Gemstone treatments and synthetics are becoming more sophisticated. Learn about the advanced gemology equipment that gem labs use to stay ahead of the game.
5 Minute Read
In many cases, advanced equipment isn’t necessary in gemology. Knowledge, experience, and a good microscope are the most important tools for any gemologist. Still, there are cases when the basic tools just aren’t enough to identify a gemstone or the treatments it may have received. These advanced instruments can provide that missing piece of the puzzle.
If you have an at-home gem lab, you should already be familiar with spectroscopy. A simple spectroscope will let you see the full spectrum of visible light — as well as gaps in that spectrum when you view a gem through it. Since certain elements absorb light at particular wavelengths, a spectroscope can help you identify a gemstone.
Spectrometry is very similar. But, instead of just showing you strong or faint lines in a spectrum, the machine determines how much light is absorbed at each wavelength. So, what you end up seeing on the screen is a graph with peaks and troughs.
In addition, these machines go beyond visible light. While your at-home spectroscope is limited to what the eye can see, advanced detectors in these spectrometers allow you to “see” far beyond the…
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
In many cases, advanced equipment isn’t necessary in gemology. Knowledge, experience, and a good microscope are the most important tools for any gemologist. Still, there are cases when the basic tools just aren’t enough to identify a gemstone or the treatments it may have received. These advanced instruments can provide that missing piece of the puzzle.
If you have an at-home gem lab, you should already be familiar with spectroscopy. A simple spectroscope will let you see the full spectrum of visible light — as well as gaps in that spectrum when you view a gem through it. Since certain elements absorb light at particular wavelengths, a spectroscope can help you identify a gemstone.
Spectrometry is very similar. But, instead of just showing you strong or faint lines in a spectrum, the machine determines how much light is absorbed at each wavelength. So, what you end up seeing on the screen is a graph with peaks and troughs.
In addition, these machines go beyond visible light. While your at-home spectroscope is limited to what the eye can see, advanced detectors in these spectrometers allow you to “see” far beyond the…
Gemstone treatments and synthetics are becoming more sophisticated. Learn about the advanced gemology equipment that gem labs use to stay ahead of the game.
“I have never known or heard of an organization that offers so much for its members, and at such a low cost.”
— Ernest Roisch, Rainbow Rocks LTD
That's less than $0.01 per article. Get instant access to 1,700+ premium articles, courses, and gem pricing data.
