Article
Society for Science and the Public

Science News for Students: These Gems Make Their Own Way

For Students 9th - 10th
Discusses past efforts to make artificial gemstones, the different methods used to make them today, and possible applications for this technology. (Date of article: May 25, 2010)
Activity
Other

Rockhound Arkansas: Quartz as Gems

For Students 9th - 10th
This article discusses different varieties of quartz that are used as gemstones. A general description of each is given, including its historical background and physical makeup. This page is part of an excellent, detailed website about...
Website
Amethyst Galleries

Amethyst Galleries: Mineral Gallery:

For Students 9th - 10th
This site gives is an entry portal to information on gems and gemstones, including pictures of specimens and details on their physical properties and where they can be found.
Handout
Jewelry Central

Jewelry Central: Amethyst

For Students 9th - 10th
Information on this commercial site gives the physical properties and origin of the amethyst, as well as some of the mythical and metaphysical properties ascribed to the gemstone.
Handout
Jewelry Central

Jewelry Central: Opal

For Students 9th - 10th
This page contains information about the opal, including the gemstone's historical importance and physical properties.
Handout
Jewelry Central

Jewelry Central: Jade

For Students 9th - 10th
This site contains information on the gemstone jade, including physical characteristics, historical significance, and where it is found.
Handout
Jewelry Central

Jewelry Central: Moonstone

For Students 9th - 10th
An article on a commercial site describing the physical characteristics of this gemstone, along with its historical and metaphysical properties.
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Gems of Antiquity

For Students 9th - 10th
The beauty of carved gemstones has captivated craftsmen, collectors, and connoisseurs since antiquity. Precious markers of culture and status, gems were sought by Greek and Roman elites, and are still valued by modern monarchs and...
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Gems and Their Creation

For Students 9th - 10th
A gem is a precious or semiprecious stone that has been cut, polished, engraved, or otherwise altered to be used as a personal insignia for making sealings or as decoration. Often imported from afar, ancient gems were truly exotic, and...
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Ruby (Gemstone)

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from the Wikipedia encyclopedia gives a definition and information on hardness, value determination, and natural versus artificial rubies. Links are provided throughout for additional information on related subjects.
Website
Other

Gem Hut: Agate (Chalcedony) Gemstones

For Students 9th - 10th
Contains general information on agate, including links to information about various varieties. Commercial site, good for pictures of varieties of agate.
Handout
Other

Icga: Aquamarine, Gem of the Sea

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief description of the physical properties of the aquamarine gemstone, along with a perspective on its history and metaphysical properties.
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Topaz

For Students 9th - 10th
This encyclopedia article from Wikipedia provides a general overview of the gemstone topaz. Liinks are provided for additional information on related subjects.
Handout
Other

International Colored Gemstone Association: Sapphire

For Students 9th - 10th
Site contains information on sapphires, including its history, symbolism, and physical properties.
Website
Other

Gem Hut: Moonstone Gemstones

For Students 9th - 10th
This commercial site gives a brief description of moonstone with pictures of finished stones.
Website
Other

Bob's Rock Shop

For Students 9th - 10th
This enormous, non-commercial site provides links to information on everything from the properties of gemstones and minerals, to tips on purchasing them, to mounting them for jewelry.
Handout
Other

Icga: Jade

For Students 9th - 10th
This thorough site covers the history of jade along with how jade is sold and used today.
Graphic
Curated OER

Ancient Carved Gems

For Students 9th - 10th
Online exhibition site includes video demonstration of gem-carving techniques, side-by-side comparison of intaglios and cameos, and examples of gemstones carved by ancient Greeks, some of which have been set into jewelry.
Graphic
Curated OER

Apollo / Solon

For Students 9th - 10th
Online exhibition site includes video demonstration of gem-carving techniques, side-by-side comparison of intaglios and cameos, and examples of gemstones carved by ancient Greeks, some of which have been set into jewelry.
Graphic
Curated OER

Diomedes and the Palladion / Dioskourides

For Students 9th - 10th
Online exhibition site includes video demonstration of gem-carving techniques, side-by-side comparison of intaglios and cameos, and examples of gemstones carved by ancient Greeks, some of which have been set into jewelry.
Graphic
Curated OER

Mark Antony / Gnaios

For Students 9th - 10th
Online exhibition site includes video demonstration of gem-carving techniques, side-by-side comparison of intaglios and cameos, and examples of gemstones carved by ancient Greeks, some of which have been set into jewelry.
Graphic
Curated OER

Youth Adjusting His Sandal / Epimenes

For Students 9th - 10th
Online exhibition site includes video demonstration of gem-carving techniques, side-by-side comparison of intaglios and cameos, and examples of gemstones carved by ancient Greeks, some of which have been set into jewelry.
Website
Amethyst Galleries

Amethyst Galleries: Mineral Gallery: The Garnet Group of Minerals

For Students 9th - 10th
This site gives information of the physical and chemical characteristics of all the different kinds of minerals in the garnet group.
Lesson Plan
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Education: Minerals, Crystals, and Gems

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Through this series of three lessons, students will gain an understanding of the basics of mineral science. In their investigation they will also work through the scientific process as they practice their observation skills, form...

Other popular searches