Gemstones in Malaysia in accordance with Gemology Basics: A Case Study of Quartz Gemstones in Kelantan

Gemstones in Malaysia in Accordance with Gemology Basics: A Case Study of Quartz Gemstones in Kelantan

Mohd Zamani Daud¹*, Marzuki Ibrahim², Nur Haizal Mat Yaakob³, Nur Syafinaz Mohd Anuar⁴

^1,2,3Faculty of Innovative Design and Technology, Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), 21300 Gong Badak, Terengganu, Malaysia.

⁴Faculty of Art & Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Cawangan Kelantan, 18500 Machang , Kelantan, Malaysia.

*Corresponding Author

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.907000204

Received: 27 June 2025; Accepted: 05 July 2025; Published: 08 August 2025

ABSTRACT

Gemstone is a mineral that has a high value in the market. Out of 4,000 minerals known to man, only 70 minerals are classified as precious gemstones and semi-precious gemstones. Quartz is the most abundant and widely used mineral. This mineral forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Quartz can be found in Malaysia in several locations in Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang, Kedah, Perak, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak. The objective of the research is to collect information related to physical properties, optical properties, and types of inclusions found in quartz gemstones in Kelantan. The scope of this study is only about quartz gemstones in Kelantan that are analysed using gemological equipment such as hydrostatic scales, gemology microscopes, refractometers, and gem testers. While the weight of the sample ranges from 8.05 to 31.05 carats. Analysis shows that all samples are consistent from the quartz group consisting of amethyst, rock crystal, and rutilated quartz. All samples show RI values around 1.54. S.G. All gemstones are quartz, according to spectroscope tests and also The Gem Tester. This S.G value is consistent with quartz-type gems which show a reading of 2.66 to 2.69. While the Index of Refraction all samples had RI values around 1.54, which were consistent with quartz. The Gem Tester distinguishes the gemstones are quartz. All gemstones are quartz, according to spectroscope tests. The most common inclusions in the sample are solid and tiny solid crystal inclusions, 2 & 3 phase inclusions, -ve crystal, healed fractures, tiger strips Inclusion, fingerprint and silk inclusions, brownish iron-stained needles, rutile needles, tourmaline & rutile quartz, healed fracture, and fracture fills inclusions. For further actions, research can be done on other gemstones in Malaysia such as corundum, nephrite, topaz, tourmaline and garnet. The studies can be done in-depth using more up-to-date gemology equipment such as Raman spectroscopic analysis.

Keywords: Gemstones, Gemology, Quartz, Kelantan.

INTRODUCTION

Gemstone is a mineral that possesses a high value in the market. There are about 4,000 minerals known to man, yet only 70 minerals are classified as gemstones. Out of these, only 17 are classified as precious gemstones which are diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald. While gemstones are categorised as semi-precious gemstones such as cat’s eye stone (chrysoberyl cat’s eye), amethyst, citrine, agate, turquoise, and many more (Jalil Ahmed, et al. 2017), (Wallis, et al. 2011), (Mohd Zamani, et al. 2021). Beauty is the main element for a mineral to be called a gemstone (Bonewith, 2008). Beauty is judged based on colour, clarity, colour pattern, brilliance, and phenomena such as the cat’s-eye effect and gemstones must also remain beautiful for a long time. Colour and transparency are the most important aspects in evaluating the beauty of gemstones. Heat treatment is commonly used to change the colour of gemstones so that they are more transparent (Apichate Maneewong, et al. 2016).

Gemstones in Malaysia

According to JMG (2015), minerals found in Malaysia can be divided into 3 main groups which are metallic minerals, non-metallic minerals, and precious minerals consisting of gold, corundum, quartz, nephrite, topaz, tourmaline, and garnet. There are several locations in Malaysia where quartz gemstones can be found such as Permatang Quartz Klang Gates, Selangor; Gunung Tahan area, Pahang; Tanjung Tuan, Melaka, and Hulu Paka, Terengganu. Likewise with amethyst in Machang, Kelantan and Simunjan, Sarawak; Rose quartz in Keramat Pulai, Chendering and Pengkalan Hulu Pera; Onyx in Stong, Kelantan and Tawau Sabah; Jasper in Gunung Jerai, Kedah and Kapit, Sarawak.

