AIGS · Online learning

Gem Identification

15 sections · 98 lessons

About this course

This course provides theoretical gem identification knowledge.

You will learn:

Geology of gemstone deposits and basic crystallography
The optical and physical properties of gemstones
Gem identification procedures
Proper instrument uses and techniques
Understand the properties and attributes of a variety of gem materials

Recommended for: Gemstone Traders , Gemstone Experts, Gemstone Buyers, Appraisers , Graders, Gemstone Lovers, Retailers

Careers: Sorting & Wholesale , Marketing & Communication, Retail, Geology, Cutting/Lapidary, Education & Research , Manufacturing & Design, Luxury Goods, Mineralogy, Dealership, Colored Stone Buyer, Jewelry Business Owner, Jewelry Buyer

Duration: Self-paced; complete within 180 days

Examinations: Three attempts within 3 months
Theory: Exam online 75%
Practical: On Campus – 100%
Should a student fail either or both the written and practical exams, they are allowed a maximum of two retakes.

Upon successful completion, you’ll earn: Gem Identification Certificate

Explore the curriculum

See what’s inside. Select a section to browse its lessons.

Section 1 · 8 lessonsLesson 1 - Introduction To Gem Materials

Introduction

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Gem Materials

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Beauty

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Durability

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Rarity

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Classification of Gem Materials

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Gem Species, Varieties, And Groups

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Overview of The Gem Identification Process

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Section 2 · 3 lessonsLesson 2 - Visual Observation

Visual Observation

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The Instruments (Tweezers, 10X Lens, The Immersion Cell)

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Data To Be Collected

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Section 3 · 14 lessonsLesson 3 - Geology of Gemstone Deposits And Basic Crystallography

Introduction

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The Earth’s Activity

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Rock Types And Associated Gemstones

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Gemstones Associated With Intrusive Igneous Rocks

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Gemstones Associated With Extrusive Igneous Rocks

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Gemstones Associated With Metamorphic Processes

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Gemstones Associated With Sedimentary Rock

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Gemstones Formed By Surface Water

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Basic Crytallography

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Crystal Terms

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Crystal And The Seven Crystal Systems

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Crystal Symmetry

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Optic Character

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Polarized And Unpolarized Light

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Section 4 · 9 lessonsLesson 4 - The Optical Properties of Gemstones

Reflection

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Refraction And Refractive Index

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The Refractive Index (R.I.)

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Critical Angle (Total Internal Refraction)

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The Refractometer

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Using The Refractometer

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Determining A Stone’s Optic Nature

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The Polariscope

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Testing Techniques

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Section 5 · 7 lessonsLesson 5 - The Physical Properties of Gemstones

Overview of The Physical Properties of Gemstones

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Hardness And Tenacity

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Breakage: Fracture, Cleavage, And Parting

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Specific Gravity

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Hydrostatic And Direct Weighing Method

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Heavy Liquid Method

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Specific Gravity Range of Gemstones

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Section 6 · 10 lessonsLesson 6 - Microscope

The Microsope

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Gemological Microscopes

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Features of The Gem Microscope

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Types of Illuminaition

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Gem Inclusion: The Application of The Microscope

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Inclusions In Natural Corundum

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Inclusions In Natural Emerald

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Overview of Inclusions In The More Frequently Met Gems

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An Introduction To Synthetic Processes

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Summary: Uses of The Microscope

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Section 7 · 8 lessonsLesson 7 - Atoms And Minerals

Atoms And Chemical Bonding

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Periodic Table

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Isomorphism

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Exsolution

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Polymorphism

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Pseudomorphs (False Forms)

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Metamict Minerals

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Chemical Classification of Minerals

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Section 8 · 9 lessonsLesson 8 - Color & The Selective Absorption of Light

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

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Visible Light

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Color And Selective Absorption

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The Transition Elements

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Idiochromatic Gemstones

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Allochromatic Gemstones

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Pleochroism

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The Dichroscope

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Cutting Pleochroic Stones

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Section 9 · 4 lessonsLesson 9 - Spectroscope

Absorption Spectra

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The Transition Elements

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A Brief Review of Gemstone Spectra

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Other Elements That Produce Distinctive Spectra

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Section 10 · 4 lessonsLesson 10 - The Chelsea Color Filter

The Chelsea Color Filter

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Green Stones (Chrome)

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Blue Stones

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Red Stones (Chrome)

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Section 11 · 6 lessonsLesson 11 - Fluoresence

Luminescence In Gemstones

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Fluorescence Under Visible Light – The Crossed Filters Technique

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Ultraviolet Energy

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Fluorescence And Phosphorescence

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Ultraviolet Lamps

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Procedure For Observing Fluorescence Under Ultraviolet Light

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Section 12 · 4 lessonsLesson 12 - Testing Procedures

Testing A Mixed Parcel of Blue Stones

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Testing For The Separation of Diamond Its Simulants

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Separating A Parcel of Red Stones

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Possible Testing Procedure for Uncut Gem Materials

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Section 13 · 7 lessonsLesson 13 - Imitation And Assembled Stones

Imitations of Gems (Simulants)

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Glass

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Plastics

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Assembled (Composite) Stone Imitations

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Doublets

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Triplets

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Foil Backs

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Section 14 · 4 lessonsLesson 14 - Gemstones

Mainstream Gems

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Mainstream Ornamental Gems

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Mainstream Organic Gems

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Less Known Ornamental And Gem Materials

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Section 15 · 1 lessonExaminations

Examinations

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