Tools of the Trade:
You've probably at one point seen in the cartoons where a character uses a black eye piece to see if a gemstone was real or not. Well to put it simply, it will tell you what the inclusions are, but to a trained eye, it could help assess the stone on what it could possibly be. Although a loupe a lone wont tell you if the gemstone is real or not, so that is when you need to use a few more techniques and tools to help confirm the gemstone's true identity. Here below is to help you understand what each tool is used for and how to use them to confirm the gemstone's identity.
Loupes:
A loupe is essentially a mini version of a magnifying glass sometimes with a built-in LED light. These tools can range from x10 magnification, sometimes up to x80 magnification. When it comes to identifying the stone's inclusions, the greater magnification is better. To simply grade the gemstone's clarity, all you really need is a x10 magnification.
The picture depicted is a x60 magnification loupe with a built-in LED light and UV light. It works great for identifying large enough inclusions within a gemstone. It is available on sights such as Amazon or ebay for a few dollars. This tool works great, perfect size for on the go, and battery life is pretty good. A very good tool, but most hardware stores doesn't carry the battery required for this tool. It takes x2 LR1130 button batteries; which too can be found just about anywhere online.
This next picture shows a x20 magnification loupe. A standard tool used by both Professional and Enthusiasts alike. The particular one in the photo has a triplet lens. While it has no special additions such as a built-in LED light, it does require good enough lighting for examining a gemstone. Can be found on just about any online stores, some range from about $5 up to $50, depending on the model, capabilities, and brand names.
Microscopes:
A very handle tool in identifying the inclusions within a gemstone. Since loupes can only do so much for you, your next step when it comes to identifying the types of inclusions would be a microscope. There are many types out there available, but if you are on a budget, they make pocket microscopes that are very affordable. Although keep in mind the pocket microscopes do have limitations to that of a more powerful microscope, especially the ones that can be hooked up to your computer via USB port. When it comes to magnification and light sources, you want one that can be between x160 - x200 magnification. The limitations as described are battery life, replacing the LED bulb, or the fact that it can be a little "clunky" when you're trying to view the stone. All-in-all, the pocket microscope does do it's job well, at least until you are able to upgrade to a more efficient and more powerful microscope.
Here is what the pocket microscope looks like. It does come with a leather pouch for the device, and also x3 batteries (which is how much this piece of equipment takes to work). It is ideal for travel, or a portable Gemology Lab. There is a built-in LED light that works great for viewing stones. Some of the cons about this particular piece is that sometimes you would need to take off the plastic cover on the bottom with a small Phillips screwdriver to view larger stones with. The hole on the plastic part is approximately 9.16x7.92mm; so it's best used for smaller stones and you can use it on rings, but again it's a little clunky to handle. They are available on just about any online shopping sight available for under $10, depending on which one you get. The batteries it takes is the LR1130 button cell battery. Again, most stores do not carry these type of batteries in stock, so it is recommended to buy these batteries on occasion.
Refractometers:
An essential tool when it comes to identifying a certain gemstone. Each species and some varieties of gemstones can have different R.I Readings; which is crucial when positively identifying a gemstone. Most refractometers has a limit reading. Also a very important aspect on refractometer is that of the RI Liquid. Most RI Liquids on the market can be pretty pricey, but at the same time can be very toxic, and is required to wash your hands thoroughly after using these chemicals. Some can even have a strong offensive odor to it. The whole purpose of the refractometer is to not only measure the refractive index of a gemstone, but also give you the birefringence and optic signs of the gemstone. Usually revealing a "possible identity" of the gemstone you are testing. Most refractometers can be expensive, but for both Professionals and Enthusiasts alike, it is a must have tool. Most commercial RI Liquids that is available in the market has a RI reading of a 1.81, which is the highest reading there is, anything higher than that is a (OTL) Over The Limit.
