Gemology on Colored Stones & Gem Identification Tutorial (GCS)

A 10-day program of 84½ hours (including prerequisite attendance on basic Colored Stones & Pearls of JA17) where you will learn to apply your knowledge of colored stones to the challenges of gem identification. You learn the full range of gem testing instruments to observe and determine the optical and physical characteristics that make each type of gem, synthetic and imitation, distinct, unique and identifiable.

You learn about sophisticated techniques available through testing laboratories and how and when to use their services.

Topics to be tackled during this program:

Understand the meaning of mineral, gemstone, colored stone, crystal and crystal systems, different types of aggregates, amorphous materials, specie, variety, group, series, natural, synthetic, and imitation.
General observation as the initial and vital step in gem identification: color, transparency, cut, phenomena, polish, luster, dispersion, cleavage, fracture
Careful instrumentation to study the physical and optical properties as indication and key tests in gem identification