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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.
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A first-of-its-kind experiment aims to stage a multi-vehicle pileup to gain new data on car safety.
Follow scientists in a quest to understand how complex forest ecosystems can help cool our planet.
Explore key military technologies in the American colonies’ fight for freedom.
Follow the investigation into the deadly container ship collision that closed the Port of Baltimore.
Archaeologists uncover new truths about Pompeii, a wealthy Roman playground with dark secrets.
A long-lost ancient cemetery opens the door to a unique period in Egyptian history.
Fossils reveal how birds survived the killer asteroid and became today’s only living dinosaurs.
Can science reveal the secrets of mysterious objects seen in our skies?
Mysterious bodies are found under one of the world’s most famous cathedrals.