Ingots We Trust Trivia Quiz

Answer: Zircon

Zircon is highly common, a derivative of zirconium. It can be found in all three phases of rock, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary, and in addition has high refractive properties, nearly equal to diamond. For this reason, it is often used as a substitute for the precious mineral.

Interestingly enough, powdered zircon can cause medical trauma if exposed to the eyes, and can cause short-term irritation to the skin, yet it is still the most common form of gemstone substitute.

Answer: Pyrite

Pyrite, or fool's gold, has many commercial and industrial uses, however, is most commonly seen as a fake or false form of jewelry. Typically, pyrite jewelry, also known as Marcasite jewelry, is made by lining silver with bits of pyrite to give the impression of semi-precious qualities.

Answer: False

Actually, under a magnifier, real pearls will show slight imperfections where calcium crystals have formed, and the surface will be comparatively rough. False pearls usually strive for perfection, with a uniform outer shell. This is nearly impossible to recreate naturally however, so is a good sign that the pearl is a fake. Still, I would recommend testing via other methods as well, such as the bounce method or the fluorescence test.

Answer: Transparency

The lead glass is inserted into the gem itself to improve the transparency and to bring out the gemstone's color more effectively. However, this process also dramatically decreases the stone's worth on the open market.

Answer: Nitrogen

It of course cannot be carbon, as diamonds are themselves comprised of carbon. Nitrogen, however, functions to prevent lattice dislocation, thereby increasing the lattice strength and compression throughout the entire gemstone. This increases the toughness of the synthetic material considerably.

Answer: Transforms the diamond into a conductor or superconductor

In fact, while synthetic diamonds may be a relatively cheap way to forge jewelry, within the scientific field they are invaluable as superconductors in many experimental studies. They are often created accordingly with boron impurities in order to achieve this effect.

Answer: no

In fact, the only way to differentiate between synthetic and true diamonds is by the spectroscopy method, using either infrared or ultraviolet wavelengths to detect trace elements in the gemstone in question. So, guys, you can theoretically get away with buying a synthetic for your girlfriends... Just hope they don't aspire to be a scientist.

Answer: Synthetic sapphire

He found that if fine alumina powder is added to an oxyhydrogen flame, which is then directed against an impervious surface, the alumina is deposited with the transparency and general properties of sapphire. Other elemental impurities can be added to give it color or otherwise change the properties.

Answer: The production of fine knife blades

It is an amazingly adaptable substance. Being transparent, yet far tougher than glass, sapphire compounds are often included in armored glass for cars and even body suits. The silicon sapphire compound forms a splendid IC, one that can conduct heat quite well, as well as providing relative insulation for internal circuits. And finally, synthetic sapphire is semi-conductive, giving it value within this industry.
Though beautiful, synthetic sapphire is not used in knife blades. At least, not unless you want to custom design one.

Answer: True

Generally this is true. The mining industries often view the synthetic production companies with distaste, for they are capable of affecting considerable transfusions of gemstones into the market, driving down the price for the real, natural stones. However, certain gems remain exclusive to nature, and have yet to be mass produced in the laboratory; gems such as carbonado, the black diamonds.