• Basic concepts on Cryptocrystal: natural, synthetic and imitation gems. Crystal and mineral: properties which define crystal and crystalline matter. Crystalline matter and amorphous matter. Visible crystal and criptocrystal. Mineral species and varieties. 
• Symmetry. Elements and kinds of symmetry. 
• Stereographic projection. Construction and properties. 
• The seven crystal systems. Axial plane of each of the seven systems. Characteristics and forms of each one of the thirty two classes of symmetry. Twins. 
• General concepts of Geology. Classification of rocks. Types of deposits. 
• Concept of inclusion. Types of inclusions: primary inclusions, secondary inclusions. 
• Physical properties of gems I. Hardness: concept and limitations. Mohs'scale. Fracture and cleavage. 
• Physical properties of gems II. Units of weight of gems. Specific gravity: method of hydrostatic weighing, heavy liquid method, pycnometer method. Advantages and limitations of each method. 
• The nature of light. Situation of the visible spectrum in the context of the electromagnetic spectrum. Corpuscular theory and wave theory. Characteristics of the light wave: wave length, period, frequency, range, units of measurement. Transparency. 
• Polarised light. Methods of obtaining polarised light, double refraction (calcite), absorption (tourmaline), reflection. Apparatus for producing polarised light: tourmaline tweezers, Nichol's prism, polariser filters (Polaroids). 
• Reflection of light. Refraction of light. Refractive index. Snell's law. Limit angle and total reflection. Dispersion of light. Dispersion coefficient. Absorption of light. Lanbert law. Colour of transmission. 
• Physical properties of gems III. Light behaviour in crystals: isotropic and, anisotropic materials. Classification of crystals by means of their optical reference surfaces. Isotropes, uniaxials, biaxials. Anomalous double refraction. 
• Refractometer: Principles, construction and use. Measurement of the refractive index in isotropic materials. Measurement of the refractive index in anisotropic materials. Concept of birefringency: its importance in gemmology. Various types of refractometers (spinel, thick glass, zirconite, etc.). 
• Polariscope. Principles, construction and use. Advantages and limitations of use. Pleochroism. Dichroscopic eyepiece. Morphological observation of gems: magnifying glass. 
• Stereomicroscope: Principles, construction and use. Type of illumination. Light field and dark field. Complements of the stereomicroscope. Polarisation microscope: principles, construction and its use in gemmology. Scope . Measurement of the refractive index. Inclusion observation.
• Emission spectrum. Origin. Absorption spectrum. Its origin. Fraunhofer's lines. Spectroscope: Principles, construction and use. Observation of spectra by transmission and reflection. 
• Concept of colour. Causes of colour. Idiochromatism and allochromatism. Luminous interference. Iridiscence. Lustre. Internal reflections. Asterism. Cat's eye effect. Diffusion of light. Opalescence and adularescence. Importance of colour in gemmology. 
• Luminescence. General concept. Fluorescence and phosphorescence. Apparatus used to observe luminescence. 
• Diamond. Chemical and physical properties. Occurrence and localities. 
• Corundum. Varieties (Ruby and Sapphire). Chemical and physical properties. Occurrence and localities. 
• Beryl. Varieties, (Emerald, Aquamarine and others). Chemical and physical properties. Occurrence and localities. 
• Topaz. Chemical and physical properties. Occurrence and localities. 
• Chrysoberyl. Varieties (Alaxandrite, Cymophane and others). Chemical and physical properties. Occurrence and localities. 
• Spinel. Chemical and physical properties. Occurrence and localities. 
• Quartz, Chalcedony, Opal. 
• Zircon, Tourmaline, Peridot. 
• Gemmological varieties of garnets. Feldspars of gemmological interest.
• Turquoise. Jade. 
• Pearl. Types of pearls. Techniques for examining pearls. 
• Amber, Coral, Jet. Formation, nature and properties of this group. 
• Glass. Identification of glass. 
• Synthetic gems. Imitation gems. Manufacturing processes. Identification. 
• Gem-Cutting. Types of cut. The cutting process. 

The objective of these practical classes in the first year is to know and master of the basic apparatus used in the gemmological laboratory (spectroscope, refractometer and stereomicroscope), and the recognition of the more common forms and symmetries in crystal morphology. 
These classes consist of  two-hour sessions, in groups of about 30 students with the help of two members of the teaching staff. Students are asked to bring has a 10x magnifying glass and a pair of tweezers. 

• Stereographic projection. Cubic system forms. 
• Forms of the tetragonal, hexagonal and rhombohedric systems. 
• Forms of the rhombic, monoclinic and triclinic systems. 
• Summary of the various crystal forms. 
• Exam. 
• The refractometer, use and management of. 
• Measurement of refractive indices of isotropic and uniaxial materials. 
• Measurement of refractive indices of biaxial materials. 
• Summary of the management of the refractometer. 
• The spectroscope, use and management of. 
• Observation of the more characteristic spectra. 
• Stereomicroscope. Polariscope. 
• Summary of the management of the spectroscope and stereomicroscope. 
• Summary of the previous practicals. 
• Mock exams, under the same examination conditions as the finals.