| Gemology is a branch of geo-science (specifically mineralogy) that study the techniques of the identification, classification, and evaluation of gemstones (or gems). It is the study of the properties (physical and optical) of gemstones using basic (standard) gemological instruments: 10x loupe, microscope, refractometer, polariscope, dichroscope, chelsea filter, spectroscope and short/long ultraviolet lamp, gauges, specific gravity scale. A person who is academically trained for gemology is called a gemologist. |
| They usually have specific credentials :
GG (Graduate Gemologist) from Gemological Institute of America GIA;
AG (Accredited Gemologist) from Canadian Institute of Gemmology CIG;
AG (Accredited Gemologist) from Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences AIGS;
CG (Certified Gemologist) from American Gem Society AGS;
RG (Registered Gemologist) from International School of Gemology ISG;
PG (Proffessional Gemologist) from International Gem Society IGS;
Basic Gemmologists from SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute;
HRD Graduate Gemologist from HRD Institute of Gemmology;
European Gemologist from Federation for European Education in Gemology FEEG;
CGJ from Gemmological Association of All Japan GAAJ Zenhokyo;
FGA from Gemmological association of Great Britain Gem-A;
FCGmA from Canadian Gemmological Association CGA;
FGAA from Gemmological Association of Australia GAA;
FGG from German Gemmological Association DGemD; |
| But there are many other institutions that only give Diploma/Certificate in Gemology without any credential. |
| In Indonesia, gemology education have been introduced by Institute Gemology Paramita and Institute of Technology Bandung. |
| With present digital era, especially with the advancement of internet technology, local gem enthusiasts have more choices than ever in enhancing their gemstone knowledge because many overseas gemological institutions have started to offer their education programs online or through correspondence to outreach more students. |
| Beside the above-mentioned basic gemological instruments, other advanced gemological instruments are also used: UV/VIS/NIR Spectrophometer, FTIR or IR Spectroscope, Raman Spectrometer, Luminoscope, X-ray Fluorescence. Electron Microprobe, Scanning Electron Microscope, Radiograph, Diffractometer and Liquid Nitrogen Immersion. But they are for the gemological laboratory gemologists/scientists with much more advance education. |
| Nowadays, the study and trade of gemstones are commonly separated into two groups, Diamond and Colored Stone. This is because of their totally different evaluation nature (color and inclusion: Diamond is appreciated of its whiteness {except for fancy colored diamond} and its lack of inclusion; Colored Stone is appreciated by its strong vivid colorness and inclusions are usually acceptable) and market conditions (Diamond is price-controlled by De Beers, but Colored Stone is fluctuative depending on supply and demand). |
| Pearls are also getting their own rights. |
| At this modern era of gemology, the words Precious Stone and Semi-Precious Stone should no longer be used. This is because such a definition can change over time (ie. market supply and marketing influence on perception), vary per culture and tradition (ie. certain color and luster preferences) and can depend on many factors (ie. there are many worthless ruby or blue sapphire which cost less than a beautiful red garnet or blue topaz respectively). |
| Most gemstones are minerals. A mineral is a naturally occurring, homogeneous inorganic solid which possesses a definite, but generally not fixed, chemical composition and a characteristic internal atomic structure known as crystal structure. In another words, minerals are natural inorganic solid substances composed of specific atoms in an orderly and regular arrangement. They are said to be cystalline and are called crystals. There are approximately 4000 known minerals produced by the terrestrial body. But less than 100 of them can be considered as gemstones. |
| To be a gemstone, a mineral should have the folowing three fundamental traits/virtues: BEAUTY, DURABILITY and RARITY. |
| Note the word “should” is used instead of “must”. Kunzite is a beautiful and not common mineral but it is light sensitive. As gemstone, it is prefferedly use for evening occassions. Because of this, some people called it a “night gem”. Fluorite is a beautiful mineral that has very low hardness and poor toughness. As a gemstone, it is recommended to be used on earrings and pendant where daily tear and wear is less. |
| Not all gemstones have the regular, repeating internal arrangement of atoms (crystal structure). These gemstones are said to be amorphous and are known as mineraloids. Opal and obsidian (volcanic glass) are example of such category. |
| Some gemstones, like amber, jet, pearls, coral, and ivory are organic. They are of biological origin (come from plants or animals). |
| Some gemstones are rocks. A rock is a naturally occurring aggregate of minerals and/or mineraloids. A good example is lapis lazuli. |
| Because of the great advancement of technology in the enhancement of gemstones (making a better appearance and/or durability) and in the making of synthetic gemstones, gemological knowledge is needed more than ever. |
| Thoughout history, gemstones are worn: for adornment because of their beauty; for symbol of status (wealth, power and achievement) because of their nominal value; and/or due to wearers' beliefs on their mystical power and associated gemlores. Gemstones have also been used as ornaments (statues, vases...). |
| The Big Picture of the Potential, Prospect and Problem with Indonesian Gemstones |