Services

From a first opinion to a full certificate.

We explain each step so you can choose with confidence, and we tell you when further testing is not worthwhile. Reports and certificates are issued only after full testing.

Jump to: Initial advice Quick initial checks Extended tests Full testing with certificate Certificates for faceted gemstones Cutting and polishing for assessment Gemstone buying and selling Initial advice by WhatsApp photos

Prices: ask on WhatsApp before your visit. Payment is made at the laboratory or as agreed on WhatsApp. There are no online payments on this website.

Step one

Initial advice

A short conversation

Not sure whether a stone is worth testing? Start with advice. Our trained staff help you decide whether testing is worthwhile and which service suits your needs and budget.

Initial advice is not a formal valuation. If you need a report and certificate, choose full testing.

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WhatsApp the laboratory
+252 639416857

Prices: ask on WhatsApp before your visit. Payment is made at the laboratory or as agreed on WhatsApp. There are no online payments on this website.

Phase 1

Quick initial checks

Selected checks can take as little as 10 minutes

A low-cost starting point. Phase 1 may include weighing, dimensions, visual observations and other screening tests suited to your specimen. Timing depends on the stone and the checks selected.

The tests

01Radiation / gamma screening
02Weight and dimensions
03Colour, lustre, crystal habit and colour change
04Thermal response, reflectivity and electrical conductivity
05Mohs hardness and streak
06Magnetic attraction
07Pleochroism: dichroscope and Chelsea / ruby filters
08Polariscope: single / double refraction

Important information: Phase 1 is preliminary screening, not 100% conclusive. It cannot confirm whether a stone is natural or synthetic. Reports and certificates are issued only after full testing.

Important information: Scratch / streak tests: only when the specimen is suitable, and with your consent.

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Phase 1 brochure: quick gemstone tests — View full size

Phase 2

Extended tests

More tests. Greater accuracy.

Phase 2 adds further tests, selected to suit your specimen.

The tests

0110× loupe inclusion inspection
02Longwave and shortwave UV reactions (365 nm / 254 nm)
03Hydrostatic specific gravity
04Acid fizz test for carbonate minerals: suitable rock chips only, with your consent

Important information: Phase 2 improves accuracy but cannot reliably distinguish natural from synthetic gemstones or identify treatments. For those findings and a certificate, choose the full testing package.

Important information: Acid is never used on a finished gem.

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Phase 2 brochure: extended gemstone testing — View full size

Phases 3 and 4

Full testing with certificate

Allow 1 hour. Book ahead on WhatsApp.

Full testing brings together independent test findings and a certificate, including gemstone identification and assessment of natural or synthetic status and treatments. Independent findings strengthen your position with wholesalers and gem brokers.

Complex cases may require advanced testing and more time. The final price of your stone still depends on the deal you make.

What’s included

01Microscopy to 90×, absorption spectrum and refractive index
02Colour, clarity and inclusion grading
03Natural / synthetic identification and treatment assessment
04Optic figures and origin opinion, where supported

Important information: The certificate records weight, dimensions, tests, images, internal observations and the evidence supporting the conclusion. The report number, date and examiner’s name are included. Undetermined findings and limitations are disclosed.

Important information: The report applies to the specimens examined; it does not guarantee a sale price.

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Phases 3 and 4 brochure: full testing and certificate — View full size

Certificates

Certificates for faceted gemstones

Cut and polished stones

Support your faceted gemstone with independent evidence. The report records carat weight, dimensions, colour, cut shape, test findings and internal observations, together with the identification conclusion.

Natural, synthetic and treatment findings are included where determinable, with unresolved findings clearly disclosed.

Important information: The certificate is an identification report; it is not a monetary appraisal, a detailed cut-proportions grade or a guaranteed sale price.

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Faceted gemstone certificate brochure: blue sapphire example — View full size

In-house

Cutting and polishing for assessment

With your consent

A rough surface can hide inclusions and fractures. Maahiigaan offers in-house cutting and polishing to support testing and assessment. We discuss the method and obtain your consent before proceeding.

Important information: Cutting and polishing remove material; they reveal existing characteristics and do not guarantee increased value or a higher grade.

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Education post: rough clarity and in-house cutting — View full size

Buying and selling

Gemstone buying and selling

Sales: +252 633346315 (calls only)

We buy and sell gemstones, ornamental stones and semiprecious stones. Sell your rough gemstone to us and pay no testing fee.

Our reports can support export and international dealings. Our professional credentials are internationally recognised, but acceptance of a report depends on the recipient’s requirements. Tell us where and how you plan to use it so we can advise on the appropriate testing.

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Customer commitment brochure: avoid unnecessary costs, rough sales, international reports — View full size

Remote advice

Initial advice by WhatsApp photos

Wherever you are

If you cannot visit, send clear photos to the laboratory WhatsApp. Place one dry stone on plain white paper, use soft daylight and put a millimetre ruler beside it. Take top, side, underside and close-up views, and send the original photos plus where the stone was found.

Important information: Photos alone cannot confirm identity or value. This is initial advice only.

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Photo guide: white paper and ruler — View full size

Ready to know your stone?

Book on WhatsApp, or send photos first.

Book a visit Send photos on WhatsApp