Assignment 3 Discussion
Moderator: Prof. Kendra Givens
-
Prof. Kendra Givens
- Silver Arrow
- Posts: 427
- Joined: Sun Mar 12, 2017 9:46 pm
Assignment 3 Discussion
In the class forum, tell me which of the gemstones mentioned in this lesson is your favorite. Why are you particularly fascinated by or attached to that stone? Does it have a special meaning for you? Do you have jewelry with that stone in it? 15 points for 150 words!
-
Anne-Marie Gagne
- No broom
- Posts: 63
- Joined: Thu Apr 11, 2024 5:23 pm
- Location: Ohio, USA
Re: Assignment 3 Discussion
Despite pearl being one of my birthstones, it's actually one of my least favorite gemstones. I just find it very boring though the process of culturing them in mollusks is actually pretty interesting (and I may read up more about that some time). Out of the rest of the gemstones from the lesson, I’ll have to say it’s really close between emeralds and rubies, with emeralds just inching out in front but only because I like the color green more than the color red.
I will say, I do find it very interesting that ruby is the only red corundum and all the other colors are sapphires. I will have to find why that is eventually. Emeralds are more my wheelhouse because they just seem more vibrant in color over any of the red gemstones out there. I also like the fact that, while doing research for my article, that there’s no actual scientific point when a beryl that’s green in color is an emerald or just the cheaper green beryl. It's just up to a person’s discretion when they’re evaluating it. (This is mentioned here on the left side of the page.)
I will say, I do find it very interesting that ruby is the only red corundum and all the other colors are sapphires. I will have to find why that is eventually. Emeralds are more my wheelhouse because they just seem more vibrant in color over any of the red gemstones out there. I also like the fact that, while doing research for my article, that there’s no actual scientific point when a beryl that’s green in color is an emerald or just the cheaper green beryl. It's just up to a person’s discretion when they’re evaluating it. (This is mentioned here on the left side of the page.)
"you are now my fourth favorite HOL person" -Prof. Maxim Trevelyan
-
Prof. Will Lestrange
- Shooting Star
- Posts: 1858
- Joined: Mon Aug 19, 2013 5:37 am
Re: Assignment 3 Discussion
I'm going to vote for my (out-of-character) birthstone for this prompt: emerald! I do not have any jewelry with that stone in it as far as I know, but it simply looks gorgeous! The lesson's depiction of emerald manages to be perfectly color-coded for Slytherin with the frame and chain looking silver in color. I should also add that the end-of-year festivities in Slytherin House feature the awarding of the Emerald Cup (this spring is going to be the tenth time the cup is awarded!) But outside of all those things, the historical mystique of the gem (associations with Cleopatra, and even further back in Ancient Egypt) along with its symbols (the combination of progress and security seem like perfect Slytherin associations) all make it a great fit for me!
It is also fascinating to note that the oldest emeralds, from Zambia, are more than half a billion years old - which is a particularly impressive legacy; they can be recognized by a bluish-green sheen (due to having less vanadium than emeralds found elsewhere); it's rare for something that old to survive!
It is also fascinating to note that the oldest emeralds, from Zambia, are more than half a billion years old - which is a particularly impressive legacy; they can be recognized by a bluish-green sheen (due to having less vanadium than emeralds found elsewhere); it's rare for something that old to survive!
