WARRNAMBOOL GEM CLUB
Gemstones can take many forms. The most common forms are cabachons, faceted gems, tumbled gems, carved gemstones and slices of polished rock.
FACETED GEMSTONES
Cabachons: are dome shaped stones, often oval in shape, but can be circular or ‘free-
Faceted gemstones: are gems cut with facets (flat faces) which are positioned to maximise the beauty of the gem. This is Rose quartz faceted using a ‘Heart shaped cut’.
Tumbled gems are formed by ‘tumbling’ a stone in water and abrasive grits. Generally used for lower value materials, they can still form very attractive gems. The above gems are Agates from Agate Ck, Queensland
Carved gems can be produced from many different gem materials, usually using diamond burrs to shape the stone.
Polished slabs of gem material can be very attractive.The top slab is a Tasmanian Agate, the lower slab is Malachite from Africa.
Varying shades and cuts of citrine (quartz)
Golden Beryl, Pendelque cut, 9.1ct
Topaz, Superflash One cut, 12.9ct
Topaz, Oval cut, 19.2ct
Mortlake Olivine, Superflash One cut, 2.1ct
Watermelon tourmaline, Barion freeform cut, 6.8ct
Smokey Quartz, Portuguese cut, 18.8ct
FACETED GEMSTONES: the following photos illustrate some of the many cuts and types of gemstones that facetors use in their hobby. If you are interested in learning to facet, contact a Gem Club or the Australian Facetors Guild.
Ametrine, Cushion cut, 8.8ct
Apatite, Standard Brilliant cut, 3ct
Citrine, Pear cut, 11ct
Rose Quartz, Heart cut, 14.8ct
Tourmaline, showing a selection of different cuts and colours.
Amethyst quartz and ametrine, a variety of cuts.