GEMMOLOGY - WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Gemstones have intrigued us throughout history and are desired for beauty, rarity, durability, tradition, and portability. Some believe minerals and gems possess magical powers, which accounts for their reputation as symbols of wealth, power, healing, and love. This course will not emphasize the magic, but will give an introduction to gems and gemology. Gemology is a branch of mineralogy that is concerned with the study of gem materials, including identification and testing methods, cutting and polishing, synthetically manufactured gems, precious metals and alloys, sources and origins, and grading and appraising.