Difference between revisions of "Equipment used to identify gemstones"

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Gemology is a science of elimination.  Based on the observation of the various properties of a gem, the possibilities of what it could be are removed until you are left with only one possibility:  the correct identification.   
 
Gemology is a science of elimination.  Based on the observation of the various properties of a gem, the possibilities of what it could be are removed until you are left with only one possibility:  the correct identification.   
  
Some gems are easily identified with a few simple tests.  Who hasn't rubbed a pearl across their teeth to see if it feels rough or smooth? But before doing so, you have already subconciously eliminated all of the other gemstones other than pearl based on the visual observations that you have made: color, shape, [[luster]] etc.  Of course, the "tooth test" won't tell you if it's cultured or not, or in the case of coloured pearls, if they have been irradiated or dyed.
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Some gems are easily identified with a few simple tests, like rubbing a pearl across your teeth to see if it feels rough or smooth. But before doing so, you have already subconciously eliminated all of the other gemstones other than pearl based on the visual observations that you have made: color, shape, [[luster]], etc.  Of course, the "tooth test" won't tell you if it's cultured or not, or in the case of coloured pearls, if they have been irradiated or dyed.
  
 
Most gemstones are considerably less easy to identify.  In order to isolate the various properties of a gem, gemology requires some specialized equipment.
 
Most gemstones are considerably less easy to identify.  In order to isolate the various properties of a gem, gemology requires some specialized equipment.
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:Simply buying the equipment needed for gemology is not enough. One needs formal training from an expert to learn how to apply techniques so one doesn't embrace bad habits that are hard to get rid of.<br />
 
:Simply buying the equipment needed for gemology is not enough. One needs formal training from an expert to learn how to apply techniques so one doesn't embrace bad habits that are hard to get rid of.<br />
 
:It is strongly recommended that you take practical training from one of the institutes outlined in "[[Introduction_to_Gemology#Becoming_a_Gemologist|becoming a gemologist]]".<br />
 
:It is strongly recommended that you take practical training from one of the institutes outlined in "[[Introduction_to_Gemology#Becoming_a_Gemologist|becoming a gemologist]]".<br />
Learning the math is other than being able to correctly applying it, that's elementary my dear.
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Learning the math is not the same as being able to correctly apply it; that's elementary, my dear.
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'''Next: [[10x_Loupe| 10x Loupe or Hand Lens]]'''
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'''[[Table_Of_Contents| Return to the Table of Contents]]'''

Latest revision as of 12:41, 30 May 2009

First and foremost, use your eyes and your brain!

Gemology is a science of elimination. Based on the observation of the various properties of a gem, the possibilities of what it could be are removed until you are left with only one possibility: the correct identification.

Some gems are easily identified with a few simple tests, like rubbing a pearl across your teeth to see if it feels rough or smooth. But before doing so, you have already subconciously eliminated all of the other gemstones other than pearl based on the visual observations that you have made: color, shape, luster, etc. Of course, the "tooth test" won't tell you if it's cultured or not, or in the case of coloured pearls, if they have been irradiated or dyed.

Most gemstones are considerably less easy to identify. In order to isolate the various properties of a gem, gemology requires some specialized equipment.

A word of caution:

Simply buying the equipment needed for gemology is not enough. One needs formal training from an expert to learn how to apply techniques so one doesn't embrace bad habits that are hard to get rid of.
It is strongly recommended that you take practical training from one of the institutes outlined in "becoming a gemologist".

Learning the math is not the same as being able to correctly apply it; that's elementary, my dear.

Next: 10x Loupe or Hand Lens

Return to the Table of Contents