6. Gem Chemistry: Materials, Structure and Chemical Elements

In this episode of Facet Nation, Lucinda and Simon delve into the foundational aspects of gemmology, focusing on the materials and structures that make up gemstones. They explore chemical elements, atoms, and subatomic particles, emphasising the importance of the periodic table and valency in understanding chemical bonds. The discussion covers crystalline and amorphous structures, the significance of quartz, and the formation of minerals. They categorize gemstones into oxides, silicates, carbonates, phosphates, and organic materials, providing insights into their properties and roles in gemmology. Strap in people, this is a heavy one.

Titles

Exploring the Depths of Gemmology

The Building Blocks of Gemstones

Sound bites

"Atoms are extremely small."

"Carbon has a valency of four."

"Carbonates are the hippies of the group."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gemmology and Episode Overview

03:08 Understanding Elements and Atoms

06:09 Subatomic Particles and Their Roles

09:03 The Periodic Table and Atomic Structure

11:52 Valency and Chemical Bonds

14:36 Oxidation and Its Importance

17:38 Types of Chemical Bonds

20:27 Crystal Structures and Their Significance

23:32 Minerals and Their Formation

26:15 Key Elements in Gemstone Composition

28:09 The Ubiquity of Quartz and Its Elements

31:54 Understanding Gemstone Composition

34:27 The Importance of Silicates

40:07 Exploring Carbonates and Their Characteristics

42:03 The Role of Organic Materials in Gemstones

46:17 Rocks and Their Complexities

gemmology, chemical elements, atoms, subatomic particles, periodic table, valency, chemical bonds, crystalline structure, minerals, gemstone composition, oxides, silicates, carbonates, phosphates, organic materials