Gemstone Enhancement and Care Chart

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Abalone (shell)
Abalone (shell)	3	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Shell is very soft so be mindful of scratching. Avoid sudden temperature changes, heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cheaners. In addition to above precautions: avoid perfumes and hairsprays.
	3	dyed	to add color	commonly	good		DYED
	3	stabilized	prevent porosity	occasionally	fair		STB
	3	coated	to protect and improve stability	commonly	good		CTD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Agate (quartz)
agate (quartz)	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	6.5	bleached	to alter color	commonly	good to excellent	Normal Care	BL
	6.5	dyed	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid ultrasonics, heat, harsh cleaners	DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Alexandrite (chrysoberyl)
alexandrite (chrysoberyl)	8.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
alexandrite (chrysoberyl)	8.5	oiled	to improve clarity	occasionally	good	Avoid ultrasonics, heat, harsh cleaners	O
alexandrite, synthetic	8.5	lab created	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Almandite Garnet
almandite garnet	7 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Amazonite (microcline feldspar)
amazonite (microcline feldspar)	6.5	coated	to create color or iridescence	often	good	Gentle care. Avoid abrasions. Chipping may reveal natural color. Cannot be re-cut or re-polished. Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	CTD
	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid hard wear, heat, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
	6.5	heated	to improve color	occasionally	very good		HE
	6.5	dyed	to improve color	occasionally	very good		DYED
	6.5	impregnated with colorless wax or oil	to improve overall appearance and luster	occasionally	good to fair		IMP
	6.5	impregnated with hardening agents or plastic	to improve appearance and durability	usually	very good		IMP
	6.5	impregnated/ dyed with hardening agents or plastic that contain a coloring agent	to improve appearance and durability	usually	very good		IMP/DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Amber/Copal
amber / copal yellow, golden brown	2 - 2.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Amber is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Copal is very soft and less stable than amber when left untreated. Avoid abrasives, ultrasonic, solvents and heat. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, avoid alcohol and perfumes. Requires gentle handling. Clean with soft damp cloth only.
	2 - 2.5	heated to create sun spangles	to improve appearance, deepen color, add spangles	frequently	good to very good		HE
	2 - 2.5	heated	to improve clarity and darken color	frequently	very good		HE
	2 - 2.5	dyed/stained	to alter color	rarely	variable		DYED
	2 - 2.5	pressed	to create color, clarify and make gem larger	commonly	very good		PRS
amber / copal green	2 - 2.5	blacken bottom of cab	to create green color face up	occasionally	excellent	Amber is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Copal is very soft and less stable than amber when left untreated. Avoid abrasives, ultrasonic, solvents and heat. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, avoid alcohol and perfumes. Requires gentle handling. Clean with soft damp cloth only.	BLKND
	2 - 2.5	heat and pressure in an autoclave	to create color and mature copals	frequently	excellent		LPLT
	2 - 2.5	dyed	to create color	frequently	good to very good		DYED
	2 - 2.5	pressed and dyed	to create color, and a larger gem	frequently	excellent		PRS
amber / copal red	2 - 2.5	heated	to create color	frequently	good to very good	Amber is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Copal is very soft and less stable than amber when left untreated. Avoid abrasives, ultrasonic, solvents and heat. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, avoid alcohol and perfumes. Requires gentle handling. Clean with soft damp cloth only.	HE
		dyed	to create color	frequently	good to very good		DYED
	2 - 2.5	pressed and dyed	to create color, and a larger gem	frequently	excellent		PRS
amber / copal doublet - all colors	2 - 2.5	assembled	to alter color	occasionally	good	Amber is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Copal is very soft and less stable than amber when left untreated. Avoid abrasives, ultrasonic, solvents and heat. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, avoid alcohol and perfumes. Requires gentle handling. Clean with soft damp cloth only.	AS

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Amblygonite (montebrasite)
amblygonite (montebrasite)	5.5 - 6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle wear, can be brittle. Avoid high temperatures.
amblygonite (montebrasite) blue, green, yellow	5.5 - 6	irradiated	to alter color	frequently	good	Gentle wear, can be brittle. Avoid high temperatures.	IRR

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Amethyst
amethyst	7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid a jeweler's torch
	7	heated	to improve color	commonly	excellent	Avoid a jeweler's torch	HE
	7	CVD/coated	to create color or iridescence	occasionally	fair to good	Gentle care. Avoid abrasions. Chipping may reveal natural color. Cannot be re-cut or re-polished. Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	CVD/CTD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Ametrine
ametrine	7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid a jeweler's torch
ametrine	7	heated	to improve color	occasionally	excellent	Avoid a jeweler's torch	HE

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Ammolite
ammolite doublet	3.5 - 4	assembled	to improve durability	frequently	fair to good	Ammolite is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Avoid abrasives, ultrasonic, solvents and heat. Requires gentle handling.	AS
ammolite triplet	6	assembled glass top	to improve durability	frequently	good	Avoid abrasives, ultrasonic, solvents and heat. Requires gentle handling.	AS
ammolite triplet	7	assembled quartz top	to improve durability	frequently	good		AS
ammonite (fossil)	3.5 - 4	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Andalusite
andalusite	7 - 7.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
andalusite	7 - 7.5	heated	to improve color	occasionally	excellent	Normal Care	HE
chiastolite	5 - 5.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
viridine	7 - 7.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Andradite Garnet
andradite garnet	6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
color change andradite garnet	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a
demantoid garnet (andradite)	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a
demantoid garnet (andradite)	6.5	low temperature heat	to improve color	often	excellent		HE
rainbow andradite	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Angelite
anhydrate	3-3.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Angelite is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Avoid abrasives, ultrasonic, solvents, or exposure to water.
anhydrate	3-3.5	stabilized	to prevent porosity	occasionally	fair		STB
	3-3.5	coated	to improve appearance	occasioally	n/a	Gentle care. Avoid abrasions. Chipping may reveal natural material. Cannot be re-cut or re-polished. Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners, or exposure to water.	CTD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Apatite
apatite green	5	heated	n/a	n/a	good	Apatite is moderately soft, so be mindful of scratching. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
apatite blue	5	heated	n/a	n/a	good
apatite blue and yellow	5	heated	to improve color	frequently	good		HE
apatite blue and yellow	5	irradiated	to improve color	occasionally	good		IRR
cat's-eye, apatite	5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Apatite is moderately soft, so be mindful of scratching. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
cat's-eye, apatite	5	heated	to improve color	frequently	good		HE

Aquamarine (beryl)
aquamarine (beryl)	7.5 - 8	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
aquamarine (beryl)	7.5 - 8	heated	to improve color	frequently	excellent	Normal Care	HE
	7.5 - 8	heated/oiled/resin infused	to improve color and appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners	O/HE
	7.5 - 8	dyed	to improve color and appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners	DYED
	7.5 - 8	heated/dyed	to improve color and appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners	HE/DYED
	7.5 - 8	heated/stabilized	to improve color and durability	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners	HE/STB

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Aragonite
aragonite all colors	3.5 - 4	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Aragonite is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. It is easily attacked and dissolved by acids such as vinegar. Avoid abrasives, ultrasonic, solvents and heat. Aragonite is generally unsuitable for jewelry
	3.5 - 4	dyed	to alter color	sometimes	fair to good		DYED
	3.5 - 4	waxed	to improve finish and durability	sometimes	fair to good		W

Aventurine (quartzite)
aventurine (quartzite)	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
aventurine (quartzite)	6.5	dyed	to improve color	commonly	good to excellent	Avoid abrasives, ultrasonic, solvents and heat.	DYED

Axinite
axinite	6.5 - 7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal gentle care, avoid sharp knocks to prevent cleavage.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Azurite
azurite	3.5 - 4	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Azurite is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Avoid abrasives, ultrasonic, solvents and heat. Azurite is generally unsuitable for jewelry
	3.5 - 4	coated	to improve appearance and durability	occasionally	fair to good		CTD
	3.5 - 4	filled with oil/resin and polymer	to stabilize & improve appearance	occasionally	good		O
	3.5 - 4	composite	to make larger pieces from powder or smaller pieces and sometimes to add color and stabilize	occasionally	fair to good		COMP
	3.5 - 4	stabilized & dyed	to improve color and durability	occasionally	good		COMP & STB/DYED
azurite in granite	5 - 7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Azurmalachite
azurmalachite	3.5 - 4	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Azurmalachite is very soft, so be mindful of scratching/breaking. Avoid abrasives, ultrasonic, solvents and heat.
	3.5 - 4	impregnated	to improve appearance and durability	rarely	fair to good		IMP
	3.5 - 4	filled with oil/resin and polymer	to improve appearance and durability	rarely	good		O

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Bastnasite
bastnasite	4 - 4.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle wear, moderately soft and brittle. Not suitable for jewelry.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Benitoite
benitoite	6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle care.
benitoite	6.5	heated	to improve color	sometimes	fair to good	Normal, gentle care.	HE

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Beryl
aquamarine (beryl)	7.5 - 8	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
aquamarine (beryl)	7.5 - 8	heated	to improve color	frequently	excellent	Normal Care	HE
bixbite, red (beryl)	7.5 - 8	oiled/resin infused	to improve clarity	frequently	fair to good, may require maintenance	Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, and harsh chemicals.	O
bixbite, red (beryl)	7.5 - 8	ExCel™/hardened polymers	to improve clarity and stability	occasionally	very good	Normal Care	POLY
bixbite in rhyolite, Bayez Bixbite	7.5 - 8	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
goshenite, colorless beryl	7.5 - 8	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
green (beryl)	7.5 - 8	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
heliodor (yellow beryl)	7.5 - 8	irradiated	to produce color	almost always	variable	Normal Care, but some stones may fade in prolonged exposure to light or heat.	IRR
emerald	7.5 - 8	no treatment	n/a	extremely rare	n/a	Normal Care
	7.5 - 8	oiled/resin infused	to improve clarity	frequently	fair to good, may require maintenance	Avoid extreme heat, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.	O
	7.5 - 8	Excel™/hardened polymers	to improve clarity and stability	occasionally	very good	Normal Care	POLY
	7.5 - 8	dyed with colored polymers	to improve color and clarity	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid extreme heat, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED
trapiche emerald	7.5 - 8	oiled/resin infused	to improve clarity	almost always	fair to good, may require maintenance	Avoid extreme heat, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.	O
trapiche emerald	7.5 - 8	dyed/stained	to alter color	occasionally	variable	Avoid extreme heat, temperature changes, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED
maxixe blue (beryl)	7.5 - 8	irradiated	to create the blue color	always	poor	Maxixe beryl is very special. Avoid prolonged exposure to light and heat to avoid quick fading of color.	IRR
morganite pink, peach (beryl)	7.5 - 8	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	7.5 - 8	heated	to improve color	frequently	excellent		HE
	7.5 - 8	irradiated	to produce color	frequently	excellent		IRR
multi-color(beryl)	7.5 - 8	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	7.5 - 8	heated	to improve color	frequently	excellent		HE
	7.5 - 8	irradiated	to produce color	frequently	excellent		IRR
	7.5 - 5	heated, irradiated, dyed	to produce color	occasionally	excellent		HE/IRR/DYED
synthetic beryl, emerald, red beryl, aquamarine	7.5 - 8	lab created	n/a	n/a	n/a		Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Bixbite (beryl)
bixbite, red (beryl)	7.5 - 8	oiled/resin infused	to improve clarity	frequently	fair to good, may require maintenance	Avoid extreme heat, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.	O
bixbite, red (beryl)	7.5 - 8	ExCel™/hardened polymers	to improve clarity and stability	occasionally	very good	Nomal Care	POLY
bixbite in rhyolite, Bayez Bixbite	7.5 - 8	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Black Onyx (chalcedony)
black onyx (chalcedony)	6.5	dyed/stained	to alter color	almost always	fair to good	Normal Care	DYED
black onyx (chalcedony)	6.5	irradiated	to darken color	commonly	excellent	Nomal Care	IRR

