Allano's Gemstone Guide

Allano explains how much can be done to identify gemstones using simple equipment such as a loupe, polariscope, dichroscope, magnet and Chelsea filter. Much more equipment is needed to solve the problem of distinguishing between synthetic and natural gemstones, including emerald, ruby, alexandrite and quartz, which is well covered with up-to-date information on what is on the market today.

Simulants of diamond, emerald and tanzanite are studied as are the more popular natural gemstones tourmaline, topaz , aquamarine, garnet, and jade.

Present day production of gemstones from East Africa, from Kenya to Zambia and Madagascar is reported on, together with a gemstone safari in Zimbabwe. How to use one's knowledge of gemstones to prospect for other minerals is explained as an application of micro-gemology