POPULAR SEARCHES:   rings  earrings  tourmaline  necklaces  beryl  cut stones  
 

Physical Properties

Gems and Precious Stones Page of 96 Physical Properties Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
     
     
 
 
 
 
  
 
General Remarks.
The collection of gems and precious stones in the Technological Museum forms the basis of the following inquiries and investigations, with special reference to the gems of New South Wales. In speaking of precious stones, great latitude must be allowed, because it is not easy to define in a sentence what we mean by the term. The line of demarcation between stones that are precious and. those not so considered is very narrow; but there are certain points, however, that cannot be overlooked. First they must be rare, then they must be beautiful, and of course without the property of durability they would be of little value. Certain minerals contain these properties in a very high degree, and have consequently been held in great esteem from the earliest time,s.
x The occupation of searching for precious stones is useful and often lucrative, and in a country so rich in mineral wealth as New South Wales, the propect of succeeding in the search is a reasonable one.
It is intended to deal with the subject in such a plain and simple manner that those who know little of the subject of mineralogy may be enabled to discriminate between the stones. Of course it is not to be supposed that anyone will be made an expert by perusing this work, but the information here given will prevent one going to a lot of useless trouble over worthless specimens.                                                               
For a full investigation it would be well to forward a sample of a supposed gem to the Technological Museum, and any communication addressed to the Curator of that Institution will receive every consideration. It is desirable that those who correspond with the Museum should give information as to the localises where the specimens were found, their matrix, and if possible the geological formation from which they were obtained.
A small amount of knowledge as to the methods of testing minerals, especially their specific gravity, hardness, and mode of crystallization, would often save a great deal of annoyance and prevent disappointment, because it is a common occurrence to find a collection consisting of little else than varieties of quartz, with perhaps a garnet or two.
A
  
 
 
  
     
Gems and Precious Stones Page of 96 Physical Properties
Suggested Illustrations
Other Chapters you may find useful
Other Books on this topic
bullet Tag
This Page