GemmologyThis second edition 'Gemmology' has been expanded and updated throughout by the well known writer and editor of Butterworth-Heinemann's gemmology series, Peter Read. This is a much needed update of a classic text and new syllabus information and sample examination theory papers for the Gemmological Association's Preliminary and Diploma courses are included. The additions also incorporate more recent developments, such as the introduction of synthetic moissanite and the De Beer's instruments for distinguishing between natural and synthetic diamonds. 'Gemmology' still serves as a useful reference guide for gemmologists detailing the latest natural and synthetic gem materials and is an invaluable text for anyone in the gemmological profession. |
Contents
1 Introduction | 1 |
2 The geological formation and occurrence of gemstones | 11 |
3 The chemical composition of gemstones | 21 |
4 Crystallography | 28 |
5 Cleavage parting and fracture | 44 |
6 Hardness | 49 |
7 Specific gravity density and relative density | 55 |
8 Colour lustre and sheen | 69 |
12 Luminescent electrical and thermal properties of gemstones | 131 |
13 The hand lens microscope and Chelsea filter | 145 |
14 Gemstone enhancement | 160 |
15 Synthetic gemstones and gemstone simulants | 172 |
16 Distinguishing between synthetic and natural gemstones | 193 |
17 Identifying inorganic gemstone simulants | 216 |
18 Organic gem materials and their simulants | 227 |
19 The fashioning of gemstones | 247 |
9 Reflection and refraction | 81 |
10 Polarization and pleochroism | 107 |
11 Spectroscopy | 117 |
267 | |
313 | |
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Common terms and phrases
Absorption spectrum alexandrite amber atoms beryl blue cabochon calcite carats carbon Chapter Chelsea filter cleavage colour colourless Composition containing corundum critical angle Crystal system Cubic detected diamond simulant diffraction Dispersion Double refraction electrons elements Figure fluoresce flux-melt former USSR Fracture garnet gem materials gem’s gemmological gemstone gemstone’s glass green hardness heat heavy liquids hexagonal identified illumination immersed inclusions instrument jadeite layers lens light source Luminescence Lustre LW UV magnification method microscope minerals moissanite Monoclinic Myanmar natural stone Non-crystalline opal opaque optic sign Orthorhombic oxide pavilion facets pink plane Pleochroism polariscope polished prism prismatic produced quartz rays refraction and optic Refractive index refractometer rutile sapphire shadow edge Specific gravity specimen spectroscope spinel strontium titanate surface SW UV symmetry synthetic diamonds synthetic emeralds synthetic spinel table facet temperature topaz tourmaline translucent transparent Trigonal twinning variety Verneuil visible Vitreous wavelength X-ray yellow zircon