GEMS AND IT’S HISTORY

Gemstones can break in two ways – ie, due to chipping or fracture. How gems break down depends on their internal atomic structure. In the atoms of a weak gemstone, there is a gap at the surface of the joints. These surfaces are generally parallel and perpendicular. The directions of chirping can be different in the same stone. Diamond, fluorite, topaz and calcite are gems with full cleavage.

When a stone breaks on a surface that is not related to the inner atomic structure of the stone, it is called a fracture. Fractured surfaces are rough. Each of these has a different name. When the gemstone comes in the state of being cut and shaped, it is necessary to have smooth cuts and barrier-free fractures in its design. If an unbalanced chirava is created in the gemstone during the carving, then it will not be able to mold into its prescribed shape. This gemstone will reveal an opposing texture even when it is polished.

Many times we also see that some stripes are born in the middle of the topaz embedded in the ring. It is the same opposing division which often spoils the beauty of the gems by coming around or in the middle. Such gems are considered to be defective.

When large stones are broken by a heavy explosion, injury or sound, small pieces emerge as minerals. They can be easily held in hands. Suppose, in a boulder, there are many sapphires in the transparent parts of it,Topaz and emeralds are scattered. But access to them will be possible only when the currents of splinter and fracture are favorable in that stone crack. During heavy fractures, many stones are scattered all over the place, which with their clear surface glow from afar in the natural aura.

RELATIVE GRAVITY

The relative gravity of a gemstone is an indicator of its density. It is calculated by comparing the weight of water with the weight of the gemstone. The greater the relative density of a gemstone, the greater will be the weight of the gemstone. The relative gravity of gems varies from 1 to 7. The gravity of light gems is up to 2, such as the relative gravity of Trinamani or Kaharuva is 1.1. Gems with a gravity ranging from 2 to 4 are counted in the normal category. Quartz has a gravity of 2.6. Gemstones with a gravity greater than 4 are considered heavy, e.g. cassiterite has a gravity of 4. The relative gravity of valuable gems-diamond, topaz and sapphire is higher than that of crystal and felspar etc. Therefore, they can be easily distinguished from the so-called gemstones of the quartz category.

It is necessary for the gem collector to know the relative gravity of each gem. Gemologists determine the relative gravity of gems by the optical method of testing. The relative gravity of gems is measured by two methods—one, by weighing with hydrostatic scales and the other by heavy water method. The first method takes more time, but it is cheaper. The second method is expensive and complicated, but in a short period of time, you can test many gems and find out the correct result.

The relative gravity is easily assessed by measuring the density of the gemstone with hydrostatic scales.

Hydrostatic scales are very simple to use. According to this method, first of all the gems should be weighed in the open air. After this, under the water kept in the scales. The difference that emerges in this double weight should be noted at one place, this is the density of the gem. If this density is divided by the weight of the gem taken in the open air, then the relative gravity of the gem will come out.