Folkmarketgems Blog - Learn Natural Gemstones, Minerals, Crystals Info, News, Tips, Researches

Luster is the property of minerals to reflect the light from the outer surface of the gemstones. These reflections of light are internal and make it look transparent in the case of facet stones. The light inside gemstones cannot be called luster. The properties of gemstones equated with luster are often defined as an outer image of the surface of a gemstone that makes it look brighter externally. Luster makes the mineral appear shiny or not shiny depending amount of light reflected from the gemstones. Gemstones and minerals can have a metallic appearance and sometimes they can be labeled as non-metallic luster. Scientifically, luster is defined as a shine in stones that is emitted when light is reflected from the surface of stones which is observable under the illumination.  How Luster is observed? Luster is usually observed under direct illumination of light. The light passes through the specimen and it reflects light to display the luster of minerals or gemstones. The examination of stones is to move the specimen through different wavelengths of light to observe at various angles to check the luster.  What are Types of Lusters in Stones?  There are different types of terms are used to define luster in minerals and gemstones. It includes the following terminologies that include Adamant, Vitreous, Silky, Greasy, etc.  There are two main types of Luster  Metallic (such as pyrite , hematite) Non Metallic (all gemstones) Nonmetallic Luster Many of the mineral specimens don't have any kind of metallic or sub-metallic luster. These minerals and their specimens are called "nonmetallic" luster. Many types of minerals have nonmetallic luster. The nonmetallic luster in gemstones and minerals can be characterized into the following types. Adamantine Sub Adamantine Vitreous  Sub Vitreous  Greasy Silky Pearly Resinous Waxy Dull Non-Metallic Luster Appearance Adamantine Sparkly Earthy Dull, clay-like Pearly Pearl-like Resinous Like resins, such as tree sap Silky Soft-looking with long fibers Vitreous Glassy Adamantine Adamantine is the ability of gemstones to shine or sparkle. For example, Diamond. Adamantine luster in minerals or gemstones has a high refractive index, which is between 1.9 and 2.6. Examples of adamantine luster are cerussite and anglesite.  Sub-Adamantine Sub-admantine has a luster that is relatively lighter the full adamantine-like diamonds. They have a close affinity to the adamantine and fall into category that is similar to the adamantine for example, Cubic Zircon.  Vitreous Some gemstones have a glass-like outer surface which includes tourmaline, Quartz, and topaz. Most gems have a vitreous or in other words, the glass-like surface is also called luster. It includes beryl, quartz, topaz, ruby, emerald, and other gemstones that have a refractive capacity that is between the range of 1.50 and 1.70 on its measurement scale. Sub-Vitreous Subvitreous is the ability of the gemstones that have a low reflection of light on the surface of gemstones. One the examples of sub- vitreous gemstones is fluorite. Greasy Some gems have a greasy surface that makes them look like oil-like or layer of a fat on its surface. Examples of greasy gemstones are serpentine, garnet, or peridot. The luster is not evenly distributed on the polished surface of gemstones but appears randomly or makes gemstones look flat in some areas on the surface. Silky The gemstones that have a silky luster are due to the fibrous material, for instance, gypsum and Malachite. The silky luster is also found in Ulexite or moonstone. The hemstone having silky luster often looks like fabric in its appearance and texture. The polished tiger's eye has a glassy luster that has a fibrous body. Pearly Some gemstones have a pearly outer surface that is similar to the pearl that is whitish in appearance. Some of the gemstones display iridescent play of colors on their surfaces that make them look different from other types of luster. Resinous Amber was found and preserved in prehistoric plants. The gemstone that falls into the category of resinous luster forms thick waxy substances on the surface of the gemstones for example, Sphalerite has a resinous luster. These gemstones are soft and have low refractive capacity like Amber and Opal. Waxy Some gemstones look like that has thick wax on the surface. The best example is turquoise and Opals. Jade is another mineral with a waxy luster. Waxy minerals are slightly transparent to translucent. The waxy minerals have small mineral extracts that disperse the light making it more waxy in its appearance. Most of these minerals will improve their appearance and bring out their color better with good polish. Dull Some of the gemstones have a dull luster as it is very low light. The dullness of luster has a fine surface like a grain. The dull luster is described as an "earthy" luster. The dull luster is non-reflective. The dull luster is a rough and porous surface that diverges the light instead of reflecting on minerals. Kaolinite, limonite, and hematite have a dull or earthy luster. Metallic The gemstones and minerals have metallic traces in them. Pyrite and Hematite are two examples that have ores of metal. Metallic gemstones are not used due to traces of metals in them.  The metallic minerals have the same color as the metals such as gold, silver, or copper. The metallic gemstone specimens are more reflective and don't lose their metallic luster. They appear to be opaque and have the same color as a metal.

