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Physical Properties of Jet
Jet has a few properties that make it useful and desirable. These have dictated its use across the centuries. The first of these properties is its ability to be easily carved or cut into shapes. Jet is soft and has a uniform texture, which allows it to be carved with precision. Jet can be rubbed…
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“Hard” and “Soft” Jet
Craftsmen who work with jet recognize that material from some areas is much harder than that from others. The “hard jet” tends to be associated with bituminous shales that were deposited in salt water, while the “soft jet” tends to be associated with bituminous shales that were deposited in freshwater environments. Jet found in the…
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How Does Jet Form?
The material known as “jet” is very similar to coal, but the way that it forms is different. Most coal seams form when a swamp containing abundant woody material is buried; that woody material is then compacted, undergoes organic degradation, and is heated. The result is a coal seam. Jet does not form in a…
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What is Jet?
Jet is a black organic rock that forms when pieces of woody material are buried in sediment and are coalified. Though very similar to coal, it is less friable. Jet can be cut, carved, and polished to a bright luster. People have used jet for thousands of years to produce gemstones, beads, and many other objects. Jet is one…
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Appropriate Names for Diamonds
A wide variety of names have been used for diamonds that have been made by people. In the early days, the names “synthetic diamonds” and “man-made diamonds” were most often used. Synthetic diamonds was the more scientific name and the name used among technical people. Man-made diamonds was a name used by much of the…
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Separating Lab-Grown from Natural Diamonds
Contrary to some marketing messages, lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are not identical in every way. Lab-grown diamonds are produced at Earth’s surface by two different processes: HPHT (high pressure high temperature) and CVD (chemical vapor deposition). Diamond crystals grown in these manufacturing processes inherit characteristics of the manufacturing process that can be used to…
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Separating Lab-Grown from Imitation Diamonds
An ability to positively identify natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and the many imitation materials is essential today for several reasons. First, significant price differences exist between these materials. Second, diamond customers are cautious and want to know exactly what they are buying. And, third, the reputation of every business that sells diamonds is at risk.…
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History of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds have been produced since the 1950s. Nearly all of the earliest lab-grown diamonds were put to industrial uses such as making abrasive granules for cutting, drilling, and polishing tools. At that time, lab-grown diamonds had color and clarity issues which made them unsuitable for use as gems. One of the main incentives for…
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What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that have been made by people. Just like the natural diamonds that form deep within the Earth, lab-grown diamonds are a crystalline form of carbon with a cubic (isometric) crystal structure. Lab-grown diamonds have chemical, physical, and gemological properties that are the same as natural diamonds. However, the manufacturing processes used to produce…
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Social Importance of Jade
In the United States and Europe, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, opals, garnets, and a few other gems are much more popular than jade. Jade is not thought to be as precious in these regions as it is in China. The Chinese have a much higher regard for jade than any other people. For thousands of years, jade has been the most…