Glossary of Terms & Facts

Superhard material

Definition and Properties of Superhard Materials Superhard materials have a hardness value exceeding 40 GPa when measured by the Vickers hardness test. They are virtually incompressible solids with high electron...

Sunstone

Properties of Sunstone Sunstone exhibits an optical effect called schiller due to reflections from inclusions of red copper, hematite, or goethite. The appearance of sunstone is similar to aventurine. Two...

Streak (mineralogy)

Definition and Importance of Streak Streak is the color of the powder produced when a mineral is dragged across an un-weathered surface. It is a diagnostic tool in mineral identification....

Stonesetting

Types of Stones and Stonesetting Techniques Cabochon stones are polished and have a smooth, rounded surface. Faceted stones have multiple flat surfaces, or facets, that reflect light. Bezel setting is...

Sterling silver

History and Origins of Sterling Silver Sterling silver is an alloy composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The term 'sterling' may have originated from the Norman...

Steel

Steel Definitions and Properties Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon with improved strength and fracture resistance compared to other forms of iron. Stainless steels, which are resistant to...

Stainless steel

Properties of Stainless Steel Stainless steel is an alloy of iron that is resistant to rusting and corrosion. It contains at least 10.5% chromium and usually nickel, as well as...

Spirit of de Grisogono Diamond

Characteristics of the Spirit of de Grisogono Diamond Largest cut black diamond in the world Fifth largest diamond overall Weight: 312.24 carats (62.448g) Color: Black Cut: Mogul Origin and Ownership...

Soldering

Origins Soldering was employed in Mesopotamia as early as 5,000 years ago. Soldering and brazing likely originated before 4000 BC. Sumerian swords from c.3000 BC were assembled using hard soldering....

Solder

Composition and Types of Solder Solder is composed of tin and lead, with tin concentrations ranging from 5% to 70%. Lead mitigates tin whisker formation. Common alloys for electrical soldering...

Sodalite

Structure and Properties of Sodalite Sodalite's structure was first studied by Linus Pauling in 1930. The structure consists of tetrahedra with silicon and aluminum atoms at the corners. Oxygen atoms...

Sintering

General Sintering Sintering is a process of compacting and forming a solid mass of material by pressure or heat without melting it. It is used in manufacturing processes for metals,...