Gems, Rocks & Minerals
That Fade in Light & Weather

As gems, rocks and minerals are exposed to the weather and light, (the sun or artificial), chemical changes begin to take place. Ultraviolet (UV) light and acid rain are the biggest contributors.

Freezing and thawing facilitate the creation of small, fine cracks in all of the minerals and leave the gray stone wall look to rocks.

UV light (natural or artificial), will fade gems and minerals.   Rose Quartz is one which fades quickly. Under the right conditions Rose Quartz can fade to a white color within a year. Blue Beryl is another mineral that will fade but slower than Rose Quartz. Amethyst fades at a slower rate also.

To protect the brilliant and beautiful color of gems, they should be stored in darkness.

By Paul K. Kachinsky and Chris Coyle