Fall 2026 OLLI Digital Catalog

GEMOLOGY: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION (R255)

R – Physical Sciences and Math

Have you ever wondered about the origin and nature of your gemstones? This class will try to answer many of your questions. We discuss what common gemstones are to a mineralogist and delve into the origin, occurrence and mining of natural gems and show real examples of rough and cut gems. We discuss the properties of each family of gemstones and how those are used to identify them and how they affect their cutting and care. The class will also show how gemstones are treated, enhanced and/or faked, and how synthetic gems are manufactured.

This offering meets for a total of 6 session(s).

INSTRUCTORS: Dave Ellis, Myszka Ellis

ELLIS, DAVE — Ph.D., mineralogy, Yale University. Former research faculty member at the University of Chicago, worked with DuPont and Conoco from 1978 until 2013. Has been collecting and studying uncut gemstones for many years.

ELLIS, MYSZKA —

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