Gem Quiz

Olivine? Peridot? Beryl? No … I Am The Deceiver

Consider this a test of your knowledge of the Mohs scale.

Published

4 years ago

August 2, 2019

Chris Burslem

Olivine? Peridot? Beryl? No … I Am The Deceiver

I SHOULDN’T HAVE TO say more than I’m the defining mineral for 5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, and the hands of 20,000 knowing jewelers should reach for the sky … but then I’d have to stop talking about myself and I am a fascinating character — one with a real hunger to be all things to all people. I’m used to clean up nuclear waste, to fluoridate water, and to manufacture fertilizer. I am in your teeth and bones and while I am only infrequently used as a gemstone, I have been mistaken for much more valuable minerals such as olivine, peridot and beryl. Hence the Greek origins of my name — I am the deceiver.
Who am I?

Wilkerson Testimonials

Wilkerson: “They Feel Like Family”

Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith, Ark., was a true institution. But after being at the helm for most of his life, owner (and descendent of the original founder) Kelly Newton decided it was time to retire. He chose Wilkerson to handle the sale. “I’ve known the owners of Wilkerson for a long, long time. I felt at home with them,” he says. The final retirement sale was just a “blast” and the Wilkerson sales team made it so very simple and straightforward, says Newton. Would he recommend Wilkerson to others? Absolutely. “They’ve done incredible work,” says Newton. “They feel like family.”