Understanding how to identify natural gemstones is a valuable skill for gem enthusiasts, jewellery lovers, and anyone curious about these magnificent creations. Natural gemstones are minerals or rocks formed over millions of years through geological processes. They come in various colours, shapes, and sizes, each with its unique characteristics and effects. Distinguishing between natural and synthetic gemstones is essential for making well-informed buying choices and appreciating the genuine worth of these marvels of nature.

There are different types of natural gemstones, each with its distinct properties and symbolic meanings. 

• Precious gemstones include diamonds, known for their brilliance and durability, rubies with their vibrant red hues, and sapphires, which exhibit captivating blue tones.
•  Coloured gemstones encompass emeralds, admired for their rich green colour, amethysts with their regal purple hues, and aquamarines, reminiscent of the tranquil beauty of the sea. 
• Organic gemstones such as pearls, born from the depths of the ocean, and amber, fossilized tree resin, offer their unique allure.

To identify natural gemstones, several tests and methods can be employed. 

Firstly, familiarize yourself with the diverse types of gemstones, understanding their distinct attributes, colour variations, transparency, and unique qualities that set them apart. Natural gemstones often display minor imperfections, known as inclusions, which distinguish them from synthetic counterparts that may appear flawless.

Examining optical properties is also crucial. Some gemstones exhibit phenomena like play-of-colour or colour change under different lighting conditions, which are typical of natural gemstones. Using magnification and inclusion analysis, gemologists examine internal characteristics, known as inclusions, to determine a gemstone's origin, type, and authenticity. 

Gemstones Evaluation

Gemologists and experts employ various methods to accurately identify gemstones based on their physical and optical properties. 

• One of the most commonly used identification methods include magnification and inclusion analysis, hardness and cleavage evaluation, the use of gemstone testing instruments, visual examination, and refractive index (RI) determination.
• Magnification and inclusion analysis is a crucial method that involves examining gemstones under high magnification to observe their internal characteristics, known as inclusions. These inclusions, such as minerals, gases, or fractures, provide valuable information about the gemstone's origin, type, and authenticity. This method is used in conjunction with other techniques to accurately identify gemstones, requiring expertise to interpret the inclusions correctly.
• Hardness and cleavage are important factors evaluated in gemstone identification. Gemstones' hardness refers to their resistance to scratching, determined by the strength of their atomic bonds. By comparing the hardness of an unknown gemstone to known minerals on the Mohs scale, gemologists can narrow down potential gemstone types. Gemstones with good cleavage exhibit clean, flat breaks, aiding in their identification and differentiation from others.

Gemstone Testing Instruments

Gemstone testing instruments play a crucial role in identification and evaluation. These specialized tools, including digital calipers, diamond testers, spectrophotometers, microscopes, refractometers, and more, are designed to measure and analyze specific gemstone properties. When used in conjunction with visual examination and other methods, these instruments provide comprehensive information for accurate identification, quality assessment, and the detection of treatments or enhancements.

• Gemologists heavily rely on visual examination, utilizing their well-trained eyes and observational abilities to assess a wide range of visual attributes present in gemstones. This assessment encompasses the evaluation of transparency, clarity, colour, hue, tone, saturation, and luster. The distinct levels of transparency and luster exhibited by different types of gemstones greatly assist in their identification.
• Refractive Index (RI) determination is a common method used in gemstone identification. The process entails deriving a dimensionless number by dividing the speed of light in a vacuum by the speed of light within a gemstone. Reference tables and databases provide a range of refractive indices for various gemstones, assisting in the identification process. However, it's important to note that the refractive index alone is not sufficient to determine a gemstone's identity, and professionals typically use a combination of methods for accurate identification.

Gemstone identification relies on a combination of methods such as magnification and inclusion analysis, hardness and cleavage evaluation, the use of gemstone testing instruments, visual examination, and refractive index determination. These techniques, when used together, provide comprehensive information for accurately identifying gemstones and assessing their quality.