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Blue Topaz
Blue Topaz - sky, swiss, london, super	8	irradiated and annealed	to create color	almost always	excellent	Normal Care	IRR
Blue Topaz - sky, swiss, london, super	8	CVD Coated	to add color	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid repolishing, scratching or abrading - color coating may be chipped or scratched off.	CVD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Blue Moon Quartz
Blue Moon Quartz	7	heated	to create effect	always	excellent	Normal Care	HE

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Blueberry Quartz
Blueberry Quartz	7	irradiated /annealed	to create color	always	excellent	Normal Care	IRR

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Bone / Ivory
bone / ivory	2 - 3	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Requires gentle handling. Bone and ivory are very soft and may discolor with time. Be mindful of scratching.
	2 - 3	bleached	to improve color	commonly	good	Bone and ivory are very soft and may discolor with time. Discoloration is due to porosity/absorption of body oils or other substances from wearing. Be mindful of scratching. Avoid chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Requires gentle handling	BL
	2 - 3	dyed/stained	to alter color or to look aged	often	good		DYED
	2 - 3	impregnated	to minimize porosity	occasionally	good		IMP
mammoth (ivory)	2 - 3	impregnated / bleached	to improve appearance and stability	commonly	good	Mammoth ivory is very soft and may discolor with time. Discoloration is due to porosity/absorption of body oils or other substances from wearing. Be mindful of scratching Avoid chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Requires gentle handling	IMP
horn	2.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Horn is a soft, organic product. Avoid heat, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Requires gentle handling.
horn	2.5	heated	to shape	often	fair		HE
shark teeth	***	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Most shark teeth are actually fossils. Gentle Care.
walrus tusk	2.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Walrus tusks are very soft and may discolor with time. Discoloration is due to porosity/absorption of body oils or other substances from wearing. Be mindful of scratching. Avoid chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Requires gentle handling
	2.5	bleached	to even color, improve lustre	often	good		BL
	2.5	stained	to add color, appear aged	often	good		STN
whale teeth	2.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Whale teeth are very soft and may discolor with time. Discoloration is due to porosity/absorption of body oils or other substances from wearing. Be mindful of scratching. Avoid chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Requires gentle handling
	2.5	bleached	to even color, improve lustre	often	very good		BL
	2.5	stained	to add color, appear aged	sometimes	fair to good		STN

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Calcite - Marble
aragonite all colors	3.5 - 4	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Aragonite is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. It is easily attacked and dissolved by acids such as vinegar. Avoid abrasives, ultrasonic, solvents and heat. Aragonite is generally unsuitable for jewelry.
	3.5 - 4	dyed	to alter color	occasionally	fair to good		DYED
	3.5 - 4	waxed	to improve finish and durability	occasionally	fair to good		W
	3.5 - 4	dyed/coated	to alter color and improve durability	n/a	n/a	Aragonite is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. It is easily attacked and dissolved by acids such as vinegar. Avoid abrasives, ultrasonic, solvents and heat. Chipping may reveal natural color. Cannot be re-cut or re-polished. Aragonite is generally unsuitable for jewelry.	DYED/CTD
cats eye calcite	3	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle care, very soft. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, vinegar, harsh cleaners.
marble	3	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle care, moderately soft. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, vinegar, harsh cleaners.
	3	dyed	to add color	frequently	good to excellent	Gentle care, moderately soft. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, vinegar, harsh cleaners.	DYED
	3	lacquered	to improve appearance and durability	occasionally	fair to good	Gentle care, moderately soft. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, vinegar, harsh cleaners.	CTD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Cat's Eye Glass, fiber optic glass
cat's eye glass, fiber optic glass	5 - 6	man made	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Calsilica
calsilica	5 - 6	composite	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle Care	COMP

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Cavansite
cavansite	3 - 4	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle handling (specimen)

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Cerussite
cerussite	3.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Very soft gentle care, not suitable for jewelry. Soluble in acid. This stone contains lead and special care needs to be used. Always wash your hands after handling and do not ingest. Cut stones using a liquid medium and use a mask so not to inhale dust.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Chalcedony (polycrystalline and microcrystaline quartz)
agate(quartz)	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	6.5	bleached	to alter color	commonly	good to excellent	Normal Care	BL
	6.5	dyed	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid sudden temperature changes, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED
blue chalcedony (quartz)	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
blue chalcedony (quartz)	6.5	dyed	to alter color	commonly	fair to good	Avoid harsh chemicals, accetone and ultrasonic cleaners. Can be affected by perspiration.	DYED
blue, green, paraiba color chalcedony (quartz)	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	6.5	irradiated	to alter color	occasionally	fair to good	Normal wear, but some stones may fade in light or heat.	IRR
	6.5	dyed/stained	to alter color	almost always	poor to fair	Avoid harsh chemicals, acetone and ultrasonic cleaners. Some stones may fade in light or heat. Can be affected by perspiration.	DYED
banded agate/onyx (chalcedony)	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	6.5	dyed/stained	to alter color	commonly	excellent	Normal Care
	6.5	dyed/coated	to create color or iridescence	occasionally	fair to good	Gentle care. Avoid abrasions. Chipping may reveal natural color. Cannot be re-cut or re-polished. Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED/CTD
black onyx (chalcedony)	6.5	dyed/stained	to alter color	almost always	fair to good	Normal Care	DYED
black onyx (chalcedony)	6.5	irradiated	to darken color	commonly	excellent	Normal Care	IRR
bloodstone (chalcedony)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
carnelian / sard (chalcedony)	6.5	heated	to improve color	usually	excellent	Normal Care	HE
carnelian / sard (chalcedony)	6.5	dyed/stained	to alter color	often	good to excellent	Normal Care	DYED
cat's eye, chalcedony	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	6.5	heated	to alter color	usually	excellent		HE
	6.5	chemical bleaching with acid or bleaching agents	to lighten color	occasionally	excellent		BL
chalcedony (quartz)	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	6.5	CVD/coated	to create color or iridescence	occasionally	fair to good	Gentle care. Avoid abrasions. Chipping may reveal natural color. Cannot be re-cut or re-polished. Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	CVD/CTD
	6.5	dyed/coated	to create color or iridescence	occasionally	fair to good	Gentle care. Avoid abrasions. Chipping may reveal natural color. Cannot be re-cut or re-polished. Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED/CTD
chrysocolla (chalcedony)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
chrysocolla (chalcedony)	6 - 6.5	dyed	to improve color	occasionally	good to excellent	Avoid harsh chemicals, acetone and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED
chrysoprase (chalcedony)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
chrysoprase (chalcedony)	6.5	heated	to improve color	occasionally	excellent	Normal Care	HE
dendritic agate (chalcedony)	6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
dumortierite quartz	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
dumortierite quartz	6.5	oiling	to reduce appearance of natural fissures	occasionally	fair	Avoid extreme heat, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.	O
fire agate (chalcedony)	6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
jasper (quartz)	6 - 6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	6 - 6.5	dyed	to add color	occasionally	fair to excellent	Avoid chemicals, steam, and ultrasonic cleaners	DYED
	6 - 6.5	heated	to improve color	occasionally	excellent	Normal Care	HE
jasper beads (quartz)	6 - 6.5	lacquered	prevent porosity	occasionally	fair	Avoid chemicals, steam, and ultrasonic cleaners.
moss agate (quartz)	6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
petrified wood (quartz)	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	6.5	bleached	to remove color	occasionally	excellent		BL
	6.5	heated	to improve color	occasionally	very good		HE
pietersite, henanite	6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
hawk's-eye, blue tiger's eye	6.5-7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
hawk's-eye, blue tiger's eye	6.5-7	chemical bleaching with acid or bleaching agents	to lighten color	occasionally	excellent	Normal Care	BL
tiger's-eye, brown	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
tiger's-eye, brown	6.5	chemical bleaching with acid or bleaching agents	to lighten color	occasionally	excellent	Normal Care	BL
tiger's-eye, red	6.5	heated	to change from gold to red	usually	excellent	Normal Care	HE
	6.5	chemical bleaching with acid or bleaching agents	to lighten color	occasionally	excellent	Normal Care	BL
	6.5	dyed	to alter color	occasionally	very good	Avoid sudden temperature changes, chemicals, steam and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Charoite
charoite	5-6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	5-6	impregnated	to improve durability	commonly	good	Avoid hot water, household chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners	IMP
	5-6	composite	to make larger pieces from smaller pieces and sometimes to add color, stabilize, and add metallic veining	n/a	n/a	Special Care Required. Avoid extreme heat, temperature changes, hot water, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.	COMP

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Chrysoberyl
alexandrite (chrysoberyl)	8.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
alexandrite (chrysoberyl)	8.5	oiled	to improve clarity	occasionally	good	avoid ultrasonics, heat, and harsh cleaners	O
cat's-eye (chrysoberyl)	8.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
cat's-eye (chrysoberyl)	8.5	heated	to improve color	occasionally	excellent	Normal Care	HE
brown, yellow, green (chrysoberyl)	8.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	8.5	irradiated	to create color	rarely	excellent	Normal Care	IRR
	8.5	heated	to improve color	occasionally	excellent	Normal Care	HE
alexandrite, synthetic	8.5	lab created	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Chrysocolla
chrysocolla	2.5 – 3.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Chrysocolla is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Requires gentle handling.
chrysocolla chalcedony	6 – 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal care
chrysocolla chalcedony	6 – 6.5	dyed	to improve color	occasionally	good to excellent	Avoid harsh chemicals, acetone and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Chrysoprase (chalcedony)
chrysoprase(chalcedony)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
chrysoprase(chalcedony)	6.5	heated	to improve color	occasionally	excellent	Normal Care	HE

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Cinnabar (lacquer)
cinnabar (lacquer)	3 - 4	man made	n/a	n/a	good	Gentle wear, avoid ultrasonics and high heat. Modern cinnabar is safe and does not contain mercury.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Citrine
citrine (all types)	7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid jewelers torches
citrine (all types)	7	heated	to alter color	usually	excellent	Avoid jewelers torches	HE
lemon quartz, lemon citrine, ouro verde quartz	7	irradiated	to create color	always	excellent	Normal Care	IRR

