We all know that every gemstone is a unique piece of work that has been nurtured by nature. Therefore, the study of the internal structure of gemstones with regularity can help people understand the process of geological changes as well as the law. It is very important for scientists to study nature. In fact, the regularity of the internal arrangement of gemstones also has a different style. Do you know what the internal structure of gemstones looks like?
A microscope is essential for obtaining detailed information about the interior of a gemstone. Gemological microscopes are also commonly used in gemstone appraisal, and their main purpose is to observe the surface features as well as the internal features of gemstones. Let’s take a look at gemstones through the lens of a microscope!
1. The use of illumination techniques
Of course, just having a jewelry microscope is not enough. Before observing the gemstones, first of all, the gemologist needs to do a basic analysis of the object to be observed, to make clear from which angle the gemstones need to be analysed, and finally to determine what kind of light to observe the jewelry as a light source. There are several types of lighting techniques. Such as dark field lighting, bright field lighting and reflected light. Another special type of lighting is the oil immersion system.
Firstly, there is dark field illumination. By dark field lighting, we mean that the background of the gemstone is viewed in a dark field. In this case, the inner workings of the gemstone become especially clear and obvious.
The second is bright field illumination. In contrast to dark-field illumination, bright-field illumination involves observing in a bright field of view. In this case, the internal growth pattern of the gemstone and the internal fillings can be seen very clearly.
Then there is reflected light illumination. It is different from dark-field illumination and bright-field illumination. Reflected light illumination is present in order to observe the external features of the gemstone. For example, cracks on the surface of the gemstone, etc.
Finally, there is the special oil-immersion system, which interferes to a certain extent with the observer’s ability to observe and analyze the stone due to the various optical reactions that occur when light strikes the stone. The oil immersion system is a good solution to this problem. When a gemstone is infiltrated with certain liquids, the interference of reflected light is reduced, creating a better condition for observing the gemstone.
2. Post-processing
Since a gemstone is a three-dimensional object, a microscope is only capable of observing a flat image. Of course, a stereo microscope would be best.Therefore, it is impossible to observe the whole gemstone in its entirety just through an ordinary microscope. This is the time when a set of advanced microscope and high precision camera becomes necessary. On this basis, experts are able to further process the images of the gemstones and subsequently understand and analyze the internal imaging of the gemstones in detail. For example, how gemstones are formed and how light travels inside them.
3. The significance of the study
So what exactly is the significance of looking at gemstones through a microscope? As mentioned earlier, the study of gemstones can help us decipher the secrets of nature, so what exactly are those secrets? In fact, with the current level of development of human research technology, human beings are not yet able to explore the depths of the earth for surveying. This is when gemstones from the depths of the earth’s crust can convey the depths of the earth to us.
Identification of the type of gemstone
Although very often experts are able to observe the external characteristics of a gemstone, such as color and purity, with the naked eye. But a microscope is an essential tool to truly observe the identity of a gemstone. Take ruby and spinel for example, they are both red in colour, so to the average novice, you can’t tell a big difference between the two of them to the naked eye. But once you put them both under a microscope and compare them, there is a very big difference between them. Spinel has an octahedral negative crystal inside, while ruby has a short needle-like interior. At this point, there exists a very big distinction between the two of them.
Optimization processing of gemstones
In fact, there are many gemstones that have problems of their own, such as too light a color or too many cracks. This is where measures are taken to improve the purity or color of the stone, and ultimately to optimize it. In the case of emeralds, for example, there are a lot of cracks in the stone, so people will fill them in, and the purity of the stone will increase as the number of cracks decreases. The purity of the gemstone is also enhanced, and the ultimate beauty of the gemstone is also enhanced.
Judging the origin of a gemstone
As mentioned earlier, gemstones can give us a lot of information about the earth’s crust, as the internal structure of a gemstone is very much related to the temperature of the place of origin, the mineral environment, and other environmental factors. How can you tell the difference between a Burmese ruby and a Moissan ruby, both of which are also rubies? This can be done with the help of a microscope. In the case of Burmese rubies, calcite or dolomite can be seen under the microscope, whereas in the case of Moissan rubies, hornblende crystals can be seen.
Looking at gemstones through a microscope can help us to better see the inner workings of gemstones and appreciate them. In this process, the observer needs to have more than just basic knowledge and practical skills in the use of a microscope. In addition, a solid knowledge of optics, crystallography, geology, and mineralogy are all necessary for viewing gemstones.
