Gemas y minerales en América

All gems are minerals but not all minerals are gems. As we discover the amazing gems and minerals across the United States of America, we will have fun learning about where to find these rich treasures, how to find them and how to identify and determine their value. Although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, gemologists have many ways to determine their value based on a number of different factors. We will journey to see garnets, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, diamonds, aquamarine, topaz, opal, jade, gold, silver, petrified wood, and even marble and granite We'll discuss the states that have recognized state gems and we'll discuss our individual birthstones. Each week learners will have the opportunity to share their rock, mineral and gem collections and we will have an activity near the end of class where learners will have the chance to dig for their own beautiful gems and minerals (see materials and supplies section for links to purchase the kit).  We will also discuss how to take a raw gem and process it either by natural or other means and make it into beautiful jewelry! Join us for an amazing natural journey throughout the United States! 

Week 1- What is a gem? What is a mineral?
Week 2- How gemologists identify gems 
Week 3- All About Gold
Week 4- All About Sapphires
Week 5- All About Diamonds
Week 6- All About Emeralds
Week 7- All About Quartz, Amethyst, Citrine and Aquamarine
Week 8- All About Turquoise, Petrified Wood, Topaz and Opal
Week 9- All About Granite and Marble
Week 10- Finding our Own Gems (Dig Kit Link Provided Below- Choose one of two options)