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Clinohumite
clinohumite	6	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Requires gentle handling.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Coral
Please be assured that JTV goes to great lengths to comply with all laws protecting endangered species.
The term "polycoral" is used to describe products that are composed of coral fragments (and often other ocean products) which are then dyed and bonded with polymers.
bamboo / sponge (coral, polycoral)	3-4	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle care. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam and extreme heat.
	3 - 4	impregnated with wax/oil/plastic	to improve appearance and luster	frequently	good		IMP
	3 - 4	dyed/stained	to alter colorr	frequently	good		DYED
	3 - 4	assembled and dyed	to create coral effect and color from smaller stones	frequently	fair to good		COMP
precious coral, branch coral	3 - 4	dyed/waxed	to improve color and texture	frequently	good	Normal, gentle care. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam and extreme heat.	DYED
	3 - 4	impregnated with colorless wax or oil	to improve the quality of material for shaping and polishing	frequently	good		IMP
	3 - 4	impregnated with plastic	to improve quality of material for shaping and reploshing	frequently	very good		IMP
	3 - 4	assembled and dyed	to create coral effect from smaller stones	frequently	fair to good		COMP
black coral	3 - 4	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle care. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam and extreme heat.
black coral	3 - 4	waxed	to improve overall appearance and luster	frequently	fair to good		W
golden coral	3 - 4	bleached	to bring out color	always	excellent	Normal, gentle care. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam and extreme heat.	BL
golden coral	3 - 4	bleached and waxed	to improve overall appearance and luster	frequently	fair to good		BL

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Corundum
ruby (corundum)	9	no treatment(extremely rare)	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	9	heated	to improve colorand clarity	usually	excellent		HE
	9	infilled - glass or flux filled	to improve color and clarity	commonly	good to excellent		INF
	9	Beryllium lattice diffusion	to improve color	occasionally	excellent	Avoid recutting, otherwise Normal Care	BE DIF
	6 - 9	flux healed	to improve clarity	commonly	excellent	Normal care	FH
	9	surface diffusion	to create asterism or color	occasionally	good	Avoid repolishing / recutting and scratching.	DIF
	9	dyed/stained with colored oils or polymers	to improve color and clarity	occasionally	poor	Avoid harsh chemicals, heat and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED
Mahaleo® ruby - ruby (corundum) and lead glass filling	6-9 (will vary depending on the amount of glass filling used)	lead glass filled (fissure filled) See Hybrid	to improve clarity and color	always	poor	Special Care Required. Avoid ordinary household cleaners, acidic cleaners, acidic foods (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.), steam and ultra-sonic cleaners, and jewelers’ torch. Clean with a damp cloth.	LGF
ruby beads	9	waxed/oiled	to improve clarity and luster	frequently	poor	Avoid harsh chemicals, heat and ultrasonic cleaners.	W
star ruby all (corundum)	9	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid jewelers torches, otherwise Normal Care
	9	surface diffusion	to implant star	occasionally	excellent	Avoid repolishing / recutting, scratching and jeweler's torches.	DIF
	9	heated	to improve color	sometimes	excellent	Avoid jewelers torches, otherwise Normal Care	HE
Mahaleo® star ruby - ruby (corundum) and lead glass filling	6-9 (will vary depending on the amount of glass filling used)	lead glass filled (fissure filled) See Hybrid	to improve clarity and color	always	poor	Special Care Required. Avoid ordinary household cleaners, acidic cleaners, acidic foods (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.), steam and ultra-sonic cleaners, and jewelers’ torch. Clean with a damp cloth.	LGF
sapphire, blue (corundum)	9	no treatment(rare)	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	9	heated	to improve color and clarity	usually	excellent	Normal Care	HE
	9	dyed/stained with colored oils or polymers	to improve color and clarity	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid harsh chemicals, heat and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED
	9	beryllium	to lighten color	occasionally	excellent	Avoid recutting, otherwise Normal Care	BE DIF
	9	surface diffusion	to create or improve color	occasionally	good	Avoid chipping or repolishing	DIF
Mahaleo® sapphire - sapphire (corundum) and lead glass filling	6-9 (will vary depending on the amount of glass filling used)	lead glass filled (fissure filled) See Hybrid	to improve clarity and color	always	poor	Special Care Required. Avoid ordinary household cleaners, acidic cleaners, acidic foods (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.), steam and ultra-sonic cleaners, and jewelers’ torch. Clean with a damp cloth.	LGF
sapphire, fancy (green, orange, purple, pink, padparadscha, yellow) (corundum)	9	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	9	heated	to improve color and clarity	usually	excellent	Normal Care	HE
	9	beryllium lattice diffusion	to improve color	commonly	excellent	Avoid recutting, otherwise Normal Care	BE DIF
Mahaleo® sapphire - (fancy color, including green, orange, purple, pink, padaradscha, yellow) - sapphire (corundum) and lead glass filling	6-9 (will vary depending on the amount of glass filling used)	lead glass filled (fissure filled) See Hybrid	to improve clarity and color	always	poor	Special Care Required. Avoid ordinary household cleaners, acidic cleaners, acidic foods (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.), steam and ultra-sonic cleaners, and jewelers’ torch. Clean with a damp cloth.	LGF
sapphire, star blue (corundum)	9	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid jewelers torches, otherwise Normal Care
	9	heated	improve color	sometimes	excellent	Avoid jewelers torches, otherwise Normal Care	HE
	9	surface diffusion	to implant star	often	excellent	Avoid repolishing / recutting, scratching and jeweler's torches.	DIF
Mahaleo® star blue sapphire - sapphire (corundum) and lead glass filling	6-9 (will vary depending on the amount of glass filling used)	lead glass filled (fissure filled) See Hybrid	to improve clarity and color	always	poor	Special Care Required. Avoid ordinary household cleaners, acidic cleaners, acidic foods (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.), steam and ultra-sonic cleaners, and jewelers’ torch. Clean with a damp cloth.	LGF
sapphire, star gray - white (corundum)	9	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid jewelers torches, otherwise Normal Care
sapphire, star gray - white (corundum)	9	surface diffusion	to implant star	occasionally	Excellent	Avoid repolishing / recutting, scratching and jeweler's torches.	DIF
sapphire, black star (corundum)	9	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
sapphire, black star (corundum)	9	lacquered	prevent flaking	often	fair	Avoid harsh solvents and ultrasonic cleaners	CTD
Mahaleo® black star sapphire - sapphire (corundum) and lead glass filling	6-9 (will vary depending on the amount of glass filling used)	lead glass filled (fissure filled) See Hybrid	to improve clarity and color	always	poor	Special Care Required. Avoid ordinary household cleaners, acidic cleaners, acidic foods (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.), steam and ultra-sonic cleaners, and jewelers’ torch. Clean with a damp cloth.	LGF

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Crystal (glass)
crystal (glass)	6	man-made	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Gentle Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Cubic Zirconia
cubic zirconia	8 - 8.5	lab created	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	8 - 8.5	CVD coated	to add optic effects	rarely	poor to good	Color may be affected by polishing, recutting, ultrasonic cleaners, alcohol, and harsh chemicals. Coating can be scratched.	CVD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Cuprite
cuprite	5 - 6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle wear, avoid chemicals and ultrasonics

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Danburite
Colorless danburite	7-7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
vivid blue or pink	7-7.5	to add color	occasionally	fair to good	n/a	Color may be affected by polishing, re-cutting, ultrasonic cleaners, alcohol, and harsh chemicals.	CVD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Demantoid Garnet (andradite)
demantoid garnet (andradite)	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
demantoid garnet (andradite)	6.5	low temperature heat	to improve color	often	excellent	Normal Care	HE

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Diamond
diamond normal color range D - Z	10	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	10	HPHT (high pressure,high temperature)	to lighten or change color	occasionally	excellent	Normal Care	HPHT
	10	lasered & bleached with acid	to improve clarity	often	very good	Normal Care	LAS
	10	fracture filled	to improve clarity	occasionally	good to very good	Avoid extreme heat, temperature changes, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.In addition to the above precautions: Avoid jeweler's torch and recutting.	FF
	10	CVD coated	to add or minimize color	rarely	poor to good	Color may be affected by polishing, recutting, ultrasonic cleaners, alcohol, and harsh chemicals.	CVD
	10	Foil Backed	To improve reflection of light or to add color	Rarely in modern manufactured jewelry	poor to good	Avoid extreme heat, immersion in liquid, temperature changes, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. In addition to the above precautions: Avoid jeweler's torch and recutting.
diamond champagne	10	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
diamond champagne	10	HPHT (high pressure,high temperature)	to improve color	occasionally	excellent	Normal Care	HPHT
diamond fancy color	10	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	10	HPHT (high pressure,high temperature)	to improve color	occasional/increasingly common	excellent	Normal Care	HPHT
	10	HPHT and irradiated	to improve color	occasional/increasingly common	excellent	Normal Care	HPHT
	10	lasered & filled	to improve clarity	occasionally	very good	Avoid extreme heat, temperature changes, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. addition to the above precautions: Avoid jeweler's torch and recutting.	LAS
	10	irradiated	to create color	often	very good to excellent	Normal Care	IRR
	10	fracture filled	to improve clarity	sometimes	good to very good	Avoid extreme heat, temperature changes, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.In addition to the above precautions: Avoid jeweler's torch and recutting.	FF
	10	CVD coated	to add color	sometimes	poor to good	Color may be affected by polishing, recutting, ultrasonic cleaners, alcohol, and harsh chemicals.	CVD
diamond black	10	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
diamond black	10	irradiated	to intensify color	often	very good to excellent	Normal Care	IRR

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Diaspore
diaspore zultanite™	6.5 - 7	not prone to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Cleaves easily, or is known to brittleness. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners. Wear with care.
cat's eye diaspore zultanite™	6.5 - 7	oiled	to improve appearance	commonly	fair	Cleaves easily, or is prone to brittleness. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, heat and chemicals. Wear with care.	O

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Diopside
chrome diopside	5.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Diopside is moderately soft, so be mindful of scratching. Avoid abrasives and solvents.
black star (diopside)	5.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a
Shanseres (diopside)	5.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Dolomite
dolomite	3.5 - 4	waxed/lacquered	to improve finish and durability	frequently	fair	Normal, gentle care.	CTD
dolomite (laguna lace agate)	3.5 - 4	dyed	to add colors	frequently	good	gentle care, avoid heat and harsh chemicals	DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Drusy Quartz
drusy quartz	7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal care
	7	coated	to create color or iridescence	often	good	Gentle care. Avoid abrasions that can remove or scratch coating.	CTD
	7	CVD	to produce color	frequently	very good	Chipping may reveal natural color, so avoid abrasions. Cannot be re-cut or re-polished. Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	CVD
	7	heated	to improve color	occasionally	excellent	Normal care	HE

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Eilat Stone
eilat stone	4 - 6	waxed	to improve finish and durability	frequently	fair - good	gentle care, avoid heat and harsh chemicals	W