Although Malaysia does not have expensive gemstone resources, quartz-type gemstones can still be discovered in this country such as in Gunung Lambak, Kluang, Johor, and some other places such as Kelantan and Terengganu (Adnan Ibrahim, 2014). According to Yulpisman (2010), gemstone cutters and grinders around the state of Kelantan obtain sources of rock or quartz from suppliers found around Gunung Tebu in Terengganu and also in Kelantan such as in Temangan, Machang, Tanah Merah, Bukit Pelanduk and Bukit Yong in Pasir Puteh.

Kelantan Darul Naim is a state located on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia with an area of 15,040 km². Kelantan borders Thailand to the north, Terengganu and Pahang to the east and south, and Perak to the west. Based on demographic statistics by state published by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, in the second quarter of 2024, the total population in Kelantan was 1,888.5 thousand people (Yang Fan, Shafa’atussara Silahudin, 2024).

Figure 1: Kelantan Darul Naim, Malaysia

Quartz Gemstone

Quartz is one of the easily found minerals in most types of rocks (sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks) and soil groups. It is mainly composed of silica and oxygen and these two elements make up 75% of the Earth’s crust. Because of this, the quartz group of minerals is also called as silica group (Götze, 2009). According to Mohsen (2004), quartz is the most widely found and widely used mineral. Quartz includes many types of quality gemstones of various colours and is widely used as jewellery. Quartz is a good conductor of electricity and is widely used in watchmaking, broadcast emission, and the production of high-intensity halogen lamps in gem-testing devices.

The variety of colours found in quartz is common and it is classified as a semi-precious gemstone. For a long time, various types of quartz have been used to make jewellery, carvings, and other home decoration items (Halfpenny, 2019). Quartz is suitable as a gemstone for jewellery because it has a high solidity level of 7 (Epstein, 2002).

Amethyst is the most beautiful and popular gemstone compared to others and can be found in purple colours from pale lavender to deep royal purple (Northam and Baranoski, 2008). According to GIT (2019), Indonesia is the main producer of quartz gemstones in the world, and gemstones that can be found are such as amethyst, agate, and chalcedony. Citrine is a rare gemstone from nature related to amethyst and crystal.

Most of the citrine in the jewellery market now is from amethysts that have been treated (heat-treated) and also synthetic types (Ying, Xinyan, Li Xiang, Ye, 2018). Rose quartz is a rare and small type of quartz. However, it is made into an amazing collection and is highly valued as a gemstone. The best quality rose quartz is used to make jewellery, such as beads for necklaces, cabochons, or pendants (Rebollar, 2016).

Quartz Gemstone Inclusions

An inclusion is any foreign shape or cavity in a gemstone. Information related to inclusions is used by gemologists to identify gem types, groups, and countries of origin. Some types of inclusions are common in gemstones. For example, ‘two- or three-phase inclusions’ consist of ‘liquid’ together with small crystals and or air bubbles. Other examples such as “mares tails” in demantoid garnet or ‘thumb prints’ in amethyst gemstones (Wallis et al, 2011). Inclusions can be parted into 3 groups namely protogenetic, syngenetic and epigenetic. Protogenetic or pre-existing inclusions are formed before the complete formation of a crystal, and can usually be found in solid crystals (Cunningham, 2011).

Inclusions make these quartz gemstones fascinating. Quartz contains inclusions that are very clear to see such as ‘hematite seed’ content and ‘rutile needles’ (Carter and Norton, 2013). The opinion is in line with Magdalena (2019) who states that if we look at lodolite, we will be able to see a very interesting green scene. Needle-like inclusions and asterisms are common in rose quartz, and rose quartz is known for its light pink to reddish colour. Due to the different shapes, some researchers suggest that it can be categorised into two types, Pink Quartz and Rose Quartz (Zhe Hu and Ying Guo, 2018).

