Publish Year: 1996 Title: Russian Flux-Grown Synthetic Alexandrite Abstract: Synthetic alexandrite is being flux-grown in Russia in a molybdenum-, bismuth-, and germanium-bearing solvent by means of the reverse-temperature gradient method. Characteristic properties include habit, twinning, growth patterns, residual flux inclusions, trace-element contents, chemical zoning, color zoning, and spectroscopic features in the visible and infrared ranges. The relationship between production technique and characteristic properties is discussed, and diagnostic properties that can be used to distinguish these synthetics from natural alexandrite are disclosed. @topic:3


Publish Year: 1995 Title: “Ti-Sapphire”: Czochralski-Pulled Synthetic Pink Sapphire from Union Carbide Abstract: One of the most interesting of the commercially available Czochralski pulled synthetic corundums is pink “Ti-sapphire.” This material owes its pleasant, somewhat orangy pink color to trivalent titanium, a common trace element in natural sapphires and rubies that occurs here in an unusual oxidation state. Although most of the gemological features are typical of Czochralski-pulled corundum (gas bubbles or small "pinpoint” inclusions, color zoning), these synthetic sapphires have distinctive fluorescence and optical spectra. These properties are also due to the chromophore Ti3+. @topic:3


Publish Year: 1994 Title: Emeralds from the Mananjary Region, Madagascar: Internal Features Abstract: Inclusions in emeralds from the Mananjary region in the eastern part of the island nation of Madagascar are reported and compared with inclusions in emeralds from other, especially African, localities. Although most of these internal features are similar to those found in emeralds from other schist-type deposits, Mananjary emeralds usually can be separated from emeralds from other localities by means of associations of certain mineral inclusions (especially talc, carbonates, amphiboles, and quartz) with specific types of fluid inclusions. @topic:1


Publish Year: 1994 Title: Flux-Induced Fingerprint Patterns in Synthetic Ruby: An Update Abstract: Chatham, Knischka, and Lechleitner, as well as other manufacturers, are known to have treated Verneuil flame-fusion synthetic rubies by immersion in a flux melt to induce patterns like the “fingerprints” seen in some natural rubies. Some of these products are on the market and may require careful microscopic examination for identification. Also seen marketed as natural is a synthetic ruby of unknown manufacture with a distinctly different flux-induced pattern. This pattern—a continuous, three-dimensional, honeycomb-like cellular structure of flux-filled fractures—is easily recognizable with a gemological microscope. @topic:3


Publish Year: 1993 Title: Flux-Grown Synthetic Red and Blue Spinels from Russia Abstract: Examination of red and blue samples of a relatively new flux synthetic spinel from Russia established criteria by which they can be separated from their natural counterparts. The flux synthetic blue spinels can be recognized on the basis of their inclusions, ultraviolet luminescence, and visible absorption spectrum.  Magnification is sufficient to identify the flux synthetic red spinels when flux or metallic inclusions are present; in the absence of such inclusions, however, chemical analysis is required. Red and blue natural spinels both contain significantly more zinc than their flux synthetic counterparts. Also, trace amounts of Pb (from the flux) and Pt and Ir (from the crucible) were found in some of the flux synthetic spinels. @topic:3


Publish Year: 1990 Title: Diagnostic Features and Heat Treatment of Kashmir Sapphires Abstract: The locality origin of natural-color blue sapphires from Kashmir can, in many cases, be positively identified. However, the field of origin determination is a very complex one – especially with the now common practice of heat treatment. Today, only by combining different gemological tests with years of practical experience, can a conclusive determination of the origin of a sapphire be made. For all practical purposes, examination of inclusions in conjunction with optical spectrophotometry remain the most important tests. @topic:3


