SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Use a microscope to examine diamond gemstones 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
259837  Use a microscope to examine diamond gemstones 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is useful for people who are required to examine diamond gemstones for evaluation, processing or grading.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Identify the microscopes used to examine diamond gemstones and describe their application.
  • Describe the features of diamond gemstones using a microscope.
  • Conduct post-examination reconciliation, checking and security activities.

    The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector, particularly in the aspect of beneficiation.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of processing of diamond gemstones in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • History, structure and operations of the diamond processing industry.
  • Identify and describe the characteristics of diamond gemstones. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope and context applies to the conversion of rough diamond gemstones into cut and polished diamond gemstones for sale into local and international markets. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify the microscopes used to examine diamond gemstones and describe their application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The microscopes and their components used for examining diamond gemstones are identified and their use in different applications is explained in terms of key features, applications and methods for use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The effect of light on examination of polished diamond gemstones is explained in terms of consistency, quality of light and surrounding. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of positioning diamond gemstones in a microscope for examination is described and explained in terms of the ability to identify the features of the gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Practices are explained to maintain housekeeping, security of diamond gemstones, safety in the workplace and care of equipment in line with workplace specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of deviating from workplace specific practices are described in terms of potential impact on health, safety, equipment, products and profitability. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the features of diamond gemstones using a microscope. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The appropriate microscope is selected in order to examine the required features of diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Diamond gemstones are positioned appropriately in the microscope for examination. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The microscope is operated effectively to enable examination of the diamond gemstone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The features of diamond gemstones are described from examination using a microscope. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The types of features that must be distinguished must include:
  • Effects on parting.
  • Effects on faceting.
  • Internal inclusions.
  • External blemishes.
  • Alignment of impurities with the Marker's line.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The features of diamond gemstones are plotted on a diagram after examination using a microscope. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Characteristics to be plotted must include:
  • External characteristics (naturals, extra facets, rough girdle, surface graining, scratches, pits, abrasions, polishing lines, burn).
  • Internal characteristics (include crystals, naat, cleavage, fractures, clouds, pinpoints, bearded girdle, internal grading, laser drill holes, nicks, chips or cavities).
  • Extra facets.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Conduct post-examination reconciliation, checking and security activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Examined diamond gemstones are returned to the appropriate storage facility/receptacle and information relating to the features examined is recorded in line with workplace specific requirements. Remedial action, where necessary, is taken in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Examined diamond gemstones are reconciled and accounted for in accordance with workplace specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Good housekeeping is exercised after examination. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Good housekeeping must include:
  • Clean hands, equipment and accessories.
  • Replace equipment and accessories into correct storage facilities.
  • Calibration of equipment, where necessary, is maintained according to the specifications of the equipment.
  • Diamond gemstones are accounted for after examination in terms of the workplace security system.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard.

    Knowledge relating to the application of microscopes:
  • Reason for selecting different microscopes for different applications.
  • Identification of different features and impurities in gemstones.
  • Relevant terminology and names of impurities.
  • Implications of non-conformances, their consequences and mitigating actions.

    Skill in handling diamond gemstones:
  • The ability to locate and rotate a diamond gemstone for examination.
  • Techniques in positioning stones for examination.

    Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:
  • Significant hazards and risks related to protection of the eyesight their consequences and mitigating actions.
  • Safety measures related to care of equipment and product.

    Safeguarding of equipment:
  • Realising the risk and potential damage that can be caused through poor handling and protection of the equipment.
  • Codes of practice for issue, handling and return of equipment.
  • Upholding the security of diamond gemstones.

    Communication:
  • Reporting requirements and ability.
  • Clearly plotting diamonds for further use by others.
  • Communicating with relevant personnel.
  • Liaison with associated operations and personnel. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.

    Note: The ability of the learner to operate and adjust the equipment to effectively examine the diamond requires critical and creative thinking to solve problems. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note: The ability of the learner to communicate the outcomes of examination indicates the ability to work effectively as a team member. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note: The systematic process of examination of the diamond requires the learner to organise and manage activities in the work environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Note: The ability of the learner to interpret the examination into practical implications for processing indicates the learner's ability to analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.

    Note: The ability to explain the findings of the examination indicates the learner's ability to communicate effectively through visual and language skills. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Note: The application of equipment to enable examination of the diamond demonstrates the use of science and technology in the processing of information. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Justification for Number of Specific Outcomes:

    This unit standard is separated from other laboratory equipment because the microscope is widely used in processing activities, whereas other equipment is of a more specialised nature. The preparation and use stages are integrated as the application of examining diamond gemstones effectively is dependent on the preparation in terms of use of light, position, the securing of the gemstone for examination, etc.

    Terminology:

    Specified Requirements:

    Specified requirements include legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:
  • The Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry Main Agreement.
  • Regulations of the Diamonds Act, No 56 of 1986, as amended.
  • The Occupational Health and Safety Act, No 85 of 1993.
  • SABS and other accredited standards and quality assurance measures.
  • The glossary of terms about the terminology of the industry issued by the Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry.

    Site-specific:
  • Workplace rules and procedures regarding the issue and custody of diamonds and equipment.
  • Occupational Health and Safety risk management programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • User manuals supplied by equipment manufacturers.
  • Working Guides, tariff agreements, policies and procedures.
  • Equipment and materials specifications. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  64249   Further Education and Training Certificate: Diamond Design and Evaluation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.