Since the hosts don’t tell you guys this...

[2Blonde]

I've been a gemstone fanatic since I first started with HSN in 1992. They used to have a great selection of beautiful gemstone jewelry set in gold, and they gave lots of information about the gems when they were selling them. I went on tp buy four different gemstone books, which I read religiously. I used to attend the International Gem shows when they used to come to Cleveland a couple times a year. I saw beautiful 6-8 carat Colombian emeralds, and AAAA tanzanites there. At least I saw what the top gems were supposed to look like, even if I couldn't afford them. Those were the days!

I'd be embarrassed to say how many gemstone pieces I've accumulated over the years, many of which have become very rare or expensive. I made it a point to educate myself on every gem. Even though I have rings and bracelets in many of the less durable gems, I've never cracked or lost a gem from any of those. What usually happens with softer stones (especially in bracelets) is they will get scratched and start to look cloudy over time (apatite is famous for this). The only gemstones I've ever chipped were ametrines and citrines, oddly enough. I love bright colors, so my favorite gemstones are opals, ammolite, and colored sapphires. Overall, I'd say the colored sapphires (especially the red/orange ones) are my favorite. That's a good thing since they are very durable as well!

[Kittycat]

I too went to the Gem show in Cleveland at the IX Center as I live so close, I sure miss it, I did buy a lot there. I also started shopping 30 yrs ago at HSN and use to buy a lot of Emeralds in gold as Emerald is my birthstone. I did buy Tanzanite too, but is is light compared to what I purchased from Shop LC.

[Moderator_Connor]

I decided to create a post because I’m seeing several threads about jewelry care and it upsets me that SLC hosts spend more time talking about mines closing than they do about care for your jewelry. Below are a list of gemstones that are not intended for everyday wear. I will also note which ones are not even intended to be put in rings yet SLC continues to sell them as rings without a disclaimer:

These are the ones that I could think of at the top of my head but I will add more if I think of others. Feel free to ask questions about other minerals I didn’t list here! I’m a scientist so this is my favorite thing to talk about!

Good Afternoon, Gemaholic!

Thank you for providing this information! In regards to the specific gemstones listed here, I have provided a link to their Education Center pages with information any of our users can access. Of course, they can be collectively accessed via the Gemstone List, here: https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemstone-list

Russian Diopside: https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemsto ... de-russian

Neon Apatite: https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemsto ... gache-neon

Kunzite: https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemstone-kunzite

Ethiopian Welo Opal: https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemsto ... opian-welo

Lapis Lazuli: https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemstone-lapis-lazuli

Pearl(s): https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemstone-pearl-akoya
https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemstone-pearl-edison
https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemsto ... l-tahitian
https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemsto ... -south-sea

Shungite: https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemstone-shungite

Citrine: https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemsto ... -brazilian

Additionally, I do see the extra informative details you provided, and have forwarded this information to our Content Editor to look into this and get the respective pages updated to ensure accurate reflection of the information.

[Gemaholic]

I decided to create a post because I’m seeing several threads about jewelry care and it upsets me that SLC hosts spend more time talking about mines closing than they do about care for your jewelry. Below are a list of gemstones that are not intended for everyday wear. I will also note which ones are not even intended to be put in rings yet SLC continues to sell them as rings without a disclaimer:

These are the ones that I could think of at the top of my head but I will add more if I think of others. Feel free to ask questions about other minerals I didn’t list here! I’m a scientist so this is my favorite thing to talk about!

Good Afternoon, Gemaholic!

Thank you for providing this information! In regards to the specific gemstones listed here, I have provided a link to their Education Center pages with information any of our users can access. Of course, they can be collectively accessed via the Gemstone List, here: https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemstone-list

Russian Diopside: https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemsto ... de-russian

Neon Apatite: https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemsto ... gache-neon

Kunzite: https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemstone-kunzite

Ethiopian Welo Opal: https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemsto ... opian-welo

Lapis Lazuli: https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemstone-lapis-lazuli

Pearl(s): https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemstone-pearl-akoya
https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemstone-pearl-edison
https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemsto ... l-tahitian
https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemsto ... -south-sea

Shungite: https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemstone-shungite

Citrine: https://www.shoplc.com/education/gemsto ... -brazilian

Additionally, I do see the extra informative details you provided, and have forwarded this information to our Content Editor to look into this and get the respective pages updated to ensure accurate reflection of the information.

