Gemstone Research Paper (Term Paper Sample)

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Gemstones Research Paper
With no accepted definition, a gemstone or gem as is commonly known is a crystal mineral used to make jewelry in its cut and polished form (Alden 3). Gemstones are minerals such as diamonds, and rocks such as onyx marble of mineral aggregates (Schumann 10). Gemstones’ oldest names can be traced back to Greek and Latin languages. Over time, the nomenclature of minerals has been reviewed due to the discovery of new minerals. The new names are given based on the chemical constituents, Greek or Latin, person’s name or place where the mineral occurs. This provides a basis for rock naming hence initiating the classification and identification process of the material.
Chemically the composition of the minerals is shown by the formula which does not include impurities present in the mineral (Schumann 14). Gemstones can exist in different crystal forms such as cubic, hexagonal, trigonal, tetragonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, triclinic or amorphous. Examples of Gemstones with the cubic crystal system include: diamond, gold, and silver; the monoclinic crystal system include: cryolite and gypsum; orthorhombic include: Adamite and sulfur; amorphous include: amber and glass. This presents few examples with such characteristics and meeting this kind of classification.
Specific properties of gemstones include hardness, cleavage and fracture, density and specific gravity, optical properties (Huamin 3). Gemstone coloration mechanism is explained based on its chemical composition and light absorption spectrum. The various colorations observed in different gemstones are a result of d-d electron transition in the transition metal ions and the charge transfer in transition metal such as iron, chromium, and titanium. For example, coloration of sapphire and ruby mostly depend on the Fe (3+) /Fe (2+) ration and Fe (2+) /Ti (4+) ratio, respectively besides the chromium or/and iron content (Schumann 36). Gemstones’ density varies between 1- 8 g/cm3, with those having a density less than 2 being considered light, those between 2-4 being normal such as quartz and those above 4 being considered heavy gemstones.
1.1 Classification of gemstones
Gemstones can be classified as either organic or inorganic. Organic gemstones are further subdivided into Contemporary and fossilized gemstones. Fossilized gemstones are made of tissues of living organism that once lived and has transformed over time into its current form by natural forces (Schumann 250). An example of fossilized organic gemstones is jet and Ammolite. Contemporary gemstones are made of tissues of living organisms that once lived and have been left behind. Coral, ivory, amber and pearl are just but a few examples of contemporary organic gems. Pearl is made up of 86 % Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3), 4 % water, and 10 % conchiolin. Coral is made up of calcite and conchiolin and has a specific gravity of 2.60. Amber is a hard fossil resin made up of a mixture of hydrocarbons with a specific gravity of 1.05.
Inorganic gemstones are minerals that possess definite chemical composition, a crystalline form, and an atomic structure that is distinct. The orderly internal arrangement of inorganic gemstones gives them a more characteristic shape externally. Euhedral inorganic gems are more developed, and their crystal symmetry is properly displayed while the anhedral ones are less developed, although they still possess crystal symmetry. Inorganic gemstones include diamond, ruby, sapphire, quartz, pyrite, natural glass, gypsum, topaz, and zircon (Nadur., et al.).
1.2 Uses of gemstones
1.2.1 Organic gemstones
Pearls are commonly used in making rings and as a source of Calcium in medicine. Corals are used in carvings and beads in their finest form. They decrease global warming by observing Carbon (IV) Oxide (Schumann 256). Apart from its use in jewelry making, Amber has a wide application in medicine. Its derivatives are used to treat convulsions and palpitations (Lambert and George 630). Due to its fragility, ammolite is used in earrings, brooches, and pendants. Ivory is used in the manufacture of items such as piano, handles, billiard balls.
1.2.2 Inorganic gemstones
Diamond’s optical properties make it the most sought gemstones within the group of related materials. It is used as an abrasive due to its hardness hence having numerous industrial use. Due to its high thermal conductivity, diamonds are used as heat sinks in numerous set ups and functionalities. The extreme hardness of rubies and sapphires makes them useful as abrasive. Rubies and sapphires are used as gain media in lasers. Rubies and sapphires are used for making kiln liners and fire brick due to their high resistance to heat. Most aircraft windows, protective covers of electronics, watch crystals and store scan...