Facet Nation: A Gemmology Podcast Podcast By Facet Nation cover art

Facet Nation: A Gemmology Podcast

Facet Nation: A Gemmology Podcast

By: Facet Nation
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Facet Nation is a new kind of gemmology podcast. Rigorous enough for serious students, but fascinating and funny enough for anyone craving an inside look at gemstones, jewellery and the shadowy world surrounding them. Part revision aide, part storytime, Lucinda and Simon are your qualified guides to the world’s most ancient treasures.

© 2026 Facet Nation: A Gemmology Podcast
Economics Natural History Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • 29: Organics: Coral. Don't bleach it! Or Maybe you should.
    Mar 23 2026

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    This episode explores the fascinating world of coral, its history, types, and significance in gemmology. Hosted by Simon and Lucinda, it covers everything from the biological origins of coral to its cultural importance and modern regulations.


    sound bites

    "Polyps are tiny creatures related to sea anemones."

    "Coral structures are like a living family tree."

    "Black and gold coral are rare and often bleached."


    key topics

    Definition of organic materials

    History of coral harvesting and trade

    Types of coral: precious, soft, fossilised, black and gold

    Identification and authenticity of coral in jewelry

    Regulations and sustainability in coral trade


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Coral and Organic Materials

    02:53 The Importance of Organic Materials

    05:14 Coral Fishing in History

    07:57 Understanding Coral Polyps

    10:32 The Journey of Coral Harvesting

    13:03 Regulations and Sustainability in Coral Harvesting

    15:33 Coral as a Jewelry Material

    18:03 Types of Coral and Their Significance

    21:50 Identifying Coral: Key Features and Characteristics

    24:33 Understanding Soft Coral: Misleading Names and Textures

    26:42 Fossilised Coral: The Transformation Process

    28:20 Exploring Black and Gold Coral: Unique Properties and Origins

    32:17 Coral Conservation: The Impact of Overfishing and Regulations

    34:44 Closing Thoughts: The Beauty and Importance of Coral


    resources

    Gemmology by C. D. M. Roberts - https://www.amazon.com/Gemmology-C-D-M-Roberts/dp/XXXXXX

    CITES - Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species - https://cites.org/

    Coral Museum in Naples, Italy - https://www.coralmuseumnaples.it/

    https://instagram.com/facetnationgemmology


    guest links

    Instagram - https://instagram.com/facetnationgemmology

    TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@facet.nation.pod


    coral, gemmology, organic materials, jewellery, coral harvesting, coral types, coral regulation, fossilised coral, coral history, coral identification

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    37 mins
  • 28. Colour: Pleochroism and Colour Filter Gem testing
    Mar 16 2026

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    In this episode, Lucinda and Simon explore the fascinating world of gemmology instruments, focusing on colour filters like the Chelsea colour filter and pleochroism testing methods. Learn how these tools aid in gemstone identification and enhance gem cutting techniques.


    Educational


    key topics

    Colour filters in gemmology

    Chelsea colour filter purpose and use

    Pleochroism and its significance in gemstone identification

    Testing for pleochroism with London Dichroscope and calcite dichroscope

    Importance of light source and gemstone orientation in testing

    Natural vs synthetic gemstone identification techniques


    key frameworks

    Colour absorption principles

    Pleochroism and optical anisotropy

    Gemstone orientation and cutting strategies


    Titles

    Mastering Gemstone Identification: The Power of Colour Filters and Pleochroism Tests

    Unlocking Gem Secrets: Chelsea Filter and Pleochroism in Gemmology


    sound bites

    "Record your observation by stating the colour scene."

    "Always think about why you're looking at the stone."

    "Share your pleochroic observations with others."


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Colour Filters in Gemmology

    01:55 Understanding Pleochroism and Selective Absorption

    05:27 Testing for Pleochroism with the London Dichroscope

    10:34 Comparing the London Dichroscope and Calcite Dichroscope

    15:36 Documenting Pleochroism Observations

    17:35 Understanding Gemstone Colours and Pleochroism

    20:04 The Chelsea Colour Filter: A Gemstone Testing Tool

    26:23 Practical Applications of the Chelsea Colour Filter

    28:50 Identifying Gemstones: Colour Responses and Observations


    resources

    Gem-A - https://www.gem-a.com

    Pleochroism in Gemstones (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/pleochroism-gemstones


    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/facetnationgemmology

    Email - facetnation@facetnation.co.uk


    gemmology, colour filters, Chelsea filter, pleochroism, gemstone identification, gem testing, gem cutting, gemmology tools

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    32 mins
  • 27. Jadeite: A Cultural Icon
    Mar 9 2026

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    This episode explores the fascinating world of jadeite, covering its geology, colours, treatments, cultural significance, and the latest gemological insights. Hosted by gemmologists Lucinda and Simon, it offers a deep dive into one of the most revered gemstones across cultures.


    key topics

    Jadeite vs Nephrite

    Colours and Varieties of Jadeite

    Treatments and Impostors in Jadeite

    Cultural Significance of Jade in China and Central America

    Geology and Formation of Jadeite


    Titles

    Jadeite Unveiled: 10 Facts Every Gemologist Should Know

    The Hidden World of Jadeite: From Burma to Central America


    sound bites

    "Imperial Jade is the poster child for jadeite"

    "Mining jadeite involves cutting into massive boulders"

    "Testing includes SG, hardness, and visual clues"


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Jadeite

    02:54 The Complexity of Jadeite

    05:43 Understanding Jadeite's Properties

    08:39 The Formation and Sources of Jadeite

    11:20 Cultural Significance and Jewellery of Jadeite

    14:08 Impostors and Imitations of Jadeite

    18:40 Testing and Identifying Jadeite

    26:46 Exploring Literature and Its Influence

    28:01 Understanding Specific Gravity in Gemmology

    29:59 Testing Gem Hardness and Its Implications

    31:30 Refractive Index: A Key to Gem Identification

    33:28 The Complex World of Jade Treatments

    39:14 Cultural Significance of Jade in China

    51:31 Jade's Historical Importance in Central America


    Resources

    Gem-A (Gemological Association of Great Britain) - https://gem-a.com

    Real Jade Co. - https://realjade.com


    Instagram - https://instagram.com/facetnationgemmology


    jadeite, gemmology, gemstones, jade, mineralogy, treatments, cultural significance, Guatemala jade, gem identification

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    56 mins
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