Thank you Connor. Not everyone comes to the forum or uses the education section, so it would be nice if the hosts would talk about this. I've watched this channel since 2007 and they never once covered what I covered. In addition to SLC's education section, this info is readily available on the internet if anyone wants to find out for themselves. SLC tends to leave stuff out and many of us are frustrated by the lack of information given to make a quick sale.

[Margui]

I decided to create a post because I’m seeing several threads about jewelry care and it upsets me that SLC hosts spend more time talking about mines closing than they do about care for your jewelry. Below are a list of gemstones that are not intended for everyday wear. I will also note which ones are not even intended to be put in rings yet SLC continues to sell them as rings without a disclaimer:

1. Russian Chrome Diopside: this is not a durable stone! It is not intended to be put in rings so it is very susceptible to losing stones or chipping. It’s best as a pendent. It’s only between a 5 and a 6 on the Moh’s scale of hardness. If you choose to wear this, wear it with caution and do not wear it during cleaning, lifting, working out, etc.

2. Neon Apatite: This one will sadden a lot of you as it is so beautiful and you will want to wear it all the time. This is also a fragile stone and is not suited for rings. It’s only a FIVE on the Moh’s scale of hardness and is very brittle (making it weaker). If put in rings, it most likely will fall out no matter how good the prongs are. It’s best to wear it if you literally will be standing around and the only task you have is holding your merlot in one hand (or whatever your drink of choice is). I have experienced this many times and so has other family members of mine. It is also heat sensitive so keep in mind if you choose to wear it on a hot day or cook with it on.

3. Kunzite: will fade in the sun! It is called a night stone for a reason! Do not wear this during the day or you will see your beautiful Kunzite lose its vibrancy and color!

4. Ethiopian Welo Opal: there are several different kinds of opals. They are mineraloids, not minerals, so they’re a little bit trickier than typical minerals. They are extremely temperature sensitive. Do not subject them to extreme heat or extreme cold. Welo Opals are hydrophane opals which means they absorb water very easily which then turns it yellow. Sometimes it will return to its natural color after it has dried, but I have rarely or never saw it return to its beautiful state after it got wet.

5. Lapis Lazuli- one of my favorites but it is also only a 5 on the Moh’s Scale. This stone is actually not a mineral, but a rock that is composed of the minerals Calcite, Pyrite, and Lazurite(which gives it the beautiful cobalt blue color). It is very soft and should not be left in water too long. I have collected this rock on my rockhounding trips, and I can assure you, it is very sensitive to water. I’ve left some lapis rocks in water too long and have seen it shrink in size considerably. I can’t tumble it with my other rocks in my tumbler because it will whither away within a few days.

6. Pearls- Most people know these are organic gems and need to be handled and worn carefully. Do not get any chemicals on it as it will wear away the luster and can even wear away the nacre. Don’t wear it on top of lotions, creams, perfumes and don’t even put them on if you’re wearing them. I personally only own pearl necklaces since wearing it as a ring is too risky.

7. Shungite. They tell us to wear it all the time but this stone is made of carbon which is very soft. The only reason it gets its own name is because of the fullerines which is not normally found in carbon.
It’s only between a 3 and a 4 on the Moh’s scale! Yikes! That right there says enough! This stone is very fragile and when it’s made into pendants or if holes are drilled into it, the integrity of the stone is weakened and will break in time. It’s actually inevitable.

8. Amethyst, Citrine, treated zircons, and rose quartz: these are all pretty tough stones but they have the same problem: they’re sensitive to the sun. Prolonged exposure will lighten them. Zircons that are exposed to sun too long or left in the sun can even turn back to its original color of brown (yuck). Imagine how that will look as accent stones on some of your favorite rings!

These are the ones that I could think of at the top of my head but I will add more if I think of others. Feel free to ask questions about other minerals I didn’t list here! I’m a scientist so this is my favorite thing to talk about!

Thank you for your post. Gemaholic! What about common opal, the one with no play of color, like Oregon Blue Opal and Peruvian Pink Opal?

Is Ceruleite safe to wear? Ceruleite is a stone that is color is similar to turquoise. However, in many websites like Gemsociety and Classic Gems don't tell me anything if it is safe to wear. I love all gems among them the rare ones. I won't wear Cinnabar because its poisonous. Could you talk about dangerous minerals? I think a post about these beautiful but dangerous minerals deserve its own thread.

[Hollie]

I have not come across it yet unfortunately. If I ever come across some, I'll let you know! Agate is part of the quartz family, so it's more durable than some of the stones I listed.

I can find Fire Agate in Squaw Butte. It's a couple/few counties over.
It's on my list.

