Post subject: What is your reference source(s) of choice?
Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 5:20 pm
Established Member
Joined: Mon Aug 19, 2019 2:30 am Posts: 44
I'm trying my hand at identifying some gem gravel. Having gathered info/readings from my equipment, I was going to check it against some reference material.
Currently I bounce between, gemologyproject, mindat.org/gemdat.org, dominy's handbook of gemology, the gemology tools program, and wikipedia.
My newbie question, is do you all have a reference source of choice (or multiple) that you refer to? As a newbie, I'd love to have a one-stop shop of "big book of gemology" with info on gem readings with dichroscope, refractometer, polariscope, absorbtion spectrum, magnetism, etc.
Post subject: Re: What is your reference source(s) of choice?
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2020 12:34 pm
Site Admin
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:22 pm Posts: 21602 Location: San Francisco
I believe you have almost all the tools at your disposal (you have a microscope too, right?)....specific gravity can be another bit of data to help eliminate possibilities.
I have found over the years that routine works best for me with Gem ID. Each test eliminates possibilities.
Polariscope...see if you can get an interference figure Refractometer Magnetic Reaction Specific Gravity Hand Held spectroscope UV light Microscope
I leave the microscope for the last clue because I find that if you start with a sight ID, the rest of your tests are tainted to agree with your original ID....which can be very wrong.
The GIA advises one to start with a microscope; The DGemG advises against it. The German approach suits me.
I believe you have almost all the tools at your disposal (you have a microscope too, right?)....specific gravity can be another bit of data to help eliminate possibilities.
I have found over the years that routine works best for me with Gem ID. Each test eliminates possibilities.
Polariscope...see if you can get an interference figure Refractometer Magnetic Reaction Specific Gravity Hand Held spectroscope UV light Microscope
I leave the microscope for the last clue because I find that if you start with a sight ID, the rest of your tests are tainted to agree with your original ID....which can be very wrong.
The GIA advises one to start with a microscope; The DGemG advises against it. The German approach suits me.
Yes on the microscope! And also an SG setup, which I had neglected to mention. And I appreciate the note on reserving the microscope for the end. I'm trying to train myself to be less swayed by initial 'gut impulses' from sight.
Post subject: Re: What is your reference source(s) of choice?
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2020 8:02 pm
Site Admin
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:22 pm Posts: 21602 Location: San Francisco
I have witnessed many folks (usually GGs) who base their identifications solely on microscopic observation. Sometimes these observations are correct, but often they are wrong ....seriously wrong!
Since a gemologist's reputation is based on correctly identifying gems, treatments and synthetics, I find it wise to slow my roll and be sure before I open my mouth.
It is also totally acceptable to admit your testing was inconclusive. Better than being wrong.
Post subject: Re: What is your reference source(s) of choice?
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2020 8:21 pm
Established Member
Joined: Mon Aug 19, 2019 2:30 am Posts: 44
Ha! In that case, I will consider myself deeply gifted in having incredible doubt in my abilities!
"Based on my analysis, and with the caveat that I am an idiot, I have determined that there is a tiny possibility that this stone is an X. But don't quote me on that."
Post subject: Re: What is your reference source(s) of choice?
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2020 9:03 pm
Site Admin
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:22 pm Posts: 21602 Location: San Francisco
Don't underestimate yourself. I was impressed with your 6th sense for gemstones.....just done forget about why you spent a fortune on instruments and references.......so you could use them.
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