East African Gem Academy - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (2023)

Module One - Basic Gemmology

Weeks One to Four

The Origin and Chemical Nature of Gemstones, Physical and Optical Properties, Basic Crystallography, The Absorption of Light and The Spectroscope, The 3 R’s - Reflection, Refraction and the Refractometer, Test (Lessons 1 to 5).

Polarized Light and the Polariscope, Pleochroism, the Dichroscope and Colour Filters Specific Gravity, Luminescence, Magnification and Thermal Conductivity, Final Test (Lessons 1 to 10).

Module Two - Advanced Gemmology

Weeks Five to Seven

Imitation Stones, Composite Assembled Stones, Verneuil Flame Fusion Method, Czochralski Pulling Method, Flux Melt Method, Hydrothermal Method, Skull Crucible Method, Zone Melt Method, Horizontally Oriented Crystallization Method, Synthesis of Diamond, Sublimation Method, Test (Lessons 1 to 11), Modified Stöber Method, Jadeite, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Malachite & Coral, Less Common Lab-created Gemstones.

Introduction to Gemstone Treatments & Enhancements, Heat Treatment, Surface & Sub-Surface Diffusion, Irradiation, Fracture Filling, HPHT Treatment, Surface Modifications, Advanced Gem Testing Techniques, Final Test (Lessons 1 to 22).

Module Three - Gem Identification

Weeks Eight to Eleven

Gem Identification, Colourless & White Gemstones, Red Gemstones, Pink Gemstones, Orange Gemstones, Yellow Gemstones, Green Gemstones, Blue Gemstones, Violet & Purple Gemstones, Brown Gemstones, Black & Grey Gemstones, Phenomenal & Unusual Gemstones, Final Test.

Module Four - Coloured Gemstones

Weeks Twelve to Nineteen

Gem Mining, Gem Cutting, Coloured Gemstone Grading, Test (Lessons 1 to 3).

Corundum, Beryl, Chrysoberyl, Spinel, Zircon, Topaz, Test (Lessons 4 to 9).

Tourmaline, Peridot, Quartz, Garnet, Tanzanite, Lapis Lazuli, Test (Lessons 10 to 15).

Turquoise, Opal, Jade, Spodumene, Feldspar, Iolite, Andalusite, Diopside, Apatite, Test (Lessons 16 to 24).

Coral, Jet, Amber, Ivory, Pearls, Test (Lessons 25 to 29).

Additional Lab time and Reviews, Final Examinations.

Module Five - Diamonds

Weeks Twenty to Twenty-four

Physical and Optical Properties, Diamond Mining, Diamond Cutting Fancy Coloured Diamonds, Diamond Grading, Final Test (Lessons 1 to 5).

Week Twenty-Five

Final Examinations.