From The Gemology Project
Welcome to The Gemology Project
The Gemology Project is a non-profit gemstone and gem science wiki-style database for anyone interested in gemstones and gemology (gemmology). Every month we highlight a gemstone and a piece of gemstone identification equipment to help us all understand more about the wonderful world of colored stones and diamonds.
We invite every gemologist, gemstone dealer or gem enthusiast to share their practical and theoritical gemological knowledge and help this central gemology repository grow.
You can simply click on the "submission" links at the top and bottom of each page and your information will be included as soon as possible.
In the spotlights: Zircon
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Zircon is a gemstone that can be broadly defined as a zirconium silicate containing trace amounts of the radioactive minerals hafnium, uranium and thorium. Over time, these radioactive components break down the lattice of the crystal, eventually (over tens of thousands of years) destroying the internal crystal lattice and leaving it with an amorphous structure and a dark, pithy appearance.
Zircons that are geologically young and unaffected by radioactivity are termed "high" zircons. These stones are transparent golden, yellowish-green and greenish-brown in color with incredibly high dispersion ... more
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Jill's book tips
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Gemmology by Peter G. Read
Since Gemmology was first published, readers have used it to gain an in-depth appreciation of the science of gemmology, its history and practice. This 3rd edition has been completely revised to cover the latest methods of gem enhancement and indentification, as well as the most up-to-date test instruments and laboratory techniques. It includes details of the Gemmological Association's Foundation Course together with advice on examination techniques.
ISBN 0750664495
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Featured article: Refractometer
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The refractometer is one of the most important tools in a gemological laboratory. It indicates (not measures) the refraction index of a gemstone, which often gives vital clues to the identity of a gemstone.
Although one would expect a refractometer to measure the refraction of light inside a gemstone, this is not the case. Instead it is based on a unique optical phenomenon named Total Internal Reflection (or TIR) ... more
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Please also read the disclaimer, FAQ and help pages.
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