Gemstones and mineral world is a big market in USA. Everyyear huge events and exhibitions are held to develop this bueinsse. This article highlights the main USA gemstone market trends and practices.

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Selecting the stones to begin gemstone cutting is definitely a challenging. We have discussed in this article on the stones suitable for initiating this faceting process.

Why are Red Gemstones Popular?  Red jewels have been a constant fashion for kings and queens throughout in the history. Because red gems are  so rare. Rubies stand out among them as the most precious and valuable stone. Red, sign of  passion and love, holds a special place in human society and is often used for engagement rings , valentine day and  weddings. Its vivid red color and deep symbolism have always been attracting the hearts, making it irresistible across time and cultural boundaries. The irresistible appeal of red gemstones never fades. Red represents the eternal power of love and the everlasting beauty of precious gemstones. Are Red Stones Expensive? Yes, red stones, especially red-precious stones, are expensive because they hold high market value due to demand and low supply. There is a significant demand for red stones, and they are commonly worn at various events such as weddings, engagements, Valentine's Day, and anniversaries. During season of such events, red stone demands becomes high. Red has always been a favorite among people, making red stones lovers and they valued them for their beauty. List of Red gemstones Names with Color Shades Here is a list of the most popular red gemstones and minerals:- Detail of Popular Red Gemstones Names and FolkmarketGems Deals Folkmarketgems offers a  variety of red stones, perfect for jewelry designers. We have a red faceted stones, facet rough red stones, red crystals, cabochons and tumbles as well as red stone jewelry also pendants available. Here are some examples of what Folkmarketgems offers in red gemstones, is listed below:- Red Precious Gemstones 1-Red Ruby Stone Rubies are red because they contain chromium in them . This mixes with the structure of gem's making it bright red. Folkmarket has a miners in Kashmir that work for us in Pakistan. we have a wide range of red  selection of  gemstones such as . Pigeon Blood Kashmir Rubies  Burmese Rubies  African Rubies Afghan Rubies Tajik Rubies Type of Red Rubies we offer:- One can find different varieties of Red Rubies at Folkmarketgems such as below:- Raw facet grade Red Rubies raw stones for lapidary work  loose stones for jewelry making Cabochons and beads  Raw Rubies Crystals with hexagonal shapes  Color of Rubies red shades Birthstone Month: Ruby is a birthstone of July.  2-Red Sapphires Red Sapphires are popular for their stunning crimson hue. They are extremely rare in natural. Typically, sapphires come in many other colors such as such as blue, yellow, and pink, but the red variety of the sapphires is exceptionally scarce. Kashmir Sapphires, coming from Kashmir valley of Batakundi area in Pakistan, possesses reddish-pink sapphires in 100% natural form. Unlike treated, imitated or synthetic sapphires, these Kashmir sapphires are completely natural. This makes them more valuable for collectors. Other type of red sapphires are beryllium heated which are actually given color by beryllium heat treatment.  At Folkmarketgems, we are offering following type of red sapphires. Our collection showcases the mesmerizing beauty of rare gems like Kashmir Sapphires, providing customers with the opportunity to own an extraordinary piece of nature. 