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What profession looks for gems?
Gemology is the science of identifying gemstones. Gemologists examine gemstones—both discovered raw and synthesized in the laboratory—using microscopes, computerized tools, and other grading instruments. The field of gemology contains professionals such as appraisers, goldsmiths, jewelers, lapidaries, and scientists.
Where can precious gems be found?
Most gemstones form in the Earth’s crust, approximately 3 to 25 miles beneath the Earth’s surface. Two gemstones, diamonds and peridot, are found much deeper in the Earth. Diamond forms in “kimberlite pipes” that originate in the Earth’s mantle (>125 miles) and end at the surface.
Where is the best place to look for gemstones?
Here, we have listed down some designated public dig sites that are considered the best spots for gem hunting in the US.
- Emerald Hollow Mine, North Carolina.
- Jade Cove, California.
- Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas.
- Morefield Mine, Virginia.
- Royal Peacock Opal Mine, Nevada.
- End Note.
Where in the world can you find gemstones?
Mapping the gemstone mining hotspots
- Rubies in Mozambique.
- Emeralds in Zambia.
- Sapphires in Madagascar.
- Opals in Australia.
- Lapis Lazuli in Afghanistan.
- Jade in Myanmar.
- Tanzanite in Tanzania.
- Red Beryl in Utah.
How do you get your gems certified?
All gemstones come with Certification from the leading gem-testing laboratories. You can look product listing pages for more information on the type of certificate accompanying the gem. Certificates are issued by the following laboratories, which are the best in the world.
Where in the US can you find gems?
- Oceanview Mine. San Diego County, California.
- Royal Peacock Opal Mine. Denio, Nevada.
- Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine. Philipsburg, Montana.
- Crater of Diamonds State Park. Murfreesboro, Arkansas.
- Emerald Hollow Mine. Hiddenite, North Carolina.
What are the four most precious gems in the world?
Traditionally, precious stones were the Big Four gemstones — diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. Semi-precious stones were everything else.
Where to find the best gems in Virginia?
Staurolite gems can form in natural cross shapes that have inspired numerous legends. You can pick these so-called “fairy stones” or “fairy crosses” right off the ground in Fairy Stone State Park in Stuart, Virginia. Natural cruciform staurolite or “fairy stone,” found at the Fairy Stone State Park, Virginia.
What kind of metal detector can you use to find gold?
While a metal detector itself won’t target gemstones, an entire category of detectors is designated for gold prospecting. Gold is often found with other precious and metal-bearing minerals, including iron. These are called indicator minerals.
Can a metal detector detect crystalline gemstones?
Only crystalline gemstones are considered minerals (an inorganic naturally occurring substance with distinct chemistry). While a metal detector itself won’t target gemstones, an entire category of detectors is designated for gold prospecting.