When BROKEN Is Good

Understanding Breaks in Gemstones

- MAUREEN PRATT

One of the most common myths about gemstones is that some of them cannot break. The hardness of diamond, for example, leads some to believe that the gemstone can be worn on any occasion without worrying that it can be damaged, or that the high polish and sharp facets of gem-quality sapphire cannot be marred by continuous and, perhaps, careless wear. The truth is that, although some gemstones are more durable than others, none are unbreakable.

Depending on the gem and the circumstance, anything from a slight vibration to a hard fall (or a day spent gardening in the backyard) can cause damage. Even diamond, a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, can easily "cleave," or break and chip if struck in a certain direction or knocked against another diamond.

Knowledge about gemstones and their potential for breaking can help the wearer, and anyone working with gemstones, prevent damage before it occurs.

Of course, broken gemstones are not as desirable as whole, beautiful specimens. Yet, if a gemstone does exhibit a break, all is not lost. The smallest fracture can tell a big story, sometimes offering clues to a gemstone's identity, whether it has been treated or whether the "gem" is natural or an imitation of the real thing.

Yes, breaks in a gemstone may not be all "bad!" And they have a language all their own.

Calcite crystal with visible cleavage planes reflecting light Maureen Pratt

NAME THE BREAK

Breaks in gemstones can be described in three different ways: cleavage, parting and fracture.