Reviewed by Hasitha K. Balasooriya · Managing Director, Gemszen (Pvt) Ltd · 8 years of gem-industry experience · Updated 6 October 2026
මැණික් හඳුනාගැනීමේදී පාට පමණක් හෝ එක් උපකරණයක් පමණක් භාවිතා නොකරයි. නිරීක්ෂණ, loupe, ආලෝක පරීක්ෂණ, refractive index, specific gravity සහ අවශ්ය විට රසායනාගාර පරීක්ෂණ එකට භාවිතා කරයි.
Start with observation
Record weight, dimensions, shape, cutting style, colour, transparency, lustre and visible condition. Use a clean stone and neutral lighting. A 10× loupe can reveal inclusions, surface-reaching fractures, polish features and possible assembly lines.
Use tests in a logical sequence
Depending on the material, a gemologist may use a refractometer, polariscope, dichroscope, spectroscope, specific-gravity method, UV light and microscope. Results are compared with known property ranges. Destructive scratch testing is normally unsuitable for finished gemstones.
Know the limit of basic tools
Portable tools support screening and learning, but difficult natural-versus-synthetic or treatment questions may require advanced spectroscopy, chemical analysis and expert interpretation. When the financial risk is significant, obtain an independent laboratory report.
Frequently asked questions
Can gemstone colour identify the stone?
No. Many different natural, synthetic and imitation materials can share a similar colour.
Is the Mohs test safe for polished gemstones?
Scratch testing can damage a finished stone and is generally not the first choice for jewellery or valuable loose gems.
What is the most useful beginner tool?
A good 10× loupe and suitable light are useful starting tools, but they do not replace complete testing.