Orientation Course on Gemmology - Geological Society of India

142 NEWS AND NOTES
<strong>Orientation</strong> <strong>Course</strong> on Gemmology
A five days training programme on
‘<strong>Orientation</strong> <strong>Course</strong> on Gemmology’ was
very successfully conducted by the
Geological Society of India, Bangalore from
16 th to 20 th February 2009 in Geological
Survey of India, Bangalore with the active
co-operation and help of the Geological
Survey of India and The Jewellers’
Association, Bangalore (JAB).
The objective of the programme was to
create awareness about all aspects of the
study of gemstones, present state of mix-ups
of synthetic and treated stone with natural
stones and their practical identification
techniques among the professionals,
scientists, researchers and hobbyists.
18 trainees participated, out of which 14
were from reputed jewellery houses of
Bangalore, three were from earth science
background and one senior officer from the
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSME) Development Institute (a Govt. of
India organisation), Bangalore. Earth
scientists from the Geological Survey of
India and professionals from the gem
industries under the guidance of Dr. R.V.
Karanth, Professor of Geology (Retired.),
Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda,
Gujarat conducted the programme.
The inaugural function of the programme
was held on 16 th February. Shri D.A.
Sreeramulu, Chief Mentor, JAB attended as
Chief Guest. Shri R.N. Shrivastava, DDG,
Operation: Karnataka and Goa, GSI,
Bangalore was the Guest of Honour. Shri S.
Venkatesh Babu, Vice President, JAB and
Shri S. Mahesh Rao, MD, Peacock Jewellery
Pvt. Ltd were special guests. Shri D.A.
Sreeramulu praised efforts of the Geological
Society of India to bring earth scientists, who
toil hard in the remote areas to locate mineral
deposits and jewellers, who beautify
these minerals and earn revenue for the
country on a common platform by
organizing this programme. He hoped that
all the trainees will gain knowledge from
the teachings of the earth scientists. Shri
R.N. Shrivastava, DDG lauded the efforts
of the organisers and extended all cooperation
from GSI. Shri S. Venkatesh
Babu, Vice President, JAB congratulated the
organizers and inspired the trainees to
plunge in the subject and gain maximum
knowledge. Shri S. Mahesh Rao delivered
a key note address on ‘Jewellery Trade in
India’ highlighting the present scenario of
positive growth of gem and jewellery
sectors. Dr. R.V. Karanth, <strong>Course</strong>
Coordinator, made a presentation
on ‘Importance of study of gemmology’ to
the gathering by excellent visual images of
his own gem collection and highlighted the
need for such programme. Shri R.H.
Sawkar, Secretary, Geological Society of
India, Bangalore emphasized the role of the
Geological Society of India, a premier body
of earth scientists for five decades in
organising such programme. He also
highlighted that the proactive association
with the professional bodies like Jewellers’
Association Bangalore will help in mutual
Trainees and faculties of <strong>Orientation</strong> <strong>Course</strong> on Gemmology.
growth of science and trade. Before
proposing a vote of thanks he announced
that the prestigious 10 th International
Kimberlite Conference will be held in
Bangalore during 2012 and sought
Jewellers’ Association cooperation.
The course was conducted in two parts.
The theory classes were covered in the
mornings and the practical in the afternoons.
Dr. R. V. Karanth covered the basic aspects
of gemstones, their physical and optical
properties, specially diamond, corundum
(ruby and sapphire), other important and
lesser important gemstones, biogenic
gemstones and methods of gem cutting. Shri
J.N. Das, GSI, AMSE, Bangalore covered
aspects of gemstone beryl, man made
gemstones (synthetics & imitations) and
gem treatments to enhance colour and clarity
of gemstones.
Practical training on identification of
both natural and synthetic gemstones was
imparted by R. V. Karanth and the team of
GSI comprising Smt. Bharati Adhikary,
Geologist (Senior), Gem Testing
Laboratory, GSI, Kolkata, Dr. R. Ananthnarayan,
Director and Dr. Shantunu
Bhattacharya, Geologist (Senior), Petrology
Division, GSI, Hyderabad, S/Shri Md.
Ahmed, Director and N. L. Gera, Geologist
(Senior), Petrology Division, Karnataka and
Goa, GSI, Bangalore and Shri J.N. Das
JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.74, JULY 2009

NEWS AND NOTES 143
from GSI, Bangalore. Special arrangements
were made to give maximum exposure to
the trainees on gemstones, their habits,
natural forms and methods of cutting.
Shri R. Jayasimha of Alminrock Indser
Fabriks, Bangalore demonstrated the
crystal habits and forms by crystal models
created by his company. Shri Dev Raj
Jaggi of Jaggi Ophthalmic Instruments,
Allahabad, explained and demonstrated the
functioning of various conventional gem
testing instruments manufactured by
his company. Shri Sunil D. Devaru, a
professional geologist/gemmologist,
explained and demonstrated the nature and
properties of varieties of gems from his own
collections.
On the last day, the trainees were taken
to Indian Gem and Jewellery Works,
Bangalore run by Shri Ameer (Ruby) Basha.
This small unit houses state-of-the art gem
cutting, tumbling, polishing and lapping
machines. An excellent exhibition of both
rough and cut gemstones was displayed
by Shri Basha for the practical benefit
of the trainees. The techniques of gem
cutting and polishing processes were
demonstrated.
A test was conducted based on the
knowledge imparted. Feed back in the form
of questionnaires was received from all
the trainees who expressed a positive
acceptance of the programme and its utility.
They were quite contended as the course
had covered all aspects of gemstones
including their occurrence in nature, mining
aspects, lapidary and enhancement
processes. There was a suggestion that the
timing of the course may be scheduled to
provide extra time for practicals.
Shri A.K. Sinha, GSI, Bangalore was
the Chief Guest of Valedictory Function.
GSI
Bangalore
JADABA NANDA DAS
JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.74, JULY 2009