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Emerald
emerald	7.5 - 8	no treatment	n/a	extremely rare	n/a	Normal Care
	7.5 - 8	oiled/resin infused	to improve clarity	frequently	fair to good, may require maintenance	Avoid extreme heat, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.	O
	7.5 - 8	Excel™ hardened polymers	to improve clarity and stability	occasionally	very good	Normal Care	POLY
	7.5 - 8	dyed with colored polymers	to improve color and clarity	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid extreme heat, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED
trapiche emerald	7.5 - 8	oiled/resin infused	to improve clarity	almost always	fair to good, may require maintenance	Avoid extreme heat, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.	O
trapiche emerald	7.5 - 8	dyed/stained	to alter color	occasionally	variable	Avoid extreme heat, temperature changes, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED
emerald, synthetic	8	lab created	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Enstatite
enstatite	5.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Moderately soft, so be mindful of scratching. Requires gentle handling.
hypersthene	5-6	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Euclase
euclase	7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Cleaves easily, or is prone to brittleness. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.Wear with care.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Eudialyte
eudialyte	5 - 6	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Moderately soft and brittle, so be mindful of sratching.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Feldspar
amazonite (microcline feldspar)	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid hard wear, heat, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
	6.5	heated	to improve color	occasionally	very good		HE
	6.5	dyed	to improve color	occasionally	very good		DYED
	6.5	impregnated with colorless wax or oil	to improve overall appearance and luster	occasionally	good to fair		IMP
	6.5	impregnated with hardening agents or plastic	to improve appearance and durability	usually	very good		IMP
moonstone, adularia (orthoclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
orthoclase, various colors	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
sunstone (orthoclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
albite (plagioclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
andesine-labradorite Red / Green / Orange (plagioclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	6 - 6.5	diffused	to alter color	commonly	excellent	Normal Care	DIF
labradorite (plagioclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling
labradorite (plagioclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	oiled	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid ultrasonic cleaners	O
labradorite yellow (plagioclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling
	6 - 6.5	irradiated	to improve color	commonly	good	Normal, gentle handling. Avoid heat.	IRR
	6 - 6.5	CVD coated	to add color	occasionally	fair to good	Color may be affected by polishing, recutting, ultrasonic cleaners, alcohol, and harsh chemicals.	CVD
Larvikite - Gabbro (plagioclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling.
Larvikite - Gabbro (plagioclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	waxed	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid ultrasonic cleaners	W
sunstone (plagioclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
sunstone (plagioclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	oiled	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.	O

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Fluorite
fluorite	4	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Very soft stone, requires gentle handling. Color can be reversed with heat - avoid heat and jeweler torches.
	4	heated	to improve color	occasionally	fair to good		HE
	4	irradiated	to alter/improve color	frequently	fair to good		IRR
	4	irradiated/dyed	to alter/improve color	occasionally	fair to good		IRR/DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Forsterite
forsterite	7	lab created	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Fossils
trilobites	3 - 4	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle care care
fossil coral	3 - 4	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a
ammonite (fossil)	3 - 4	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a
shark teeth	***	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Most shark teeth are actually fossils. Gentle Care.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Garnet
almandite garnet	7 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
andradite garnet	6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
anthill garnet (chrome pyrope)	7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
color change garnet	7 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
color change andradite	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
demantoid (andradite)	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
demantoid (andradite)	6.5	low temperature heat	to improve color	often	excellent	Normal Care	HE
hessonite / imperial (grossular)	7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
hyderabad	7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
malaya garnet, malaia	7 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
Mali (grossular-andradite)	6.5 - 7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
Masasi™ Bordeaux Garnet (almandine, spessartite, grossular)	7 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
Merelani mint garnet (grossular)	7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
Mozambique	7 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
pyrope	7 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
pyrope (beads)	7 - 7.5	dyed & stabilized	to improve color and durability	rarely	very good	Avoid extreme heat, temperature changes, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners	DYED
rainbow andradite	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
rhodolite	7 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
spessartite	7 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
Sunset Native™ Garnet (almandine, pyrope, grossular, and spessartine)	7 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
Tanga™ (almandite/pyrope)	7 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
tsavorite (grossular)	7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
umbalite, malaya, malaia	7 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
uvarovite	6.5 - 7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Glass, Natural & Man-Made
moldavite (natural tektite glass)	6	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle care
obsidian, rainbow obsidian, snowflake obsidian (natural volcanic glass)	6	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.
Lybian desert glass (natural tektite glass)	6	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle care
cat's eye glass, fiber optic glass	6	man made	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
crystal (glass)	6	man-made	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Gentle Care
glass, man-made	6	man-made	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
glass, quench crackled, multi color	6	heated/cooled, dyed	to add color and inclusions	commonly	good-poor, depending on type of dye used	Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and re-polishing	QCR
glass, quench crackled	6	heated/cooled	to add inclusions	commonly	good	Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and re-polishing	QCR
goldstone (glass)	6	man-made	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
helenite (glass)	5 - 6	man-made	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
mandarin ice	5 - 6	man-made	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
opalite (glass)	5-6	man-made	n/a	n/a	fair to good	Normal Care
opalite (glass)	5-6	man-made (Coated)	to create color or iridescence	occasionally	fair to good	Gentle care. Avoid abrasions. Chipping may reveal natural color. Cannot be re-cut or re-polished. Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	CTD
paraiba ice (glass)	5 - 6	man-made	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
roman glass	5 - 6	man-made	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid household chemicals
zandrite (glass)	5 - 6	man-made	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Goldenite
goldenite, black (hornblende)	6 - 6.5	layered gold leaf	adds gold veins	always	good	Avoid abrasives, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	CTD
goldenite, white	6 - 6.5	layered gold leaf	adds gold veins	always	good	Avoid abrasives, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	CTD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Goldstone (glass)
goldstone (glass)	5 - 6	man-made	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Goshenite, colorless beryl
goshenite, colorless beryl	7.5 - 8	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Granite
granite	5 - 7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
granite	5 - 7	waxed	to improve appearance	often	fair to good	Avoid heat, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners	W
azurite in granite	5 - 7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
Larvikite - Gabbro (plagioclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling
Larvikite - Gabbro (plagioclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	waxed	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners	W

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Grossular Garnet
hessonite / imperial (grossular)	7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
Mali (grossular-andradite)	6.5 - 7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
Merelani mint garnet (grossular)	7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
tsavorite (grossular)	7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Hayüne
haüyne / haüynit	5.5 - 6	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Helenite (glass)
helenite (glass)	5 - 6	man-made	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Heliodor (yellow beryl)
heliodor (yellow beryl)	7.5 - 8	irradiated	to produce color	usually	variable	Normal Care, but some stones may fade in prolonged exposure to light or heat.	IRR

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Hematite
hematite	5.5 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
hematine	6.5	man-made	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Hemimorphite
hemimorphite	4.5 - 5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle care, moderately soft. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Henanite (pietersite)
henanite (pietersite)	6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Hessonite / Imperial (grossular)
hessonite / imperial (grossular)	7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Hiddenite
hiddenite	6.5 - 7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Some stones cleave or fracture easily. Wear with care.
hiddenite	6.5 - 7	irradiated	to create color	rarely	poor	Gentle care. Avoid prolonged exposure to light and heat to prevent color fading. Some stones cleave or fracture easily. Wear with care. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners	IRR

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Horn
horn	2.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Horn is a soft, organic product. Avoid heat, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Requires gentle handling.
horn	2.5	heated	to shape	often	fair		HE

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Howlite
howlite white	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
howlite other colors	6.5	dyed/stained	to add color	commonly	good to very good	Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steaming.	DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Hybrid
Mahaleo® ruby (including star ruby) - ruby (corundum) and lead glass filling	6-9 (will vary depending on the amount of glass filling used)	lead glass filled (fissure filled) See Hybrid	to improve clarity and color	always	poor	Special Care Required. Avoid ordinary household cleaners, acidic cleaners, acidic foods (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.), steam and ultra-sonic cleaners, and jewelers’ torch. Clean with a damp cloth.	LGF
Mahaleo® sapphire (including fancy color, star blue, and black star sapphire) - sapphire (corundum) and lead glass filling	6-9 (will vary depending on the amount of glass filling used)	lead glass filled (fissure filled) See Hybrid	to improve clarity and color	always	poor	Special Care Required. Avoid ordinary household cleaners, acidic cleaners, acidic foods (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.), steam and ultra-sonic cleaners, and jewelers’ torch. Clean with a damp cloth.	LGF

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Hypersthene
hypersthene	5-6	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Moderately soft, so be mindful of scratching. Requires gentle handling.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Hackmanite
Hackmanite	5.5 - 6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	When exposed to sunlight the color will fade to white. Color will return if stones are stored in darkness for several days or when exposed to shortwave ultraviolet light.
Hackmanite

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Iolite
iolite (cordierite)	7 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	7 - 7.5	oiled/resin infused	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid steaming, harsh chemicals, ultrasonic, and temperature changes.
	7 - 7.5	coated	to improve appearance	rarely	fair to good	Gentle care. Avoid abrasions. Chipping may reveal natural color. Cannot be re-cut or re-polished. Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	CTD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Ivory / Bone
ivory / bone	2 - 3	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Requires gentle handling. Bone and ivory are very soft and may discolor with time. Be mindful of scratching.
	2 - 3	bleached	to improve color	commonly	good	Bone and ivory are very soft and may discolor with time. Discoloration is due to porosity/absorption of body oils or other substances from wearing. Be mindful of scratching. Avoid chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Requires gentle handling	BL
	2 - 3	dyed/stained	to alter color or to look aged	often	good		DYED
	2 - 3	impregnated	to minimize porosity	occasionally	good		IMP

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Jadeite & Nephrite
jadeite jade all colors	6.5 - 7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	6.5 - 7	waxed/oiled	to improve finish	commonly	good	Avoid heat, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	W
	6.5 - 7	Bleached/impregnated	to improve color and translucency	frequently	very good	Gentle care required: Avoid heat, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	Treated BL/STB
	6.5 - 7	Bleached/impregnated/dyed	to improve color and translucency	frequently	very good	Gentle care required: Avoid heat, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	Treated BL/STB/DYED
	6.5 - 7	dyed/stained	to add color	frequently	good	Avoid strong light, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED
nephrite jade all colors	6 - 6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
nephrite jade all colors	6 - 6.5	dyed/stained	to add color	rarely	unknown	Avoid strong light, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners. Discoloration may occur with time.	DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Jasper (quartz)
jasper (quartz)	6 - 6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	6 - 6.5	dyed	to add color	sometimes	good to very good	Normal Care. Avoid heat, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED
	6 - 6.5	heated	to enhance color	sometimes	excellent	Normal Care	HE

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Jeremejevite
jeremejevite	6.5 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Kornerupine
kornerupine	6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
kornerupine cat's eye	6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Kunzite pink / violet
kunzite pink / violet	6.5 - 7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle care. Prolonged exposure to light, especially UV and sunlight, will cause fading. Can cleave or fracture easily. Wear with care.
	6.5 - 7	irradiated	to improve color	commonly	fair to poor		IRR
	6.5 - 7	heated	to improve color	commonly	fair		HE

