Gemmology
| Title | ΓΕΜΟΛΟΓΙΑ / Gemmology |
| Code | NGMO 829Ε |
| Faculty | Sciences |
| School | Geology |
| Cycle / Level | 1st / Undergraduate |
| Teaching Period | Spring |
| Coordinator | Stefanos Karampelas |
| Common | No |
| Status | Active |
| Course ID | 600019093 |
Programme of Study: PPS-Tmīma Geōlogías (2020-sīmera)
Registered students: 37
| Orientation | Attendance Type | Semester | Year | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KORMOS | Elective Courses | 8 | 4 | 3 |
| ORYKTOLOGIA - PETROLOGIA | Elective Course belonging to the selected specialization (Elective Specialization Course) | 8 | 4 | 3 |
| KOITASMATOLOGIA - OIKONOMIKĪ GEŌLOGIA | Elective Course belonging to the selected specialization (Elective Specialization Course) | 8 | 4 | 3 |
| Academic Year | 2024 – 2025 |
| Class Period | Spring |
| Faculty Instructors |
|
| Weekly Hours | 2 |
| Total Hours | 26 |
| Class ID | 600257418
|
Course Type 2021
Specialization / Direction
Course Type 2011-2015
Specific Foundation / Core
Mode of Delivery
- Face to face
Digital Course Content
- e-Study Guide https://qa.auth.gr/en/class/1/600257418
- eLearning: https://elearning.auth.gr/course/view.php?id=651
Erasmus
The course is also offered to exchange programme students.
Language of Instruction
- Greek (Instruction, Examination)
- English (Instruction, Examination)
Learning Outcomes
After the end of the class the student will be able to:
1) Identify various gems
2) Understand and describe about gems’ formation
3) Identify and describe some gems’ treatments
4) Identify some characteristics of synthetic gems and imitations
5) Acquiring knowledge on gems’ monetary value
6) Recognize and describe gemstones of Greece
General Competences
- Apply knowledge in practice
- Retrieve, analyse and synthesise data and information, with the use of necessary technologies
- Work autonomously
- Work in teams
- Generate new research ideas
- Design and manage projects
- Appreciate diversity and multiculturality
- Respect natural environment
- Demonstrate social, professional and ethical commitment and sensitivity to gender issues
- Be critical and self-critical
- Advance free, creative and causative thinking
Course Content (Syllabus)
1. About gems - Historical background in their manufacture, uses, transportation and trade
2. Physical, chemical, optical properties - Cutting style of gems
3. Diamond (colorless and colored), Corundum (Ruby, Sapphire), Beryl (Emerald, Aqua Marina, Morganite, Heliodorus)
4. Quartz varieties (e.g. crystal quartz, amethyst, citrine, agate, onyx, carnelian), Jasper, Opal, Obsidian, Chrysoberyl (e.g. alexandrite), Zoisite (e.g. tanzanite), Spinel, Zircon, Topaz, Spodumene (e.g. kunzite)
5. Garnet (e.g. tsavorite, demantoid), Tourmaline (e.g. paraiba-type, rubellite), Olivine (Peridot), Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Jade (Nephrite and Jadeite), Feldspar (e.g. amazonite, labradorite, moonstone)
6. Gemstones with optical effects (e.g. color change, star-effect)
7. Organic Precious Materials (Pearl, Coral, Amber or Electro, Ivory, Jet, Nacre, Fossil Wood, Horn, Bone)
8. Geology of gems (e.g. primary deposits in kimberlite, pegmatite, marble, amphibolite, skarn; secondary deposits in alluvial depositions) - Organic gems growth
9. Gems’ provenance - Gemstones of Greece
10. Gem Treatments (heat treatment, irradiation, clarity enhancement etc.)
11. Synthetic gems - Imitations
12. Classic gemological methods (e.g., microscope -inclusions, specific gravity, refractive index, fluorescence under UV lamps) - Grading
13. Application of non- or micro-destructive methods for gem analysis (e.g. spectroscopic and chemical methods)
Keywords
Gemmstones, Physical, chemical, optical properties, Organic Precious Materials, Geology of gems, Gem Treatments
Educational Material Types
- Notes
- Slide presentations
Use of Information and Communication Technologies
Use of ICT
- Use of ICT in Course Teaching
- Use of ICT in Laboratory Teaching
- Use of ICT in Communication with Students
- Use of ICT in Student Assessment
Description
1) All class material is available in electronic form to all students through the course web page
2) The teacher communicates with students through e-mail
3) The class evaluation is performed through the Quality Assurance Unit (MO.DI.P.)
Course Organization
| Activities | Workload | ECTS | Individual | Teamwork | Erasmus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 72 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Exams | 3 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Total | 75 |
Student Assessment
Description
Written Exam with short-answer questions on topics taught at theory. It makes up 100% of the overall score.
Student Assessment methods
- Written Exam with Multiple Choice Questions (Formative, Summative)
Bibliography
Additional bibliography for study
Σημειώσεις διδάσκοντα
S. Karampelas, L. Kiefert, D. Bersani, P. Vandenabeele (2020). Gems and Gemmology: An introduction for archaeologists, art-historians and conservators (Short introductions to cultural heritage science edited by d P. Vandenabeele), Springer publishing, 112 pages (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-35449-7)
Last Update
02-07-2025
