Gemological tool
Spectroscope
Reads characteristic absorption lines, confirms chromium, iron, copper
Typical price$ 40 - 200
PortabilityHighly portable
Field noteHandheld, prism type
How to use it
- Hold the spectroscope to your eye in bright ambient light
- For transparent stones: use transmission mode, strong white light shining through the stone
- For opaque or dark stones: use reflection mode, light bouncing off the surface
- Look for dark vertical lines or bands across the visible spectrum
- Compare to published absorption spectra for each gem