Does anyone know how I can identify some gemstones correctly?
I have about 20 and a few people have said that to be 100% accurate, I will have to go to a lab and get them chemically tested. What are your thoughts?
Does anyone know where in Australia I can get gemstones chemically tested and roughly how much it would cost?
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:42 pm Posts: 2846 Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
If you want to identify what they are, there is no need to "chemically test" them. Take them to a gemmologist who will be able to tell you what they are based on their refractive index and optical properties. Depending on what you end up having, the gemmologist could then tell you if it's of any use to get further testing for treatments that may have been done.
For example, if you have a blue topaz, it's almost certain to have been irradiated to get it to that colour. But, since the natural blue topaz is worth the same price anyways, there isn't much point in spending extra money on additional testing as it would cost more than the stone is worth.
You can probably Google for a gemmologist in your part of the country, or give a call to some of the better jewellery stores or possibly even pawnshops.
Hi Gemstone-Gurl, one of the quickest ways to define what you may have, and not need to pay a fee, is to find your local gem club, and pay them a visit. The guys/girls will be only to happy to advise you on what you have. Where do you live? I can put you in contact with many clubs if I know your general area. Barry
Well, there you go! One of the most active clubs in Australia, is the Geelong Gem and Mineral club. Just do a quick google search, and that will get you a contact number. Barry.
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