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Understanding Kundli
Understanding Kundli
and Instruments
by Donald Clark, CSM IMG
Even the simplest gemology tools, like the 10x loupe, will help increase your knowledge of
gemstones. “Loupe 10X” by Eurico Zimbres is licensed under CC By-SA 2.5
Getting Started
Gemology involves studying the physical and optical properties that make gems such unique little
treasures. Gem identification involves analyzing these properties to differentiate one species
from another. There are a number of gemology tools used to distinguish or measure these
properties. Before you start buying instruments and setting up your gem lab, you need to invest
in good reference materials to make sense of what the instruments will tell you.
Loupe
You’ll need magnification. Start with a good quality 10x (ten power) loupe. Some economy
loupes on the market range from mediocre to very good quality. The best you can get, and the
standard for diamond grading, is a color corrected triplet loupe. Triplet means it has three lenses,
so there’s no distortion near the edges. Color corrected refers to a coating on the lenses, so the
color you see is accurate.
Read our article on loupes for more information.
Microscope
You’ll also need a microscope for studying inclusions. This is often the only way to separate
natural gems from their synthetic counterparts. While the loupe is more portable, the microscope
is easier on the eyes and offers higher magnification. A gem microscope has special features
that aren’t available on most microscopes, so be sure the microscopes you’re considering are
appropriate for studying gemstones. A minimum 40x stereo microscope is needed for gemstone
identification. Of course, more power is helpful. You’ll be able to see more inclusions and greater
detail under higher magnification. Higher power will sometimes mean the difference between
making an identification or not.
As a general rule, purchase the highest quality instruments you can afford. With microscopes,
however, you can make a compromise for your budget’s sake without a significant sacrifice in
quality. The bottom line is that the information gathered from a microscope has more to do with
the skill of the operator than the quality of the optics.
Identifying inclusions viewed through a microscope can help distinguish natural from
synthetic gemstones.
Refractometer
Measuring the refractive index (RI) of your gems will be a high priority. You can do this with a
microscope, but a refractometer is the best tool. Besides measuring the RI, a refractometer will
give you the birefringence and optic sign of a gemstone.
In North America, the primary supplier of refractometers is the GIA. In Europe, the primary
supplier is Krüss Instruments. Of course, used refractometers are occasionally available
on eBay.
Read our three-part guide to using a refractometer for more information.
Balance Beam Scale And Heavy Liquids
Another gem lab necessity is a means to measure specific gravity (SG). There are two methods
for doing this. A balance beam scale can be used, provided one pan can be submerged in water.
(That’s usually easy to arrange). The other method is to use a set of “heavy liquids.” This is a
collection of liquids with predetermined SGs. You determine the specific gravity of a gem by
submersing it in the liquids and observing whether it floats or sinks.
Heavy liquids have some disadvantages. They are toxic and flammable, so you must exercise
care when using and storing them. Sometimes it’s difficult to wash off the gem. Furthermore,
your readings will always be estimates with heavy liquids. If you have an accurate scale, you can
get a much more precise reading. There will be occasions when this is important, as a small
fraction can sometimes confirm or eliminate a possible identification.
Read our five-part series on specific gravity testing procedures for more information.
Dichroscope
Next on the list is one of the most inexpensive gemology tools. The dichroscope is a small, hand-
held instrument that separates the colors in dichroic materials. Its essential elements are two
small pieces of polarizing material, oriented at 90º to each other, plus magnification. With a little
thought and skill, you can actually make one yourself.
Read our article on the dichroscope for more information.
A dichroscope can be used to
identify dichroic gemstones, which are gems that show two different colors when viewed
from different angles.
Polariscope
Equally important (and just a little more expensive) is a polariscope. It’s used in conjunction with
a loupe or a strainless (not stainless) sphere, which is a glass sphere with no strain lines in it.
These are used to determine if a material is singly or doubly refractive and to ascertain its optic
sign. The polariscope will also show strain and twinning, which will occasionally help to
distinguish between natural and synthetic materials. (If you can’t ascertain the optic sign with a
polariscope, use a refractometer).
Polariscopes can be made at home or purchased. The primary requirements are an underneath
light source and two pieces of polarizing material that are separated enough to hold a gem
between them. One piece of polarizing material can be stationary, but the other needs to be
rotated in place.
Other factors that add to the price of a spectroscope include lighting and a stand. You need both
a bright light source and a means to hold the gem, the spectroscope itself, and the light source
steady while you’re taking your readings. If these are all built in, the spectroscope will be easier
to use but also more expensive. If you’re handy with DIY, you can create these elements and
save some money.
