Unveiling the Secrets of Gemstone Colors: The Science Behind Their Stunning Hues
Gemstones colors help in determining a gemstones rarity and value. Collectors and miners have been exploring the spectrum of gemstone hues for centuries. In this article, we will cover how different gemstones are formed, and how they achieve their magnificent pigmentations.
How Gemstones Are Formed
Natural or synthetic gemstones are substances selected for their intrinsic value, such as their radiance, hardness, and rarity They are then cut or faceted and polished to create jewelry or other adornments. Cutting or faceting and polishing gemstones may entail grinding away the geodes in which the gemstone was originally embedded.
The Earth's crust is where the majority of gemstones develop as minerals under varied conditions, whereas the mantle is home to a small number of jewels. Igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rock are the three types of rock that make up the crust. Minerals are found in the Earth's crust, where they are extracted. Once they've been mined, the last step is to take them to a lapidary for polishing.
Why are gemstones colored? How are gemstones colored?
Various gemstones are used in jewelry, and each has a distinctive color or a range of hues to choose from. Colors in gemstones are derived from chemical compounds, and the exact shade might vary based on the gemstone's chemical composition.
A surprising number of minerals are colorless when found in their natural state; the presence of impurities in their composition gives them their distinctive hue.
Wavelengths in Gemstones
When an object absorbs some wavelengths of visible light but not others, we see it as color. To illustrate this point, consider a red item that absorbs all visible light but does not absorb red light and hence appears red.
The chemical and atomic structure of each gemstone is unique. Among other things, diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are all formed of carbon. Different light wavelengths are absorbed when this occurs in combination with contaminants. This causes gemstones to have varying shades of color.
Gemstones of the very same type have a wide range of colors, much like gemstones of different kinds. Topaz and Spinel, for example, can have a wide range of colors depending on the impurities they contain. Chromium ions replace aluminum in the production of green, while iron in corundum generates blue.
7 Chakra Flower Gemstone Pendant
According to the external environment, some gemstones such as Alexandrite can change their color. Alexandrite appears green in natural light due to the higher concentration of green in such light. A reddish hue is produced when viewed under incandescent lighting.
The Behavior of Elements in Gemstones
The 'behavior' of an element can be used to foresee a gemstone's color. If a gemstone contains an element from the first line of the periodic table, it will be colorless. However, the orbitals of electrons in the middle region of the periodic table allow transition metals to reflect colored light. Consequently, the hues of their skin will vary, from deep orange to brilliant blue.
But transition metals aren't the only thing to consider. Color can be affected by the passage of electrons between ions when a gemstone absorbs particular wavelengths of light.
There's no denying that the study of gemstone coloration is a complex one. A gemstone's color can be dramatically affected by its chemical composition. For example, emerald's unique green color is caused by the presence of chromium, whereas the same impurity causes corundum's color.
Color Treatments of Gemstones
When the color of a gemstone is not due to chemistry, human involvement may be at work. Depending on the treatment, a gem's color or clarity may be enhanced. Heat treatments, surface coatings, and bleaching are all options.
Gemstones and their Lovely Colors
Ruby
Ruby is a variety of corundum, a mineral which is composed primarily of aluminum oxide. "Ruby" and "sapphire" are two distinct classifications of corundum based on color. The color of a ruby can range from pink to blood red.
Because the red isn't as intense, the light and more pale varieties of ruby are sometimes referred to as pink sapphires. However, there are some who argue that the term "ruby" should be applied to all pink and red gemstones, not just rubies. The element chromium is what provides rubies their color. Chromium is a silvery-gray metal, but its compounds can be bright red.
Emerald
Emeralds, on the other hand, are a variety of the mineral beryl, not the preceding two gemstones. Chromium is what gives it its green hue.
Amethyst
These beautiful purple gemstones are said to enhance your intuition and psychic powers, resulting in good fortune as well as peace, happiness, and emotional well-being.
It is not uncommon to see amethyst set in large cocktail rings as the center stone, making it an ideal gift for someone celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary or turning a year older in February.
Tanzanite
With its deep purple hue, Tanzanite is one of nature's most beautiful gems. Invokes feelings of security and safety through its vibrational energy and connection to the power of communication. The Merelani Hills in Tanzania, East Africa, is the only place in the world where Tanzanite can be found, making it both rare and expensive. It was first discovered in 1967 and has been around ever since.
The Most Unique Gemstone
The diamond is the most basic and recognizable gemstone. Despite its lack of color, it is a powerful force. A diamond is the hardest substance known because it is composed of an unlimited number of carbon atoms bonded together in a rigid structure that extends in all directions. Diamonds are colorless because of their inability to absorb visible light due to their tight bonding. Their structure has no unpaired electrons.
While color might be a helpful criterion for selecting the perfect gemstone, it is important to keep in mind that color alone cannot be used to identify gemstones quality. There are actually numerous ways to tell if a gemstone is real or not, including color but also other visual cues such as inclusion patterns and traces of wear (hardness).
Where to Buy Gemstone Jewelry
If you're in the market for some gorgeous and unique gemstone jewelry, wickedtender.com can help you out. Wicked Tender’s Gemstone Jewelry Collection is extensive and absolutely stunning. There you will find gemstones rings, gemstone bracelets, and gemstone necklaces of varying hues and all sorts of unique designs. Order the gemstone jewelry that works best for you and makes you feel great or find a stunning gift for your loved one!
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