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Characterization and identification of gems by the use of color filters has always been an appealing approach because of its affordable simplicity and the ease of examining multiple specimens.
This set, shown in the photo, includes the following individual filters, described below in detail:
Aquafilter - for differentiating blue gemstones, separating Aquamarine from Topaz and other blue gems. Using the Aquafilter, here is the appearance of pale blue gemstones: |
Gemstone |
Apparent Color |
Aquamarine | Green |
Topaz | Blue-Gray |
Spinel | Pinkish |
Sapphire | Grey |
Tanzanite | Pinkish |
Zircon and Benitoite | Brilliant flashes of Red and Blue-Green |
Ruby Filter - A green filter for discriminating among red stones such as Ruby, Spinel, Tourmaline, and Garnets. Using the Ruby Filter, here is the appearance of various red and pink gemstones: |
Gemstone |
Apparent Color |
Ruby | Bright Blue |
Red Glass | Dark Purple |
Spinel | Gray/Blue |
Pink Spinel | Light Blue |
Pink Sapphire | Light Blue |
Tourmaline | Gray/Purple |
Almandine Garnet | Gray |
Rhodolite Garnet | Gray |
Pyrope Garnet | Brownish |
Red Beryl | Gray |
Using these filters is simple. Just place the stone on the included viewing surface, illuminate it with incandescent light, and hold the filter close to the eye. Observe the apparent color of the stone and match that up with the identifying chart that comes with the filter. Full instructions are included.