Gemology

Gemology (gemmology outside the United States) is the science, art and profession of identifying and evaluating gemstones. It may be considered a branch of mineralogy. Some jewelers are gemologists and are qualified to identify gems. With further training they can become appraisers (valuers). There are professional schools and associations of gemologists and certification programs.

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Some gemologists specialize in various gemstones, such as diamonds or emeralds. Such specialists are found in fields in which a great knowledge is required, especially in the determination of exceptionally "pure" gems. Recently, the demand for gemological services has grown, as increasing quantities of synthetic gems such as cubic zirconia and synthetic moissanite are manufactured. Gemologists perform such work as the identification of synthetic and natural gemstones, fracture-filled gemstones, and color-enhanced or treated natural gemstones. Gemology in the 21st century has become a rigorous science where constant study is necessary for correct identifications.

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United States: :For other uses, see US (disambiguation), USA (disambiguation), and United States (disambiguation)....

Science: :For the scientific journal named Science, see Science Magazine....

Gemstone: :This article is about gemstones as jewelry or decorative art. For other uses of the word see (Gemstone (disambiguation))....