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 providedcomes 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 gems4. Explain how fire works in a gemstone – what properties of light and the mineral createthis effect5. 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’ value7. Descibe the 6 different environments where gems most commonly form and give examples of the gems/ minerals you might find in each8. 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
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