Gemstones in Malaysia in Accordance with Gemology Basics: A Case Study of Quartz Gemstones in Kelantan

Gemstone is a mineral that has a high value in the market. Out of 4,000 minerals known to man, only 70 minerals are classified as precious gemstones and semi-precious gemstones. Quartz is the most abundant and widely used mineral. This mineral forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Quartz can be found in Malaysia in several locations in Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang, Kedah, Perak, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak. The objective of the research is to collect information related to physical properties, optical properties, and types of inclusions found in quartz gemstones in Kelantan. The scope of this study is only about quartz gemstones in Kelantan that are analysed using gemological equipment such as hydrostatic scales, gemology microscopes, refractometers, and gem testers. While the weight of the sample ranges from 8.05 to 31.05 carats. Analysis shows that all samples are consistent from the quartz group consisting of amethyst, rock crystal, and rutilated quartz. All samples show RI values around 1.54. S.G. All gemstones are quartz, according to spectroscope tests and also The Gem Tester. This S.G value is consistent with quartz-type gems which show a reading of 2.66 to 2.69. While the Index of Refraction all samples had RI values around 1.54, which were consistent with quartz. The Gem Tester distinguishes the gemstones are quartz. All gemstones are quartz, according to spectroscope tests. The most common inclusions in the sample are solid and tiny solid crystal inclusions, 2 & 3 phase inclusions, -ve crystal, healed fractures, tiger strips Inclusion, fingerprint and silk inclusions, brownish iron-stained needles, rutile needles, tourmaline & rutile quartz, healed fracture, and fracture fills inclusions. For further actions, research can be done on other gemstones in Malaysia such as corundum, nephrite, topaz, tourmaline and garnet. The studies can be done in-depth using more up-to-date gemology equipment such as Raman spectroscopic analysis.