Interactive Gemology Education

Learn the Science of Gems

Free interactive study guides with 3D visualisations, built for gemology students and anyone curious about the world of gemstones.

Developed by Akila Amarathunga · Gèmelia & Co.

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Crystal Systems & Symmetry

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Interactive 3D guide to the seven crystal systems — explore axes, planes of symmetry, fold animations, and gemstone examples.

7 Crystal Systems3D VisualisationFold AnimationSymmetry ExplorerGem Examples
Start Learning Crystallography
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Crystal Habits, Twinning & Cleavage

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Crystal habits and identification, twinned crystals (contact & interpenetrant), cleavage planes, parting, and fracture.

Crystal HabitsTwin CrystalsCleavageIdentification
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Optical Properties

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Refractive index, birefringence, pleochroism, dispersion, and how light behaves inside gemstones.

Refractive IndexBirefringencePleochroismDispersion
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Gem Identification

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Diagnostic flowcharts, comparison tables, and visual guides for identifying gemstones using physical and optical properties.

Diagnostic TablesIdentification FlowInclusionsTesting Methods
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Trade Knowledge

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Grading systems (GIA 4Cs), pricing fundamentals, treatments & disclosures, and professional gem trade practices.

Grading (4Cs)PricingTreatmentsEthics
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About Gemology Education

Gèmelia Learn is a free educational platform for gemology students and gem enthusiasts. Each module features interactive 3D visualisations, plain-English explanations, and real gemstone examples to make complex crystallographic and optical concepts intuitive and memorable.

What are the seven crystal systems in gemology?
The seven crystal systems are: Cubic (isometric), Tetragonal, Hexagonal, Trigonal (rhombohedral), Orthorhombic, Monoclinic, and Triclinic. They are classified by the number, relative lengths, and angles of their crystallographic axes, and by their elements of symmetry. Cubic has the highest symmetry (13 axes, 9 planes) while triclinic has the lowest (none).
What is an axis of symmetry in crystallography?
An imaginary line through a crystal. Rotate around it and the profile repeats 2, 3, 4, or 6 times per full turn — called two-fold (180°), three-fold (120°), four-fold (90°), or six-fold (60°) axes. The characteristic axes define which crystal system a mineral belongs to.
What is a plane of symmetry?
An imaginary flat surface dividing a crystal into two mirror-image halves. A cube has 9 planes: 3 axial (parallel to opposite faces) and 6 diagonal (through opposite edges at 45°).
Which gemstones belong to the cubic crystal system?
Diamond, garnet, spinel, fluorite, and pyrite. Diamond typically forms octahedra or dodecahedra, garnet forms dodecahedra or icositetrahedra, and spinel often occurs as octahedral contact twins.