A survey of the world of gems and minerals covering
aesthetics, economics, and science. 3cr. 3hr.
Syllabus by week of semester
1. Definition and origins: minerals, gems, ores
2. Production of natural stones: Mining and prospecting, precious metals, synthetic stones
3. Gems and jewelry, cutting and polishing, mounting
4. Marketing: carat, karat, and the economics of gems
5. Test 1
7. Emeralds, rubies, and sapphires
8. Stone enhancements: coloring, heat treating, radiation, doublets and other tricks that enhance stones
9. Common methods of testing stones: optical, physical, chemical, X-ray
10. Test 2
12. Tourmaline and quartz (including opal), alexanderite and related minerals, tanzanite .
13. Pearls and organics (amber, jet, and coral)
14. Jade, turquoise,
lapis
lazuli, malachite
Final (during finals week is same value as tests 1 and 2)
Text: 1) Read, P. G., (1999). Gemmology 2nd Ed., Amsterdam: Butterworth Heinemann, Elsevier Co, Inc. (Cost about $45) & 2) Simon and Schuster's Guide to Gems and Precious Stones (Cost about $13-$16 new and $6 used), New York.
Course grading: 3 exams including final (multiple
choice and short essay) 75% (25 pts each), 25% term paper on a specific
gem of your choice (only one student for each gem) due week 13. Mandatory
trip to the American Museum of Natural History to see the gems collection
(Sat. or Sun. of wk. 14). Attendance is mandatory, absences in excess of
15% will result in a grade of F or WU. Academic
Integrity Policy (cheating)