There are inexpensive diffraction grating spectroscopes on the market. However, these are the
most difficult to use. You must find a way to hold them very still in relationship to the gem and the
light. To further complicate this, you focus a diffraction grating spectroscope by moving it closer
and further from the gem. Since the display is much darker than a prism spectroscope, lighting is
a particular consideration. (See our review of the GL Spectroscope).
The spectroscope is one of the last gemology tools you’ll need to add to your lab. If you have a
tight budget, this instrument will take the most consideration. Prices can run up to a thousand
dollars for top of the line instruments with all the accessories. Get the best instrument you can
afford, then make your compromises on the lighting and stand.
Read our article on the spectroscope and our spectroscope guide for more information.
A comparison of the
absorption spectrum of a malaya garnet as seen through a diffraction grating spectroscope and a
prism spectroscope. The prism type has a more elongated view. A calibrated scale (shown
here to nanometers, nm) is useful for recognizing the characteristic absorption lines of
different gem species.
Miscellaneous Gemology Tools
The above instruments represent the major, “must-have”s of a gem lab. Of course, you’ll also
need a bunch of other odds and ends, such as:
A gem cloth for cleaning your gems or some kind of strainer so they don’’t go down the drain
if you clean them in the sink
A stone line to lay your stones side by side and upright for grading
Calipers or a micrometer
A scale to weigh your stones (no’t a necessity for learning but a high priority for trade).
In addition to these miscellaneous items, there are other pieces of equipment worth mentioning.
There’s an instrument called a “jeweler’s eye” that measures luster. It was designed for traveling
professionals who need portable instruments, not beginners.
If your work requires you to identify small stones in settings, a diamond detector is a necessity.
Small, dirty, low-quality diamonds are impossible to distinguish with the naked eye.
Hardness sets or points, pencil-like things with ends made of varying materials, are a standard
part of the mineralogist’s toolkit. They’re used to determine the hardness of a substance. These
are also useful gemology tools if you’re going to identify gemstone rough. However, never use
these on finished gems. Hardness points will leave a permanent scratch and may cause a gem
to break. If you’re testing rough, make sure you test a small area that’s separate from the
cuttable portion, because stress on cleavage planes can cause the stone to split. Read our
article on scratch testing for more information.
Streak testing is a mineralogical procedure for detecting coloring agents. All it requires is a small
piece of unglazed ceramic tile. Like scratch testing, this is a destructive test. Never do this to a
finished gem. If you’re testing rough, the same cautions as scratch testing apply. Do the test with
a small sample that has been separated from the whole. Read our article on streak testing for
more information.
A Chelsea filter is a very handy tool. Originally used to separate real emerald gems from
lookalikes, it’s been called an emerald filter, too. However, some emeralds get their coloring from
vanadium instead of chromium, so it doesn’t work in all cases. Now it’s used primarily to
determine if a material gets its color from chromium. If it does, the stone will appear pink or red
through the filter. If not, you’ll see something else. This is important because gems like
chrome pyrope and chrome tourmaline have a different value structure than their counterparts.
While you can also make this determination with a spectroscope, a Chelsea filter is the easiest
way to distinguish these gems.
Lighting For Your Lab
Your lighting needs careful consideration. Standard lights will suit most of your needs, but you’ll
need something that is flexible and easily moved into useful positions. A flexible arm light, or
even a good quality flashlight, will be a big asset in your studies. Some of your gemology tools
and instruments will have built-in specialty lights. You may need to create or provide your own
speciality lights for others.
Keep in mind that incandescent and fluorescent light will give you different colors in some gems.
If at all possible, use incandescent or natural sunlight from a window as your primary light
source. If your lab has fluorescent lighting already installed in the ceiling, you’ll need to turn it off
or shield it at times. One of your most useful light sources is a window with indirect light, since
filtered sunlight is the standard for color comparison. Also, don’t make the mistake of thinking you
can rely on daylight equivalent lights for color change comparisons. They work well in many
cases but not well in others. More than one gemologist has been embarrassed by relying on
artificial lights.
While not absolutely necessary, ultraviolet light (UV) is sometimes helpful in making an
identification. You’ll need both long and short wave UV for testing. A low-powered light is
sufficient but will need to be mounted in a box that doesn’t allow any other light to enter. Read
our article on UV light and gemstone identificationfor more information.
