🗺️ Gemology Explorer: Unlocking Gemstone Secrets (this course is currently in production for January, 2026)
The Gemology Explorer course builds on the foundation of the Gemology Apprentice program, transitioning students from simple observation to scientific analysis.
The Gemology Explorer course takes students beyond simple visual observation and introduces them to the fundamental science used by professional gemologists. This level dives into how light, physics, and crystal structure determine a gem’s identity.
You’ll learn about Mohs Hardness, the concept of Specific Gravity, and the incredible physics of how light bends through different materials (Refraction). By the end of this course, you’ll be ready to look at a gemstone and start asking (and answering!) the critical questions needed for intermediate level identification.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Gemology Apprentice course.
What You Will Learn
Upon completion of the Gemology Explorer course, you will be able to:
- Differentiate between minerals, rocks, and man-made materials, and understand the seven crystal systems.
- Explain the concept of Mohs Hardness and apply it to test common gems, differentiating between hardness, toughness, and stability.
- Define and understand Specific Gravity (SG) as a non-destructive testing method.
- Analyze how light interacts with gems, defining luster, reflection, and refraction (the Refractive Index principle).
- Distinguish between singly and doubly refractive gems using simple observation and polarization principles.
- Identify basic inclusions (internal features) using a jewelers loupe.
- Discuss the primary origins of color in gemstones and the concept of pleochroism.
The Explorer Journey: 10 Lessons
| Lesson | Focus Area | Key Topics Covered |
| Lesson 1 | The Crystal World | The seven crystal systems and basic gemstone crystal habits. |
| Lesson 2 | Hardness and Durability | Understanding Mohs Scale of Hardness. Differentiating between hardness, toughness, stability, cleavage, and fracture. |
| Lesson 3 | Specific Gravity & Density | The concept of density and specific gravity (SG). Simple demonstration of hydrostatic weighing. |
| Lesson 4 | Light: Reflection & Refraction | Defining reflection (luster) and the critical concept of refraction. Introduction to the Refractive Index (RI) principle. |
| Lesson 5 | Single vs. Double Refraction | How SR and DR gems affect light. A simple demonstration using polarizing filters. |
| Lesson 6 | The Science of Color | Understanding pleochroism in gemstones. |
| Lesson 7 | Dispersion and Luster | The property of dispersion (fire/sparkle). Review of different types of luster (e.g., Adamantine, Vitreous). |
| Lesson 8 | Fluorescence and UV Light | Exploring luminescence, specifically fluorescence under UV light and how it aids in identification. |
| Lesson 9 | Inclusions: Gemstone Fingerprints | Learning to use the loupe to identify internal characteristics. Using inclusions to spot synthetics. |
| Lesson 10 | Natural, Synthetic, & Treated | Overview of the three main categories: Natural, Synthetic (man-made identical material), and Imitation (simulant). Brief overview of common treatments (heating). |
