PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF GEMSTONES

   

Gemstones cannot typically be classified simply by their color, as the same gem may occur in many shades.  To properly identify a gem it is necessary to look to other characteristics of the material.  A brief list of the most commonly used physical characteristics appears below.  

     To view information on a particular stone either scroll down through the list below, or click on one of the links to the left.  Additional information on the gem properties is included at the end of the list, as is a list of links to other sites.