Simulant
Glass
Colorless or artificially colored glass imitation material
Colorless
Multicolor
Optical characteristics
- Ref. index
- 1.45 – 1.7
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Pleochroism
- None
- Fluorescence
- Variable: natural glass (obsidian) is inert; lead glass may show orange; UV-reactive coatings possible.
Source localities
Instruments used
Hydrostatic Scale
Measures specific gravity, works even on opaque stones
10x Loupe
Your most-used instrument, start every examination here
Polariscope
Determines single vs. double refraction, quick and conclusive
Refractometer
Measures refractive index, the backbone of gem identification
UV Lamp, Long Wave and Short Wave
Fluorescence exposes treatments, synthetics, and origin