How to Use a Spectroscope

The spectroscope is one of the most useful tools a gemologist can have. It is designed to break up the light transmitted from a gemstone into a spectrum. When you use the spectroscope, you find variances in the wavelengths that allow you to determine what elements are in the gem. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Use a handheld spectroscope to analyze gemstones in the field. These are generally assembled. You place your eye against the spectroscope and hold the gem up to spectroscope. You need to adjust the gemstone until you can see the spectrum it produces.

2. Get a light that's strong enough to produce an undistorted spectrum. You can use an OTT Lite, an LED keychain light or a standard 60 watt bulb. You need to limit the amount of external light that can hit the gemstone as this can distort the spectrum. A fiber optic lighting system eliminates external light, provides enough power and makes a good choice for a light option.

3. Place the gemstone in the cone on the tube. Bring the spectroscope up to your eye and then up to the gem. You may need to reposition the gemstone in order to clearly see the spectrum.

4. Learn about spectrums. You can use a spectroscope to learn about spectrums and to define how the eye distinguishes color. You need to be aware of how light creates spectral lines. You can analyze different spectrums from gemstones to determine what elements are in the gemstone.