Gems Homework Use the information provided class website to answer these questions Feel free to look at the web site provided and where the information provided comes from for additional information on gems http nature berkeley edu classes eps2 1 What is a gem and what are some specific characteristics of gems that make them different from other minerals 2 What properties of light determine the optimal way to cut a gem and why is the top facet usually designed to be the largest 3 Describe how the critical angle works in gems 4 Explain how fire works in a gemstone what properties of light and the mineral create this effect 5 What properties determine a gem s durability What property can still result in breakage and how might that occur you might have to think research this one 6 Describe 6 things that increase a gems value 7 Descibe the 6 different environments where gems most commonly form and give examples of the gems minerals you might find in each 8 Placer deposits are a term which describes economic minerals transported by stream action what effect does that have on the appearance of the mineral as found 9 What percentage of diamonds mined are not gem quality What might some uses of bort or carbonado be and what properties of diamond make it useful for that 10 List and briefly describe what sets the value of diamond gemstones 11 Describe 3 ways to treat a diamond in order to improve it s appearance 12 What is the difference between a diamond stimulant and a synthetic diamond How might you tell them apart from the real thing
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