Gem Minerals Collection
| The specimens in this collection represent minerals rare and
beautiful enough to be prized as gemstones. Included are specimens
of study grade beryl, topaz, rose quartz, turquoise, olivine,
corundum, garnet, tourmaline, and more.
15 specimens approximately 1
1/2" x 1 1/2" in a compartmented tray.
Rocks and minerals that are prized for their beauty, durability, and
rarity are termed gemstones.
|
 Gem Minerals Collection
|
The specimens used in this collection
are examples of specific gem minerals, but lack the luster,
transparency, color or hardness of expensive gemstones.
| 1. |
|
PYRITE |
Also known as fools gold, it is used
as an ornamental material. |
| 2. |
|
OLIVINE |
The gem quality variety is known as
peridot. |
| 3. |
|
GARNET |
A common mineral, but rarely having gem
quality or color. |
| 4. |
|
CORUNDUM |
The gem quality grade of corundum is
sapphire. |
| 5. |
|
AMAZONITE |
A rare green form of microcline feldspar. |
| 6. |
|
SPODUMENE |
A lithium aluminum silicate. Kunzite is the
gem variety. |
| 7. |
|
TURQUOISE |
A copper mineral that has been used as a
gem by America Indians for centuries. |
| 8. |
|
AGATE |
A banded form of quartz used for carvings
and ornamental stones. |
| 9. |
|
SNOWFLAKE
OBSIDIAN |
A form of volcanic glass, the snowflakes
are inclusions of the mineral cristobalite. |
| 10. |
|
TOURMALINE |
Black tourmaline is commonly found in
pegmatites. Gem tourmaline is usually green, pink or blue. |
| 11. |
|
JADEITE |
The gem quality is used in sculptures and
costume jewelry. |
| 12. |
|
AMETHYST |
A purple variety of quartz used in jewelry. |
| 13. |
|
RHODONITE |
A magnesium silicate mineral used in
jewelry and carvings. |
| 14. |
|
QUARTZ
CRYSTAL |
Collectors of quartz crystals first
believed that quartz crystals, or rock crystals were petrified ice. |
| 15. |
|
BERYL |
A beryllium aluminum silicate, aquamarine
and emerald are gem varieties of this mineral. |
|