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The Gemological Institute of America, which today posesitself as the paramount authority in the field of gemology, was foundedless than 80 years ago. For thousands of years, however, a sophisticatedsystem of gemology has been practiced in the Orient. This knowledge isrecorded in the Sanskrit language in specific Vedic Texts. Most of theprinciples governing this ancient gemological science are still practicedtoday, although modern scientific instruments have replaced trained eyesand fingers in the analysis and identification of gems. The basic methods,however, remain the same.

Following are some summary translations of original Sanskrittexts appearing in the Garuda-puranam (chapters 68 thru 80), which pertainto the science of gemology. Due to its age (estimated to be about 5,000years old), certain information may not be contemporarily relevant. Butit is interesting to note the similarities between these ancient practicesand modern methods of gem testing.