Gemology Basics

According to Iftikhar Ahmad and Mondal (2017), gemology is a field of gemstone science related to identifying gemstones whether natural or synthetic. To learn more about gemstones, the field of gemology often includes several fields of science.

Table 1. Overview on the basic method of gemology among several researchers in the field of gemology

Based on the overview above, the researcher found that all researchers in the field of gemology use basic equipment such as hydrostatic scales, gemology microscopes, refractometers and ultraviolet (UV) lamps to evaluate gemstones. The use of microscope gemology equipment to show information related to inclusions in gemstones is highly significant in every study. Therefore, the researcher will use the same method in this research especially to answer the first objective of the research.

The selection of local quartz gemstones sourced from the Jeli district in Kelantan by the researchers is based on significant geological and economic factors, as this area has been identified as the only location in Malaysia known to possess high-quality quartz gemstone deposits. The presence of these valuable quartz stones not only positions Jeli as a key site for precious mineral resources but also attracts the interest of the local community, who rely on gemstone mining and collection as a primary source of income. Therefore, the choice of this location aligns well with the objectives of the research, which emphasize the quality of local materials and the potential for sustainable and high-impact development of mineral resources at the national level.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This research sample uses 8 quartz gems from the state of Kelantan with an average size between 8.05 to 31.05 carats (Table 2). Samples are believed to be obtained from several locations such as Jeli, Machang, and Tanah Merah districts. These locations are the preferred place for collectors and gemstone enthusiasts in Kelantan and outside Kelantan.

The purple gemstone that is amethyst is the most analysed since it is the most valuable type in the quartz group. In addition, other types of quartz gemstones such as rock crystal and rutilated quartz are also analysed.

Table 2. Quartz gemstone samples from the state of Kelantan.

According to Pehrson (2017), to identify the type of gemstone, various types of techniques and equipment will be used. By knowing the physical properties of common minerals used to identify gemstones. Commonly used equipment is specific gravity, refractometry and the refraction index, fluorescence as identification, inclusions, and zoning in corundum, and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDS).

The same opinion was also expressed by Guo, et al. (2020), the standard gemological properties of all the samples were determined with a refractometer, a Chelsea filter, long-wave (365 nm) and short-wave (254 nm) UV lamps, and an apparatus for hydrostatic specific gravity testing. Internal features were observed with a binocular gemological microscope objective using darkfield, brightfield, and fiber-optic illumination. Photomicrographs were captured with a Nikon Digital Camera D3300.

All samples were analysed at Malayan Gemological Laboratory, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Malaysia. Written documents, images, and photos related to gemstone groups, gemstone names, inclusion types, and gemstone purity will be collected and recorded using some basic gemology equipment such as Gemology Microscope, Gems Tester, Hydrosthetic Weight Scale, Polariscope and Refractometer.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Visual Observation

The first step in visual observation is the evaluation of the colour. The colour of a stone is described by the term’s hue, saturation, and tone. The selected samples were found to be purple, pastel purple, and colourless. Transparency is the freedom of light being passed or transmitted through the stone. Transparency is an important optical quality of a gemstone which affects both its beauty and its value. The various degrees of transparency are Transparent, Semi-transparent, Translucent, Semi-translucent, and Opaque. All samples show a transparent type. The type of cut is oval cabochon and also rough enhedral. Cutting styles are categorized according to the facet shapes and the particular arrangements of these facets. A facet is a flat, polished surface on a fashioned gemstone. The weight of a gemstone can be determined by a weighing balance or estimated by calculation and is usually expressed in units of a ‘carat’. A metric carat is the unit of weight for all gemstones and cultured pearls. 1 metric carat (ct) equals 0.20 grams. The 8 samples range from 8.05 to 31.05 carats.

Physical Properties.