Publish Year: 1989 Title: The Growth of Brazil-Twinned Synthetic Quartz and the Potential for Synthetic Amethyst Twinned on the Brazil Law Abstract: Colorless synthetic quartz that shows obvious Brazil-law twinning has been grown over a seed plate of natural amethyst that is twinned according to the Brazil law. Although commercially available Brazil-twinned synthetic amethyst has not been reported to date, the results of this experiment cast doubt on the long-term usefulness of the so-called twinning test for the separation of natural from synthetic quartz. The twinning, which was readily visible in polarized light, and some "breadcrumb" and tiny fluid inclusions were the only internal features observed in this synthetic quartz when it was examined using a standard gemological microscope. @topic:1


Publish Year: 1988 Title: Pastel Pyropes Abstract: Pyrope garnets occur in near-colorless to light orange and pink, as well as the familiar red. Because the pale-hued pyropes are unfamiliar to gemologists, their low refractive index usually results in their misidentification as grossular. This note clarifies the means by which these unusual garnets, predominantly from East Africa, can be properly and easily identified with a refractometer and a spectroscope. @topic:1


Publish Year: 1987 Title: The Lennix Synthetic Emerald Abstract: The Lennix synthetic emerald, currently manufactured in France, is a dark green, moderately transparent to translucent material grown by flux fusion. With the microscope, zones of lighter and darker green are evident. For the most part, the gemological properties of this synthetic emerald overlap those of natural emeralds, although the low refractive-index and specific-gravity values are good indicators that this material is synthetic. The presence of "wispy veil" inclusions provides conclusive proof of synthetic origin, as do the chemical analyses, infrared transmission spectra, and cathodoluminescence. @topic:3


Publish Year: 1992 Title: Identification of Bleached and Polymer-Impregnated Jadeite Abstract: The "bleaching" treatment of jadeite jade has become prevalent in higher- as well as lower-quality material. "Bleaching" is actually a two-step process whereby a brown or gray color component (probably iron compounds filling the fractures) is removed chemically, followed by impregnation of the resulting white to green material with some type of polymer. The treatment product is commonly referred to as "bleached jadeite" or "B jade" in the Orient. Although several gemological tests are useful in detecting this treatment, infrared spectroscopy is the only method found thus far that provides conclusive evidence of polymer impregnation in all cases. @topic:9


Publish Year: 1985 Title: A Preliminary Report on the New Lechleitner Synthetic Ruby and Synthetic Blue Sapphire Abstract: A new synthetic ruby and synthetic blue sapphire have been synthesized by Johann Lechleitner of Innsbruck, Austria. This article reports on the examination of one sample of each of these new synthetics and discusses means of identification. Although most of the gemological properties of these two synthetics overlap with those of their natural counterparts, they can be easily identified from natural corundum and from other synthetics by their distinctive internal characteristics: inclusions that are typical of both the flux-growth and the Verneuil processes. @topic:3


Publish Year: 1984 Title: Pyrope-Spessartine Garnets with Unusual Color Behavior Abstract: The study of garnets by GIA’s Department of Research continues with a collection of 32 garnets that display a variety of hues and yet share a common tendency to show different colors under different sources of light. Even when very slight, the change of color is invariably greater than that encountered in other types of garnets. These unusual garnets proved to be composed principally of a variable mixture of pyrope (25-60 wt. %) and spessartine (20-56 wt. %) with considerable almandine (2-17 wt. %) and grossular (3-23 wt. %) also present. Their primary chemical distinction lies in their V2O3+Cr2O3 content, which is always in excess of 0.2 wt. %. In conjunction with their distinctive color behavior, these garnets may also be characterized on the basis of specific gravity and absorption spectrum. @topic:1


Publish Year: 1984 Title: The First-Order Red Compensator: An Effective Gemological Tool Abstract: This note deals with some gemological applications for a tool well known to microscopists: the first-order red compensator. In gemological microscopy, the compensator can be useful in locating interference colors and optic figures in birefringent materials and in delineating strain in gemstones. In polarized light photomicrography, a properly positioned compensator can reduce the exposure time required and thus the risk of film reciprocity failure and of poor-quality images resulting from random vibrations of the microscope and its accessories. @topic:8


