Course Description
Gem materials, historical, cultural, mineralogical, technological, and scientific aspects. The identification and evaluation of gems.
Athena Title
GEMS/GEM MATERIALS
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Through lectures and hands-on work, students will acquire knowledge that, upon completion of the course, will enable them to: 1. describe the origin and characteristics of different types of gem materials; 2. understand the physical and optical properties that result in the beauty of a gemstone; 3. indentify unknown gemstones using gemological instruments both in the rough and fashioned forms; 4. explain methods of gem mining, synthesis and gemstone enhancement; 5. analyze critically the factors that contribute to the value and price of gemstones; 6. discuss the significance of gemstones for different cultures and how they were used through history.
Topical Outline
1. Characteristics and classification of gem materials, synthetics, simulants and assembled stones. 2. Origin and occurrence of gemstones. 3. Concepts of crystal chemistry: crystalline structure, polymorphism, pseudomorphism. Ionic substitution. Solid solution. 4. Physical properties of gem materials. Tests specific for gemstones. 5. Visual characteristics of gems. Gems and light. Optical phenomena. 6. Optical properties. Reflection and refraction. Refractive index. Critical angle. Use of the refractometer 7. Optical character: isotropic and anisotropic gems. Aggregates. Use of the polariscope. 8. Color and pleochroism. Use of the dichroscope. 9. Magnification. Lighting considerations. Surface and internal features. Identifying characteristics. Use of the microscope and the loupe. 10. Spectroscope. 11. Methods of gem synthesis and gemstone enhancement. 12. Gemstone fashioning. Gems and folklore 13. Diamond Identification. Mining techniques. History of the diamond industry. The diamond market today. 14. Organics: Amber, coral, ivory, jet, pearls, tortoise shell, shell. Identification of Organic Gems. 15. Emeralds. Rubies and Sapphires: Sources, Deposits Characteristics. Silica Group Gems: Quartz, Chalcedony, Opal: Characteristics. 16. Gems and Jewelry History: Egypt, Greece, Rome, Byzantium, Middle Ages, Renaissance to Present
Syllabus