Facet Nation: A Gemmology Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Facet nation podcast, Simon and Lucinda delve into the intricate world of light and optics as they relate to gemmology. They explore the fundamental properties of light, including reflection and refraction, and discuss how these principles apply to gemstones. The conversation covers the importance of cut in diamonds, the various optical effects seen in gemstones, and the significance of birefringence. The hosts also touch on the practical applications of these concepts in gem testing, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how light interacts with gemstones.


Takeaways

Light is a form of electromagnetic energy that travels at high speeds.
Visible light is a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum, detectable by the human eye.
Brilliance in diamonds is a result of precise cutting and internal reflections.
The cut of a diamond significantly affects its appearance and brilliance.
Total internal reflection is crucial for maximizing light return in gemstones.
Aventurescence is caused by reflective inclusions within a gemstone.
The cat's eye effect requires specific needle-like inclusions to be visible.
Asterism is a star-like effect that requires multiple sets of inclusions.
Understanding birefringence helps in identifying different gemstone types.
The optical properties of gemstones are essential for gem testing and identification.

The Fascinating World of Gemology
Light and Optics: A Gemologist's Guide

Sound bites
"Light is a form of electromagnetic energy."
"Visible light is white."
"Brilliance is what makes diamonds special."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Facet nation and Light in Gemmology
03:38 Understanding Light and Its Properties
09:14 Refraction and Its Importance in Gemmology
17:39 Single vs. Double Refraction in Gemstones
23:52 Birefringence and Its Applications in Gem Testing
24:41 Understanding Light and Gemstones
28:24 The Brilliance of Diamonds
31:49 The Importance of Cut in Diamonds
34:22 Exploring Fire and Dispersion in Gemstones
37:05 Optical Effects in Gemstones
46:15 Chatoyancy and Asterism: The Star Effect
49:08 Labradoressence and Other Optical Phenomena

gemology, light, optics, reflection, refraction, birefringence, diamonds, optical effects, gemstones, gem testing, gemmology

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Lucinda and Simon speak to gem cutting pioneer Arya Akhavan, his trademarked gemstone cuts; the Void Reaver and the Legend of Zelda inspired Rupee cut are some of the most beautiful you'll ever see.

Listen to this fascinating interview full of almost revealed secrets and future excitement. If you love gems, videogames or videogame gems, this is the interview for you.

Arya Akhavan is a pioneer in video game-themed gem cutting.

The gem cutting community is becoming more collaborative and innovative.

Video games have a historical connection to gemstones as valuable items.

Creating video game-inspired gems involves both artistic and technical skills.

The rupee cut is a unique design that poses specific challenges.

Community forums like Shiny Precious Gems foster support and creativity.

Modern gem cutting techniques are evolving rapidly, especially post-COVID.

There is a growing demand for high-end video game-themed jewelry.

Education in gem cutting is becoming more accessible and innovative.

The emotional connection to gemstones influences how they are valued and cherished.

Link: 

Kickstarter

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/canadacrystallabs/the-gemstone-lab-growing-never-before-seen-lab-sapphires

Reddit

https://www.reddit.com/r/Shinypreciousgems/

Titles

Gemology Meets Gaming: The Rupee Cut Revolution

Crafting Gems: Arya Akhavan's Journey

Sound bites

"It's a really fascinating chat."

"Nobody else had published them."

"It's a rescue puppy."

Chapters

00:00 The Emergence of Video Game Jewelry

04:56 Educational Challenges in Gem Cutting

07:36 The Growth of Modern Gem Cutters

10:19 Community Building in Gemology

13:20 The Intersection of Gemstones and Video Games

15:52 Creating the Rupee Cut

18:38 Characteristics of the Rupee Cut

21:40 Materials for Gem Cutting

24:11 Challenges with Certain Gem Materials

25:12 Setting and Wearing Gemstones

26:59 Emotional Connections to Cut Stones

28:27 Innovative Gemstone Designs

29:48 The Evolution of Gem Cutting Techniques

33:09 The Renaissance of Modern Gem Cutting

36:26 Future Innovations in Gemstone Research

43:01 Exploring Corundum and Sapphires

45:18 Community Engagement in Gemology

46:47 The Value of Rupees and Gaming References

gemmology, video game gems, gem cutting, Arya Akhavan, gemstone design, community building, gem education, rupee cut, innovative designs, gem materials, gemology

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Facet Nation: A gemmology podcast, hosts Lucinda and Simon explore the intricate relationship between light and gemstones. They discuss the importance of light in visibility and gem testing, delve into the characteristics of light waves, and examine historical theories of light, including Newton's corpuscular theory and Huygens' wave theory. The conversation also covers the significance of polarised light, the behaviours of light such as reflection, refraction, and diffraction, and the implications of the double slit experiment. The episode concludes with a look ahead to future topics related to light and gemmology.

