Gemstones

Dated: May 13

Gemstones

Are you dazzled by gemstones? They shine, and sparkle and have so many colors! Did you know they looked like plain colored rocks and don't sparkle as much until they are cut into shapes and angles? These cuts on the stones, helped the light bounce off and around inside the shapes. Ask a parent to view a gemstone they might have, like a diamond. Look at it in the light and see how the light moves around on the different angled cuts.

picture of uncut stones

5 most common gemstones: Diamond (white), Emerald (green), Sapphire (blue), Ruby (red), Amethyst (violet)

Diamond: are by-far the most popular precious stones. While they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, they are ultimately judges by the four C's: cut, color, clarity and carat.
Emeralds: are a rare variety of the mineral beryl. They are green in color because of their high chromium content.
Sapphires: Sapphires are one of the hardest stones on the planet; only diamonds surpass them in hardness.
Ruby: The cost of a ruby is primarily decided by its color. The brightest and best red ruby is known as the "Pigeon Blood Red".
Amethyst: is a variety of quartz that is famous for its violet color.

Website credit: World Atlas

These are the many different cuts precious gems can be cut into. See how the heart isn't just a heart, it also has many cuts around the edges to create shape and opportunity for the light to bounce around.

This shows the top side view of the gem, then it shows the side view. Notice how the gem comes to a point at the bottom. This helps the light come in the top and allow it to shine off the triangular base to bounce back out the top, giving it that sparkle.

CHALLENGE

How to Draw Gemstones .mp4

Try drawing your own gemstones.

Follow this video of Mrs. Ensminger using her geometric lines to create gemstones. You will need:

paper
Pencil
washable markers
water
paintbrush, or your finger
plastic bag

Another way to paint with washable markers, you can outline the shape with the desired color, then use the paintbrush with water and spread the water over the color. The marker lines will bleed into your shape as you spread the water.

Here is another tutorial I found on Youtube. This lady shows a few more shapes to try. Watch the beginning, but if you want to skip the coloring part, go to minute 3:50 for the next shape.

The coloring part is interesting, She shows how to press hard with your color pencil to make a shade, and press lighter to make a tint.

DRAWING GEMSTONES .mp4

Please take a picture of your work and send it to me at rwardwell@alpinedistrict.org

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