Geosciences to Offer Unique Gemstones Class

Compiled T. Paradise

The types and vibrant colors of gemstones.

During this upcoming fall semester, precious gemstones like emerald, sapphire, ruby and diamond, in addition to lesser-known gemstones and gem materials including quartz, tanzanite, tourmaline, opal, jades, spinel, topaz and turquoise, will be discussed in a unique course at the U of A.

The Department of Geosciences in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences will be offering this rare, exciting class as the Geology of Gemstones - Special Problems: GEOS 4100(3), GEOS 5100(3).

Gemology courses have been conventionally taught at Gemological Institutes in Los Angeles, New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo and London, and in European, South American and Asian universities; however, a gemology course offered at the university level in North America is unusual and an exciting opportunity for Arkansans.

Offered with no pre-requisites, the introductory class will introduce students to the science of gemology by addressing aspects of identification, geologic origins, mining techniques, synthesis, simulation and enhancement, global trends and their use in jewelry, legend and history. Precious and common gemstones that will be studied include diamonds, sapphires, rubies, quartz and emeralds, in addition to the less common gems including tourmaline, tanzanite, topaz, jades, zircon, tanzanite and tsavorite. 

The class will address the world of gemstones, gemology and gem materials for novices and specialists in the field alike, in addition to the techniques and emerging technologies used in non-destructive gemstone identification. Most mineral identification and analysis requires the destruction of a portion of the mineral, but the gemological sciences focus on their unique, non-destructive identification and study - crucial technologies with rare and/or valuable gems and minerals!

The course will be taught by University Professor Tom Paradise, who comes from an exceptional background that combines geography, geology and cartography with gemology and art history. In addition to his collegiate degrees, Paradise earned his gemology degrees from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (FGA-GemA) in London and the Gemological Institute of America (GG-GIA) in Los Angeles, in addition to accreditation as a Gemologist-Appraiser (CGA), Registered Jeweler (RJ) and member in good standing with the Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA). This unique course will be taught on Tuesday evenings from 5-8 p.m. in Gearhart Hall. So, plan on joining us for a rare, beautiful and engaging course on gems that have changed history, lives, loves and economies.