What is Gemmology?
The study of opal gemmology follows the normal procedures of non-destructive gemmological testing. These procedures examine the observable qualities of gemstones which include the physical or mineralogical properties of opal and more particularly measurable observations of refractive index (RI), Specific Gravity (SG), examination under exposure of excitation Ultraviolet light, and Microscopic examinations of opal characteristics such as imperfections and inclusions. Advanced material science methods of examinations for gemmological purposes is also beginning to become a necessity for the modern gemologist.
The purpose of gemmology remains to achieve a complete distinction between the “natural” gemstone, the “synthetic” or “artificial” or “man-manufactured” (sometimes incorrectly termed ‘created’) gemstone, or the further the artificially “treated” gemstone (sometimes incorrectly termed ‘enhanced’).
You can learn more about gemmology and how to study gemstones by visiting the Gemmological Association of Australia’s website:
