Gemstone Quiz: From Moss Agate to Diamonds - Answers

Welcome to Part 2 of our Gemstone Quiz: Moss Agate to Diamonds. Below you will find the correct answers with short, clear explanations. Skim the list or read in order to learn the key points fast.

1. What gives moss agate its “mossy” look?

B) Green mineral inclusions

These are typically chlorite or other minerals that form branch-like patterns inside the quartz. Moss Agate is closely tied to nature and symbolizes growth. Every stone has a unique pattern, so it feels personal. The soft green looks great in yellow or rose gold. It’s quartz, so with a protective setting and normal care, it works well for daily wear. It’s also a more budget-friendly alternative to classic center stones.

2. Which setting style best highlights the natural patterns in moss agate?

A) Bezel

What is a bezel?

A bezel is a continuous band of metal that wraps the stone in a smooth rim of metal, hugging its outline and holding it securely. It gives the stone a soft, secure outline that lets its natural pattern show. A bezel engagement ring looks minimal, feels comfortable, and pairs easily with a wedding band.

3. Which gem is the modern birthstone for March?

A) Aquamarine

Aquamarine is the modern March birthstone. It is a blue to blue-green variety of beryl and is known for a clear, sea-like color. Bloodstone is a traditional March alternative. Aquamarine is durable enough for rings with normal care and is popular for its light, fresh look.

4. How hard is sapphire on the Mohs scale?

C) 9

The Mohs scale is a 1–10 scale that indicates the resistance of a mineral to scratches, with talc at 1 and diamond at 10. A 9 means sapphire is very hard and can scratch most other gems. It is hard enough for daily wear in engagement rings. Normal care still helps, such as avoiding hard knocks and storing it away from sharp objects.

5. What is alexandrite famous for?

C) Color change in different light

Alexandrite is known for shifting color with lighting. It often looks green to bluish-green in daylight and turns red to purplish under warm indoor light. The effect comes from trace chromium in the crystal, which absorbs light in a way that changes what you see under different sources. Not every stone shows a strong change, and the closer it gets to a clear green in daylight and a rich red in warm light, the rarer it is. Natural alexandrite is scarce and costly, but lab-grown alexandrite is more available and shows a similar color change. On the Mohs scale, it is about 8.5, which is hard enough for choosing alexandrite engagement rings with normal care.

6. In daylight, classic alexandrite most often appears…

B) Green to bluish-green

Daylight or cool white light shows the green color of alexandrite. Trace chromium in the crystal filters light so your eye sees green to bluish-green outdoors or under daylight bulbs. The exact shade depends on the stone’s chemistry, cut, and tone. Lighter stones may look brighter green. Deeper stones can read more blue-green. If the daylight looks warm or cloudy, the color can soften. Stronger, cleaner green in daylight usually means a better color change to red in warm indoor light.

7. What is the key difference between natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds?

C) Origin of formation

Both are pure crystallized carbon with the same hardness, sparkle, and durability. Natural diamonds form in the earth over millions of years under heat and pressure. Lab-grown diamonds form in controlled machines using HPHT or CVD methods that copy those natural conditions. Because the crystal is the same, they look and perform the same. The difference is where and how they are made, along with supply, price, and typical inclusion patterns.

8. For maximum brilliance and fire in a diamond, which “C” should you prioritize?

C) Cut

Cut controls the stone’s proportions, angles, symmetry, and polish. A well-cut diamond returns more light to your eye, so it looks brighter, shows stronger fire, and has lively sparkle. Color and clarity cannot fix a poor cut. If possible, choose Excellent or Ideal cut grades to maximize light performance.

9. The moonstone’s soft glow that seems to float under the surface is called…

B) Adularescence

Adularescence is the gentle, floating glow you see in moonstone. It happens when light scatters inside thin, stacked layers within the gem, creating that soft, milky sheen that moves as you tilt the stone.

10. Which orange stone is often sold as “Mandarin” for its vivid color?

A) Spessartine garnet

“Mandarin garnet” is the trade name for vivid, pure orange spessartine. Citrine is usually yellow to yellow-orange, fire opal can be orange but is not called “Mandarin,” and carnelian is typically reddish to brownish orange.