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Treasures of the Earth: Gems

Season 43 Episode 18 | 54m 01s

Their beauty has captivated us for millennia. Their cost can be extraordinary–some are even considered priceless. Precious gems like diamonds, rubies, emeralds, opal, and jade are the ultimate treasures of the earth, and each one is made from a specific–and often torturous–recipe of chemistry, pressure, and heat. The secrets to their sparkle, color, and even strength lie deep inside the gems.

Aired: 08/15/18 | Expires: 10/09/19
National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
Extras
From electric flight to artificial noses, engineers are finding new ways to preserve our planet.
Blending innovation and culture, engineers bring a robotic Double Dutch machine to life.
Humans are born to roam. See how engineers are inventing new ways to explore and extend our range.
The moon Phobos has a mysterious origin but a certain expiration date.
Some large meteorites survive their descent through our atmosphere and land on Earth.
The ocean beneath Europa’s icy shell might be an ideal environment for life.
Hydrothermal vents in Enceladus’ ocean may hold the promise of life.
Enceladus’ small size and icy surface is no limitation to its extreme volcanism.
Martian dust devils may have helped NASA’s rovers restore power during mission.
As comets cross the invisible boundary known as the ice line, their ice starts turning into gas.
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From electric flight to artificial noses, engineers are finding new ways to preserve our planet.
Humans are born to roam. See how engineers are inventing new ways to explore and extend our range.
Is engineering humanity’s superpower? See how we can amplify our natural abilities in amazing ways.
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Meet the surprising, oddball worlds moving around our solar system.
Visit strange, frozen worlds to discover the bizarre ice that forms beyond Earth.
Discover the powerful volcanic eruptions that have shaped worlds across our solar system.
What are the weirdest worlds in our solar system, and how did they come to be?
Discover the dramatic forces creating spectacular weather on neighboring planets and moons.
Explore big discoveries that have revolutionized our understanding of the universe.