The density of a mineral is one of the parameters used for the identification of gemstones. In gemology, a ratio is called specific gravity (S.G). S.G and is also referred to as relative density is used. Specific Gravity is defined as a ratio of pure water at 4⁰C at standard atmospheric pressure. By using the hydrostatic method, the Specific Gravity (S.G) value for all specimens is between 2.66 to 2.69. This S.G value is consistent with quartz-type gems. The crystal system for all tested specimens is a trigonal system. Crystallography is the scientific study of the arrangement of atoms in crystals involving the classification and measurement of crystals. In 1669, Nicholas Steno observed that even though all quartz crystals did not look alike, their correspondence was absolutely regardless of the shape or size of the crystal. One of the key qualities of a gemstone is hardness. Hardness is the power a mineral has to resist scratching (abrasion). Every stone can be tested and classified using the Mohs’ scale of hardness. All samples showed Hardness MOH 07. There was no difference between all the samples tested.

Optical Properties.

In gemology, reflection, refraction, and dispersion of light in different media are the most valuable properties for gemstone identification and are routinely applied. Every gemstone species has different luster, chemical composition, physical properties, and often colours which give certain optical characteristics. Refraction of light occurs when light bends as it passes through a material. A value known as the refractive index is used to describe how light will bend as it passes through a material. The type of gemstone can be identified by the refractive index (R.I). Quartz has an R.I. specific to the wavelength of the incident light, it ranges from 1.55 for red (730nm) light to 1.7 for ultra-violet light (200nm). The RI values, around 1.54, were consistent with quartz for all samples. Gem Tester gives a quick and easy way to separate diamonds/moissanite from coloured gemstones, while also identifying up to 16 coloured gems based on their thermal conductivity and all samples tested showed the type of quartz. The hand-held spectroscope is one of the most difficult portable gemological instruments to master, it can also be one of the most powerful in the field instrument arsenal. Spectroscopic tests show that all samples are quartz.

Microscopic Properties (Inclusion)

The Motic SMZ171 7.5X-50X stereo microscope is used for the determination and quality control of gemstones. In the science of gemmology, all visually recognisable irregularities within gemstones, such as material foreign bodies (minerals, liquids, gases), cracks, colour zoning or twin lamellae, are understood as inclusions. The types of inclusions found in the gemstones that have been analysed are as follows:

Based on the analysis of the inclusions, it was found that all gemstones are natural with no treatment effects. However, the original source of gemstones cannot be identified because the inclusion of quartz gemstones, especially amethyst, is similar in all countries.

Figure 2. From left, solid crystal inclusion, tiger strips inclusions, rutile needles inclusion and tourmaline & rutile quartz

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis shows that all gemstones are consistent with the quartz group consisting of amethyst, rock crystal and rutilated quartz. According to visual observation, the colour consists of purple, pastel purple as well as colourless. All these gemstones are transparent. There are 7 types of cabochon oval cut and one rough anhedral. The weight ranges from 8.05 to 31.05 carats. This S.G value is consistent with quartz-type gems which show a reading of 2.66 to 2.69. While the Index of Refraction of all samples had RI values around 1.54, which were consistent with quartz. The Gem Tester distinguishes the gemstones are quartz. All gemstones are quartz, according to spectroscope tests.

The most common inclusions in the sample are solid and tiny solid crystal inclusions, 2 & 3 phase inclusions, -ve crystal, healed fractures, tiger strips Inclusion, fingerprint and silk inclusions, brownish iron-stained needles, rutile needles, tourmaline & rutile quartz, healed fracture, and fracture fills inclusions.

For further studies in the future, research can be done on other precious gemstones in Malaysia as stated by the Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia (JMG) in 2015 that Malaysia also has precious gemstones such as corundum, nephrite, topaz, tourmaline and garnet. The studies can be done in-depth using more up-to-date gemology equipment such as Raman spectroscopic analysis or chemical synthesis to create a database that is easily available so that analysed samples can be matched with data to identify their origin and inclusions.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Faculty of Art & Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Kelantan Branch and Faculty of Innovative Design and Technology, Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), for their generous support and provision of research data, which played a crucial role in the development of this study. We are especially grateful to the dedicated respondent who contributed to this project, whether directly through their active involvement or indirectly through their insights and creative input. Their participation and enthusiasm have significantly enriched the quality and depth of this study.

Funding

This research is not funded by any organization, it is individual expenses.

Author Contributions

Both authors played equal roles in the production of this paper.

Conflict of Interest                      

There are no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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