corundum, inclusions.5, gems

Without photomicrography, gemology as we know it would be virtually nonexistent. The photomicrographer explores the surfaces and interiors of gems with a microscope, and prepares images that record and convey information that is normally hidden from view. Today, nearly all professional gemological researchers take and publish their own photomicrographs. When researchers report the identifying features of new synthetics, treatments, and natural gems from new geographic localities, they include photomicrographs that are instrumental to the jeweller/gemologist in identifying these new materials. One needs only to look through issues of Gems & Gemology, or any of the various international gemological journals, to see how dependent gemology has become on these illustrations of the microscopic features of gems. Via the printed page, these photomicrographs instantly update the reader.