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How to idenfity Gemstones

Gemstone identification is a process involving experience and tools to observe different characteristics of the gemstone. This identification process becomes easier with the experience you have with these beautiful crystals and the tool makes this process easier. However for newbies, getting proper knowledge on these tools can boost their ability to understand and identify gemstones. In this article let’s dig deep into these gem identification tools and methods. (Visit our online quotation system if you wish to buy Sri Lankan gemstones)

Gem Torch

Gem torch is a torch with a small aperture and a high intensity light that makes it easier to look into gemstones. This tool is necessary to see the cracks and inclusions inside the crystals and properly value gemstones and you can do this by putting the gemstone closer to the aperture of the gem torch and looking in different angles. You can buy this tool for very cheap prices and we highly recommend you to own one if you are serious about buying and selling gemstones. Some gem torches have both incandescent and white lights and this can be useful to identify color changing gemstones like Alexandrites. Also you can find gem torches with UV lights which can be used to check fluorescence.

Refractometer

This is a tool that can be used to measure the refractive index of a gemstone. Refraction is the phenomenon of light rays getting bent when entering a new medium from another. The angle of refraction is different from one gemstone to another, and a refractometer can measure this number accurately. Once you have measured the refractive index, you can use a refractive index chart to pinpoint the type of the gemstone.

Polariscope

Some gemstones like Sapphires, Tourmaline and topaz have two refractive indexes which is called birefringence or also known as double refractive. This optical property can be identified using a polariscope. You can observe this by placing your gemstone on the polariscope and rotating it around. If the brightness of the gemstone stays the same, then it’s a single refractive gemstone, and if the brightness of the gemstone switches between dark and light then it’s double refractive. You cannot precisely identify which gemstone it is using this tool, however this can be used to pinpoint the type of gemstone into a smaller group of crystal families.

Magnification Loupe

Even though a loupe is a simple magnification device, this can be used to identify gemstone specific inclusions and also to identify synthetic and assembled gemstones.
Ex: Color zoning in sapphires
A loupe can be also used to identify cracks and check if a gemstone is suitable for heat treatment.

While these tools can help you identify gemstones, having proper knowledge and experience can help you distinguish valuable gemstones by just handling the gemstones and you should focus on below characteristics when starting.

Color

Color plays a major role in identifying the gemstones and the value of the gemstone as well. You can keep a gemstone color chart to identify the gemstones by color and the more intense colors means higher value.

Specific Gravity

The density of gemstones differ from each other and this can be used to categorize the gemstone. You can bounce a gemstone on your palm and observe if it weighs as it is expected to be. While this is not very accurate, an experienced gemologist can use this method to ensure the gemstone is authentic and is the expected type.

Conclusion

Identifying gemstones is a complicated process and having right tools and experience can make it easier and can make you a fortune.