Oh wait, you're in Idaho that's right! We are supposed to come to you! You guys seem to have some pretty fun stuff!

As soon as we thaw, I'll be out there hunting the stones.
I hear there's a possible cache of diamonds by the columns. It's really cool trying to imagine this area several thousand years ago.
Hubby has found some interesting things for us to investigate from his GPS. I can't wait.
The more the merrier!!

[Gemaholic]

I too went to the Gem show in Cleveland at the IX Center as I live so close, I sure miss it, I did buy a lot there. I also started shopping 30 yrs ago at HSN and use to buy a lot of Emeralds in gold as Emerald is my birthstone. I did buy Tanzanite too, but is is light compared to what I purchased from Shop LC.

I grew up outside of Cleveland!

[Gemaholic]

I decided to create a post because I’m seeing several threads about jewelry care and it upsets me that SLC hosts spend more time talking about mines closing than they do about care for your jewelry. Below are a list of gemstones that are not intended for everyday wear. I will also note which ones are not even intended to be put in rings yet SLC continues to sell them as rings without a disclaimer:

1. Russian Chrome Diopside: this is not a durable stone! It is not intended to be put in rings so it is very susceptible to losing stones or chipping. It’s best as a pendent. It’s only between a 5 and a 6 on the Moh’s scale of hardness. If you choose to wear this, wear it with caution and do not wear it during cleaning, lifting, working out, etc.

2. Neon Apatite: This one will sadden a lot of you as it is so beautiful and you will want to wear it all the time. This is also a fragile stone and is not suited for rings. It’s only a FIVE on the Moh’s scale of hardness and is very brittle (making it weaker). If put in rings, it most likely will fall out no matter how good the prongs are. It’s best to wear it if you literally will be standing around and the only task you have is holding your merlot in one hand (or whatever your drink of choice is). I have experienced this many times and so has other family members of mine. It is also heat sensitive so keep in mind if you choose to wear it on a hot day or cook with it on.

3. Kunzite: will fade in the sun! It is called a night stone for a reason! Do not wear this during the day or you will see your beautiful Kunzite lose its vibrancy and color!

4. Ethiopian Welo Opal: there are several different kinds of opals. They are mineraloids, not minerals, so they’re a little bit trickier than typical minerals. They are extremely temperature sensitive. Do not subject them to extreme heat or extreme cold. Welo Opals are hydrophane opals which means they absorb water very easily which then turns it yellow. Sometimes it will return to its natural color after it has dried, but I have rarely or never saw it return to its beautiful state after it got wet.

5. Lapis Lazuli- one of my favorites but it is also only a 5 on the Moh’s Scale. This stone is actually not a mineral, but a rock that is composed of the minerals Calcite, Pyrite, and Lazurite(which gives it the beautiful cobalt blue color). It is very soft and should not be left in water too long. I have collected this rock on my rockhounding trips, and I can assure you, it is very sensitive to water. I’ve left some lapis rocks in water too long and have seen it shrink in size considerably. I can’t tumble it with my other rocks in my tumbler because it will whither away within a few days.

6. Pearls- Most people know these are organic gems and need to be handled and worn carefully. Do not get any chemicals on it as it will wear away the luster and can even wear away the nacre. Don’t wear it on top of lotions, creams, perfumes and don’t even put them on if you’re wearing them. I personally only own pearl necklaces since wearing it as a ring is too risky.

7. Shungite. They tell us to wear it all the time but this stone is made of carbon which is very soft. The only reason it gets its own name is because of the fullerines which is not normally found in carbon.
It’s only between a 3 and a 4 on the Moh’s scale! Yikes! That right there says enough! This stone is very fragile and when it’s made into pendants or if holes are drilled into it, the integrity of the stone is weakened and will break in time. It’s actually inevitable.

8. Amethyst, Citrine, treated zircons, and rose quartz: these are all pretty tough stones but they have the same problem: they’re sensitive to the sun. Prolonged exposure will lighten them. Zircons that are exposed to sun too long or left in the sun can even turn back to its original color of brown (yuck). Imagine how that will look as accent stones on some of your favorite rings!

These are the ones that I could think of at the top of my head but I will add more if I think of others. Feel free to ask questions about other minerals I didn’t list here! I’m a scientist so this is my favorite thing to talk about!

Thank you for your post. Gemaholic! What about common opal, the one with no play of color, like Oregon Blue Opal and Peruvian Pink Opal?

