essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure,
and properties as its natural counterpart.
simulant
Any material that looks like a natural gem and is used in its place.
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