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Diamonds, Garnets, and Gold: Where and How

Derek Bell

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Published in Prospecting For Precious Minerals In North Carolina: Diamonds Garnets And Gold Where And How

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Diamonds, garnets, and gold are some of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones in the world. They are used in jewelry, currency, and industrial applications. If you're interested in learning more about these precious stones, this comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know.

Prospecting for Precious Minerals in North Carolina: Diamonds, Garnets and Gold – where and how

by Lloyd Woodward

4.1 out of 5

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Diamonds

Diamonds are the hardest known natural material. They are composed of pure carbon and have a crystalline structure that gives them their characteristic brilliance. Diamonds are found in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and blue. The most valuable diamonds are colorless and have a high clarity.

Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme heat and pressure. They are brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions. Diamonds are found in a variety of geological settings, including kimberlite pipes and alluvial deposits.

The world's largest diamond mines are located in South Africa, Russia, and Canada. However, diamonds are also found in other countries, including the United States, Australia, and Brazil.

The value of a diamond is determined by its carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. Carat weight is the weight of the diamond in carats. Color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Clarity is graded on a scale from FL (flawless) to I3 (included). Cut refers to the shape and proportions of the diamond.

Garnets

Garnets are a group of silicate minerals that are typically red in color. However, garnets can also be found in other colors, including orange, yellow, green, and purple. Garnets are found in a variety of geological settings, including metamorphic rocks, igneous rocks, and pegmatites.

The most common type of garnet is almandine. Almandine garnets are typically dark red in color. Other types of garnets include pyrope, grossular, and spessartine.

Garnets are found in a variety of countries, including the United States, Russia, India, and Sri Lanka. The world's largest garnet mine is located in Arizona.

The value of a garnet is determined by its color, clarity, and size. Color is the most important factor in determining the value of a garnet. The most valuable garnets are deep red in color. Clarity is also important, with flawless garnets being the most valuable. Size is also a factor, with larger garnets being more valuable.

Gold

Gold is a precious metal that has been used for centuries to make jewelry, currency, and other objects. Gold is a relatively soft metal, but it is very malleable and ductile, making it easy to work with.

Gold is found in a variety of geological settings, including alluvial deposits, veins, and hydrothermal deposits. Alluvial deposits are formed when gold is eroded from its original source and deposited in rivers and streams.

The world's largest gold mines are located in China, Australia, Russia, and the United States. However, gold is also found in other countries, including Canada, South Africa, and Peru.

The value of gold is determined by its purity and weight. Purity is measured in karats. 24-karat gold is pure gold. 18-karat gold is 75% gold and 25% other metals.

Diamonds, garnets, and gold are valuable and beautiful gemstones that have been used for centuries. This comprehensive guide has provided you with the information you need to know about these precious stones, including where and how to find them, their geological origins, and the factors that affect their value.

Prospecting for Precious Minerals in North Carolina: Diamonds, Garnets and Gold – where and how

by Lloyd Woodward

4.1 out of 5