Gems and Precious Stones

The volcano itself does not make the opal. The lava, be it Rhyolite or Basalt has air bubbles in it (called vesicles) these air pockets of many differing sizes are the future home of the opals.

After time wheh the lava cools any silica rich springs begin a slow deposition of silica which, if the conditions a correct, will form common and precious opal.

The volcano creates the matrix (or host rock) of the opal.

Gems are heat treated to enhance their colour. Some clear gems like topaz turn blue when heated. While others like citrine become more transparent. If a stone is unheated it is a natural stone.

Balfour class rings are typically made of a combination of materials such as gold, silver, or a durable metal alloy. The rings may also incorporate gemstones or synthetic stones for added decoration. Each class ring is customizable based on the customer's preferences.

Black diamonds are generally less valued than traditional colorless diamonds, as they are more common and less desired for traditional jewelry. However, they have gained popularity in recent years for their unique and striking appearance, with some people finding them to be quite precious for their unconventional beauty. Ultimately, their value is subjective and depends on individual preferences.

In general, rubies are considered more valuable than amethysts due to their rarity, hardness, and vibrant color. Rubies are one of the most valuable gemstones, often commanding a higher price per carat compared to amethysts, which are more commonly found and are considered semi-precious.

"Alaskan diamond" is a colloquial term used to describe a glacier-made, naturally occurring piece of ice that is transparent and resembles a diamond in appearance. These ice fragments are often found in Alaska's glaciers and are prized for their beauty and uniqueness.

Sapphire is a precious gemstone that comes in various colors, typically blue but also available in other hues like pink, yellow, and green. It is prized for its durability and brilliance, making it a popular choice for jewelry.

Rubies are not found in great abundance in Australia. They have been found in the gold-bearing country around Beechworth (Victoria) and Mudgee (NSW). Some have been found in central Queensland, in the Rubyvale-Sapphire area. One of the best ruby deposits is around Gloucester-Barrington, where the only commercial ruby miner in Australia operates.

925 is found on silver jewelry, and it means 0.925 grams (of silver). The R is meaningless.

The rarest type of jade is known as "imperial jade." It is a vivid green jade that is highly translucent and has an intense color saturation. Imperial jade is predominantly found in Myanmar and is considered the most valuable and sought-after type of jade in the world.

the density of the blue topaz is the mass divided by the volume

Sapphires are commonly associated with a deep blue color, but they can also come in a range of other colors such as pink, yellow, green, and even colorless. The intensity of the blue color in a sapphire can vary depending on factors like the presence of trace elements in the crystal.

EPNSA stands for Electroplated Nickel Silver Alloys, which refers to a type of silver-plated alloy typically composed of nickel, silver, and other metals. This alloy is commonly used in the electroplating process to give items a silver-like appearance and preserve them from tarnishing.

the base ring is made and stones are set in in china and the .925 means that it is coated with sterling silver

Oranges may be more expensive in December than in July due to factors such as seasonal availability, higher demand during the holiday season, and potential supply chain disruptions. In December, oranges may be in higher demand for holiday festivities, leading to increased prices. Additionally, weather conditions can impact the supply of oranges, affecting pricing.

ASH 14K likely indicates that the ring is made of 14 karat gold. ASH could be the designer's initials or a manufacturer's mark.

Authentic Italian silver should be stamped with a hallmark indicating the purity of the silver (e.g. 925 for sterling silver). Additionally, the item may bear the manufacturer's mark or a country of origin stamp such as "Italy." Italian silver often has intricate designs and high-quality craftsmanship, which can also be a clue to its authenticity.

To identify real gold jewelry, you can look for hallmarks indicating the gold content, such as "14k" or "18k." You can also perform a simple acid test using a testing kit to check the purity of the gold. Another method is to take the jewelry to a professional jeweler who can authenticate it for you.

The Dimension Stone industry includes companies involved in quarrying and cutting natural stone to produce blocks or slabs that are used for construction and decorative purposes. This industry encompasses a variety of stones such as granite, marble, limestone, sandstone, and travertine. Dimension stone is commonly used in buildings, monuments, countertops, and landscaping.

Yes, raw uncut fire opal can be valuable, especially if it has a high-quality color play or iridescence. The value also depends on factors like size, clarity, and origin of the stone. It's recommended to have it appraised by a professional gemologist to determine its exact value.

One of the persistent myths concerning opal is that they bring bad luck or even death.

This idiotic myth came into existence following the publication of Walter Scott's book: Anne of Geierstien in 1829. In Scott's novel the Baroness of Amheim wore an opal talisman with supernatural powers. When a drop of holy water falls on the talisman the opal turns into a colorless stone and the Baroness dies shortly after. Due to the popularity of Scott's novel, people came to associate opals with bad luck and death.

Fortunately most modern folks (but not all) discount this myth and have come to prize opal as the "queen of gemstones"

Sadly, occasionally, i will still hear someone state that opals are bad luck.

I heard it put very well once: "the only thing bad luck about opals is not owning any"

Potassium is on the periodic table as the letter K. I think this is what you were asking.

0.2G = 1 Carat which is hardly anything.

0.4G = 2 Carats.

Mahaleo rubies are rubies that have been altered. They are "real rubies" that have cracks, fissures, etc and are "fixed" with molten glass. Buyer beware... Just remember that you do truly "get what you pay for!"

Quartz typically forms under low to moderate temperatures and pressures in environments such as sedimentary rocks, hydrothermal veins, and granitic magmas. High pressure and high temperature conditions may lead to the formation of different minerals like garnet or staurolite.