Gemstone Education
Wikigempedia is a free reference for anyone curious about colored stones, gems in jewellery, and the science behind how they form. Browse individual gem profiles from agate to zircon, compare hardness and crystal systems on our property charts, and read practical guides on cleaning, heat treatment, and common enhancements. Our articles also cover historical topics, including birthstones, Bible gemstones, carving traditions, and the folklore people still associate with certain gems. New on the site: the Gemstone Lab Report Guide, a step-by-step walkthrough for reading certificate lines before you buy.
|
|
Gemstone Related Articles
What You Will Find Here
The Gem Stones section lists well-known jewellery gems alphabetically, with photos and notes on color, origin, and typical cuts. Start there if you are researching a birthstone, an engagement ring stone, or a stone you already own.
The Gemstone Properties area explains how gemologists describe stones: clarity grades, color terms, crystal systems, hardness on the Mohs scale, specific gravity, luster, and cleavage. Charts such as the hardness chart and birthstone list help you compare stones side by side before you buy or set a piece. When a seller supplies paperwork, open the Gemstone Lab Report Guide to decode treatment notes and verification steps.
The Colored stones pages cover a wider range of minerals and lesser-known species, from actinolite to zincite. Featured articles below explore meanings, Bible references, rock types, carving, and amulets so you can move from basic facts to cultural context when you want more depth.
Caring for Gemstone Jewellery
Every gem has a different tolerance for heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners. Soft stones such as opal and pearl need gentle wiping with a damp cloth, while harder corundum and diamond can take mild soap and a soft brush. Our heat treatment and treatment history pages explain why a stone may have been enhanced in a lab, which matters when you choose cleaning methods or disclose a stone at resale.
Store pieces separately so harder gems do not scratch softer ones. Remove rings before gardening, swimming in chlorinated water, or applying lotions. When in doubt, rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry, and check our individual gem pages for species-specific advice before trying stronger solutions.