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Exciting World of Fine Mineral Specimens

Fine mineral specimens are nature's sculptures. These fantastic, naturally occurring works of art are not cut or polished by man.

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Latest Posts

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How to Collect Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones Part 1

Have you always wanted to collect rocks, minerals and gemstones, but don’t know where to begin? We can help you start a collection you’ll love and treasure.

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Gemstone Luster

When it comes to describing a gemstone’s appearance, luster refers to how a gem’s surface looks when it reflects light.

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Rare Gemstone Collection: Where to Begin

Remember when you were a child and kept your most prized possessions in your pocket? Perhaps you hoarded your precious treasures in a little box hidden under your bed, protected from snooping siblings.

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October's Birthstone: Opal

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All About Opal: October's Birthstone

Learn all about opal, the birthstone for October, including the meaning, properties, history and varieties of this gemstone.

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Opal

The name opal comes from the Latin word opalus which means “to see a change in color”. Opals were first mined from Červenica, also known as Czernowitza, the mountainous region of Slovakia two thousand years ago.

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All Different Types of Opal | Unboxed & Hands On

On today's Unboxing, we have too may gems to fit in the box! So we're calling in our team of experts to show you all different kinds, colors, and shapes of October's birthstone. See beautiful black opals, white opals, boulder opals, plus rare and exotic types from Ethiopia, Australia, and beyond!

All Different Types of Opal | Unboxed & Hands On
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Fun Facts about Opal

Join Gem Expert and Rockhound, Renata as she reveals the formation of a gemstone that is mostly found “down under”…opal! This sparkling beauty didn’t begin life quite so iridescent.

Fun Facts about Opal
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Unboxing a Million Dollars in Gemstones! Top Grade Black Opal & More!

What are the value factors that make a gem worth more than a house? On today's episode, we're bringing out our most valuable specimens. JTV President & CEO Tim Matthews joins our gemologist Rebecca, to reveal why these stones represent the best of the best. Plus, learn about an exciting new direction for our channel!

Unboxing A Million Dollars in Gemstones! Top Grade Black Opal & More!

Unboxing Aventurine Quartz, Desert Glass, Sphene & More!

You asked for it! Today, our experts are checking out great specimens -- Shattuckite, Boleite, Aventurine, Libyan Desert Glass, and Sphene -- as we answer our latest viewer requests. Find out what gemstone has higher dispersion than diamond; which crystal is created by seawater; and what unique piece is found in King Tut's tomb. Plus, see a specimen that looks like a "gem waterfall."

Unboxing Aventurine Quartz, Desert Glass, Sphene & More!

The Rarest Form of Moldavite? Unboxing Angel Chimes & More!

On today's episode, JTV Co-Founder and Moldavite expert, Bill Kouns is back to unbox a huge collection of tektites. We'll dive into the science behind this mysterious gem. Plus, see (and hear) one of its rarest forms - Angel Chimes!

 
The Rarest Form of Moldavite? Unboxing Angel Chimes & More!

How Emeralds Form | 3 Unique Ways!

On today's episode, geologist/gemologist Elizabeth digs deep into the origins of emeralds. Find out what makes Colombian emeralds natural wonders. Learn how elements and processes in different parts of the world result in distinctly colored stones. And maybe even discover a gem locale in your own backyard that is a rare source of these cherished green gemstones.

How Emeralds Form | 3 Unique Ways!

Unique and Rare Gemstone Cuts - Where Do They Come From?

Are you a fan of the unique, beautiful, and bizarre world of Gemstone cutting? Lucky for you Rebecca is about to take you head first into the incredible world of Fantasy Cuts! Looking back at its roots and through some of the most famous artists, you will learn all about how Fantasy Cuts are made and see just how fascinating these gem artists have pushed these rocks into beauty! So get ready for some knowledge and some unforgettable sights as we let these gems shine!

Unique and Rare Gemstone Cuts - Where Do They Come From?

History of Gemstones

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Gemstone Collecting Origins

Did any of us need much encouragement to begin our jewel collection? Some of us devote a great deal of time completing our collection, driven by the passion for finding the next great gemstone. Just one more and it will be complete, right? No it won't, there will always be one more; or good heavens...let's just start another collection altogether.

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Gemstones: The Original Collectible

Gemstone collecting is one of the favorite pastimes. During my years working in the gem industry, I have received a lot of questions about this hobby from both enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts. Common inquiries include: Why do people collect gems? How do I get started? And… what should I collect? This article will focus on the first question: Why do people collect gemstones?

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Gemstone Identification: How to Identify Gemstones

You've found a good value; you've bought a parcel of loose gemstones...now what? The number one request we get from gemstone customers is, "How can I tell what stones are in my parcel?" With practice, some gemological tools, and this guide, you can learn to tell the topaz from the tourmaline--and nearly any other gem--in about five steps. Plus, if you love a good mystery, you're in for a treat!

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Gemstone Education

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Gemstone Beauty: The Science Behind the Sparkle and Shine

What makes a gemstone come to life? Or as my friend used to say, be "pretty"? A number of factors will have some effect on the overall appearance of a gemstone, either negatively or positively. For the sake of space and time, I will talk about only five concepts that should be understood when discussing gemstones: luster, brilliance, dispersion, refraction, and scintillation.

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Gemstone Shape vs. Gemstone Cut

Shape and cut...it doesn't sound too difficult, yet when asked, most people are a little "fuzzy" about the two concepts as they relate to gemstones. And not just the public! Even many employees of jewelry manufacturers are cloudy on this topic.

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Diamond Grading: The Four C's

Most people have heard about the four C's of diamonds through advertisements or direct contact with jewelry salespeople. However, while familiar with the concept, most individuals are a little sketchy on the details. The four C's include diamond carat weight, clarity, color, and cut.

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Gemstone Discovery App

Build a Customized Gemstone Collection

Create, upload and organize your very own gemstone catalog anywhere and anytime with this easy-to-use and unique app experience.

Download Our App
Gemstone Discovery App on Mobile Phone
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Did You Know?

Amber is the ancient fossilized resin of trees that grew in forests millions of years ago. Research indicates that amber ranges from about two million to 360 million years in age, although most gem quality amber is between 10 million and 50 million years old.

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