Gemmology (semestral parts 2)

elective courses

Knowledge of high school level science is sufficient, although students of natural sciences are prefered, and knowledge of mineralogy is an asset.

The lectures continue the presentation of important gemstones and ornamental stones from the winter semester (Gemology part 1). They discuss also organic gemstones and noble metals. Each stone is presented along with its physicochemical characteristics, value for ornamental puroposes, its origin and natural occurence, its most important deposits, as well as its market, types of cuts, methods of improving the atractiveness and of imitation, and the means of its identification.

The lecturea are an original adaptation of the gemology subject matter for a broad audience of people with amateur interest in gemstones. The following materials are discussed:

- Opal szlachetny, krzemień pasiasty

- Żady (jadeit, nefryt), malachit

- Lapis lazulit, turkus, czaroit

- Skalenie, obsydian, tektyty

- Perły, korale szlachetne

- Kość słoniowa, gagat

- Bursztyn

- Metale szlachetne – złoto

- Metale szlachetne – srebro, platyna, platynowce

- Rzadsze kamienie jubilerskie, kamienie amatorskie

- Kamienie nieprzezroczyste.

After attending the lectures the students should have a general knowledge of gemology, but they will not obtain any proffesional qualifications.

The focus is on the student's involvement with the subject matter, rather than asessing the acquired knowledge. Due to their very diverse academic background, students will individually choose the level of expertise suitable for their needs.