What is a Dichroscope used for?

A dichroscope is a pocket instrument used in the field of gemology, and can be used to test transparent gemstones (crystals). Experienced gemologists, observing the pleochroism of some gems, can successfully detect gemstones from other artificial stones using this instrument.

How do I know what type of stone I have?

Look at the luster.

1. To check for luster, turn the stone, allowing light to reflect off its surface. View the stone with the naked eye and with a 10x loupe.
2. Determine if the stone looks dull, waxy, metallic, shiny (adamantine), glass-like (vitreous), greasy, or silky.

What gems are isotropic?

Isotropic (singly refractive) gems never show pleochroism. However, some singly refractive gems may have anomalous birefringence, which may create a pleochroic-like color effect. Isometric gems like diamonds and garnets may show these anomalous colors, but this is typically due to crystal strain, not pleochroism.

Are rubies dichroic?

Rubies are dichroic, meaning when light enters them it will be split into two distinctive colours. So if a stone shows only one colour, it is not a ruby. The index range for a ruby is 1.762-1.778. The polariscope is used to decide whether a gemstone is singly or doubly refractive.

How can you tell if a stone is real or fake?

Check optical phenomena.

1. Check for optical phenomena by passing a pen light across the stone’s surface.
2. Color change is one of the most important optical phenomena to look for, and every stone should be checked for color change. Look for changes in color between natural light, incandescent light, and fluorescent light.

What is the rarest gemstone?

Musgravite
Musgravite. Musgravite was discovered in 1967 and is arguably the rarest gemstone in the world. It was first discovered in Musgrave Ranges, Australia, and later found in Madagascar and Greenland. The first sizable gem-quality specimen was discovered in 1993.