gemmology
Study of gems
Gemmology is the study of gemstones—their identification, grading, and evaluation.
A gemmologist examines precious and semiprecious stones for authenticity, quality, and value, distinguishing natural gems from synthetics or imitations.
The field combines mineralogy with practical skills in cutting, polishing, and appraising: She studied gemmology before opening her jewelry business.
Also spelled gemology.
Precious stone specialist
- loupePocket-sized detail viewer
- refractometerOptical index-measuring device
- spectroscopeDevice separating light frequencies
- polariscopeInstrument detecting optical stress
specific gravity · hardness · dispersion · inclusions · luster · fluorescence · certification · grading
Crystalline silicon dioxide
- facetPlane on cut stone
- latticeOpenwork of crossed strips
- cleavageTendency to split cleanly
- symmetryInvariance under transformation
hexagonal · transparency · crystalline · habit · isometric · trigonal · cubic · twinning
Context of events
- necklaceNeck-worn ornament
- ringClosed curve shape
- braceletOrnamental wrist band
- pendantSuspended jewelry ornament
brooch · tiara · earrings · cabochon · bezel · prong · pavé · solitaire
Crystallized carbon gemstone
- rubyPrecious red gemstone
- sapphireBlue precious corundum
- emeraldGreen precious beryl
- alexandriteColor-changing precious stone
pearl · opal · tanzanite · aquamarine · tourmaline · spinel · garnet · topaz
Banded semiprecious stone
- jasperOpaque colored quartz
- malachiteGreen copper carbonate stone
- lapis lazuliBlue ornamental stone
- onyxLayered black-white gemstone
moonstone · labradorite · tigers eye · sodalite · chrysoprase · amazonite · bloodstone · carnelian
gemologist
Precious stone specialist
- loupePocket-sized detail viewer
- refractometerOptical index-measuring device
- spectroscopeDevice separating light frequencies
polariscope · specific gravity · hardness · dispersion · inclusions · luster · fluorescence · certification · grading · carat
quartz
Crystalline silicon dioxide
symmetry · hexagonal · transparency · crystalline · habit · isometric · trigonal · cubic · twinning · termination
setting
Context of events
pendant · brooch · tiara · earrings · cabochon · bezel · prong · pavé · solitaire · mount
diamond
Crystallized carbon gemstone
alexandrite · pearl · opal · tanzanite · aquamarine · tourmaline · spinel · garnet · topaz · peridot
agate
Banded semiprecious stone
- jasperOpaque colored quartz
- malachiteGreen copper carbonate stone
- lapis lazuliBlue ornamental stone
onyx · moonstone · labradorite · tigers eye · sodalite · chrysoprase · amazonite · bloodstone · carnelian · chalcedony
gemmologymineralogy
Science of inorganic solids
petrology · geology · metallurgy · astronomy · organic chemistry