Is Ceruleite safe to wear? Ceruleite is a stone that is color is similar to turquoise. However, in many websites like Gemsociety and Classic Gems don't tell me anything if it is safe to wear. I love all gems among them the rare ones. I won't wear Cinnabar because its poisonous. Could you talk about dangerous minerals? I think a post about these beautiful but dangerous minerals deserve its own thread.

Cinnabar used to be used by the Asian cultures in pottery but now that it is known that it is poisonous due to the mercury content, it is no longer used. Galena is another poisonous mineral that metaphysical stores sell in rough form. Do not buy this or touch it or rub all over it like some of these crystal shops tell you to do! The lead in it is toxic so I would steer clear of galena. Serpentine contains asbestos. Do not buy this in rough form. I think we all know about asbestos, but if anyone needs me to clarify why this is a huge no no, just ask. Tiger's eye can also contain asbestos so I would also steer clear of it in rough form. The fibers are what makes the asbestos activated and dangerous. When it is polished, the fibers don't pose a threat, however, I don't take any chances with minerals or rocks that contain asbestos. Pyrite contains *. Fluorite contains fluorine but this really only affects people that are exposed to large quantities on a day to day basis, like miners. Potassium feldspars (Moonstones, Amazonite, Sunstone, Labradorite) contain trace amounts of uranium. It really is very little. I have a Geiger meter and it barely beeps on my K-Feldspar pieces I have found on my rockhounding hikes.

[Spooky]

And kyanite, fluorite, sphene are also very soft
and are really unsuited for rings.
Thanks Gemaholic for your list. I like
the gem blog idea a lot

AHH THAT was the stone I was forgetting! THANK YOU @Spooky It was driving me nuts because I knew I was forgetting one in particular--KYANITE! I am curious to hear from people here if they purchased it as a ring. I want to know how long it lasted. Kyanite is tricky since its hardness ranges quite a bit. who knows if they're selling us that crappy pieces though that are a 4 on the Moh's opposed to the higher quality kyanite that is a 7 on the MS.

Awhile back I’d ordered 2 different pair of kyanite
earrings and both came deeply scratched. I knew it was
a gamble but thought I’d try. So no kyanite in jewelry
if you really want to wear it.
Also remembered that bumble bee jasper is pretty toxic
as well as malachite being radioactive (?). @gemaholic is there any process that can be done to make these
stones safe to handle?

[Gemaholic]

And kyanite, fluorite, sphene are also very soft
and are really unsuited for rings.
Thanks Gemaholic for your list. I like
the gem blog idea a lot

AHH THAT was the stone I was forgetting! THANK YOU @Spooky It was driving me nuts because I knew I was forgetting one in particular--KYANITE! I am curious to hear from people here if they purchased it as a ring. I want to know how long it lasted. Kyanite is tricky since its hardness ranges quite a bit. who knows if they're selling us that crappy pieces though that are a 4 on the Moh's opposed to the higher quality kyanite that is a 7 on the MS.

Awhile back I’d ordered 2 different pair of kyanite
earrings and both came deeply scratched. I knew it was
a gamble but thought I’d try. So no kyanite in jewelry
if you really want to wear it.
Also remembered that bumble bee jasper is pretty toxic
as well as malachite being radioactive (?). @gemaholic is there any process that can be done to make these
stones safe to handle?

Malachite isn't radioactive. The high amount of copper in it is the problem. Copper is ok in smaller quantities, but the amount in malachite exceeds the safe zone so to speak. There are a lot of things in nature that is radioactive. I think people get too hung up on it. Some of these gemstones that are radioactive are only bad if they are in HUGE amounts. I think Chernoybl has gotten everyone really frightened of this but if you eat bananas, you're exposing yourself to radioactive particles (yes, bananas are radioactive). Potatoes, carrots, and beer also contain radioactive particles. Don;t stop eating them though! It is almost impossible to consume enough to kill you! Quartz contains silica which in high quantities can cause lung cancer.It definitely makes you rethink those quartz countertops over the granite!

As far as treatments go, for rocks like serpentine, tiger's eye, and crocidolite, get them in polished form only. The asbestos fibers are a threat when they are "loose". When these stones are polished, the asbestos fibers won't be released unless you somehow break the stone or rub it against something to release the powder. As far as radioactive rocks, this is a very detailed answer I would have to give as it involved the process of radioactive decay. There is a reason why Chernoybl is not safe enough to go live there again. There is a time period rocks and minerals have for the radioactive particles to "die" or decay. This method is also how we determined how old the earth is, how old certain volcanoes are, etc. I could get more into this, ut it may bore people as avoiding scientific jargon would be hard to avoid when describing this process.