Advice For Beginners
While all this information about gemology tools may seem a bit daunting, it’s meant to be a
comprehensive list of the tools you may need as you get more involved in the gem world. All a
beginner needs to get started is access to the IGS website, a pair of tweezers, and a loupe.
These simple tools will take you a long way in the study of gems.
2) A loupe is one of the basic tools of gemology. Your loupe should have a magnification of:
A. 5x
B. 10x
C. 15x
B. The loupe contains a special lens to filter out distorted wavelengths of light
C. A special coating on the lens will ensure the color you see is accurate
5) A gem microscope is another essential tool for the gemologist. It has these advantages over
the loupe:
A. 30x
B. 40x
C. 60x
B. Optic sign
C. A and B
8) True or False: heavy liquids can only give an estimate of a gem’s specific gravity.
A. True
B. False
B. Separate the colors in dichroic material using two small pieces of polarizing material set at
45 degrees
C. Separate the colors in dichroic material using two small pieces of polarizing material set at
90 degrees
11) True or False: there are essentially two different kinds of spectroscopes:
A. True
B. False
A. True
B. False
14) True or false: hardness points are safe to use on finished gemstones.
A. True
B. False
B. A brick
16) True or false: Both long and short wavelength ultraviolet light are useful for gem
identification.
A. True
B. False
Chrome tourmalines are rare. They get their intense, emerald green color from traces of
chromium. When viewed through a Chelsea filter, a tourmaline colored by chromium will appear
red or pink. “Chrome Tourmaline With Quartz,” Merelani Hills, Arusha, Tanzania. © Rob
Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.
Navamsha
Vimshottari
Dasha Start date
Ma-Mo-Ra 09-12-2017
Birth chart Ma-Mo-Ju 10-14-2017
Ma-Mo-Sa 11-12-2017
Ma-Mo-Me 12-15-2017
Ma-Mo-Ke 01-14-2018
Ma-Mo-Ve 01-27-2018
Ma-Mo-Su 03-03-2018
Ra-Ra-Ra 03-14-2018
Ra-Ra-Ju 08-09-2018
The first two gemstones recommended for you relate to two planets, which enjoy a friendly relationship with
each other. So, they may be worn together and even set together in the same piece of jewelry.
Emerald
Wearing a Jyotish quality Emerald will enhance as well as strengthen Mercury in one's chart. Because of the
natural resonance of an Emerald with Mercury, wearing an Emerald will enliven, and thereby increase the
influence of Mercury in one's chart. At the same time, the purity of the Emerald will help improve the quality of
Mercury. But what does that mean for you specifically, and why is this stome recommended for you? Why do
you need "more Mercury" and a "better Mercury"?
The answer is found entirely in the analysis of your birth chart, and the way Mercury is positioned. Based on
your birth chart we know what houses Mercury rules, and the house it is placed in. These houses govern the
areas of life that will be enlivened and improved by wearing an Emerald. There are three houses that are
particularly desirable and auspicious to enliven: the 1st, the 5th and the 9th. So most astrologers will
recommend gems for the planets that rule the 1st, 5th or 9th house.
While lordships and house positions are primarily counted from the rising sign (AKA Ascendant, Lagna), they
should also be considered from the Sun and Moon as per the classical Jyotish texts. Considering all three
reference points gives the most accurate reading, according to Parashara.
Specifically based on your birth chart, here are the reasons it is favorable for you to wear an
Emerald.
Mercury is mostly a benefic influence in this chart. The favorable factors that will be strengthened by wearing
it's gem are as follows:
- Mercury is a functional benefic as well as a trine lord
- Mercury forms a Raja Yoga from the Ascendant.
- As a natural benefic, Mercury is well placed in a kendra from the Moon.
Based on your chart, these are areas where you may experience improvements:
Speech, logic and discrimination, intellect, mental abilities, diplomatic skills, learning and teaching,
understanding and managing finances, handling logistics, accounting. Finances and financial decisions.
Notes: As trine lord as well as functional benefic, Mercury is a most favorable planet in this chart. As a Trine
lord in a Kendra (from the Ascendant), the favorable role of Mercury is increased.
Substitutes: you may use Green Tourmaline or Peridot as alternatives to Emerald. See available Emeralds
Instructions
The gem for Mercury is best set in gold. If a ring, it should be worn on the small (pinkie), second or ring finger.
Begin to wear it on a Wednesday, two hours after sunrise. The mantra to recite is Om braam breem brom saha
budhaaya namah. It should be recited nine times.
