Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for analyzing gem specimens. In the disclosed embodiment, a small cabinet includes a source discharge lamp for radiating electromagnetic energy over a broad spectrum of wavelengths. A gem specimen is placed in a small drawer that, upon closure, becomes an optically sealed chamber in communication with the radiation source. Also upon closure, a mechanical shutter mechanism permits registration between the radiation source, gem specimen and a photocell detector that senses radiation emitted from the gem specimen as a result of its interaction with the spectrum of wavelengths from the radiation source. This interaction comprises the combined processes of transmission of and absorption by the gem specimen of the source radiation, internal reflection and internal excitation (e.g., fluorescence), the latter of which produces a frequency shift to a narrow spectrum of energy which the photocell detector is specifically designed to sense.