Publish Year: 1983 Title: The Oil Treatment of Emeralds in Bogotá, Colombia Abstract: It is well known in the trade that most emeralds on the market today are oiled. This article focuses on Colombian emeralds and gives a detailed explanation of the oiling process as observed by the author. Sophisticated laboratory procedures are compared with common "back porch" methods. The methods used often vary from parcel to parcel, and the success of the treatment depends in part on the experience of the treater, although the process itself appears to be relatively permanent. Observations are also presented on methods of detecting oiling as well as on the use of colored oils. @topic:3


Publish Year: - Title: The Ramaura Synthetic Ruby Abstract: A new synthetic ruby grown by a process involving high-temperature flux with spontaneous nucleation has been developed. This new synthetic ruby is currently commercially available under the trade name Ramaura. The Ramaura synthetic exhibits some internal characteristics that are distinctly different from those observed previously in commercially available synthetic rubies. Some of the Ramaura synthetic rubies are readily identifiable, while others could present a serious cause for concern in the world's ruby markets and call for extreme care on the part of gemologists in the examination of rubies. In this article, the author examines in detail the gemological properties of the Ramaura synthetic ruby and discusses means of identifying this new synthetic. @topic:3


Publish Year: 1983 Title: Investigation of a Cat's-Eye Scapolite from Sri Lanka Abstract: A cut gemstone with intense chatoyancy that originated from Sri Lanka was determined to be a member of the scapolite solid-solution series. Indices of refraction and unit-cell dimensions were found as ω = 1.583, ε = 1.553 and a = 12.169, c = 7.569 Aº respectively; a meionite content of 69% was established by microprobe analysis. The chatoyancy is caused by needle-like inclusions with an orientation parallel to the c-axis of the scapolite host crystal. Microprobe analysis of these needles showed them to be pyrrhotite. @topic:1


Publish Year: 1982 Title: Shadowing: A New Method of Image Enhancement for Gemological Microscopy Abstract: The shadowing technique employs an opaque, black, nonreflecting light shield that is inserted gradually into the transmitted light path of a gemological microscope between the subject and the light source. Shadowing takes advantage of even very slight differences in refractive index between a gemstone host and its inclusions, casting shadows in certain areas of an inclusion scene and passing light to the microscope objectives in other areas of the image. Thus, shadowing produces a three-dimensionality that seems to lift the inclusion from its surroundings, revealing it in vivid contrast against the now-subdued background of the host. This increase in contrast adds much greater detail to growth zones, included crystals, color zones, and the like, thus greatly aiding the gemologist in his work with the microscope. @topic:8


Publish Year: 1982 Title: The Natural Formation and Occurrence of Green Quartz Abstract: Amethyst may develop into the more common citrine and rarer green quartz naturally under certain geologic conditions. On the California-Nevada border, just north of Reno, amethyst, citrine, and green quartz do occur together in clusters of crystals in detritus. These crystals, found lying loose in rocky and sandy rubble, appear to have eroded from cavities and vesicles in the inaccessible cliffs above. The quartz was deposited in these spaces by the slow accumulation of silica from migrating solutions. Low-grade radiation over a geologic time span was responsible for the alteration of the ferric and ferrous quartz into its amethystine color. Secondary, high-temperature, extruding volcanic bodies are believed to be responsible for the subsequent color change to citrine or green quartz. @topic:1


Publish Year: 1981 Title: Photographing Inclusions Abstract: Although the general principles of photomicrography are easily learned and applied, high-quality photomicrography is an art that is mastered only with time and great patience. The microscope must be kept scrupulously clean, and the effects of light on the subject inclusion must be fully understood in order to determine what method(s) of illumination will yield the most useful photographic image. Specialized techniques that can save film and time, while producing top-quality photomicrographs, are usually learned only through long hours of experience. This article discusses some of these techniques, such as the importance of a properly prepared microscope and photographic subject, as well as the control of vibrations and exposure time. In addition, the various methods of illumination that are adaptable to a standard binocular gemological microscope are introduced. @topic:8


