Geol.617         Introduction to Gemology         (3C.H)

Course Contents: Introduction, history, gem technology, nomenclature, units of weight, Physical characteristics, occurrence, crystal forms, color, luminescence, hardness, cleavage, fracture, specific gravity, light and optical effects, description of gemstones, diamond, ruby, sapphire, beryl group gemstones, feldspar group gemstones, spinel, topaz, tourmaline, zircon, peridote, spodumene, amethyst, agate, opal, quartz, chalcedony, turquoise, lapis lazuli, jade, hematite, pearl, amber and ivory, environments, metamorphic, igneous, sedimentary, pressure and temperature effects, skarns, weathering zones, organic synthesis, gem cutting and polishing, gem marketing

Recommended books:

1. GEMS by Webster, R. (1970). Butterworth & Co, Publishers, London, 836p.
2. Gems made by man by Nassau, K. (1980). Chilton Book Co., PA, USA, 364p.
3. Practical Gemology by Webster, R. (1978). NAG Press Ltd, London, 200p.
4. Gemstones by Smith, F. H., & Philips, F. C. (1971). Chapman & Hall Pub. 250p.
5. Gems, their source, deposition and identification, 4th ed. by Webster, R., & Anderson, B. W. (1983). Butterworth & Co., Publishers, London, 1006p.
6. Gems, Their sources, Description and identification edited by O'Donoghoue, M. (2006). Butterworth-Heinemann, Boston.