Overview
This theoretical course covers the physical and optical properties of gems such as refraction, reflection, gem crystallography, pleochroism, absorption spectra, etc. It explains the various instruments used in gem identification.
The textbook “Gemmology, 3rd edition, 2007″ by Peter G. Read (included) follows closely the Gem-A preliminary syllabus exam requirements. Peter Read has prepared answer sheets exclusively for C.I.G. students taking this course.
The course contains 12 correspondence lessons with essay type questions. Comprehensive answer sheets will be provided to prepare for the written exam.
Course Type
- Correspondence only
- This course can only be shipped to a Canadian address.
Course Content
- Gemmology, the science of gem materials
- Colour, lustre and sheen
- Crystallography, the science of crystal structure
- Hardness, fracture, cleavage and parting
- Specific Gravity
- Refractive Index and double refraction
- The optics of polished gemstones
- Absorption and emission spectra
- Luminescent and electrical properties of gems
- Organic gem materials and their simulants
- Synthetic gemstones
- Gemstone simulants