What makes minerals gemstones

Some minerals give us more than one gem type. This is because the impurity, which is only a minute amount, is not always the same and may even be a combination of impurities. The interaction of the impurities and the atomic structure will also have an effect on colour. For example, the mineral Corundum, which is Aluminium Oxide, is colourless in its pure form, whereas if it contains Chromium it becomes the rich red of Ruby, if it contains Titanium it becomes the intense blue of Sapphire.

The museum-quality specimens shown in the images here grew in roomy environments that allowed the geometric shapes to form uninhibited.

The internal arrangement of atoms determines all the minerals' chemical and physical properties, including color. Light interacts with different atoms to create different colors.

Many minerals are colorless in their pure state; however, impurities of the atomic structure cause color. Quartz, for example, is normally colorless, but occurs in a range of colors from pink to brown to the deep purple of amethyst, depending on the number and type of impurities in its structure. In its colorless state, quartz resembles ice. In fact, the root for crystal comes from the Greek word krystallos -ice-because the ancient Greeks believed clear quartz was ice frozen so hard it could not melt.

Scientists typically describe crystals as "growing," even though they are not alive. In subterranean gardens, they branch and bristle as trillions of atoms connect in regular three-dimensional patterns.

Each crystal starts small and grows as more atoms are added. Many grow from water rich in dissolved minerals, but they also grow from melted rock and even vapor. Perhaps the country best known for its rubies was Myanmar Burma , but the country's production has greatly decreased. Today rubies are also created synthetically in the lab.

All rights reserved. Pink Chalcedony A pink chalcedony shows off its beauty. Ruby in the Rough Its green surroundings showcase a ruby from Tanzania in its unpolished beauty. Share Tweet Email. Read This Next Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London. Animals Wild Cities Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London Love them or hate them, there's no denying their growing numbers have added an explosion of color to the city's streets.

India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big. Environment Planet Possible India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big Grassroots efforts are bringing solar panels to rural villages without electricity, while massive solar arrays are being built across the country.

Epic floods leave South Sudanese to face disease and starvation. Travel 5 pandemic tech innovations that will change travel forever These digital innovations will make your next trip safer and more efficient. But will they invade your privacy? Go Further. Animals Wild Cities This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city. It is also used to make saw blades and used in welding. Uranium is a highly radioactive element. It is used in cancer treatments, X-rays, military weapons and fuel for the space shuttle.

Vanadium is found in many foods and helps bones grow. It is useful in regulating blood sugar in diabetics and helps grow muscles for bodybuilders. It is used in wastewater cleanup and since it can absorb ammonia, it is used in kitty litter and reducing other animal smells. Zinc [image left] is essential for a healthy life.

Zinc deficiency can cause rashes, diarrhea, impaired taste and eye problems. It is used to macular degeneration, diabetes and the common cold. Some examples of minerals mined here in Ireland are: Gypsum Gypsum is an evaporite mineral and the most common Sulphate mineral in the world. It is used widely in the construction industry in the form of plasterboard and wet plaster. Gypsum Gypsum is a very soft mineral with a variety of uses, most commonly in drywall, also known as sheet rock. It is also used as a fertilizer and road construction.

It is mined in areas of Co. Copper Copper is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. It is widely used in electronics industry especially for use in wires. Copper is a common metal throughout the world. It is used for currency, jewelry, plumbing and to conduct electricity. It is a soft, orange-red metal. Copper has previously been mined in Co. Lead and Zinc, and sometimes silver, are usually found occurring together.

Ireland has a long histroy of minig lead and zinc with some of the larges mine Europe recently operating here; Lisheen Mine Co. Tipperary and Tara Mine Co. Meath and historically Silvermines Co. Precious metals are rare, naturally occurring metallic chemical elements of high economic value. Chemically, they tend to be less reactive than most elements. They are usually ductile and have a high lustre. In history precious metals were important as currency but are now regarded mainly as investment and industrial commodities.

The main examples of precious metals are Gold, Silver and Platinum. Some examples of precious metals found in Ireland are; 1. Gold Gold is a valuable, yellow metal. Gold is usually found in metamorphic rock. It is found in underground veins of rock where the inside of the Earth heats the water that flows through the rock. Gold has been important all throughout history, it was used in important events by the ancient Egyptians and was important in Bronze Age Ireland.

Due to both it beauty and its durability it is regularly used in jewellery and as a form of currency. Trace amounts of gold are found almost everywhere, but large deposits are found in only a few locations. Platinum Platinum is a valuable grey-white metal. It is dense, malleable, ductile and highly unreactive metal.