Gemstone Testing and Identification

Spinel Inclusions

The materials trapped inside gems hold a wealth of information. Learn what the most common types of spinel inclusions reveal...

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Distinguishing Common Jade Lookalikes

Our table comparing the properties of jade lookalikes with natural jade will help gemologists distinguish authentic jade from simulants.

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Destructive Gemstone Tests: Acid Testing

Acid testing is a destructive procedure gemologists can use to determine if some pieces are real or fake. Learn how...

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Destructive Gemstone Testing

Destructive gemstone testing, done carefully, can help gemologists with difficult gem identifications. Learn the right techniques with our 5-part series....

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An Introduction to Gem Identification

Gem identification is part detective work, part art. Learn how gemologists can distinguish gem species and determine whether a stone...

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Destructive Gemstone Tests: Hot Point Testing

Gemologists use the hot point test to determine if a piece is a plastic imitation or coated in wax. Learn...

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Gem, Mineral, and Rock Scanner Identification Apps Review

How accurate are gem, mineral, and rock scanner identification apps? Our review covers the strengths and weaknesses of over 20...

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How to Modify a Powder Scale for Specific Gravity Testing

Learn how to modify a powder scale for specific gravity testing. A handmade wire basket will make this easy-to-use scale...

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Distinguishing Aquamarine Imitations

How can gemologists quickly distinguish aquamarines from aquamarine imitations? We’ll review some common lookalikes and their most notable differences.

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Identifying Synthetic Gems

Distinguishing between natural and synthetic gems is a critical skill for gemologists. Learn about gem making processes and the telltale...

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Emerald Myth Busters: Identifying Colombian Stones

Colombian emeralds can command premium prices. Jeffery Bergman separates emerald myth from fact when it comes to determining the origins...

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Difficult Gemstone Separations

Two of the trickiest gemstone separations to make are scapolite from citrine and apatite from tourmaline. Learn some tips for...

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Identifying Synthetic Diamonds

Although most manufacturers disclose their synthetic diamonds, some resellers don’t. Learn how to identify these lab-created diamonds.

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Gemstone Identification Quizzes: Testing Procedures

Gemstone identification can involve many tests. These quizzes can help novice gemologists learn to pick the appropriate ones and identify...

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Buying Gems: Test Your Identification Skills

When buying gems, gemologists must temper their excitement with an analytical eye. Test your gem identification skills with these quizzes....

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Gemstone Visual Examination Quizzes

A visual examination is the first step to identifying a gemstone. These quizzes will help student gemologists learn to recognize...

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A Gem Identification Quiz for Novice Gemologists

Learning how to identify gems involves more than just data. This gem identification quiz can help novice gemologists learn how...

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Gemstone Examination Lesson

Learning how to conduct a gemstone examination takes practice. Follow an expert gemologist step-by-step through tests of five unknown samples....

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Ultraviolet Testing and Gemstone Identification

Ultraviolet testing can be crucial for gemstone identification. Learn the basics of this technique as well as how to make...

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Specific Gravity Testing Part 5: Using Heavy Liquids

Using heavy liquids to measure a gemstone's specific gravity poses some health hazards. Learn the techniques and precautions that gemologists...

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Specific Gravity Testing Part 4: Refining Your Specific Gravity Testing Techniques

Factors like liquid temperature and inclusions can affect a gem's density reading. These specific gravity testing techniques can improve your...

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Specific Gravity Testing Part 3: Calculating Specific Gravity with an Electronic Scale

You can use an electronic scale for calculating specific gravity if you have the right accessory, a hanging basket for...

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Specific Gravity Testing Part 2: Using a Balance Scale or a Hanneman Specific Gravity Scale

Using a balance scale to test specific gravity is a recommended practice in gemology. Learn to make your own scale...

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Specific Gravity Testing Part 1: Definitions

Learn specific gravity testing methods for gem identification. Our 5-part introductory series starts with the basics and key definitions.

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Enhanced Gem Inclusions

Gem treatments can affect a stone’s value and stability. Learn how the most common procedures work and how to identify...

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Ruby-Glass Composites vs Leaded Glass Clarity Enhancements

Ruby-glass composites and leaded glass ruby clarity enhancements are difficult for gemologists to detect. Learn how to identify these gems...

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Identifying Garnets Simplified

Identifying garnets by species is complicated. Learn how to use refractive index, hue, and absorption spectrum readings to simply the...

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Destructive Gemstone Tests: Dye Testing

Gemologists can use dye testing to determine if a gemstone has been dyed to alter its color. Learn how to...

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Destructive Gemstone Tests: Scratch Testing

Gemstone scratch testing can help determine the Mohs hardness value of a mineral sample. Learn how to conduct this destructive...

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Destructive Gemstone Tests: Streak Testing

Streak testing is a destructive gemstone test rarely used by gemologists. Most gems leave no streak. Learn which gems do...

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Identifying Opal Patterns

Opal connoisseurs all have their favorite opal patterns. Learn how to identify the patterns of these beautiful gems with plenty...

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Opal Simulants: How to Spot Imitation Opal

How can you be sure that a piece of opal for sale is genuine? Learn about the major types of...

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Eight Opal Types Explained

Opal is a complicated gemstone, and many factors affect its price. Learn how to distinguish these eight opal types and...

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Identifying Inclusions of Specific Gems

Some natural as well as synthetic gems have specific, characteristic inclusions. Learn the identifying inclusions of some of the most...

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The Art and Science of Identifying Gemstones

Gemology is both art and science. Learn how identifying gemstones combines traditional testing techniques, modern software, and deductive reasoning.

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Identifying Inclusions Found in Natural Gems

Successful tips and guide in identifying Inclusions Found in Natural Gems. Read and learn several ways to identify inclusions found...

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Conflicting Gemology Terms and Definitions

No one to date has a total inventory, or a complete database, of gems and all their properties. Gemologists need...

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