Advanced Gemology Equipment

Why Do We Need Advanced Gemology Equipment?

In many cases, advanced equipment isn’t necessary in gemology. Knowledge, experience, and a good microscope are the most important tools for any gemologist. Still, there are cases when the basic tools just aren’t enough to identify a gemstone or the treatments it may have received. These advanced instruments can provide that missing piece of the puzzle.

What is Spectrometry?

If you have an at-home gem lab, you should already be familiar with spectroscopy. A simple spectroscope will let you see the full spectrum of visible light — as well as gaps in that spectrum when you view a gem through it. Since certain elements absorb light at particular wavelengths, a spectroscope can help you identify a gemstone.

Spectrometry is very similar. But, instead of just showing you strong or faint lines in a spectrum, the machine determines how much light is absorbed at each wavelength. So, what you end up seeing on the screen is a graph with peaks and troughs.

In addition, these machines go beyond visible light. While your at-home spectroscope is limited to what the eye can see, advanced detectors in these spectrometers allow you to “see” far beyond the…

Addison Rice

A geologist, environmental engineer and Caltech graduate, Addison’s interest in the mesmerizing and beautiful results of earth’s geological processes began in her elementary school’s environmental club. When she isn’t writing about gems and minerals, Addison spends winters studying ancient climates in Iceland and summers hiking the Colorado Rockies.

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