Jewelry Design Gemstones and Precious Stones 3

Question 1

What term describes the internal glow or billowy light effect seen in moonstones?

Accepted Answer

Adularescence

Answer

Adularescence is the floating, blue-white light phenomenon in moonstone caused by light scattering between alternating layers of feldspar minerals.

Question 2

Which gemstone is also known as 'fool's gold' and should NOT be confused with precious metals?

Accepted Answer

Pyrite

Answer

Pyrite is nicknamed 'fool's gold' due to its brassy yellow color and metallic luster, though marcasite (a polymorph of pyrite) is the version actually used in jewelry.

Question 3

What is the refractive index used to measure in gemology?

Accepted Answer

How light bends when entering a gem

Answer

The refractive index measures how much light bends (refracts) when it passes from air into a gemstone, helping gemologists identify unknown stones.

Question 4

Which synthetic gemstone was created by the Verneuil flame fusion process and is commonly used as a diamond simulant?

Accepted Answer

Synthetic corundum

Answer

Synthetic corundum (sapphire and ruby) was the first gemstone produced commercially using Verneuil's flame fusion process developed around 1902.

Question 5

What does the term 'inclusion' refer to in gemology?

Accepted Answer

Internal characteristics trapped during crystal growth

Answer

Inclusions are internal features such as crystals, needles, or fractures formed during a gemstone's growth, and are used by gemologists to identify and grade stones.

Jewelry Design Practice Test

Jewelry Design Practice Test

Jewelry Design Gemstones and Precious Stones 3