Titles

Exploring the Nature of Light in Gemmology

The Journey of Light: From Waves to Gems

Sound bites

"What is light?"

"Light is essential for visibility."

"Polarised light reduces glare."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Graduation Celebration

03:03 Mnemonic for Mohs Scale

05:48 Understanding Light and Optics

11:28 Characteristics of Waves

16:59 Polarised Light and Its Applications

22:21 Wave Behaviours: Reflection, Refraction, and Diffraction

24:16 History of Light Theory and Newton's Contributions

26:29 Theories of Light: Newton vs. Huygens

30:07 The Double Slit Experiment: Proving Wave Theory

33:57 Einstein and the Birth of Modern Physics

36:10 The Photoelectric Effect: Light as Particles

38:31 Understanding Light: Refraction and Colour

42:09 Reflection, Transmission, and Absorption of Light

43:50 Recap and Future Discussions on Light and Gemmology

Takeaways

Light is essential for visibility and understanding gemstones.

The Mohs scale mnemonic can be improved for better memorization.

Light behaves as both a wave and a particle, known as wave-particle duality.

Polarised light is crucial for reducing glare and enhancing visibility.

Understanding wave characteristics like amplitude and frequency is vital for gemmology.

Reflection, refraction, and diffraction are key behaviours of light waves.

Historical theories of light evolved from Newton's corpuscular theory to wave theories.

The double slit experiment demonstrated light's wave nature through interference patterns.

Light interacts with matter, affecting colour perception and gemstone identification.

Future discussions will delve deeper into light's role in gem testing.

gemmology, light, optics, waves, Mohs scale, polarised light, reflection, refraction, diffraction, history of light, gemology, science

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Facet nation podcast, Simon and Lucinda delve into the intricate world of gemmology, focusing on the concepts of weight, density, and specific gravity. They explore the historical significance of Archimedes' principle, practical methods for hydrostatic weighing, and the use of heavy liquids in gem identification. The hosts engage with their audience, sharing insights and personal anecdotes, while emphasising the importance of these concepts in the gem trade.

Titles

The Weight of Gems: Understanding Density and Gravity

Gemmology 101: Weight, Density, and Specific Gravity

Sound bites

"Weight is crucial in gem pricing."

"The importance of weight in gem pricing."

"Carat weight affects the price per carat."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:53 Engagement with Listeners

05:14 Understanding Weight and Density in Gemstones

10:33 The Importance of Carat Weight

14:49 Price Per Carat and Market Dynamics

20:18 Specific Gravity Explained

25:11 Historical Context of Specific Gravity Measurement

27:24 Eureka! The Principle of Displacement

28:39 Hydrostatic Weighing: The Science of Density

33:45 Heavy Liquids: Testing Gemstones at Home

38:17 The Game of Sink, Swim or Suspend

Weight is crucial in gem pricing and identification.

Specific gravity is a key property for gemologists.

Archimedes' principle is foundational in understanding density.

Hydrostatic weighing is a practical method for determining specific gravity.

Heavy liquids can help distinguish between different gemstones.

Amber's specific gravity allows it to float in saltwater solutions.

Carat weight affects the price per carat of gemstones.

Understanding heft can aid in gem identification.

Gemmologists often use digital scales for precise measurements.

Engagement with listeners enhances the podcast experience.

gemmology, weight, density, specific gravity, gemstones, Archimedes, hydrostatic weighing, heavy liquids, carat weight, gem identification, gemology

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of FacetNation, Lucinda and Simon delve into the essential aspects of gem durability, focusing on hardness, toughness, and stability. They discuss the Mohs scale of hardness, the importance of understanding these properties for both gemologists and jewellery enthusiasts, and practical tips for caring for gemstones. The conversation also covers the differences between fracture and cleavage, the impact of chemical stability on gems, and how to properly maintain and wear jewellery. The episode concludes with listener engagement and a shout-out to dedicated fans.

Takeaways

Understanding durability is crucial for gemmologists and jewellery lovers.

Hardness, toughness, and stability are the three main aspects of durability.

The Mohs scale helps determine a gemstone's hardness.

Toughness refers to a material's ability to resist fracture.

Stability involves a gem's resistance to chemical and physical changes.

Different gemstones have varying levels of durability and care requirements.

Fracture and cleavage are important concepts in gemmology.

Chemical stability can affect the appearance and longevity of gemstones.

Proper care can prevent damage to valuable gems.

Engaging with listeners enhances the podcast experience.

Titles

The Essential Guide to Gem Durability

Understanding Gemstone Hardness and Toughness

Sound bites

""You need to know them stone for stone.""

""Last on and first off for pearls.""

""Don't put your tourmalines in the ultrasonic, y'all.""

