Crystal Clear

An important tool for geologists out in the field is a hand lens. It is like a little magnifying glass that help geologists look at what crystals or minerals are in the rock that are not as visible with the naked eye. Most have power or magnification 10 times greater than normal vision. You can get some that are 15 or 20 times, and some even greater, but you start loosing depth very quickly and you'll need to look at a flat surface. Gemologists will also use a hand lens before, during, and after cuting a gem to inspect it.