Que. 1. What is a gemmological laboratory?
Ans. A gemmological laboratory is a scientific laboratory which provides the services of gemstone identification and grading services for diamonds.

Que. 2. What is the need of a gemmological laboratory?
Ans. As the world is growing and becoming advance and progress of science made so many things possible to understand and to create the same thing in a laboratory. Natural Gemstones are precious and the natural deposits are limited so the scientists have developed techniques to make synthetic gemstones in a laboratory and these techniques have improved to a great extent. Nowadays so many synthetics are available in the market and for a common man and even for a jeweler it is difficult to identify these stones.
Natural gemstones are treated with so many techniques to improve their color and clarity. After treatment a lower quality gemstone becomes more beautiful and its value increases.

A gemmological laboratory is equipped with scientific instruments to detect various synthetics and treated natural gemstones. A number of gemstones are available in the market. how to identify a stone whether it is natural, synthetic or a natural stone which is treated?

Que.3. What is a gemmological report and what it describes about gemstones?
Ans.  A gemmological report describes the following points about gemstone.

1. It specifies the genuineness of stone, whether stone is natural or synthetic (Man made).
2. What is the name of stone?
3. If any treatment is done on the stone. (To improve the quality) under comments.
4. On Request, also describes about the country of origin of stone. (Only a few expert laboratories in the world).

Note: A gemmological report does not specify about the value of gemstones.

Que. 4. How to identify that a report is genuine or not?
Ans. A gemmological laboratory provides some identification marks on their reports to identify the genuineness of a report. It includes report identification number, laboratory hologram, original signatures of gemologists (the expert who test the gemstones), If a laboratory has a website to verify the report, one can confirm the authenticity of report.

Que 5. What is the difference between ruby and pink sapphire?
Ans. Natural ruby and natural pink sapphire both are the varieties of corundum species. The color of both stones is because of chromium but the color of ruby is red and when it is not intense enough to call red and classified as pink the stone becomes pink sapphire. The easily visible red color is categorized as ruby and if stone is light in color and comes to a degree where color is categorized as pink the stone will be certified as pink sapphire.
 
Que 6. What is the difference between Emerald and green beryl?
Ans. Natural emerald and green beryl both are the varieties of beryl species. The green color of emerald is because of chromium while the green beryl does not contain chromium and the color is due to some other reasons in general iron is the coloring element for green beryl.

Que 7. What is a synthetic stone?
Ans. A synthetic stone is chemically, optically and physically same as its natural counter part. The synthetic stones are created in a laboratory by using the same chemical composition and same conditions to grow the crystals of stones.

Que 8. What is a treated gemstone?
Ans. A treated gemstone is a natural gemstone which is enhanced by some technique to make it more beautiful and more durable. The natural gemstones of lower quality are treated by various processes to improve the color and clarity in some cases durability. (Read more about treatments in education section).

Que 9. How authentic is the IGITL report?
Ans. IGITL Laboratory is equipped with all kinds of gemmological equipments, the gemologists and graders are highly experienced. The IGITL reports are of international standard. The criteria for testing and terminology for disclosure of gemstone treatment is same as followed by the top international laboratories.
(The gemstone testing is a very tough job and a gemologist which is having an experience of at least 3-4 years under the guidance of an experienced gemologist can test the Gemstones with accuracy. Gemstone testing is not a job which can be done by any person just after completing of gemology diploma from any institute.)

Que 10. What is the value of a gemstone?
Ans. 10. The value of a gemstone depends and influenced by various factors like 4 C’s (Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat), country of origin, geological conditions, geographical conditions, political conditions, availibility, demand and supply etc. Only a jeweler who is aware of current market can evaluate a gemstone accurately. The gemmological reports do not describe the quality and value of gemstones.