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How to ID Gemstones

A diamond is forever, and fakes and forgeries have been around for nearly as long. Identifying gemstones is a challenging process that requires many years of training to execute properly. Tests for gemstone identification can either be determinative, establishing the identify of the stone, or confirmative, verifying previous conclusions as to the the stone's identity. Since gemstones come in every size and color imaginable, identifying a gemstone properly requires intense scrutiny, research and assistance from professional experts.

Things You'll Need

10X Jeweler's loupe
Scratch test kit
Steel knife blade
Plate of glass

Instructions

- 1
  Conduct a scratch test to measure the hardness of your gemstone. Measuring the hardness of a gemstone can be extremely useful in determining what mineral is before you. What looks like diamond (a 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness) may be proven a chunk of polished quartz, which rates a seven, when subjected to a scratch test. You can perform a scratch test with a prepackaged kit, or common household items can be used in place of scratch plates. A pane of glass falls between a five and seven on the Mohs scale, while a steel knife blade is between a five and a six. Running your gemstone over either of these surfaces can give you an idea of the hardness of the stone, which will help determine its identity.
- 2
  Closely examine the inclusions within the gemstone using a 10x magnification jeweler's loupe and a bright light. Many gemstones have natural inclusions like small fractures and dark spots. While these affect the value, it also gives the amateur gemologist a frame of reference for identifying gemstones. A ruby or diamond that has no flaws whatsoever is extremely rare; if examination reveals a stone with no flaws, you are most likely looking at a garnet or cubic zirconia. While some inclusions are natural, the presence of small bubbles, dirt and strands of hair will indicate that the gemstone is manmade and likely comprised of glass or paste.
- 3
  Consult a local jeweler or gemologist in your area to determine or confirm the identity of your gemstone. Local universities and community colleges may have professors of geology or mineralogy who can examine and identify your gemstone; these faculty members are usually listed on the webpage for the university's science department. Jewelers who have been certified by the American Gem Society or the Gemological Institute of America are trained to identify and evaluate gemstones. The websites for both the AGS and GIA have member databases to help you find a certified jeweler in your area, as well as the steps for submitting a gemstone by mail to their laboratories for identification.

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