Gem Identification with Simple Tools – Optional Activity

Experiment 8: Advanced Detective Techniques

The Read-Through Test:

1. Set Up Your Reading Test:
   • Place clear, round specimens over printed text (newspaper works great)
2. Do the Test:
   • Look straight down through each specimen at the text
   • Write down if you can read the text clearly, if it's blurry, or if you can't see it at all
   • Try different sized specimens
3. Understand Your Results:
   • Materials that bend light a lot will make text impossible to read
   • This test helps separate diamonds from fake diamonds

The Water Immersion Test:

1. Set Up Your Water Lab:
   • Fill a clear container with water and get good lighting ready
2. Dry Observation: Look at your specimens in air first, noting any inclusions or internal features
3. Wet Observation:
   • Put specimens in water
   • See how their visibility changes
   • Look for features that become clearer underwater
4. Analyze Results:
   • Some materials almost disappear in water
   • Others remain very visible
   • Internal features often show up better because there's less reflection from the surface

What You Will Learn: You'll discover that professional gemologists use step-by-step testing methods just like you're learning! Different materials have unique properties that help with identification, and water can be a simple but powerful testing tool.

International Gem Society

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