Publish Year: 1981 Title: Heat Treating Ruby and Sapphire: Technical Aspects Abstract: Ruby and sapphire of natural or synthetic origin can be heat treated to improve asterism; to remove asterism or silk; to improve, add, or remove color; and even to alter imperfections. At least nine distinct processes can be identified, although several may occur simultaneously. Some of these treatment methods correspond to natural processes and may not leave any evidence of their use; others do not correspond to natural processes and are readily identifiable. @topic:3


Publish Year: - Title: Report Check - 6214478949 Abstract: gia report number
6214478949

date of issue
Feb. 16, 2021

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LABORATORY-GROWN DIAMOND REPORT

Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report

REPORT DETAIL

TREATMENT
GROWTH METHOD
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

Laboratory-Grown Diamond Specification*

Shape and Cutting Style

Describes the shape and Cutting Style.

Round Modified Brilliant

Measurements

Diamond dimensions listed as “minimum diameter – maximum diameter x depth” for round diamonds and “length x width x depth” for fancy-shaped diamonds.

9.65 - 9.72 x 6.34 mm

Carat Weight

Weight given in carats, recorded to the nearest hundredth of a carat. One carat is equal to 1/5 of a gram.

2.00 carat

Color

Includes a color description describing the hue as well as a fancy color grade describing the combined effect of tone and saturation. More generalized description is used for laboratory-grown diamonds.

D

Clarity

The relative absence of inclusions and blemishes.

SI1

PROPORTIONS

Depth

Table-to-culet depth, expressed as a percentage of average girdle diameter for round shapes or width for fancy shapes.

65.5%

Table

Table size expressed as a percentage of a round brilliant’s average girdle diameter for round shapes or width for fancy shapes.

68%

Girdle

Thickness of the intersection of the crown and pavilion which defines the perimeter of the diamond.

Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted

Culet

Size of the facet at the tip of a gemstone relative to the average diameter for round shapes or width for fancy shapes.

None

FINISH

Polish

Smoothness of the diamond’s surface, assessed on a scale ranging from excellent to poor.

Excellent

Symmetry

Exactness of the diamond’s outline, and the shape, placement, and alignment of its facets, assessed on a scale ranging from excellent to poor.

Excellent

FLUORESCENCE

Fluorescence

Strength and color of the diamond when viewed under long-wave ultraviolet light. A fluorescence description of “none” represents a range of fluorescence from indiscernible to very faint. Used for identification purposes.

Medium Blue

CLARITY CHARACTERISTICS

Clarity Characteristics

List of the most significant clarity characteristics present in the diamond that justifies the clarity grade; a maximum of four characteristics are listed.

Feather, Growth Remnant, Growth Remnant, Growth Remnant, Indented Crystal Surface, Crystal Surface

Key to symbols
Feather
Growth Remnant
Growth Remnant
Growth Remnant
Indented Crystal Surface
Crystal Surface

COMMENTS

Comments

This is a man-made diamond produced by CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) growth process and has evidence of post-growth treatments to change the color.

INSCRIPTION(S)

Inscription(s)

GIA 6214478949, LABORATORY-GROWN

*This GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report describes color and clarity specifications on the same scale as the GIA Diamond Grading Report for natural diamonds. The specifications do not correlate to nature’s continuum of rarity. To learn more about laboratory-grown diamonds, including how GIA differentiates them from natural diamonds visit GIA.edu/GIALGDR

Feb. 16, 2021

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Publish Year: - Title: Report Check - 2211478950 Abstract: gia report number
2211478950

date of issue
Feb. 16, 2021

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LABORATORY-GROWN DIAMOND REPORT - DOSSIER

Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report - Dossier

REPORT DETAIL

TREATMENT
GROWTH METHOD
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

Laboratory-Grown Diamond Specification*

Shape and Cutting Style

Describes the shape and Cutting Style.

