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Identifying rough gems https://www.gemologyonline.com/Forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=7557 |
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Author: | Gem [ Sat Feb 07, 2009 8:23 am ] |
Post subject: | Identifying rough gems |
Hi there everyone I really battle with identifying rough gems as I can't seem to grasp the idea of crystal systems and habit, no matter how many times I read my FGA notes, various gem books and online articles on the subject. I understand the laws of the crystal systems but I can't seem to "see" the crystal system in a gem. Are there any guidelines to working it out or is it just something that needs lots of practice? I'd really appreciate any help as this is a pretty big problem for someone studying gem identification!! Many thanks Gem (- seriously!) |
Author: | Jason Barrett [ Sat Feb 07, 2009 1:58 pm ] |
Post subject: | |
I find it rather confusing sometimes too. Let's not forget mineral epimorphs, pseudomorphs, multiple crystal systems and habits for the same mineral..... |
Author: | Doos [ Sat Feb 07, 2009 2:38 pm ] |
Post subject: | |
Hi, Think of the different forms that make a "habit" as lego tiles (the "forms") with which you can make different shapes (the habit). With a lot of cubes you can build 2 pyramids (as they did in Egypt), glue them together at the base and you have an octahedron .. one of the shapes (or better "habits") of the cubic system. Hope that helped a bit. |
Author: | Gem [ Tue Feb 10, 2009 12:21 pm ] |
Post subject: | |
Hi there Thank you all so very much for your help. I guess not putting so much emphasis on the crystal system is what I can take away from this. Thanks especially to Doos, I didn't think I'd ever understand habit and form so clearly!! They make so much sense now. |
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