The chemistry, properties and tests of precious stonesMastin, John
Science
The chemistry, properties and tests of precious stones
Mastin, John
Precious stones
In many of these cases the specific gravity varies from .11 to .20, but
the above are the average figures obtained from a number of samples
specially and separately weighed. In some instances this difference may
cause a slight overlapping of the groups, as in group C, where the
chrysoberyl may weigh from 3.689 to 3.752, thus bringing the heavier
varieties of the stone into group B, but in all cases where overlapping
occurs, the colour, form, and the self-evident character of the stone
are in themselves sufficient for classification, the specific gravity
proving genuineness. This is especially appreciated when it is
remembered that so far science has been unable (except in very rare
instances of no importance) to manufacture any stone of the same colour
as the genuine and at the same time of the same specific gravity. Either
the colour and characteristics suffer in obtaining the required weight
or density, or if the colour and other properties of an artificial stone
are made closely to resemble the real, then the specific gravity is so
greatly different, either more or less, as at once to stamp the jewel as
false. In the very few exceptions where chemically-made gems even
approach the real in hardness, colour, specific gravity, &c., they cost
so much to obtain and the difficulties of production are so great that
they become mere chemical curiosities, far more costly than the real
gems. Further, they are so much subject to chemical action, and are so
susceptible to their surroundings, that their purity and stability
cannot be maintained for long even if kept airtight; consequently these
ultra-perfect "imitations" are of no commercial value whatever as
jewels, even though they may successfully withstand two or three tests.
CHAPTER IX.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES.
G--HEAT.
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