Gem Identification
Course Description
Practice identifying more than 60 species of gemstones, distinguishing natural from laboratory-grown gems and detecting gem treatments. You will carry out testing procedures and techniques on sets of practice stones. Additionally, the course covers how – and when – to use gemological laboratory services and how to use gem identification skills to protect your business from costly mistakes. Includes the Gem Identification Lab Manual PDF and instructional videos. The final practical exam is open book and proctored; see the Education Catalog for details.
To complete this course, you must have access to gem tweezers (non-locking), a daylight-equivalent light source (5500k - 6500k), a pinpoint incandescent light source, a gemological binocular microscope minimum 10x and 30x (darkfield illumination), a gem cloth, a refractometer with removable magnification piece, white light source and polarizing filter, refractive index (RI) liquid 1.81, an optic figure sphere, a dichroscope (calcite preferred), a polariscope, and a spectroscope. These instruments are not included with the course. Distance Education students can purchase the Gem Identification Student Package through the GIA Store. As an alternative, you can complete your assignments in a GIA Student Workroom, which is equipped with these professional tools; please refer to the Education Catalog).
Rl liquid is used in this course. You may need to exercise special precautions if you are pregnant, if you have certain medical conditions and/or if you have sensitivity or are allergic to this chemical. If you are unsure, contact your physician for advice. Be sure to read the Student Notification of Classroom Chemical Usage.
Try a complimentary lesson for this course
View the Online Education Credential Requirements Chart
What You Earn
- Gem Identification Certificate
