Gemology

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A selection of gemstone pebbles made by tumbling rough rock with abrasive grit in
a rotating drum. The biggest pebble here is 40 millimetres (1.6 in) long.
Gemology or gemmology is the science dealing with natural and artificial gemstone
materials. It is considered a geoscience and a branch of mineralogy. Some jewelers
are academically trained gemologists and are qualified to identify and evaluate
gems.[1]

Contents [hide]
1

Background

General identification of gems

2.1

Identification by refractive index

2.2

Identification by specific gravity

2.3

Identification by spectroscopy

Institutes, laboratories, schools, and publications

References

Background[edit]
Rudimentary education in gemology for jewelers and gemologists began in the
nineteenth century, but the first qualifications were instigated after the National
Association of Goldsmiths of Great Britain (NAG) set up a Gemmological Committee
for this purpose in 1908. This committee matured into the Gemmological
Association of Great Britain (also known as Gem-A), now an educational charity and
accredited awarding body with its courses taught worldwide. The first US graduate

of Gem-A's Diploma Course, in 1929, was Robert Shipley, who later established both
the Gemological Institute of America and the American Gem Society. There are now
several professional schools and associations of gemologists and certification
programs around the world.

The first gemological laboratory serving the jewelry trade was established in London
in 1925, prompted by the influx of the newly developed "cultured pearl" and
advances in the synthesis of rubies and sapphires. There are now numerous gem
labs around the world requiring ever more advanced equipment and experience to
identify the new challenges - such as treatments to gems, new synthetics, and other
new materials.

Gemmological travel lab KA52KRS

It is often difficult to obtain an expert judgement from a neutral laboratory. Analysis
and estimation in the gemstone trade usually have to take place on site.
Professional gemologists and gemstone buyers use mobile laboratories, which pool
all necessary instruments in a travel case. Such so-called travel labs even have
their own current supply, which makes them independent from infrastructure. They
are also suitable for gemological expeditions.

Gemstones are basically categorized based on their crystal structure, specific

gravity, refractive index, and other optical properties, such as pleochroism. The
physical property of "hardness" is defined by the non-linear Mohs scale of mineral
hardness.

Gemologists study these factors while valuing or appraising cut and polished
gemstones. Gemological microscopic study of the internal structure is used to
determine whether a gem is synthetic or natural by revealing natural fluid inclusions
or partially melted exogenous crystals that are evidence of heat treatment to
enhance color.

The spectroscopic analysis of cut gemstones also allows a gemologist to understand

the atomic structure and identify its origin, which is a major factor in valuing a
gemstone. For example, a ruby from Burma will have definite internal and optical
activity variance from a Thai ruby.

When the gemstones are in a rough state, the gemologist studies the external
structure; the host rock and mineral association; and natural and polished color.
Initially, the stone is identified by its color, refractive index, optical character,
specific gravity, and examination of internal characteristics under magnification.

General identification of gems[edit]

Gem identification is basically a process of elimination. Gemstones of similar color
undergo non-destructive optical testing until there is only one possible identity. Any
single test is indicative, only. For example, the specific gravity of ruby is 4.00, glass
is 3.154.20, and cubic zirconia is 5.65.9. So one can easily tell the difference
between cubic zirconia and the other two; however, there is overlap between ruby
and glass.

And, as with all naturally occurring materials, no two gems are identical. The
geological environment they are created in influences the overall process so that
although the basics can be identified, the presence of chemical "impurities" and
substitutions along with structural imperfections create "individuals".

Identification by refractive index[edit]

Traditional handheld refractometer

One test to determine the gem's identity is to measure the refraction of light in the
gem. Every material has a critical angle, above which point light is reflected back
internally. This can be measured and thus used to determine the gem's identity.
Typically this is measured using a refractometer, although it is possible to measure
it using a microscope.

Identification by specific gravity[edit]

Specific gravity, also known as relative density, varies depending upon the chemical
composition and crystal structure type. Heavy liquids with a known specific gravity
are used to test loose gemstones.

Specific gravity is measured by comparing the weight of the gem in air with the
weight of the gem suspended in water.

Identification by spectroscopy[edit]
This method uses a similar principle to how a prism works to separate white light
into its component colors. A gemological spectroscope is employed to analyze the
selective absorption of light in the gem material. Essentially, when light passes from
one medium to another, it bends. Blue light bends more than red light. How much
the light bends will vary depending on the gem material. Coloring agents or
chromophores show bands in the spectroscope and indicate which element is
responsible for the gem's color.

Institutes, laboratories, schools, and publications[edit]

Institutes and laboratories
American Gem Society - AGS
Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences - AIGS
Canadian Gemmological Association - CGA
Canadian Institute of Gemmology - CIG
European Gemological Laboratory (USA) - EGL USA
Gemmological Association of Australia - GAA
Gemmological Association of Great Britain - Gem-A
Gemological Institute of America - GIA
International Gemological Institute - IGI
Italian Gemmological Institute - IGI
Laboratoire franais de gemmologie - LFG
Swiss Gemmological Institute - SSEF
Universal Gemological Laboratories- GCI
Gemmological Institute of India - GII
Center of Gemological of Indonesia - COG

Publications
Gems & Gemology
References[edit]
Jump up ^ "Gemologist". Dictionary of Occupational Titles. Photius Coutsoukis and
Information Technology Associates. 2003. Retrieved 2009-11-08.
icon

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