These are basic instruments used in the establishing the general gemological features of the gem in question.

• Gemological microscope
• 10x loupe
• refractometer
• polariscope
• prism spectroscope
• diffraction grating spectroscope
• Chelsea color filter
• dichroscope
• specific gravity balance
• daylight & UV lamps
• radiation tester
• digital refractometer
• neodymium magnet
• diluted acid
• immersion cells
• fiber-optic light