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Kyanite
kyanite, blue, orange, green, blue-green Bayadera Kyanite Nepalese Kyanite	5 & 7, depending on direction	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Moderately soft and brittle, so be mindful of scratching.
	5 & 7, depending on direction	heated	to alter color	rarely	good	Moderately soft and brittle, so be mindful of scratching.	HE
	5 & 7, depending on direction	oiled/resin infused	to improve clarity	occasionally	fair	Moderately soft and brittle, so be mindful of scratching. Avoid heat, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.	O

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Labradorite (plagioclase feldspar)
labradorite (plagioclase feldspar)
	6 - 6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	normal, gentle handling
	6 - 6.5	dyed	to add color	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and repolishing	DYED
	6 - 6.5	oiled	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid ultrasonic cleaners	O
	6 - 6.5	PVD PVD coated	to add color	occasionally	fair to good	Physical Vapor Deposition Coated - A coating that is commonly applied to the surface of the product; which is then sealed with a polymer to protect it. Example: watches.	PVD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Labradorite Yellow (plagioclase feldspar)
labradorite yellow (plagioclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling
	6 - 6.5	irradiated	to improve color	commonly	good	Normal, gentle handling. Avoid heat.	IRR
	6 - 6.5	CVD coated	to add color	commonly	fair to good	Avoid repolishing, scratching or abrading - color coating may be chipped or scratched off. Color may be affected by polishing, recutting, ultrasonic cleaners, alcohol, and harsh chemicals.	CVD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Lapis Lazuli
lapis lazuli	5 - 6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling. Avoid exposure to acids, heat and ultrasonic cleaners.
	5 - 6	waxed/oiled	to improve appearance	commonly	fair		W
	5 - 6	dyed	to improve color	commonly	poor to good		DYED
	5 - 6	lacquered	to improve durability and appearance	rarely	good		CTD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Larimar
larimar (pectolite)	4.5 - 5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Larimar is soft, so be mindful of scratching. Requires gentle handling
larimar (pectolite)	4.5 - 5	stabilized/impregnated	to improve stability and durability	occasionally	very good	Gentle care, avoid heat and harsh chemicals.	STB

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Larvikite - Gabbro (plagioclase feldspar)
larvikite - labbro (plagioclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling.
larvikite - labbro (plagioclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	waxed	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners	W

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Lazulite
lazulite	5 - 6	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid strong light, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Lepidolite
lepidolite	2.5 - 3	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Lepidolite is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Requires gentle handling

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Magnesite
magnesite	4	dyed & stabilized	to imitate other materials	frequently	very good	Gentle care, avoid heat and harsh chemicals.	DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Malachite
malachite	3.5 - 4	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Malachite is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Avoid chemicals, abrasives, heat and ultrasonic cleaners.
	3.5 - 4	coated with colorless wax	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair		W
	3.5 - 4	impregnated with plastic or other hardening agents	to improve appearance and durability	often	good		IMP
	3.5 - 4	dyed	to improve color uniformity	occasionally	good		DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Malaya Garnet, Malaia
malaya garnet, malaia	7 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Mandarin Ice
mandarin ice	5 - 6	man-made	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Marble
marble	3	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle care, moderately soft. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, vinegar, harsh cleaners.
	3	dyed	to add color	frequently	good to excellent	Gentle care, moderately soft. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, vinegar, harsh cleaners.	DYED
	3	lacquered	to improve appearance and durability	occasionally	fair to good	Gentle care, moderately soft. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, vinegar, harsh cleaners.	CTD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Marcasite (pyrite)
marcasite (pyrite)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling. Avoid acids and chemicals.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Maw Sit Sit
maw sit-sit	6 - 7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Meteorite
meteorite	3 - 4	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
meteorite	3 - 4	lacquered	to protect and prevent oxidization	frequently	good	Normal, gentle handling. Avoid acids and chemicals.	CTD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Moissanite
moissanite	9 - 10	lab created	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
moissanite	9 - 10	lab created, CVD	to create color	occasionally	very good	Normal Care	CVD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Moldavite (natural glass)
moldavite (natural glass)	5.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Morganite pink, peach (beryl)
morganite pink, peach (beryl)	7.5 - 8	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	7.5 - 8	heated	to improve color	frequently	excellent		HE
	7.5 - 8	irradiated	to produce color	frequently	excellent		IRR

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Moookaite Jasper
mookaite jasper	6 - 6.5	heated	to enhance color	usually	excellent	Normal Care	HE

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Moonstone, Adularia (orthoclase feldspar)
moonstone, adularia (orthoclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
moonstone, adularia (orthoclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	CVD	to add color	occasionally	fair to good	Color may be affected by polishing, recutting, ultrasonic cleaners, alcohol and harsh chemicals.	CVD
moonstone, adularia (orthoclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	Foil Backed	To improve reflection of light or to add color	rarely	poor to good	Avoid extreme heat, immersion in liquid, temperature changes, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. In addition to the above precautions: Avoid jeweler's torch and recutting.	FB

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Mother of Pearl (shell)
mother of pearl (shell)	3	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Shell is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Avoid sudden temperature changes, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners. In addition to above precautions: avoid perfumes, and hairsprays.
	3	dyed/stained	to alter color	commonly	good to very good		DYED
	3	stabilized	to reduce porosity, to stabilize the stone	sometimes	fair to good		STB
	3	coated	to protect shell and added design	occasionally	good

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Muscovite
muscovite	2.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Muscovite is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Requires gentle handling

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Natural Glass
moldavite (natural glass)	5.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle care
obsidian (volcanic glass)	5 - 5.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.
glass, Lybian desert	5 - 5.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Natural Rock
goldenite jade	6 - 6.5	layered gold leaf	adds gold veins	always	good	Avoid abrasives, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.
rhyolite (igneous rock)	6 - 7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Nephrite Jade all colors
nephrite jade all colors	6 - 6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
nephrite jade all colors	6 - 6.5	dyed/stained	to add color	rarely	unknown	Avoid strong light, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners. Discoloration may occur with time.	DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Obsidian, Rainbow Obsidian, Snowflake Obsidian (natural volcanic glass)
obsidian, rainbow obsidian, snowflake obsidian (natural volcanic glass)	6	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Opal
fire opal	5.5 - 6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid water, heat and solvents. Fire Opal is moderately soft, so be mindful of scratching.
fire opal	5.5 - 6	dyed/stained	to add color	sometimes	good		DYED
dendritic opal	5.5 - 6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
ethiopian opal	5 - 6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid steamers or ultrasonics; keep away from harsh cleaning agents or perfume; simply clean with a soft cloth. Keep away from any fluids or oils, as they can be absorbed and alter appearance and or crack the stone. Avoid all types of heat. Color may fade with extended exposure to sunlight.
	5 - 6	dyed	to add color	commonly	poor to excellent		DYED
	5 - 6	smoked	to darken body color	occasionally	very good to excellent		SM
blue opal (common opal)	6 - 6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Gentle Care
boulder opal	6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Gentle Care
boulder opal	6	oiled/resin infused	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair	Avoid heat, chemicals, ultrasonic, and repolishing.	O
caramel spice opal (common opal)	6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.
cat's-eye opal	6	impregnated	to improve appearance and durability	usually	good	Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	IMP
common opal (non play-of-color opal)	6 - 6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal gentle care
common opal (non play-of-color opal)	6 - 6.5	dyed	to add color	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners	DYED
mali green opal	6 - 6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal gentle care
matrix opal, leopard opal, yawa opal	6 or possibly lower	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal gentle care
	5-6	stabilized/impregnated	to improve stability and durability	occasionally	very good	gentle care, avoid heat and harsh chemicals	STB
	6 or possibly lower	Sugar Treated	to darken color	commonly	very good	Avoid heat, solvents, recutting and repolishing.	SA
mosaic opal triplet, glass top	5 - 6	assembled product	to create opal effect from smaller stones	commonly	fair to good	Avoid heat, solvents, chemicals, ultrasonic, and repolishing.	AS
mosaic opal triplet, quartz top	7	assembled product	to create opal effect from smaller stones	commonly	fair to good	Avoid heat, solvents, chemicals, ultrasonic, and repolishing.	AS
opal doublet	6	assembled product	to improve color and/or durability	always	fair to good	Avoid heat, chemicals, ultrasonic, and repolishing.	AS
opal triplet, glass top	5 - 6	assembled product	to improve color and/or durability	always	fair to good	Avoid heat, solvents, chemicals, ultrasonic, and repolishing.	AS
opal triplet, quartz top	7	assembled product	to improve color and/or durability	always	fair to good	Avoid heat, solvents, chemicals, ultrasonic, and repolishing.	AS
peruvian opal	6	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.
peruvian opal	6	dyed	to enhance color	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED
pink opal (common opal)	6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Gentle Care
	6	stabilized	to improve durability and appearance	commonly	very good	Normal Gentle Care	STB
	6	dyed	to add color	occasionally	poor to excellent	Avoid steamers or ultrasonics; keep away from harsh cleaning agents or perfume; simply clean with a soft cloth. Keep away from any fluids or oils, as they can be absorbed and alter appearance and or crack the stone. Avoid all types of heat. Color may fade with extended exposure to sunlight.	DYED
	6	stabilized & dyed	to improve color and durability	occasionally	very good		STB/DYED
prase opal (green opal)	6 - 6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle care
solid play-of-color opal, black, gray, white base	6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid excessive heat, solvents, and ultrasonic cleaners.
	6	impregnated, oiled/resin infused	to help prevent crazing	rarely	fair		IMP
	6	coated on bottom	to improve color	occasionally	fair to good		CTD
synthetic opal	6	lab created	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle care
Imitation opal (artificial polymer based)	4 - 5	man made	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Opalite, Glass Man-Made
opalite (glass)	5-6	man-made	n/a	n/a	fair to good	Normal Care
opalite (glass)	5-6	man-made (Coated)	to create color or iridescence	ocassionally	fair to good	Gentle care. Avoid abrasions. Chipping may reveal natural color. Cannot be re-cut or re-polished. Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	CTD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Orthoclase Feldspar
moonstone, adularia (orthoclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
orthoclase, various colors	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
sunstone (orthoclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Pallasitic Peridot
pallasitic peridot	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal gentle care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Paraiba
paraiba / cuprian	7 - 7.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	7 - 7.5	oiled/resin infused	to improve clarity	sometimes	fair to good		O
	7 - 7.5	heated	to improve color	commonly	excellent		HE
paraiba ice (glass)	5 - 6	man-made	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Pearl
abalone pearl (natural pearl)	2.5 - 4	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Abalone is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Avoid sudden temperature changes, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners. In addition to above precautions: avoid perfumes, and hairsprays. Requires gentle handling.
conch pearl (natural pearl)	3 - 4	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid cosmetics, perfumes, hairsprays, heat and household chemicals.
conch pearl (natural pearl)	3 - 4	polishing/filling	to repair	n/a	good
cultured pearl freshwater & saltwater (akoya, freshwater mussel, souffle)	3 - 4	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid cosmetics, perfumes, hairsprays, heat and household chemicals.
	3 - 4	bleached	to create more even color or lighten	usually	excellent		BL
	3 - 4	dyed/stained	to add color	commonly	good		DYED
	3 - 4	dyed/stained, potential colored nuclei	to add color	occasionally	variable		DYED
	3 - 4	irradiated	to create color	occasionally	very good		IRR
	3 - 4	coated	to even color, improve lustre	often - increasingly common	fair to good		CTD
	3 - 4	bleached/coated	to create more even color or lighten and to improve lustre	Rarely	fair to good
	3 - 4	polishing/filling	to repair	occasionally	good		CTD
	3 - 4	dyed/filling	to add color and repair	occasionally	good		DYED/FL
	3 - 4	bleached/filling	to repair	occasionally	good		BL/FL
cultured Tahitian, South Sea and keshi	3 - 4	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid cosmetics, perfumes, hairsprays, heat and household chemicals.
	3 - 4	bleached	to create more even color or lighten	often	very good		BL
	3 - 4	dyed	to add color	commonly	good		DYED
mabe	3 - 4	Assembled Product	to improve color and durability	always	fair to very good	Avoid cosmetics, perfumes, hairsprays, heat and household chemicals.	AS
	3 - 4	Assembled/Dyed	to improve color and durability	commonly	fair to very good	Avoid cosmetics, perfumes, hairsprays, heat and household chemicals.	AS/Dyed
natural pearl	3 - 4	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid cosmetics, perfumes, hairsprays, heat and household chemicals.
natural pearl	3 - 4	polishing/filling	to repair	occasionally	good		CTD
natural pearl (scallop, conch, clam, oyster)	3 - 4	bleached	to create more even color or lighten	usually	very good	Avoid cosmetics, perfumes, hairsprays, heat and household chemicals.	BL
natural pearl (scallop, conch, clam, oyster)	3 - 4	dyed/stained w/-w/o heat	to alter color	rarely	good to very good		DYED
Pearlfection™	3 - 4	simulant	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal gentle care	DYED
souffle' pearls	3 - 4	standard pearl processing	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid cosmetics, perfumes, hairsprays, heat and household chemicals.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Peridot
peridot	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid sudden temperature changes, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.
	6.5	oiled/waxed	to improve appearance	rarely	fair to good	Avoid sudden temperature changes, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	O
	6.5	dyed and stabilized	to improve color and durability	rarely	fair to good	Avoid sudden temperature changes, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Petalite
petalite	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
petalite	6.5	irradiated	to improve or alter color	occasionally	good	Normal Care	IRR
blue	6.5	CVD coated	to add color	rarely	fair to good	Color may be affected by polishing, recutting, ultrasonic cleaners, alcohol, and harsh chemicals.	CVD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Pezzotaite
pezzotaite	8	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Phenakite
phenakite	7.5 - 8	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care, but avoid sudden temperature changes.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Phosgenite
phosgenite	2-3	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Very soft gentle care, not suitable for jewelry. Soluble in acid. This stone contains lead and special care needs to be used. Always wash your hands after handling and do not ingest. Cut stones using a liquid medium and use a mask so not to inhale dust.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Powellite
powellite	3.5-4	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle care, not suitable for jewelry. Soluble in acid.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Prasiolite (green quartz)
prasiolite (green quartz)	7	irradiated/ annealed	to alter color	usually	very good	Avoid a jeweler's torch.	IRR

