by 
Bolo54
ANSWERS: 2
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you do the streak test. the streak method is alot more helpful then the color. many gems can be the same color yet different. take the jem and scratch the edge on a black or white slate. like a sidewalk or something. depending on the color of the streak it is a different gem. the streak color can most likely be different from the stone color. you can find a chart of the colors of the stone to the colors of the streak that can tell you the name of the stone. i hope this makes sense. i just learned this in science class today, but i am only in 8th grade.
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It can be pretty overwhelming if it's really important to you. I sure have a hard time keeping track. I recommend getting some books. They can be quite interesting even if you don't have a specific need and just have a curiosity. I have a few great books that I purchased at gem and bead shows. If I weren't at work, I could give you the titles. Here's a place to start looking, but I'd also get on Google and do a search also: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/103-8968054-0359022?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=gemstones
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