100% Natural Kashmir Sapphires African Sapphires with Beryllium Heat Treatment Type of Red Rubies we offer:- One can find different varieties of Red Rubies at Folkmarketgems such as below:- Raw Kashmir Sapphires for faceting  Rough Kashmir Sapphires for lapidary work such as cabbing, tumbling, beading Faceted Kashmir Sapphires Stones Kashmir Sapphires Tripeche Birthstone Month for Sapphires: Sapphire is birthstone of September Month. Red Semi Precious Stones 1- Red Tourmaline (Rubilite) There are many red tourmaline varieties such as pink tourmaline, rubilite tourmaline, watermelon tourmaline.  Folkmarketgems have following red tourmaline types Raw Tourmaline crystals  Loose tourmaline for jewelry designing Watermelon red tourmaline slices  Birthstone Month: Tourmaline is a birthstone of October and perfect for October babies.  2-Red Garnets We have a lot of varieties of red garnets such as Almandine garnets, Rhodolite garnets, Pyrope garnets. These are all varieties of red garnets. Garnets are found in Pakistan, Afghanistan, African countries, Myanmar and many other countries. Here is listed the different types of red garnets available.  1. Almandine Garnets: Almandine garnets have normally deep red to reddish-brown in color. They are one of the most common types of garnets. These garnets often have a high refractive index which gives them brilliance.  2. Rhodolite Garnets: Rhodolite garnets are a purplish-red to pinkish-red variety of garnet. They have lighter red hue compared to Almandine garnets. However, rhodolite garnets with purple are quite rare.  3. Pyrope Garnets: Pyrope garnets are typically a deep, blood-red color. They are famous for their intense red hue. These garnets are sometimes referred to as "carbuncle" due to their resemblance to a glowing ember. Type of Red Garnets with Folkmarketgems Facet Grade Rough Red Garnets Cabochon Grade Raw  Red Garnet Mineral Specimens Loose garnets Garnet cabochons Birthstone Month: Garnet is birthstone of January.  3-Red Spinels We also offer red spinels in raw and cut. Normally spinels come in various colors such as pink, red, blue, grey, violet, lavender and many others. Red spinels are extremely rare and they are often worn at replacement of rubies. There are many shades of red spinels. In the past times, spinels used to be taken as rubies during first discovery. Red spinels are still expensive due to their rarity.  Type of red spinels with Folkmarketgems Raw spinels Cabs grade rough spinels Loose Spinels Spinel Crystals for collectors  Birthstone Month: Spinels ka birthstone August.  4- Red Zircons Red Zircons are popular for their bright red color and diamond like brilliance. Due to their density and hardness they give brilliance like that of diamonds. Popular zircon colors are brown, yellow, white, blue. Red among them is quite rare. Red zircons are coming from Skardu, Pakistan. Typically, these zircon specimens are found in their natural crystal form, perfect for crystal collectors. Varieties of Zircons with Folkmarket Raw Zircon Crystals Loose Zircon Crystals Red Zircon mineral specimens Birthstone Month: Zircon is the birthstone of December.  5-Red Calcite Calcite is an abundant stone and found in many countries. Red Calcite is also coming from Pakistan and Afghanistan. Type of red Calcite Stone with Folkmarketgems Cabs grade raw calcite Calcite Tumbles Calcite handicrafts Calcite Cabochons / Beads  Birthstone Month for Calcite:  Calcite is brithstone of June.  6-Pinkish Red Apatite A unique variant of pink apatite, famous as reddish pink Apatite, is sourced from Nagar and Skardu in Pakistan. Pink Apatite itself is an exceptionally rare type of apatite variety. The beautiful pink apatite crystals found in Pakistan are particularly striking in combination with mica, aquamarine. These specimens are quite unique always and beautiful in formation. Type of Red Apatite Stone with Folkmarketgems Mineral Specimens Birthstone Month: Apatite is considered as March 7- Vayrynenite Vayrynenite is newly found stone being sourced from Pakistan. This is a peach pink with reddish tone stone. The stone is quite rare variety of gemstones and minerals. Gem quality varynenite is hardly found.  