The gemology
SCIENCE before SENTIMENT
A stone's meaning is only as true as its identity. Before any Zodiac Temple stone is offered, its species, origin and treatment status are proven in the laboratory, twice, in two cities.
The laboratory
Instruments of Certainty
Spectroscopy
UV-Vis-NIR and FTIR spectra reveal heating, diffusion and fillers the eye cannot see.
Gemological microscopy
Darkfield and fibre-optic lighting at up to 60× to map inclusions and origin signatures.
Refractometry & polariscope
Optical constants and character confirm species and rule out synthetics and simulants.
Hydrostatic balance
Specific gravity measured to two decimal places against reference values.
Quality & verification
The 12-Point Standard
Performed in full at our Dubai and Kerala laboratories. A stone that fails any single point never enters the vault.
- 01
Origin documentation
Mine, licence and export papers are matched to the parcel before it is opened.
- 02
Refractive index
Refractometer readings confirm the species and rule out simulants.
- 03
Specific gravity
Hydrostatic weighing is checked against the expected density of the species.
- 04
Spectroscopy
UV-Vis-NIR and FTIR spectra screen for heating, diffusion and fillers.
- 05
Inclusion mapping
Inclusions are studied under 10× to 60× magnification and matched to the claimed origin.
- 06
Fluorescence
Long- and short-wave UV response is recorded for the stone's dossier.
- 07
Colour grading
Hue, tone and saturation are graded against master stones under D65 light.
- 08
Clarity grading
Graded to the house scale and confirmed by two gemologists.
- 09
Cut & symmetry
Proportions, polish and windowing are measured with a digital gauge.
- 10
Weight & measurement
Weighed on a calibrated carat balance and measured to 0.01 mm.
- 11
Dual-hub concordance
Dubai and Kerala laboratories grade independently. Results must agree.
- 12
Seal & vault placement
The stone is sealed, photographed, given a digital provenance record and placed in the vault.