Gemstones have fascinated man ever since. The beauty and therapeutic value of gemstones have lured men to buy them. While some use gemstones for jewellery making, others may wear it for its healing properties. There are varieties of gemstones available, some natural while others are manmade. The three most prominent and widely used gemstones are Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire. It is very important to understand the properties and benefits of each gemstone before buying them from a local store or online. Below we look at the characteristics of gemstones.

Colour - The colour of the gemstone is what defines and gives beauty to a gemstone. While the colour of emerald may vary from light green to bright green, the sapphire maybe rainbow coloured although it’s most common colour is blue. There are colourless gemstones too, but they are the less preferred although diamond is an exception. Most gems are transparent, but there are other gemstones like opal, coral, and lazuli, which are opaque.

Clarity - Clarity is another very important characteristic feature of a gemstone. Usually, most gemstones have inclusions as they are formed under different circumstances and may have deposits of minerals or fissures. However, this does not lessen the beauty or the value of a gemstone. It is very rare for a gemstone to have very few or no inclusions at all, and they will be priced exorbitantly. Gemstones, which have moderate inclusions, are generally known to be of the best value.

Cut - Gemstones may be oval, round, or cushion-shaped. The cut of the gemstones enhances the overall beauty and value of the gemstone. A perfect gemstone cut is the one that perfectly radiates the colour of the gems, diminishes its inclusions, and makes the gemstone symmetrical and proportionate.

Carat - The size of the gemstone does not determine its carat weight. Two gemstones of the same size may have different carat weights because the carat value of the gemstone depends on its density. The density of the gemstone varies from one-stone to another. For example, an opal is less dense than a ruby, so a one-carat opal will look far bigger than a one-carat ruby.

Lustre - The quality and amount of light reflected from a gemstone’s surface determines how lustrous a gemstone is. The shine on the lustre adds beauty to the gemstones, thus making it a key point while choosing gems for designing jewellery.

Rarity - Some gemstones are easily available, while some are very rare to be found. The rarity of a gemstone determines its face value and price.

Hardness - The power of resistance to abrasion and corrosiveness is what the hardness of a stone is. Diamond is the hardest gemstone, while ruby and sapphire rank second. Hard gemstones are preferred in daily wear jewellery as they can withstand the daily wear and tear. Gemstones that are less hard are prone to scratches easily.

Understanding the characteristics of gemstones is essential in buying a gemstone or for crafting jewellery. The above features will help you in your knowledge of gemstones.

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