Type of Red Vayryneite Stone with Folkmarketgems Raw crystals Mineral Specimens Loose Vayrynenite Stones Birthstone Month: This can be considered as birthstone for the month of July.  7-Reddish Pink Topaz Red pink or Reddish Orange topaz is variety of imperial topaz. In natural form, it is a very very rare stone. The Pakistan mine of Katlang is producing some rare hot pinkish red topaz. However hot red topaz is normally irradiated which are popular in Brazilian topaz. We have following topaz varieties in our stock Type of Red Topaz Stone with Folkmarketgems Raw Topaz  Loose Topaz Stones Topaz Crystals Topaz Mineral Specimens for collectors Birthstone Month for Topaz: Topaz is a birthstone for the month of November.  7-Rhodonite Stones Rhodonite stone is a red stone that comes from Africa. It is a red-colored stone having a slight pink hue. Mostly, Rhodonite crystal comes in cabochon grade, and gem-quality Rhodonite is very rare. Rhodonite is also a mineral known for its unique reddish tone. Normally cabochon grade rough rhodolite is sourced in larged quantity. They are used in jewelry making. Rhodonite crystals are kept for collection if they come in good termination. Gem-quality Rhodonite refers to such quality which must have clarity, color, and maximum lack of imperfections, making them highly ideal for collectors and jewelry designers. However, getting gem quality Rhodonite is quite rare. A rarity of gem quality adds value to its market price.  What Folkmarketgems offers in rhodonite stones:- Type of Red Rhodonite Stone with Folkmarketgems Raw Rhodonite Stones Raw Rhodonite Crystals Rhodonite cabochons Birthstone Month for Rhodonite: Rhodonite is a birthstone for the m/o July.  8-Red Agate Agate has lot of varieties with different patterns. Red agate is one of the popular stone in Asian countries. They think red agate or Aqiq as holy stones. We have lot of red agate stones with us. Agate is an abundant stone which is found almost in mostly countries.    What Folkmarketgems offers in red agate stones:- Type of Red agate Stone with Folkmarketgems Raw Agate Stones Red Agate Cabochons Red Agate beads strings Birthstone Month for Red Agate: Red agate is also associated with the m/o of May. 9-Red Sunstone Sunstone present a shimmering effect which typically contains inclusions of hematite or goethite. When light reflects in parallel of these inclusions, it results in shimmering or sparkling shades of reddish gold color. Sunstones are primarily found in cabochon grade stones.   Derived from its name, "sunstone," sunstone is inked to the characteristics of the sun. Just as the sun provides energy to life, so too is this belief associated with sunstone—it's believed to infuse energy to give life.  What Folkmarketgems offers in red sunstone stones:- Type of Red sunstone Stone with Folkmarketgems Raw Sunstones for faceting Rough Sunstones for cabbing sunstone cabochons Birthstone Month for Red Sunstone: 10-Reddish Pink Fluorite Reddish pink fluorite is coming from Skardu Pakistan and sometimes it comes with hot reddish pink. This type of fluorite is a rare variety of fluorite. The popular colors of fluorite are purple, green with less producing in yellow and blue. The rarest colors in fluorite are black, colorless and pink.   Type of Reddish Pink Fluorite Stone with Folkmarketgems Pink Fluorite Specimens or crystals on mica Birthstone Month for Fluorite: Fluorite is birthstone of February.  Conclusion Apart from above red stones, Folkmarketgems receive lot of gemstones regularly  and we list them on our store time to time. These are only a few stones we have highlighted above. However the list of red gemstones go on.   

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