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 Post subject: Emerald or tourmaline in Matrix
PostPosted: Sun Aug 07, 2016 10:56 pm 
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I was looking at a matrix that contained crystal could be emerald could be tourmaline. What's the difference in the matrix that would give you clues to what it might be. ( Just looking at the other clues to identify gems)

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 Post subject: Re: Emerald or tourmaline in Matrix
PostPosted: Mon Aug 08, 2016 11:07 am 
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They can both occur in quartz. You wouldn't expect tourmaline in limestone or calcite as with emerald. They can occur together in some cases, black tourmaline and emerald are often together in NC Crabtree emerald-matrix material (cuts amazing cabochons!)

But the long and short answer is you should be able to tell the two apart directly. Tourmaline is rarely a proper emerald green, and the bulgy triangular cross-section should be a slam dunk. Tourmaline can be hexagonal in cross-section but it's unusual, and where it overlaps with emerald green color (eg Mogok uvite) other aspects of the crystal form should probably distinguish them.

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 Post subject: Re: Emerald or tourmaline in Matrix
PostPosted: Tue Aug 09, 2016 1:07 am 
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The unfortunate piece has seen its better days xtals were mostly chips. It does have a nice green color but no distinct form. The fellow is convinced its emerald, who am I to argue. But it got me thinking about the different host materials gems come in and what that might tell us or not tell us.

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 Post subject: Re: Emerald or tourmaline in Matrix
PostPosted: Sat Aug 13, 2016 10:29 pm 
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Try using a Dichroscope.


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 Post subject: Re: Emerald or tourmaline in Matrix
PostPosted: Sun Aug 14, 2016 12:23 am 
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Not there yet Doc. But soon, labs in Nov for grading colored stones and diamonds, and a pearl lab then I start colored stone ID in January.

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 Post subject: Re: Emerald or tourmaline in Matrix
PostPosted: Mon Aug 22, 2016 2:38 pm 
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Dan&Sally wrote:
Not there yet Doc. But soon, labs in Nov for grading colored stones and diamonds, and a pearl lab then I start colored stone ID in January.

Sorry, but you have it all backwards. You can learn basic Gem ID in two days with the basic instruments. Send me your mailing address and I will send you a "Free" dichroscope.


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 Post subject: Re: Emerald or tourmaline in Matrix
PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2016 11:14 am 
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Thanks Doc, but I have one, new sitting in its box. Just havent taken the time to go there. I appreciate your offer.

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