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Prehnite
prehnite	6 - 6.5	not known to be normally treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care, but avoid sudden temperature changes.
prehnite	6 - 6.5	dyed	to add color	rarely	Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners and repolishing.	DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Psilomelane
psilomelane	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Phosphosiderite
phosphosiderite	3.5 - 4	stabilized	to improve stability and durability	almost always	very good	Gentle care, moderately soft. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, heat and harsh cleaners.	STB

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Pyrite
marcasite (pyrite)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling. Avoid acids and chemicals.
pyrite	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a
pyrite	3 - 4	gold plated	to look like gold	sometimes	good		CTD
rainbow(pyrite)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Quartz
amethyst	7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid a jeweler's torch
amethyst	7	heated/irradiated	to improve color	occasionally	excellent	Avoid a jeweler's torch	HE/IRR
ametrine	7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid a jeweler's torch
ametrine	7	heated	to improve color	occasionally	excellent	Avoid a jeweler's torch	HE
blueberry quartz	7	irradiated /annealed	to create color	always	excellent	Normal care	IRR
blue moon quartz	7	heated	to create effect	always	excellent	Normal Care	HE
citrine (all types)	7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
citrine (all types)	7	heated	to alter color	usually	excellent	Normal Care	HE
lemon citrine, ouro verde quartz	7	irradiated	to create color	always	excellent	Normal Care	IRR
dendritic quartz	7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	7	heated	to alter color	rarely	excellent	Normal Care	HE
	7	irradiated	to create color	rarely	good	Avoid temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	IRR
drusy quartz	7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal care
	7	coated	to create color or iridescence	often	good	Gentle care. Avoid abrasions. Chipping may reveal natural color. Cannot be re-cut or re-polished. Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	CTD
	7	CVD	to create color or iridescence	frequently	very good	Gentle care. Avoid abrasions. Chipping may reveal natural color. Cannot be re-cut or re-polished. Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	CVD
	7	heated	to improve color	occasionally	excellent	Normal care	HE
latte quartz	7	irradiated/heated	to alter color	usually	excellent	Normal Care	HE/IRR
lazulated quartz	7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and repolishing
lilac quartz	7	heated	to improve color	occasionally	excellent	Normal Care	HE
mookaite jasper	6 - 6.5	heated	to enhance color	usually	excellent	Normal Care	HE
mystic quartz	7	CVD	to create color effect	always	very good	Gentle care. Avoid abrasions. Chipping may reveal natural color. Cannot be re-cut or re-polished. Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	CVD
mystic quartz	8	PVD PVD Coated	to add color	commonly	fair to good	Physical Vapor Deposition Coated - A coating that is commonly applied to the surface of the product; which is then sealed with a polymer to protect it. Example: watches.	PVD PVD Coated
pietersite, henanite	7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
prasiolite (green quartz)	7	irradiated/ annealed	to alter color	usually	very good	Avoid a jeweler's torch.	IRR
quartz w/special inclusions (actinolite, confetti, medusa, leopard, strawberry, iodolite)	7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	While they are a 7 in hardness, a proliferation of inclusions may alter this, either strengthening or weakening a material.
quench crackled, emerald green	7	heated/cooled, dyed	to add color and inclusions	commonly	very good	Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and re-polishing	QCR
quench crackled	7	heated/cooled, dyed	to add color and inclusions	commonly	good - poor, depending on type of dye used		QCR
rose quartz	7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	7	dyed	to add color	commonly	good	Avoid heat, temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and repolishing	DYED
	7	coated	to improve appearance	rarely	n/a	Gentle care. Avoid abrasions. Chipping may reveal natural color. Cannot be re-cut or re-polished. Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	CTD
rutilated quartz	7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
smoky quartz	7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
smoky quartz	7	irradiated	to create color	usually	good	Normal Care	IRR
rock crystal	7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
hawk's-eye, blue tiger's eye	7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
hawk's-eye, blue tiger's eye	7	chemical bleaching with acid or bleaching agents	to alter color	occasionally	excellent	Normal Care	BL
tiger's-eye, brown	7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
tiger's-eye, brown	7	chemical bleaching with acid or bleaching agents	to alter color	occasionally	excellent	Normal Care	BL
tiger's-eye, red	7	heated	to change from gold to red	always	excellent	Normal Care	HE
	7	chemical bleaching with acid or bleaching agents	to alter color	sometimes	excellent	Normal Care	BL
	7	dyed	to alter color	sometimes	very good	Avoid sudden temperature changes, chemicals, steam and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED
tourmalinated quartz	7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
triplets, many patterns and colors	7	assembled with natural quartz top and bottom, colored or patterned layer in between	to create new and interesting gems	occasionally	very good	Avoid solvents, harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners	AS

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Quartzite
aventurine (quartzite)	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
aventurine (quartzite)	6.5	dyed	to improve color	often	good to excellent	Avoid abrasives, ultrasonic, solvents and heat.	DYED
quartzite	6 - 6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	6 - 6.5	dyed	to alter color	commonly	excellent	Avoid chemicals, heat and ultrasonic cleaners	DYED
	6 - 6.5	impregnated with colorless plastic	to improve appearance, and durability	commonly	good	Avoid chemicals, heat and ultrasonic cleaners	IMP
	6 - 6.5	bleached	to create more even color or lighten	occasionally	good	Normal Care	BL

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Rainbow calsilica
rainbow calsilica	3 - 4	composite	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle care	COMP

