Testing for Specific Gravity
Step 3: Practical Gemology Lesson 7 Back to syllabus Specific gravity testing is a technique gemologists use to differentiate and identify gems…
Step 3: Practical Gemology Lesson 7 Back to syllabus Specific gravity testing is a technique gemologists use to differentiate and identify gems…
Step 2: Advanced Gemology Lesson 2 Back to syllabus The optical properties of gems attract our eyes and can give a cut stone a unique character. However,…
A set of color filters is easy to pack for any gem buying trip, but did you know they can be useful in the lab, too? In this article, you’ll learn…
Gemstone identification typically starts with measuring a specimen’s refractive index (RI) and specific gravity (SG). These two tests…
Step 3: Practical Gemology Lesson 3 Back to syllabus Sometimes, refractive index (RI) and specific gravity (SG) readings aren’t enough…
A gemologist can conduct many different tests with a polariscope. Gemstone twinning, dichroism, and internal crystal strain are some of the properties …
The polariscope is one of gemology’s simplest and most useful tools. With a little practice and our three-part polariscope guide, you’ll…
Step 3: Practical Gemology Lesson 6 Back to syllabus Optic character is another useful clue in gem identification. This property exists in every…
We tend to take light for granted. It’s such a common thing we experience every day. Rarely do we think of the scientific definition of light…
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