Brain Teaser #002

Ready for a hardcore work out of the mind? Then enjoy solving this riddle:

You are given 9 gold coins and a scale. One of the coins weighs either less or more than the other 8 coins. By using only the scale to measure the coins 3 times, can you figure out the odd coin? And for extra special bonus points can you figure out if the odd coin is heavier or lighter?

Things you can do:
-Weigh more than two coins simultaneously
-Weigh unequal amounts of coins (3 on one side 4 on the other)
-Label or "mark" the coins

Things you CAN'T do:
-Use your hands to measure
-Add coins gradually in a single weigh
-Subtract coins gradually in a single weigh