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Rhodizite
rhodizite	8	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Rhodochrosite
rhodochrosite	3.5 - 4	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Rhodochrosite is very soft, so be mindful of scratching or chipping. Requires gentle handling.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Rhodolite
rhodolite	7 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Rhodonite
rhodonite	5.5 - 6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling
rhodonite	5.5 - 6	dyed/stained	to add color	occasionally	poor	Normal, gentle handling. Avoid steam, chemicals and harsh cleaners.	DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Rhyolite (natural rock)
rhyolite (natural rock)	6 - 7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Rock Crystal
rock crystal	7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Rubellite (pink, red, purple tourmaline)
Rubellite (pink, red, purple tourmaline)	7 - 7.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	7 - 7.5	heated	to improve color	occasionally	excellent		HE
	7 - 7.5	irradiated	to create color	commonly	excellent		IRR
	7 - 7.5	oiled/resin infused	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	O
	7 - 7.5	dyed/stained	to alter color	rarely	poor to fair	Avoid abrupt temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Ruby (corundum)
ruby (corundum)	9	no treatment(extremely rare)	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	9	heated	to improve color and clarity	usually	excellent		HE
	9	infilled - glass or flux filled	to improve color and clarity	commonly	good to excellent		INF
	9	Beryllium lattice diffusion	to improve color	occasionally	excellent	Avoid recutting, otherwise Normal Care	BE DIF
	6 - 9	flux healed	to improve clarity	commonly	excellent	Normal care	FH
	9	surface diffusion	to create asterism or color	occasionally	good	Avoid repolishing / recutting and scratching.	DIF
	9	oiled/resin infused	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners	O
	9	dyed/stained with colored oils or polymers	to improve color and clarity	occasionally	poor	Avoid harsh chemicals, heat and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED
	7	coated	to create color	rarely	poor	Gentle care. Avoid abrasions. Chipping may reveal natural color. Cannot be re-cut or re-polished. Avoid heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	CTD
Mahaleo® ruby - ruby (corundum) and lead glass filling	6-9 (will vary depending on the amount of glass filling used)	lead glass filled (fissure filled) See Hybrid	to improve clarity and color	always	poor	Special Care Required. Avoid ordinary household cleaners, acidic cleaners, acidic foods (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.), steam and ultra-sonic cleaners, and jewelers’ torch. Clean with a damp cloth.	LGF
ruby beads	9	waxed/oiled	to improve clarity and luster	frequently	poor	Avoid harsh chemicals, heat and ultrasonic cleaners.	W
star ruby all (corundum)	9	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid jewelers torches, otherwise Normal Care
	9	surface diffusion	to implant star	occasionally	excellent	Avoid repolishing / recutting, scratching and jeweler's torches.	DIF
	9	heated	to improve color	sometimes	excellent	Avoid jewelers torches, otherwise Normal Care	HE
Mahaleo® star ruby - ruby (corundum) and lead glass filling	6-9 (will vary depending on the amount of glass filling used)	lead glass filled (fissure filled) See Hybrid	to improve clarity and color	always	poor	Special Care Required. Avoid ordinary household cleaners, acidic cleaners, acidic foods (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.), steam and ultra-sonic cleaners, and jewelers’ torch. Clean with a damp cloth.	LGF
ruby - zoisite, anyolite	6.5 - 7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
ruby - zoisite, anyolite	6.5 - 7	oiled	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair	Avoid ultrasonic and harsh cleaners.	O
ruby, synthetic	9	lab created	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Rutile, synthetic
rutile, synthetic	6 - 6.5	lab created	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Sapphire
sapphire, blue (corundum)	9	no treatment(rare)	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	9	heated	to improve color and clarity	usually	excellent	Normal Care	HE
	9	dyed/stained with colored oils or polymers	to improve color and clarity	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid harsh chemicals, heat and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED
	9	beryllium lattice diffusion	to lighten color	occasionally	excellent	Avoid recutting, otherwise Normal Care	BE DIF
	9	surface diffusion	to create or improve color	occasionally	good	Avoid chipping or repolishing	DIF
	9	oiled/resin infused	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners	O
Mahaleo® sapphire - sapphire (corundum) and lead glass filling	6-9 (will vary depending on the amount of glass filling used)	lead glass filled (fissure filled) See Hybrid	to improve clarity and color	always	poor	Special Care Required. Avoid ordinary household cleaners, acidic cleaners, acidic foods (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.), steam and ultra-sonic cleaners, and jewelers’ torch. Clean with a damp cloth.	LGF
sapphire, fancy (green, orange, purple, pink, padparadscha, yellow) (corundum)	9	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	9	heated	to improve color and clarity	usually	excellent	Normal Care	HE
	9	beryllium lattice diffusion	to improve color	commonly	excellent	Avoid recutting, otherwise Normal Care	BE DIF
Mahaleo® sapphire (fancy color, including green, orange, purple, pink, padaradscha, yellow) - sapphire (corundum) and lead glass filling	6-9 (will vary depending on the amount of glass filling used)	lead glass filled (fissure filled) See Hybrid	to improve clarity and color	always	poor	Special Care Required. Avoid ordinary household cleaners, acidic cleaners, acidic foods (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.), steam and ultra-sonic cleaners, and jewelers’ torch. Clean with a damp cloth.	LGF
sapphire, star blue (corundum)	9	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid jewelers torches, otherwise Normal Care
	9	heated	improve color	sometimes	excellent	Avoid jewelers torches, otherwise Normal Care	HE
	9	surface diffusion	to implant star	often	excellent	Avoid repolishing / recutting, scratching and jeweler's torches.	DIF
Mahaleo® star blue sapphire - sapphire (corundum) and lead glass filling	6-9 (will vary depending on the amount of glass filling used)	lead glass filled (fissure filled) See Hybrid	to improve clarity and color	always	poor	Special Care Required. Avoid ordinary household cleaners, acidic cleaners, acidic foods (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.), steam and ultra-sonic cleaners, and jewelers’ torch. Clean with a damp cloth.	LGF
sapphire, star gray - white (corundum)	9	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid jewelers torches, otherwise Normal Care
sapphire, star gray - white (corundum)	9	surface diffusion	to implant star	occasionally	Excellent	Avoid repolishing / recutting, scratching and jeweler's torches.	DIF
sapphire, black star (corundum)	9	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
sapphire, black star (corundum)	9	lacquered	prevent flaking	often	fair	Avoid harsh solvents and ultrasonic cleaners	CTD
Mahaleo® black star sapphire - ruby (corundum) and lead glass filling	6-9 (will vary depending on the amount of glass filling used)	lead glass filled (fissure filled) See Hybrid	to improve clarity and color	always	poor	Special Care Required. Avoid ordinary household cleaners, acidic cleaners, acidic foods (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.), steam and ultra-sonic cleaners, and jewelers’ torch. Clean with a damp cloth.	LGF
sapphire, synthetic	9	lab created	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Sapphirine
sapphirine	7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Scapolite
scapolite yellow	5.5 - 6	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling. Avoid jeweler's torch.
scapolite violet	5.5 - 6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling. Avoid jeweler's torch.
	5.5 - 6	irradiated	to produce violet color	rarely	poor to fair	Normal, gentle handling. Avoid jeweler's torch. When exposed to bright light color may fade.	IRR
	5.5 - 6	heated	to produce violet color	rarely	good		HE

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Scheelite
scheelite	4.5 - 5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle care, not suitable for jewelry

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Scolecite
scolecite	5 - 5.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Soft and brittle, so be mindful of scratching. Not suitable for most jewelry uses.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Scoria (Lava Rock)
	6 - 5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle wear; avoid ultrasonics and high heat.
	6 -5	coated/stabilized	to improve color, durability and appearance	rarely	fair to very good	Gentle wear; avoid ultrasonics and high heat.	CTD/STB

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Septaria (mineral concretions)
septaria (mineral concretions)	varies	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Serpentine
serpentine	2.5 - 6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Serpentine is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Avoid sudden temperature changes, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners. Requires gentle handling
	2.5 - 6	dyed/stained	to alter color	commonly	fair to good	Serpentine is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Color may fade. Requires gentle handling. Avoid steam and heat, could remove dye.	DYED
	2.5 - 6	impregnated, waxed/oiled	to improve hardness and luster	commonly	good to very good	Serpentine is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Avoid ultrasonic, chemicals, and solvents. Requires gentle handling	IMP

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Shanseres (diopside)
shanseres (diopside)	5.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Diopside is moderately soft, so be mindful of scratching. Avoid abrasives and solvents.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Shark teeth
shark teeth	3 - 4	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Most shark teeth are actually fossils. Gentle Care.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Shell
abalone (shell)	3	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Shell is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Avoid sudden temperature changes, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners. In addition to above precautions: avoid perfumes, and hairsprays.
	3	dyed	to add color	commonly	good		DYED
	3	stabilized	prevent porosity	occasionally	fair		STB
mother of pearl (shell)	3	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Shell is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Avoid sudden temperature changes, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners. In addition to above precautions: avoid perfumes, and hairsprays.
	3	dyed/stained	to alter color	commonly	good to very good		DYED
	3	stabilized	to reduce porosity, to stabilize the stone	sometimes	fair to good		STB
	3	coated	to protect shell and added design	occasionally	good		CTD
shell (oyster, paua, conch, clam, scallop, capiz)	3	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Shell is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Avoid sudden temperature changes, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners. In addition to above precautions: avoid perfumes, and hairsprays.
	3	dyed/stained	to alter color	commonly	fair to good		DYED
	3	stabilized	to reduce porosity, to stabilize the stone	commonly	fair to good		STB
	3	coated	to protect shell and added design	occasionally	good		CTD
	3	heated	to alter color and translucency	frequently	fair to good		HE

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Sillimanite
sillimanite	6 - 7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling.
sillimanite cat's eye	6 - 7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Sinhalite
sinhalite	6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle care, moderately soft. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Spessartite/Spessartine
spessartite	7 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
spessartine	7 - 7.5	dyed	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care	DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Sodalite
sodalite	5.5 - 6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
sodalite	5.5 - 6	dyed/stained	to improve color	sometimes	fair	Avoid cleaners, chemicals, steam and ultra sonic cleaners.	DYED
hackmanite	5.5 - 6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	When exposed to sunlight the color will fade to white. Color will return if stones are stored in darkness for several days or when exposed to shortwave ultraviolet light.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Sphene
sphene	5 - 5.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Sphene is a soft stone, so be mindful of scratching.
sphene	5 - 5.5	heated	to create red or orange color	occasionally	good	Sphene is a soft stone, so be mindful of scratching.	HE

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Sphalerite
sphalerite	3.5 - 4	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Sphalerite is a very soft stone, so be mindful of scratching. It is generally not suited for jewelry use.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Spinel
spinel	8	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	8	heated	to improve color and clarity	rarely	excellent	Normal Care	HE
	8	CVD coated	to add color	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid repolishing, scratching or abrading - color coating may be chipped or scratched off.	CVD
black spinel	8	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Spodumene
hiddenite	6.5 - 7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Some stones cleave or fracture easily. Wear with care.
hiddenite	6.5 - 7	irradiated	to create color	rarely	poor	Gentle care. Avoid prolonged exposure to light and heat to prevent color fading. Some stones cleave or fracture easily. Wear with care. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners	IRR
kunzite pink / violet	6.5 - 7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle care. Prolonged exposure to light, especially UV and sunlight, will cause fading. Some stones cleave or fracture easily. Wear with care.
	6.5 - 7	irradiated	to improve color	commonly	fair to poor		IRR
	6.5 - 7	heated	to improve color	commonly	fair		HE
Teradora™, yellow spodumene, Canary spodumene	6.5 - 7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle care. Prolonged exposure to light, especially UV and sunlight, will cause fading. Some stones cleave or fracture easily. Wear with care.
Teradora™, yellow spodumene, Canary spodumene	6.5 - 7	irradiated	to create color	frequently	poor	Gentle care. Prolonged exposure to light, especially UV and sunlight, will cause fading. Some stones cleave or fracture easily. Wear with care.	IRR

10:13

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Stichtite
stichtite	1.5 - 2	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Stichtite is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Avoid sudden changes, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners. Soluble in acid. Requires gentle handling.
stichtite	1.5 - 2	impregnated, waxed/oiled	to improve hardness and color	commonly	good to very good	Stichtite is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Avoid sudden changes, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners. Soluble in acid. Requires gentle handling.	IMP

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Strontium titanate
strontium titanate	5 - 5.5	lab created	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling Strontium Titanate is a soft stone, so be mindful of scratching.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Sugilite
sugilite	6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
sugilite	6	dyed	to improve color	occasionally	good	Avoid solvents, steam and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Sunstone
sunstone (orthoclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
sunstone (plagioclase feldspar)	6 - 6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
	6 - 6.5	oiled	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.	O
	6 - 6.5	stabilized	to improve durability and appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.	STB

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Taaffeite
taaffeite	8	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care and handling

