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: 

Plot impurities in rough and semi polished diamond gemstones 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376511  Plot impurities in rough and semi polished diamond gemstones 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Fabrication and Extraction 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
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 learners who examine and plot impurities in rough and semi polished diamonds for processing into polished diamond gemstones.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Clean rough and semi polished diamond gemstones.
  • Examine and identify impurities in rough and semi polished diamond gemstones.
  • Plot the type and location of impurities in rough and semi polished diamond gemstones.
  • Conduct post plotting reconciliation, checking and security activities.

    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:
  • Requirements for security of diamonds at NQF Level 4.
  • The unit standards:
    > Use a loupe for advanced applications in examining diamond gemstones at NQF Level 4.
    > Identify and describe the structure, properties and characteristics of diamond gemstones at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    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 
    Clean rough and semi polished diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The equipment and their components used to plot impurities in rough and semi polished diamond gemstones are identified and their use in different applications is explained in terms of key features, applications and methods for use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The equipment used for plotting impurities in diamond gemstones must include:
  • Loupes, tweezers, cloth, pin prick, paintbrush.
  • Diamond light.
  • Gauges.
  • Fluorescent lamps.
  • Microscopes.
  • Plotting diagrams.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The systems for cleaning rough and semi-polished diamond gemstones are applied in terms of accuracy, the nature and location of impurities that need to be removed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The systems of identifying and locating impurities in rough and semi-polished diamond gemstones for processing are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Housekeeping, safety practices in the workplace and care of equipment are explained in line with workplace specific requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Examine and identify impurities in rough and semi-polished diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The appropriate equipment is selected in order to examine rough and semi-polished diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The stone is positioned in an appropriate way, under appropriate light conditions for examination for the purpose required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Advanced features and impurities of rough and semi-polished diamond gemstones are described from the examination. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Advanced features and impurities that must be described must include:
  • Inclusions.
  • Gletzes.
  • Opaque spots.
  • Pressure bubbles.
  • Naat.
  • Cross-grain.
  • Holes.
  • Flaws.
  • Naturals.
  • External Blemishes.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Appropriate techniques are used to identify the depth and location of impurities. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Plot the type and location of impurities in rough and semi polished diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The features and identity of selected diamond gemstones under examination are recorded on the plotting diagram. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The features are plotted according to workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The impurities are plotted according to workplace specific procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Impurities plotted must include:
  • Location of impurities in the rough or semi polished gemstone.
  • Visibility of the impurities.
  • Nature of the impurities.
  • Size of impurities.
  • Positioning of impurities in the stone.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct post plotting reconciliation, checking and security activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Plotted diamond gemstones are returned to the appropriate storage facility/receptacle and information relating to the impurities identified is recorded in line with workplace specific requirements. 

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Good housekeeping is exercised after examination and plotting. 
    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.
  • Plotting diagrams are attested to and returned with the plotted diamond(s).
  • Diamonds and parcels are secured in the appropriate facilities.
  • Diamond gemstones are accounted for after examination and plotting 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 
  • Knowledge relating to the application of equipment:
    > Reason for selecting particular equipment 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.
    > Identification of dangerous stones when being processed.
    > 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 features and options to 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 select and apply appropriate examination techniques for identification of impurities 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 and plotting 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 examination and plotting rough and semi polished diamonds 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 and accurately plot the impurities 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 express the findings of the examination by plotting indicates the learner's ability to communicate effectively through visual 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 the selected equipment to enable effective examination and location of impurities in the diamond demonstrates the use of science and technology in the processing of information. 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    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 specification. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  78966   National Certificate: Diamond Design and Evaluation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  78843   National Certificate: Diamond Processing  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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.