Gemmology (part 1)

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 discuss important gemstones and ornamental stones from the point of view of mineralogy. Each stone is presented along with its physicochemical characteristics, its 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 historical role of the most important gemstones will also be discussed, as well as the often turbulent fortunes of the most famous gems.

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

-characteristics of gemstones, their classifications, geological origins;

types of cuts and techniques used in working with gemstones;

- methods of gemological analysis and gemstone identification;

-methods of improving gemstone attractiveness, synthetic materials and imitations;

-Diamond

-Corundum (ruby, sapphire)

-Beryl (emerald, aquamarine, heliodor, morganite etc.).

-Spinel, chrysoberyl, zircon.

-Topaz, peridot, spodumene.

-Tourmaline, garnets.

-Quartz and its varieties.

-Chalcedony and its varieties

An estimate of 40 hours is necessary to master the subject matter.

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

The focus will be 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.