AGE18A PHYSICS OF GEMSTONES

Evolution of the science of gemmology, essential qualities and types of gem materials. The geological origin, occurrence, locality, mining techniques of gemstones. Chemical composition of gemstones. Crystallography, hardness, specific gravity and density. Colour, luster, and sheen. Reflection and refraction of light in gemstones, polarization and pleochroism, and spectroscopy of gemstones. Luminescent, electrical, and thermal properties of gemstones. Gemstone enhancement, man-made simulants, and fakes. Identifcation techniques of natural, treated, synthetic, simulated, and fake gemstones such as diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, jade, aquamarine, quartz (amethyst), pearls, and amber. Fashioning and cutting styles of gemstones. Tips on how to appreciate, evaluate, identify, select, buy, enjoy, and care for gemstones and jewelry, using a scientific method approach. Practical sessions using real gemstones in the science labs will be conducted to study and understand the properties of gemstones, and to identify natural gemstones from synthetic and fake stones. A field trip to a gemstone processing factory in Singapore will be organized.