When you open the Gemstone Database there are now 7 buttons across the bottom of the screen (Data, Separator, Photos, Inclusions, Find, Close and Help). When you click the Find button you are shown the large (over 1200 entries) Find List of gemstone names, varieties, trade names and misnomers.

To traverse the list you simply type the first 2 or 3 letters of the gem you are hunting for. This will get you very close to where you want to go so it's a simple matter of using the down arrow to get to your target. Double-clicking the gem (or pressing Enter) will then take you to gem in the main database.

Misnomers are denoted by (M).

Duplicate names are denoted by (2) or (3). Whenever there is a multiple use of gemstone name or misnomer the second or third entry will have the number surrounded by parentheses. A good example is Chinese Turquoise which is a misnomer for at least 3 gems. The listing appears in the Find List in the following form:

Chinese Turquoise (M)
Chinese Turquoise (M)(2)
Chinese Turquoise (M)(3)

Double-clicking on each will reveal that Chinese Turquoise is a misnomer for Calcite, Quartz and Talc (soapstone).

Remember that the use of misnomers should be avoided. Often, they were applied to deceive. They are supplied in Gemology Tools for the purpose of identification. Be aware that this misnomer list is far from complete. There are thousands of misnomers out there.

Search Example:

You want to find Calcentine but you noticed after searching the main database that it isn't listed. Click the Find button and type cal. This should take you to Calamine. Use the down arrow once and you've found Calcentine. Double-click it and you are then taken to Ammolite in the main database. Of course, finding Aapaok or Korite will take you to Ammolite as well. You can click the Data button (or double-click Ammolite) to go to the data page.

Info Button: The Info button is a place to look for additional information about the highlighted gemstone in the Find List. If the Info button is grayed out it means there isn't any additional information for that gemstone yet. If the Info button is active press it with the mouse to read the additional information.