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Tanzanite
tanzanite	6.5	no treatment (rare)	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling
	6.5	heated	to improve color	almost always	excellent	Normal, gentle handling	HE
	6.5	coated	to improve color	rarely	fair	Gentle wear, avoid ultrasonics and high heat.	CTD
	6.5	heated/oiled/resin infused	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	O/HE
	6.5	dyed	to improve color	rarely	fair	Avoid temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED
	6.5	dyed/heated/oiled/resin infused	to improve color and appearance	rarely	fair	Avoid temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED/O/HE
green tanzanite, ocean tanzanite	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling
green tanzanite, ocean tanzanite	6.5	heated	to improve color	frequently	excellent	Normal, gentle handling	HE
yellow, pink, orange, colorless (tanzanite)	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling
yellow, pink, orange, colorless (tanzanite)	6.5	heated	to improve color	sometimes	excellent	Normal, gentle handling	HE

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Tektite Glass
moldavite (natural tektite glass)	6	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle care
Lybian desert glass (natural tektite glass)	6	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a
tektite (natural glass)	6	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Tiger's eye
hawk's-eye, blue tiger's eye	7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
hawk's-eye, blue tiger's eye	7	chemical bleaching with acid or bleaching agents	to lighten color	occasionally	excellent	Normal Care	BL
tiger's-eye, brown	7	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
tiger's-eye, brown	7	chemical bleaching with acid or bleaching agents	to lighten color	occasionally	excellent	Normal Care	BL
tiger's-eye, red	7	heated	to change from gold to red	usually	excellent	Normal Care	HE
	7	chemical bleaching with acid or bleaching agents	to lighten color	occasionally	excellent	Normal Care	BL
	7	dyed	to alter color	occasionally	very good	Avoid sudden temperature changes, chemicals, steam and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED
pietersite, henanite	7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Topaz
blue topaz - sky, swiss, london, super	8	irradiated and annealed	to create color	almost always	excellent	Normal Care	IRR
blue topaz - sky, swiss, london, super	8	CVD coated	to add color	occasionally	fair to good	Color may be affected by polishing, recutting, ultrasonic cleaners, alcohol, and harsh chemicals.	CVD
brown, champage	8	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	May fade with exposure to sunlight.
brown, champage	8	irradiated	to create color	occasionally	varies	May fade with exposure to sunlight.	IRR
green	8	irradiated	to create color	occasionally	fair to poor	Color fades in exposure to sunlight and high heat.
green	8	CVD coated	to add color	commonly	fair to good	Color may be affected by polishing, recutting, ultrasonic cleaners, alcohol, and harsh chemicals.	CVD
mystic series,pink, red, ocean, glacier, patriot, canary, champagne, orchid, dawn, teal, kiwi, etc.	8	CVD coated	to add color	commonly	fair to good	Avoid repolishing, scratching or abrading - color coating may be chipped or scratched off.	CVD
	8	PVD PVD coated	to add color	commonly	fair to good	Physical Vapor Deposition Coated - A coating that is commonly applied to the surface of the product; which is then sealed with a polymer to protect it. Example: watches.	PVD PVD coated
imperial	8	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	8	heated	to improve color	usually	excellent	Normal Care	HE
	8	irradiated	to improve color	sometimes	variable	Avoid heat and strong light.	IRR
yellow / orange	8	irradiated	to create color	occasionally	variable	Avoid heat and strong light.	IRR
yellow / orange	8	heated	to improve color	usually	excellent	Normal Care	HE
white (colorless)	8	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
white (colorless)	8	heated	to remove color	occasionally	excellent	Normal Care	HE
Multiple Colors	8	TCF™(Thermal Color Fusion)	to add color	commonly	fair to good	Avoid repolishing, scratching or abrading - color coating may be chipped or scratched off.	TCF™

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Tourmaline
indicolite	7 - 7.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	7 - 7.5	heated	to improve color	commonly	excellent	Normal Care	HE
	7 - 7.5	oiled/resin infused	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid steaming, harsh chemicals, ultrasonic, and temperature changes.	O
achroite, colorless	7-7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
bi-color, parti-color	7 - 7.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
bi-color, parti-color	7 - 7.5	heated	to improve color	commonly	excellent	Normal Care	HE
cat's-eye tourmaline	7 - 7.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
cat's-eye tourmaline	7 - 7.5	oiled/resin infused	to improve clarity	occasionally	good	Avoid steaming, harsh chemicals, ultrasonic, and temperature changes.	O
chrome tourmaline	7 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
dravite (brown tourmaline)	7 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
green, blue	7 - 7.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	7 - 7.5	heated	to improve color	commonly	excellent	Normal Care	HE
	7 - 7.5	oiled/resin infused	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid steaming, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and temperature changes.	O
paraiba / cuprian	7 - 7.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	7 - 7.5	oiled/resin infused	to improve clarity	sometimes	fair to good		O
	7 - 7.5	heated	to improve color	commonly	excellent		HE
pink, red (rubellite), purple	7 - 7.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	7 - 7.5	heated	to improve color	occasionally	excellent		HE
	7 - 7.5	irradiated	to create color	commonly	excellent		IRR
	7 - 7.5	oiled/resin infused	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair to good	Avoid temperature changes, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	O
	7 - 7.5	dyed/stained	to alter color	rarely	poor to fair	Avoid steaming, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and temperature changes.	DYED
schorl (black tourmaline)	3	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle handling (specimen)
yellow / orange	7 - 7.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
	7 - 7.5	heated	to improve color	occasionally	excellent		HE
	7 - 7.5	irradiated	to create color	rarely	very good		IRR
watermelon	7 - 7.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
watermelon	7 - 7.5	heated	to improve color	commonly	excellent	Normal Care	HE

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Trapiche Emerald
trapiche emerald	7.5 - 8	oiled/resin infused	to improve clarity	almost always	fair to good, may require maintenance	Avoid extreme heat, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.	O
trapiche emerald	7.5 - 8	dyed/stained	to alter color	occasionally	variable	Avoid extreme heat, temperature changes, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Tremolite
tremolite	5 - 6	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle care, tremolite can be brittle as well as cleave.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Trilobites
trilobites	3 - 4	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle care care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Tsavorite Garnet
tsavorite garnet (grossular)	7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Turquoise
turquoise	5 - 6	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Gentle care, natural turquoise is very soft and porous, so avoid contact with oils and colored fluids. Clean with clean damp cloth only.
	5 - 6	impregnated, waxed	to improve color and luster	commonly	poor to fair	Avoid hot water, household chemicals, steam and ultrasonic cleaners.	IMP
	5 - 6	dyed & stabilized	to improve color and durability	often	very good		DYED
	5 - 6	stabilized & dyed	to improve color and durability	often	very good		STB/DYED
	5 - 6	stabilized	to improve durability and appearance	commonly	very good		STB
	5 - 6	Zachary Process	to improve durability and appearance	proprietary process	very good		ZPR
composite turquoise (including composite Kingman turquoise – blue, green, purple; composite Mohave turquoise; & purple composite turquoise)	4-6	composite	to make larger pieces from powder or smaller pieces and sometimes to add color, stabilize, and add metallic veining	always	very good	Special Care Required. Avoid extreme heat, temperature changes, hot water, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.	COMP
	4-6	stabilized & dyed	to improve color and durability	almost always	very good		COMP & STB/DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Ulexite
ulexite	2.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid hot water, household chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners
ulexite	2.5	coated	to improve durability	sometimes	good		CTD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Unakite
unakite	6 - 6.5	No Treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
unakite	6 - 6.5	Impregnated	to improve durability	rarely	good	Avoid hot water, household chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners	IMP

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Unakite
unakite	6 - 6.5	No Treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
unakite	6 - 6.5	Impregnated	to improve durability	rarely	good	Avoid hot water, household chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners	IMP

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Variscite
variscite	4 - 4.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling. Variscite is a soft stone, so be mindful of scratching.
	4 - 4.5	stabilized	to improve durability and for shaping and polishing	commonly	good	Avoid exposure to hot water, heat, steam, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners	STB
	4 - 4.5	stabilized & dyed	to improve color and durability	commonly	very good	Avoid temperature changes, heat, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED
	4 - 4.5	dyed/stained	to improve color	often	fair to good	Avoid temperature changes, heat, steaming, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.	DYED

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Vesuvianite (idocrase)
vesuvianite (idocrase)	6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Moderately soft, so be mindful of scratching

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Viridine (andalusite)
viridine	7 - 7.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Witherite
witherite	3.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Very soft and may be attacked by acids. Not suitable for jewelry.

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling
Wulfenite
wulfenite	2.5 - 3	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Very soft , careful handling

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet)
YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet)	8.5	lab created	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Zandrite (glass)
zandrite (glass)	5 - 6	man-made	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Zircon
blue	7.5	heated	to create blue	almost always	fair to good	Avoid sharp knocks and harsh wear. Avoid prolonged exposure to UV lighting, such as tanning beds and nail polish curing lights, to avoid temporary alteration of color.	HE
colorless	7.5	heated	to lighten color	almost always	fair to good		HE
green / brown	6.5 - 7.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Avoid sharp knocks and harsh wear.
hyacinth, pink	7.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a
hyacinth, pink	7.5	heated	to produce color	frequently	good		HE
imperial	7.5	heated	to produce color	almost always	good		HE
red	7.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a
red	7.5	heated	to improve color	commonly	good		HE
yellow	7.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a
yellow	7.5	heated	to improve color	occasionally	good		HE
fancy color zircon	7.5	CVD	to add color	occasionally	good to very good	Color may be affected by polishing, recutting, ultrasonic cleaners, alcohol, and harsh chemicals.	CVD

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Zoisite
ruby - zoisite, anyolite	6.5 - 7	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal Care
ruby - zoisite, anyolite	6.5 - 7	oiled	to improve appearance	occasionally	fair	Avoid ultrasonic and harsh cleaners.	O
tanzanite	6.5	no treatment (rare)	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling
	6.5	heated	to improve color	almost always	excellent	Normal, gentle handling	HE
	6.5	coated	to improve color	rarely	fair	Gentle wear, avoid ultrasonics and high heat.	CTD
green tanzanite, ocean tanzanite	6.5	no treatment	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling
green tanzanite, ocean tanzanite	6.5	heated	to improve color	frequently	excellent	Normal, gentle handling	HE
yellow, pink, orange, colorless (tanzanite)	6.5	not known to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Normal, gentle handling
yellow, pink, orange, colorless (tanzanite)	6.5	heated	to improve color	sometimes	excellent	Normal, gentle handling	HE

gemstone/types	hardness	enhancement method(s)	purpose	frequency	stability/durability	care and handling	on-air code
Zultanite™ (diaspore)
zultanite™ (diaspore)	6.5 - 7	not prone to be treated	n/a	n/a	n/a	Cleaves easily, or is known to brittleness. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners. Wear with care.
cat's eye zultanite™ (diaspore)	6.5 - 7	oiled	to improve appearance	commonly	fair	Cleaves easily, or is prone to brittleness. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, heat and chemicals. Wear with care.	O