
A visual examination is the first step to identifying a gemstone. These quizzes will help student gemologists learn to recognize what they might see.
3 Minute Read
If you’ve missed it, try taking this sample gem identification quiz, too.
You’ve received a piece of rough to identify. First, you clean it carefully. Next, you give it a thorough visual exam, using your unaided eyes, a loupe, and a microscope. In the process, you note the following bits of visual information.
Some people have difficulty determining the identity of rough material. Although the process is the same for identifying cut material, you often won’t have a refractive index reading to guide you. However, you’ll still usually gather enough information with which to work.
Look at the rough pictured in Question 1 again. All but the most novice gemologists know that purple coloring and strong zoning are common to amethyst. While this piece certainly looks like an amethyst (a quartz variety), you…









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If you’ve missed it, try taking this sample gem identification quiz, too.
You’ve received a piece of rough to identify. First, you clean it carefully. Next, you give it a thorough visual exam, using your unaided eyes, a loupe, and a microscope. In the process, you note the following bits of visual information.

Some people have difficulty determining the identity of rough material. Although the process is the same for identifying cut material, you often won’t have a refractive index reading to guide you. However, you’ll still usually gather enough information with which to work.
Look at the rough pictured in Question 1 again. All but the most novice gemologists know that purple coloring and strong zoning are common to amethyst. While this piece certainly looks like an amethyst (a quartz variety), you…

A visual examination is the first step to identifying a gemstone. These quizzes will help student gemologists learn to recognize what they might see.

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