Blue Sapphire
Specifically based on your birth chart, here are the reasons it is favorable for you to wear a Blue
Sapphire.
Saturn is mostly a benefic influence in this chart. The favorable factors that will be strengthened by wearing it's
gem are as follows:
- Saturn is a functional benefic as well as a trine lord, as well as the yogakaraka.
- Saturn forms a Raja Yoga from the Ascendant.
- Saturn is well placed in the 10th/11th house from the Moon.
Based on your chart, these are areas where you may experience improvements:
Steady progress, following the right path, work load, career prospects, ability to get things done,
perseverence, relationship with teachers and authorities, progress from doing service, long term
improvements. Notes: As trine lord as well as functional benefic, Saturn is a most favorable planet in this
chart. Saturn is yoga karaka in this chart, which brings success.As a Trine lord in a Kendra (from the
Ascendant), the favorable role of Saturn is increased.
Substitutes: as alternative to Blue Sapphire, you may use an Amethyst. See available Blue Sapphires
Instructions
The gem for Saturn is best set in gold, alternately iron can be used. If a ring, it should be worn on the middle
finger. Begin to wear it on a Saturday 2 hours and 40 minutes before sunset. The mantra to recite is Om
praam preem praum sah shanaiscaraya namah. It should be recited twenty three times.
Red Coral
Specifically based on your birth chart, here are the reasons it is favorable for you to wear a Red
Coral.
Mars is mostly a benefic influence in this chart. The favorable factors that will be strengthened by wearing it's
gem are as follows:
- Mars is a functional benefic as well as a trine lord from the Moon, as well as the yogakaraka.
- As a natural malefic, Mars is well placed in an upachaya house.
- As a natural malefic, Mars is well placed in an upachaya house from the Moon.
Based on your chart, these are areas where you may experience improvements:
Health, physical strength and energy, physical safety, smooth transitions, ability to deal with difficult
situations. energy, strategic abilities, right action, success, assertive strength. Notes: From the Moon, Mars is
trine lord and functional benefic, adding to its favorable role in this chart. As a dusthan lord from the Lagna,
the favorable nature of Mars is lessened somewhat.
Instructions
The gem for Mars is best set in copper or silver, though if the desire is to increase one' s courage, strength and
bodily warmth then it should be set in gold. If a ring, it should be worn on the ring finger, or index finger.
Begin to wear it on a Tuesday, one hour after sunrise. The mantra to recite is om kraam kreem kraum saha
bhomaaya namah. It should be recited nineteen times.
Stones recommended to be given:
These stones relate to planets in your chart that are not so favorably placed, and donating a gemstone
associated with such planets will help to mitigate their negative influence.
In the above illustrated birth chart the black colored numbers represent zodiac
signs or rashis, in this illustration 5th rashi or 5th sign is written i.e.,5th rashi or
lagan was present at the time of birth and in your horoscope it may start from any
number between 1 to 12 but we won't consider these black colored numbers or you
forget the numbers written in your birth chart.
Here we consider the red colored numbers or alphabet for that
house. To see the effects of Planetary positions of the above illustrated
horoscope go through the steps given below:
Sun is in 1st house or "A" house, and to see the effects of sun we
Step 1
will see the 1st or "A" house of Sun page.
Mercury is also in 1st house or "A" house, and to see the effects of
Step 2
Mercury we will see the 1st or "A" house of Mercury page.
Rahu is in 4th house or "D" house, and to see the effects of Rahu we
Step 3
will see the 4th or "D"of Rahu page.
Saturn is also in the 7th house or "G" house, and to see the effects
Step 5
of Saturn we will see the 7th or "G" house of Saturn page.
Step
6,7,8 Take accordingly to see the effects of Mars,Moon,Ketu and Venus.
and 9
Tit for tat, Native is good for a good and very bad
GOOD for a bad. Even a dying person will survive if such
subject gives water to him.
3rd Native should keep tusk with him, will cause his
HOUSE BAD downfall. Loans given to brother or relatives will be
bad debts
GEM STONES
ToLagna or
Gem Stone Sun Sign Gem Stone
Ascendant
Aries Red Coral Aries Diamond
Yellow Sapphire or
Scorpio Red coral Scorpio
Topaz
Yellow Turquoise or
Sagittarius Sagittarius
Sapphire Gomedha
Blue
Aquarius Aquarius Amethyst
Sapphire
Garnet January
Amethyst February
Diamond April
Emerald May
Pearl June
Ruby July
Sardonyx August
Sapphire September
Opal October
Topaz November
Turquoise December