Gem Identification at Home – Main Lesson

Unit 7: Gem Identification at Home

What’s This All About? 

Be a home detective! Jake teaches us simple ways to learn about gemstones using just our senses, brain, and basic observation skills.

Key Takeaways: 

• Your brain is your most important tool – always start by asking simple questions about what you observe 
• Preparation steps:
  • Clean the stone thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth first 
  • For stubborn dirt, use warm water and a soft-bristle toothbrush gently 
  • Use gemstone tweezers or disposable gloves to avoid fingerprint oils affecting test results 
• Basic sensory tests:
  • Temperature: Real stones feel cool to the touch due to high thermal conductivity
  • Warm-feeling stones might be glass or plastic imitations
  • Weight (heft test): Gently toss the stone in your palm to feel if it’s heavier or lighter than expected
  • Visual inspection: Note all colors, special effects like stars or color changes 
• Light transmission test: Use a flashlight to determine if the stone is:
  • Opaque (blocks light completely)
  • Translucent (lets some light through but you can’t see clearly through it)
  • Transparent (light passes through freely, you can see through it clearly) 
• Luster examination: Check how light reflects off the surface
• Harder gemstones can take better polishes and

International Gem Society

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