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Gemological Terminology

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Metamorphic rock	Metamorphic rock is the result of the transformation of a pre-existing rock type, in a process called metamorphism, which means "change in form ".The rock is subjected to heat and pressure causing profound physical and/or chemical change. Metamorphic rocks make up a large part of the Earth's crust.
Minerals	A mineral is a naturally occurring substance formed through Geological processes that has a characteristic chemical composition, a highly ordered atomic structure and specific physical properties.
Mohs Scale	Mohs scale of mineral hardness characterizes the scratch resistance of various Minerals through the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer material. It was created in 1812 by the German Mineralogist Friedrich Mohs and is one of several definitions of hardness in materials science.
Morganite	Morganite, also known as "Pink Beryl," "Rose Beryl," "Pink Emerald," and "Cesian Beryl," is a rare light pink to rose-colored gem-quality variety of the mineral Beryl, which is better known for its green variety (Emerald) and its blue variety (Aquamarine). Morganite was named for financier (and gem and mineral collector) J.P.Morgan. Orange/yellow varieties of Morganite can also be found, and color banding is common. The mineral turns pinker upon high-temperature treatment.
Opalescence	Opalescence is caused from light entering some translucent to transparent gemstones is scattered internally by tiny particles or structural irregularities. The scattered light gives the stone a pearly or milky sheen. Example, Moonstone cabochon cut.
Organic compounds	Organic compounds are those which contain carbon, although some carbon-containing compounds are traditionally considered inorganic. An organic compound is any member of a large class of chemical compounds whose molecules contain carbon.