Different Unique Ways to Identify Natural Gemstones
Understanding how to identify natural gemstones is
a valuable skill for gem enthusiasts, jewellery lovers, and anyone curious
about these magnificent creations. Natural gemstones are minerals or rocks
formed over millions of years through geological processes. They come in
various colours, shapes, and sizes, each with its unique characteristics and
effects. Distinguishing between natural and synthetic gemstones is essential
for making well-informed buying choices and appreciating the genuine worth of
these marvels of nature.
There are different types of natural gemstones,
each with its distinct properties and symbolic meanings.
- Precious
gemstones include diamonds, known for their brilliance and durability,
rubies with their vibrant red hues, and sapphires, which exhibit
captivating blue tones.
- Coloured
gemstones encompass emeralds, admired for their rich green colour,
amethysts with their regal purple hues, and aquamarines, reminiscent of
the tranquil beauty of the sea.
- Organic
gemstones such as pearls, born from the depths of the ocean, and amber,
fossilized tree resin, offer their unique allure.
To identify natural gemstones, several tests and
methods can be employed.
Firstly, familiarize yourself with the diverse
types of gemstones, understanding their distinct attributes, colour variations,
transparency, and unique qualities that set them apart. Natural gemstones often
display minor imperfections, known as inclusions, which distinguish them from
synthetic counterparts that may appear flawless.
Examining optical properties is also crucial. Some
gemstones exhibit phenomena like play-of-colour or colour change under
different lighting conditions, which are typical of natural gemstones. Using
magnification and inclusion analysis, gemologists examine internal
characteristics, known as inclusions, to determine a gemstone's origin, type,
and authenticity.
Gemstones Evaluation
Gemologists and experts employ various methods to
accurately identify gemstones based on their physical and optical
properties.
- One
of the most commonly used identification methods include magnification and
inclusion analysis, hardness and cleavage evaluation, the use of gemstone
testing instruments, visual examination, and refractive index (RI)
determination.
- Magnification
and inclusion analysis is a crucial method that involves examining
gemstones under high magnification to observe their internal
characteristics, known as inclusions. These inclusions, such as minerals,
gases, or fractures, provide valuable information about the gemstone's
origin, type, and authenticity. This method is used in conjunction with
other techniques to accurately identify gemstones, requiring expertise to
interpret the inclusions correctly.
- Hardness
and cleavage are important factors evaluated in gemstone identification.
Gemstones' hardness refers to their resistance to scratching, determined
by the strength of their atomic bonds. By comparing the hardness of an
unknown gemstone to known minerals on the Mohs scale, gemologists can narrow
down potential gemstone types. Gemstones with good cleavage exhibit clean,
flat breaks, aiding in their identification and differentiation from
others.
Gemstone Testing
Instruments
Gemstone testing instruments play a crucial role in
identification and evaluation. These specialized tools, including digital
calipers, diamond testers, spectrophotometers, microscopes, refractometers, and
more, are designed to measure and analyze specific gemstone properties. When
used in conjunction with visual examination and other methods, these
instruments provide comprehensive information for accurate identification,
quality assessment, and the detection of treatments or enhancements.
- Gemologists
heavily rely on visual examination, utilizing their well-trained eyes and observational
abilities to assess a wide range of visual attributes present in
gemstones. This assessment encompasses the evaluation of transparency,
clarity, colour, hue, tone, saturation, and luster. The distinct levels of
transparency and luster exhibited by different types of gemstones greatly
assist in their identification.
- Refractive
Index (RI) determination is a common method used in gemstone
identification. The process entails deriving a dimensionless number by
dividing the speed of light in a vacuum by the speed of light within a
gemstone. Reference tables and databases provide a range of refractive
indices for various gemstones, assisting in the identification process.
However, it's important to note that the refractive index alone is not
sufficient to determine a gemstone's identity, and professionals typically
use a combination of methods for accurate identification.
Gemstone identification relies on a combination of
methods such as magnification and inclusion analysis, hardness and cleavage
evaluation, the use of gemstone testing instruments, visual examination, and
refractive index determination. These techniques, when used together, provide
comprehensive information for accurately identifying gemstones and assessing
their quality.