What is the primary purpose of sawing in gemology?

The primary purpose of sawing in gemology is to divide gem rough into manageable pieces and remove waste areas. This step is crucial in the gem processing journey, as it allows gem cutters to efficiently work with the material they have. By using a saw, gemologists can cut through rough stones, separating the valuable parts that can be utilized for further cutting and polishing from the unwanted or less valuable sections. This process not only maximizes the yield of high-quality gemstones but also minimizes the amount of waste produced during the cutting process, making it both an economically and strategically important step in gemology. The focus is on preparing the gem rough for subsequent stages, not altering its size or color through polishing or other methods.