Gemology
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course offers a broad introduction on (i) the mineralogy and genesis of gem-quality minerals and (ii) the main physical and optical techniques used in the gems characterisation.
Expected learning outcomes
Participants will acquire skills on gems mineralogy and genesis and will be able to identify and characterise them by means of physical and optical techniques
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Online learning using the tool Microsoft Teams; the knowledge will be transferred by using asynchronous, self-paced digital materials, such as video clips recorded by the professor followed by online sessions where the teacher will verify the acquired competencies with online tests will engage in discussion around the key concepts and will present real cases and examples.
Course syllabus
The course will cover the following topics:
Introduction to Gemology
Definition of "Gem" (natural gems, synthetic gems, and imitations) and their main gemological characteristics
Systematic Gemology: overview, description, and classification of the principal gem types
Mineralogical Characteristics of Gems: identification and mineralogical characterization of gemstones
Physical Properties of Gems: color, transparency, specific gravity, and optical effects
Genesis and Deposit Geology of Gems
Analytical Methods for Gem Characterization: conventional techniques and synchrotron-based approaches (spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, 2D/3D imaging)
Gemological Features, Analysis, and Classification of Diamond: certification, identification, and treatments
Gemological Characteristics and Investigative/Synthesis Techniques for: quartz, corundum, beryl, tourmaline, garnets, topaz (and their gem varieties), plus organic gem materials
Gems as a Resource: economic value and historical-artistic uses of gemstones
Introduction to Gemology
Definition of "Gem" (natural gems, synthetic gems, and imitations) and their main gemological characteristics
Systematic Gemology: overview, description, and classification of the principal gem types
Mineralogical Characteristics of Gems: identification and mineralogical characterization of gemstones
Physical Properties of Gems: color, transparency, specific gravity, and optical effects
Genesis and Deposit Geology of Gems
Analytical Methods for Gem Characterization: conventional techniques and synchrotron-based approaches (spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, 2D/3D imaging)
Gemological Features, Analysis, and Classification of Diamond: certification, identification, and treatments
Gemological Characteristics and Investigative/Synthesis Techniques for: quartz, corundum, beryl, tourmaline, garnets, topaz (and their gem varieties), plus organic gem materials
Gems as a Resource: economic value and historical-artistic uses of gemstones
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of Chemistry and Mineralogy
Teaching methods
The instructors will employ:
(a) traditional lectures;
(b) in-depth analyses of scientific case studies;
(c) review exercises using both offline tools (in-class tests) and online tools (PollEverywhere), followed by group discussions to assess acquired knowledge;
(d) a guided visit to a gemological laboratory.
(a) traditional lectures;
(b) in-depth analyses of scientific case studies;
(c) review exercises using both offline tools (in-class tests) and online tools (PollEverywhere), followed by group discussions to assess acquired knowledge;
(d) a guided visit to a gemological laboratory.
Teaching Resources
Course materials will be provided by the instructors and made available on the Ariel course website and via MS Teams (PowerPoint presentations and scientific articles).
Recommended text for further reading:
Peter G. Read, Gemmology, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2005, 324 pp. (ISBN 978-0719803611)
Recommended text for further reading:
Peter G. Read, Gemmology, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2005, 324 pp. (ISBN 978-0719803611)
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination will consist of an oral test, during which open-ended questions covering the entire syllabus will be posed.
Assessment criteria:
Ability to organize and present acquired knowledge
Ability to address and solve a scientific problem
Consistency and precision of the terminology used
Depth and accuracy of the knowledge demonstrated
Grading: mark out of 30.
Number of sittings: one; no interim examinations are scheduled.
Assessment criteria:
Ability to organize and present acquired knowledge
Ability to address and solve a scientific problem
Consistency and precision of the terminology used
Depth and accuracy of the knowledge demonstrated
Grading: mark out of 30.
Number of sittings: one; no interim examinations are scheduled.
GEO/06 - MINERALOGY - University credits: 3
GEO/09 - MINING RESOURCES, MINERALOGIC AND PETROGRAPHIC APPLICATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE - University credits: 3
GEO/09 - MINING RESOURCES, MINERALOGIC AND PETROGRAPHIC APPLICATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Lotti Paolo, Marinoni Nicoletta
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
send an e-mail for appointments
Via Botticelli 23 or videocall on MS Teams