Gem Identification at Home – Optional Activity

Experiment 7: Master Detective Protocol

What You'll Do:

1. Prepare Your Detective Lab:
   • Clean each specimen with a soft cloth and warm water if needed
   • Use tweezers or a cloth to hold specimens so you don't get fingerprints on them
   • Set up good lighting with a flashlight or desk lamp
   • Get your observation worksheets ready
2. Become a Visual Detective:
   • Color Analysis: Write down the main color and any other colors you see
   • See-Through Test: Use your flashlight to see if light goes through completely, partially, or not at all
   • Shininess Check: Compare how shiny your specimen is to glass, metal, and plastic
   • Shape Investigation: Look for natural crystal faces or signs of artificial cutting
3. Do Physical Detective Work:
   • Temperature Test: Notice if the material feels cool (like stone) or warm (like plastic)
   • Weight Check: See if it weighs what you expect for its size
   • Gentle Hardness Test: Carefully try scratching with your fingernail and a penny
   • Magnet Test: Use a strong magnet to see if there's iron in it
4. Document Like a Real Scientist:
   • Make identification cards for each specimen
   • Include photos, drawings, and all your test results
   • Compare your results to gemstone identification charts
   • Make your best guess about what each specimen might be

International Gem Society

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