This particular model of the refractometer is made for portability. The long part is a sodium filtered light, which is what you need for measuring the RI readings of a gemstone (which is why the light is yellow). Yellow is the ideal color to use, because the shadow line is at it's sharpest when measuring the RI reading. Some models out there uses a red colored light, but if your refractometer uses the red light, enable for an accurate reading you must subtract 0.005 from the measurement. As for this model, it cost a little over $80.00; which also includes a traveling pouch, a glass vial of Commercial RI Liquid with instructions on what the RI Liquid is, and how to use the equipment. The sodium light takes just 1 AA battery. For cleaning the RI Liquid off the prism (inside the lid) you need rubbing alcohol and a soft tissue. Most importantly, for an accurate reading, you don't want to use too much or too little liquid, you may have to mess with it enough to figure out the appropriate amount to use.
Tweezers:
The best tool you can have that will hold just about any size loose gemstone you have. It wont leave any fingerprints, residue, or anything else on the stone you are examining. Since it is metal, it is not recommended for stones with the Moh's Mineral Hardness of a 4 or less (due to scratching). Other then that fact, it is simple to use, and a recommend when you are observing a gemstone. You can use it in conjunction with a loupe for better observing. They are available on eBay and Amazon, but just about any online store carries them. They are very affordable, usually for $3 at most. Best part about them is "no batteries required!"
This is possibly the simplest tool in Gemology that one can master using. All you do is push down the plunger, exposing the four prongs, grab the gemstone (best is gemstone's crown is facing down) then grab, and release the plunger. The photos shows what the tool looks like and an example on how to use it. Again, this tool is simple a MUST HAVE!
Ultra Violet (UV) Light:
Some gemstones and various other mineral specimens are in fact fluorescent. Rubies under a UV Light will light up a bright scarlet color (keep in mind not all rubies in general does this). Some fluorite gems will also show a weak to a moderate fluorescent color, from a pale orange, to a bright blue. Both short and long wave UV lights are essential when it comes to either collecting fluorescent specimens, or for identifying purposes. Either way, a UV Light can prove useful for whatever the reason may be. Also keep in mind that some minerals can fade is exposed for too long and the color can either be permanent, or restored through irradiating treatments. Tugtupite is a primary example for a fluorescent gemstone/mineral. When exposed, it will show an intense red, then fades back over time. A handy, yet inexpensive tool to have.
These photos is the UV Light that I own. It takes x3 AAA batteries inside a cell that you stick the batteries in. Simple and easy to use, just push the button on the back to power it on or off. This tool was inexpensive, I personally paid 99 cents for it from WISH, but you can get it anywhere online. The other two photos depicted is an example on a Natural Star Ruby. One is in natural sunlight, the other fluoresces under the UV light. The light has great battery life, easy to pack around, and simple to the point. Although not a required tool, but an interesting tool to have in your arsenal.
Digital Scales (Scales):
Scales are essential for when weighing gemstones. The most recommended scales o have are those set with a Mode to set multiple units of weight, such as, ounces (oz), grams (g), and carats (ct). There are many makes and models of digital scales designed for this purpose. Prices for them may vary on brands and sensitivities. Not all digital scales are treated the same, so before investing in one, check out the reviews for the one you're interested in. You can find them on sites like Amazon, or eBay, and some gemology equipment manufacturer sites will have what you'll need.
This is the specific model of digital scale that we currently use when weigh our gemstones. Simple to use, accurate, and takes just two AAA batteries. When it comes to scales, you want something accurate, sensitive enough, and easy to operate. The added bonus of this scale is it has a blue back light on the LCD screen. Course it doesn't hurt to have spare batteries on hand just in case you need them.
Pocket Charts:
Although not required, but a necessity. Reference materials of any kind is perfect for a portable lab or for when you're constantly on the go, specially if you're in an area without cell service (in case you can't access the internet). Some books are also the way to go; but sometimes can be bulky. The only drawback about making the pocket charts; they are only as useful as you make them accurate.
This image is an example of a pocket chart. Here is one for both the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness and Refractive Index (R.I.) Charts.
MORE COMING SOON!
