Note a recent crash of the server caused a loss of
the most recent syllabus. This is a recreation.
Some changes may be mixed up. Let me know if you see a
problem.
A survey of the world of gems
and minerals covering aesthetics, economics, and science. 3cr.
3hr.
Syllabus by week of semester
1. Definition and origins: minerals, gems, ores
2. Production of natural stones: Mining and prospecting, precious metals, synthetic stones
3. Gems and jewelry, cutting and polishing, mounting
4. Marketing: carat, karat, and the economics of gems
5. Test 1
7. Emeralds, rubies, and sapphires
8. Stone enhancements: coloring, heat treating, radiation, doublets and other tricks that enhance stones
9. Test 2
11. Tourmaline and quartz (including opal), alexanderite and related minerals, tanzanite .
12 Organic Gems (Ammolite, amber, jet, and coral) and Pearls (Nacreous only)
Final (during finals week is same value as tests 1 and 2)
Text: 1) Read, P. G., (2003). Gemmology 3nd Ed., Amsterdam: Butterworth Heinemann, Elsevier Co, Inc. (Cost about $35) & 2) Simon and Schuster's Guide to Gems and Precious Stones (Cost about $13-$16 new and $6 used), New York.
Course grading: 3 exams including final
(multiple choice and short essay) 75% (25 pts each), 25% term
paper on a specific gem of your choice (only one student for
each gem) due week 13. Mandatory trip to the American Museum of
Natural History to see the gems collection (Sat. or Sun. of wk.
14). Attendance is mandatory, absences in excess of 15% will
result in a grade of F or WU. Academic Integrity Policy (cheating)