The spectroscope is used to analyze light passing through a stone. White light is a combination of all the colors of the visible spectrum: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. This is the rainbow we see when light travels through a prism. When white light travels though a stone, one or more of the wavelengths that produce color are absorbed by the gem. The colors that are NOT absorbed are the colors seen when we look at the stone.
The wavelengths that are absorbed by the stone are seen in the spectroscope as vertical black lines in the spectrum. Each variety stone has a unique absorption spectrum (like a fingerprint of the stone) When identifying a stone we look for a spectrum that is characteristic for that stone.
The wavelengths that are absorbed by the stone are seen in the spectroscope as verticle black lines in the spectrum. Each stone has a unique absorption spectrum (like a fingerprint of the stone) When identifying a stone we look for a spectrum that is characteristic for that stone.
Using a spectroscope takes practice! Try using it in different lights, with different stones. It takes some time to learn what you are looking for and what those little fuzzy lines mean. What you actually see through your spectroscope will not be as clear and pretty as what you see in books or charts.