1.
What is the modern birthstone for the month of April?
Correct Answer
B. Diamond
Explanation
Diamond is the modern birthstone for the month of April. This gemstone is known for its brilliance, durability, and symbolism of love and eternity. It is believed to bring clarity, balance, and strength to the wearer. Diamonds are often associated with engagement rings and are considered a precious and highly valued gemstone. Therefore, it is fitting that diamond is the modern birthstone for April, representing the beauty and significance of those born in this month.
2.
What is the color of the emerald birthstone?
Correct Answer
D. Green
Explanation
Emerald is a gemstone that is known for its vibrant green color. It is widely recognized as the birthstone for the month of May. The green color of emerald is caused by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium in its composition. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is green.
3.
Which of the following is not generally used as a birthstone?
Correct Answer
C. Jasper
Explanation
Jasper is not generally used as a birthstone. Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with each month of the year and are believed to bring good luck and positive energy to individuals born in that month. Opal, Garnet, and Peridot are all commonly used as birthstones for different months, but Jasper is not traditionally associated with any specific birth month. Therefore, Jasper is the correct answer as it is not generally used as a birthstone.
4.
The ruby is the modern birthstone for which month?
Correct Answer
C. July
Explanation
The ruby is the modern birthstone for the month of July. Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with each month of the year, and they hold special significance and symbolism. The ruby, with its deep red color, represents passion, love, and strength. It is believed to bring good fortune and protect against evil. July-born individuals can wear ruby jewelry as a way to celebrate their birth month and harness the positive energy associated with this gemstone.
5.
Which sea creature is known to produce pearls?
Correct Answer
A. Oyster
Explanation
Oysters are known to produce pearls. Pearls are formed when an irritant, such as a grain of sand, enters the oyster's shell. In response, the oyster secretes layers of nacre, a combination of calcium carbonate and protein, around the irritant to protect itself. Over time, these layers build up and form a pearl. Oysters are highly valued for their ability to produce pearls, which are often used in jewelry.
6.
One diamond cut is named after which fruit?
Correct Answer
B. Pear
Explanation
The correct answer is Pear because there is a diamond cut called "Pear" which is named after the shape of a pear fruit. The pear cut diamond is a combination of a round and marquise cut, with one pointed end and a rounded end, resembling the shape of a pear fruit.
7.
Which gem is considered the modern birthstone for June?
Correct Answer
A. Pearl
Explanation
Pearl is considered the modern birthstone for June because it is associated with purity, innocence, and love. Pearls are formed inside the shells of certain mollusks as a response to an irritant, creating a unique and beautiful gem. They have been treasured for centuries and are often used in jewelry. In addition, pearls are believed to bring calmness and balance to the wearer, making them a fitting birthstone for the month of June.
8.
Diamonds are weighed in carats and what other measure?
Correct Answer
A. Points
Explanation
Diamonds are weighed in carats, which is a unit of weight specifically used for gemstones. In addition to carats, diamonds are also measured in points. One carat is equal to 100 points, so a diamond that weighs 0.50 carats can also be expressed as 50 points. This additional measure allows for more precise measurements and discussions about the size and weight of diamonds.
9.
What type of mineral is amethyst?
Correct Answer
C. Quartz
Explanation
Amethyst is a type of mineral that belongs to the quartz family. It is a purple variety of quartz, known for its vibrant color and crystal structure. Amethyst is commonly used in jewelry and is valued for its beauty and spiritual properties. It is formed in geodes or in cavities within volcanic rocks, and its color is caused by impurities of iron within the quartz crystal lattice. Amethyst is also believed to have various metaphysical properties, including promoting calmness, balance, and spiritual growth.
10.
What is the modern birthstone for the month of September?
Correct Answer
C. Sapphire
Explanation
The modern birthstone for the month of September is Sapphire. Sapphires are typically blue in color and are known for their beauty and durability. They have been associated with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Sapphires are often used in jewelry and are a popular choice for engagement rings.
11.
What museum was the famous Hope Diamond donated to in the 1950's?
Correct Answer
A. Smithsonian Institute
Explanation
The famous Hope Diamond was donated to the Smithsonian Institute in the 1950s. The Smithsonian Institute is a renowned museum and research complex located in Washington, D.C. It is known for its vast collection of historical artifacts and cultural treasures, making it a fitting home for such a significant gemstone.
12.
Which jewelry retailer is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the stock symbol "TIF"?
Correct Answer
D. Tiffany & Co.
Explanation
Tiffany & Co. is the correct answer because it is the jewelry retailer that is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the stock symbol "TIF".
13.
Which one of the following is the modern birthstone for November?
Correct Answer
D. Topaz
Explanation
Topaz is the modern birthstone for November. It is a gemstone that is known for its vibrant yellow color, although it can also occur in other colors such as blue and pink. Topaz is associated with qualities such as strength, courage, and wisdom. It is believed to bring good fortune and protect against negative energies. As the modern birthstone for November, topaz is often given as a gift to those born in this month to symbolize love, friendship, and happiness.
14.
Which clear semi-precious stone has been used for centuries to imitate diamonds?
Correct Answer
A. Zircon
Explanation
Zircon is a clear semi-precious stone that has been used for centuries to imitate diamonds. It closely resembles the appearance of diamonds, with its high refractive index and brilliance. Due to its similarity to diamonds, zircon has been popularly used as a substitute in jewelry and other decorative pieces. Its affordability and availability make it a desirable alternative to diamonds for those who want a similar look without the high cost.
15.
On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, diamonds are defined as being at which level?
Correct Answer
B. 10
Explanation
Diamonds are defined as being at level 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. The Mohs scale is used to measure the hardness of minerals based on their ability to scratch other minerals. With a score of 10, diamonds are the hardest known natural substance, making them extremely durable and resistant to scratching. This high level of hardness is due to the strong chemical bonds between the carbon atoms in the diamond's crystal structure.