How to Identify Natural Rough Gemstones

Natural, raw gemstones are not the gems you find in your local jewelry store. Before a diamond or ruby is formed into what is commonly seen in rings and necklaces, it has a rough appearance with little sparkle. Raw gems are worth more than their polished, cut counterparts. They are found in many mining towns throughout the world and are highly sought. Before jumping for joy at any find, you must first know how to identify a rough, natural gemstone.

Instructions

1

Examine the color of your gem. Raw, natural gems have the appearance of colored glass. Colors start at the core of the gem and spread to the outer edges. The gems are also translucent, allowing light through the entire stone, not just the outer shell.

2

Look closely for natural grooves, valleys and crevices in your gem. These indicate exposure to the natural elements and are a normal occurrence. Imperfections do not take away from a gem's value.

3

Feel the edges of your gem. Natural, raw gems have sharper edges than standard rocks. This is because of the mineral buildup over the years that formed the gemstone. Use caution when checking the edges, as it is easy to cut your skin.

4

Apply pressure to your gem. To truly be identified as a raw gem, there can be no movement or reshaping by bare hands. Metallic ores look like gems but are worthless. These ores are easily bent and manipulated.

5

Examine the inner workings of your gem. Crystal formations may appear within the gem as small grains or larger seed-like imperfections. Many of these imperfections are noticed by the naked eye; however, smaller grains may require the use of a jeweler's loupe.