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Durability in Gemstones

02:57 The Importance of Hardness

05:33 Mohs Scale of Hardness Explained

08:08 Identifying Gemstones by Hardness

10:44 Toughness and Durability in Gemstones

13:19 The Role of Friedrich Mohs

15:48 Practical Applications of Hardness Testing

20:46 Understanding Hardness and Scratch Testing

24:44 Identifying Composite Materials and Their Characteristics

26:28 Differential Hardness Explained

30:35 The Art of Cleaving Diamonds

34:21 Modern Techniques in Diamond Cutting

35:53 Differential Hardness in Other Gemstones

41:08 The Streak Test: A Practical Approach

45:36 Toughness vs Hardness in Gemstones

46:18 Thermal Expansion and Gemstone Integrity

47:46 The Dark Side of Crackled Quartz

49:09 Understanding Fractures in Gemstones

50:53 Cleavage vs. Fracture: Key Differences

52:50 The Importance of Cleavage in Gem Identification

54:35 Incipient Cleavage: A Hidden Danger

56:21 Stability: The Third Pillar of Durability

01:01:11 Chemical Vulnerabilities of Gemstones

01:04:29 Porosity and Its Impact on Stability

01:06:24 Final Thoughts on Gem Durability

gemmology, durability, hardness, toughness, stability, Mohs scale, gemstones, jewellery care, fracture, cleavage, gemology

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Facet Nation, Lucinda and Simon explore the spooky side of gemstones, discussing Halloween traditions, recent robberies in the gem industry, and the history of cursed stones. They delve into tales of the Black Orlov diamond, the Bahia Emerald, The Black Prince's Ruby, and the infamous Hope Diamond, revealing the dark stories and misfortunes associated with these gems.

Takeaways

Halloween is a significant cultural event in America.

The UK is slowly adopting American traditions like Halloween.

Recent robberies in the gem industry highlight security issues.

The Louvre robbery was a simple yet bold heist.

Cursed gemstones have fascinating histories and folklore.

The Black Orlov diamond is linked to multiple tragic deaths.

The Bahia emerald has a history of misfortune for its owners.

The Black Prince's ruby is associated with the downfall of monarchs.

The Hope diamond has a legacy of tragedy and misfortune.

Curses often stem from the act of stealing sacred objects.

Titles

Cursed Gems: The Dark Side of Beauty

Halloween and the Haunting of Gemstones

Sound Bites

"Simon was the ringleader."

"It's a bit weird."

"The no hope diamond."

Chapters

00:00 Halloween and Its Cultural Significance

02:56 Recent Robberies in the Gem Trade

05:42 The Louvre Robbery: A Closer Look

08:24 Hatton Garden Heist: A Shocking Incident

11:05 The Emotional Weight of Jewellery

13:18 Cursed Gemstones: An Introduction

15:45 The Black Orlov: A Cursed Diamond

20:30 The Curse of the Black Orlov Diamond

24:27 The Bahia Emerald: A Tale of Misfortune

30:04 The Black Prince's Ruby: A Royal Curse

38:31 The Legacy of Cursed Gems

38:53 Historical Figures and Their Legacies

41:03 The Curse of the Hope Diamond

54:18 Cursed Gems and Their Stories

Keywords

Halloween, gemstones, robberies, cursed stones, folklore, jewellery, history, spooky stories, gemmology, folklore, jewelry, gemology, diamond

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Lucinda and Simon dive deep into the fascinating world of Beryl gemstones, exploring its various types, including Emerald, Aquamarine, and Bixbite. They discuss the geological formation of Beryl, its unique characteristics, and the treatments often applied to enhance its appearance. The conversation also touches on the rarity of certain Beryl varieties and the importance of understanding inclusions and localities in gemmology. With a mix of humour and insightful information, the hosts provide a comprehensive overview of this captivating gemstone family.

Takeaways

Beryl is a family of gemstones that includes Emerald, Aquamarine, and more.
Emerald is unique within the Beryl family due to its colour and rarity.
Beryl in its pure form is colourless and known as Goshenite.
Emeralds are brittle and require special care when setting.
Aquamarine is often heat-treated to enhance its blue colour.
Bixbite, or red Beryl, is extremely rare and valuable.
Emeralds often contain inclusions, making them unique.
Goshenite is colourless and comes from Goshen, Massachusetts.
Maxixe Beryl fades in sunlight, making it a unique case.
Understanding the geology of Beryl helps in identifying its varieties.

