rxscram
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2011
Posts: 484
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Post by rxscram on Sept 19, 2014 12:18:41 GMT -5
Hi All,
This might be a little unusual... other than taking geology classes (which I'd be perfectly willing to do, and actually want to do), is there a good resource similar to the GIA Graduate Gemologist program or the ISG Register Gemologist program... for "regular" rocks? Since I'm wanting to eventually go full time in the rock business, I'm trying to learn as much as I can. The ISG program will be my next step, but I'm looking further down the road.
Thanks! Jeff
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Post by gingerkid on Sept 19, 2014 13:31:29 GMT -5
rxscram, are you wanting to become a gemologist?? There's a wealth of free gemology information on the web if you don't want to spend money to become a gemologist (edited to add - purchase quality tools for gemmo id instead unless you plan on working in the industry, then spend the money to get a formal education). There's free info with an intro to geology on The Image and the International Gem Society websites. Mr. Ron Gibbs, author of "Agates and Jaspers," has a wealth of information on his website that you may want to check out. He also taught classes at William Holland Lapidary School in North Georgia. I highly recommend his website! A lot of his lapidary work and tutorials can be seen on the Lapidary Community forum website. theimage.comwww.gemsociety.org/ (some of the courses are for 'members only,' but the membership fees are reasonable) Dr. Barbara Smigel's free gemology course: You may want to purchase the books that correspond with the lessons, or borrow them from your local library. www.bwsmigel.info/The Gemology Online forum is a nice venue for learning and it's corresponding wiki site, "The Gemology Project." edited to add link: www.gemologyproject.com/wiki/index.php?title=Home Hope others will chime in and make suggestions for you.
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Post by gingerkid on Sept 19, 2014 13:46:15 GMT -5
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Post by deb193redux on Sept 19, 2014 15:29:12 GMT -5
No. Nothing similar to GIA program.
You can take some basic geology classes (which will cover a lot more types of rock than a lapidarist is interested in), and maybe one on mineralogy of quartz. Read some field guides to cover feldspar, dolomite, epidote, decorative marbles ... etc.
But there is no certification - except gemology and gel=ology
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 3,775
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Post by gemfeller on Sept 19, 2014 15:58:53 GMT -5
But there is no certification - except gemology and gel=ology Just to be picky, there's no such thing as "certification" in gemology or geology either. GIA gemologists are not "certified." They are "graduates" as are geologists. Gems are not certified either. Labs issue reports that don't "certify" anything. In fact they go to extreme lengths (in the fine print on the back) to make clear that the material printed on the front merely represents the opinions of their experts and will carry no weight in the legal sense. They are masterpieces of lawyerly wiggle-wording that absolve the labs of any conceivable legal responsibility in the event of disputes.
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rxscram
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2011
Posts: 484
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Post by rxscram on Sept 19, 2014 19:10:03 GMT -5
Thanks for the help everybody!
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