QUALITY OF GEMSTONES FROM KRISHNA AND GUNTUR DISTRICTS, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA

The area form a part of the north eastern corner of the Cuddapah basin and part of the Krishna river valley. Gemstones are recognized from Paritala, Ustapalle, Kolluru, Kodavatkallu, Nagaluru and Atkuru villages. The physical and optical properties are studied using laboratory techniques. Four varieties of gemstones were identified in the study area. They are diamond, chalcedony, quartz (milky) and garnet (almandine and grossular). The properties useful for assessing value of gemstones are explained.`