Sound Bites

"Emerald is its own beast."
"Just say Mica and move on."
"Aquamarine means seawater."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Beryl and Gemstones
03:02 Exploring the Beryl Family
05:58 Geology and Formation of Beryl
08:37 Emerald: The Unique Gemstone
11:22 Emerald's Rarity and Value
14:18 Emerald's Characteristics and Challenges
16:55 Emerald Cut and Its Significance
19:26 Emerald Varieties and Misconceptions
24:12 Distinctive Styles and Family Dynamics
26:29 Emerald Inclusions and Their Significance
28:14 Emerald Localities: Colombia vs. Zambia
32:51 Emerald Testing Techniques
36:31 Emerald Treatments and Their Implications
42:51 Synthetic Emeralds: Understanding the Differences
45:02 Understanding Synthetic Emeralds
49:37 Exploring Aquamarine: Characteristics and Treatments
55:39 Identifying Aquamarine vs. Blue Topaz
56:47 The Unique Properties of Heliodor and Morganite
58:27 The Rarity and Value of Bixbite
01:00:53 Goshenite and Maxixe Beryl: Lesser-Known Varieties

Keywords

Beryl, Emerald, Aquamarine, Gemmology, Gemstones, Crystallography, Geology, Treatments, Inclusions, Rare Gems

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Facet Nation, Simon and Lucinda delve into the fascinating world of gemmology, focusing on crystals and their structures. They discuss the importance of understanding crystal systems, symmetry, and the various forms and habits of crystals. The conversation also covers topics such as twinning, pseudomorphs, polymorphs, and isomorphism, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of these essential concepts in gemmology. The episode concludes with a preview of the next episode, which will focus on the Beryl family of crystals.

Takeaways

Crystals have orderly arrangements of atoms that define their structure.

Understanding crystal systems is crucial for gemmology.

Symmetry plays a significant role in identifying crystal types.

Crystals can be classified into closed and open forms based on their terminations.

Twinning occurs when two crystals share a common orientation.

Pseudomorphs are formed when one mineral replaces another.

Polymorphs have the same chemical composition but different structures.

Isomorphism refers to different minerals having the same crystal structure.

Crystals can exhibit various surface markings that aid in identification.

The next episode will focus on the Beryl family of crystals.

Sound Bites

"Crystals have orderly arrangements of atoms."

"Understanding crystal systems is crucial for gemmology."

"Get those sticks out, y'all!"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Facet Nation

02:53 Exciting Developments and Listener Engagement

05:40 Understanding Crystals and Their Structures

10:53 Crystal Systems and Their Characteristics

18:48 Symmetry in Crystals

26:32 Crystal Forms and Their Descriptions

34:17 Understanding Crystal Structures

37:41 Exploring Non-Geometrical Crystal Habits

39:57 Surface Markings and Their Significance

44:10 The Fascinating World of Crystal Twinning

50:33 Pseudomorphs and Polymorphs Explained

53:01 Isomorphism and Its Implications

55:02 Crystallography: The Systems and Their Members

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Facet Nation, Lucinda and Simon delve into the foundational aspects of gemmology, focusing on the materials and structures that make up gemstones. They explore chemical elements, atoms, and subatomic particles, emphasising the importance of the periodic table and valency in understanding chemical bonds. The discussion covers crystalline and amorphous structures, the significance of quartz, and the formation of minerals. They categorize gemstones into oxides, silicates, carbonates, phosphates, and organic materials, providing insights into their properties and roles in gemmology. Strap in people, this is a heavy one.

Titles

Exploring the Depths of Gemmology

The Building Blocks of Gemstones

Sound bites

"Atoms are extremely small."

"Carbon has a valency of four."

"Carbonates are the hippies of the group."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gemmology and Episode Overview

03:08 Understanding Elements and Atoms

06:09 Subatomic Particles and Their Roles

09:03 The Periodic Table and Atomic Structure

11:52 Valency and Chemical Bonds

14:36 Oxidation and Its Importance

17:38 Types of Chemical Bonds

20:27 Crystal Structures and Their Significance

23:32 Minerals and Their Formation

26:15 Key Elements in Gemstone Composition

28:09 The Ubiquity of Quartz and Its Elements

31:54 Understanding Gemstone Composition

34:27 The Importance of Silicates

40:07 Exploring Carbonates and Their Characteristics

42:03 The Role of Organic Materials in Gemstones

46:17 Rocks and Their Complexities

gemmology, chemical elements, atoms, subatomic particles, periodic table, valency, chemical bonds, crystalline structure, minerals, gemstone composition, oxides, silicates, carbonates, phosphates, organic materials

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Keywords

rubies, gemology, birthstones, Myanmar, treatments, synthetic rubies, famous rubies, gem identification, corundum, gemstone quality

In this episode, Simon and Lucinda delve into the captivating world of rubies, exploring their significance as July's birthstone, the science behind their colour and quality, and the various localities where they are found. They discuss the testing and identification of rubies, the treatments that enhance their appearance, and the rise of synthetic rubies in the market. The conversation also touches on famous rubies and their stories, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of these precious gemstones.

Support the show