The Pocket Spectroscope: A Quick Guide for Gemologists

Answer: I recognize this device. It's a pocket spectroscope and stand made by Orwin Products Ltd. The spectroscope is used in many fields, from astronomy to industry and also gemology. Portable models are very useful.

What Can a Portable Spectroscope Do?

Gemologists use spectroscopes to see a gem's absorption spectrum. Learning how a gemstone interacts with light is a key step to identifying it.  This can even indicate if the stone is natural or synthetic. An inexpensive pocket spectroscope is useful for aspiring students as well as professional gemologists who need to identify specimens, including rough, while away from their labs.

How to Use a Portable Spectroscope

The spectroscope is a fundamental tool for gemologists. To use a portable spectroscope, line up these things in this order: light source, stone specimen, the instrument, and your eye. To interpret what you're seeing, you'll need to review the basics of spectroscope operation and gemstone identification.

The black contraption is a stand to help you hold stones of various sizes over the opening. There are some tricks to using this.

First, everything has to be held VERY still. Most people prefer using a stand or mount rather than trying to hold the instrument in their hands. (There are even adapters for mounting a pocket spectroscope in a microscope).

Second, you need a lot of light. It takes practice to get enough light through the stone and into the pocket spectroscope to be able to read it. You'll find the OPL pocket spectroscope isn't useful for dark stones. Start practicing with something light and one carat or above.

Best wishes,

Donald Clark, CSM IMG

Portable Spectroscope Recommendations

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