Round Modified Brilliant (Sample Cut)

Measurements

Diamond dimensions listed as “minimum diameter – maximum diameter x depth” for round diamonds and “length x width x depth” for fancy-shaped diamonds.

6.02 - 6.09 x 4.06 mm

Carat Weight

Weight given in carats, recorded to the nearest hundredth of a carat. One carat is equal to 1/5 of a gram.

0.99 carat

Color

Includes a color description describing the hue as well as a fancy color grade describing the combined effect of tone and saturation. More generalized description is used for laboratory-grown diamonds.

D

Clarity

The relative absence of inclusions and blemishes.

VS1

PROPORTIONS

Depth

Table-to-culet depth, expressed as a percentage of average girdle diameter for round shapes or width for fancy shapes.

67.0%

Table

Table size expressed as a percentage of a round brilliant’s average girdle diameter for round shapes or width for fancy shapes.

58%

Girdle

Thickness of the intersection of the crown and pavilion which defines the perimeter of the diamond.

Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted

Culet

Size of the facet at the tip of a gemstone relative to the average diameter for round shapes or width for fancy shapes.

None

FINISH

Polish

Smoothness of the diamond’s surface, assessed on a scale ranging from excellent to poor.

Excellent

Symmetry

Exactness of the diamond’s outline, and the shape, placement, and alignment of its facets, assessed on a scale ranging from excellent to poor.

Excellent

FLUORESCENCE

Fluorescence

Strength and color of the diamond when viewed under long-wave ultraviolet light. A fluorescence description of “none” represents a range of fluorescence from indiscernible to very faint. Used for identification purposes.

Medium Blue

CLARITY CHARACTERISTICS

Clarity Characteristics

List of the most significant clarity characteristics present in the diamond that justifies the clarity grade; a maximum of four characteristics are listed.

Growth Remnant, Feather, Indented Crystal Surface

COMMENTS

Comments

This is a man-made diamond produced by CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) growth process and has evidence of post-growth treatments to change the color.

INSCRIPTION(S)

Inscription(s)

GIA 2211478950, LABORATORY-GROWN

*This GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report describes color and clarity specifications on the same scale as the GIA Diamond Grading Report for natural diamonds. The specifications do not correlate to nature’s continuum of rarity. To learn more about laboratory-grown diamonds, including how GIA differentiates them from natural diamonds visit GIA.edu/GIALGDR

Feb. 16, 2021

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Publish Year: 2013 Title: Demantoid Garnet Fossil Pseudomorphs Abstract: Figure 1. These coral (left) and gastropod (right) fossils are pseudomorphs in demantoid garnet from Ambanja, Madagascar. The coral measures 1.5 × 1 cm. Photo by Pierre-Yves Chatagnier.

              In 2010, two extremely rare fossil pseudomorphs in demantoid garnet were acquired from the classic demantoid deposit in Ambanja, Madagascar. One resembled a gastropod, the other a coral (figure 1). The brilliance, lozenge-shaped crystal faces, and green color of these samples were all consistent with the demantoid variety of andradite; this was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Both samples clearly showed typical andradite bands at 371 and 516 cm-1, with peaks at 817, 844, and 873 cm-1 forming a triplet. Additionally, an intense quartz signal at 464 cm-1 was observed. The general appearance was that of many small crystals (up to 1 mm in size) grown together, preserving the overall shape and some details of the fossils. Careful observation of neighboring micro-facets in reflected light indicated that both pieces were actually single crystals of andradite (figure 2).

	Figure 2. Both the coral (left) and the gastropod (right) appear to be single crystals, as revealed by concomitant light reflection (in white) on multiple, parallel rhomboidal crystal faces. Photos by Benjamin Rondeau (left) and Pierre-Yves Chatagnier (right).
It is surprising to observe demantoid replacing a fossil, but some pseudomorphs in gem minerals have been documented, such as pseudomorphs of snail-like gastropods in emerald (P. Vuillet et al., “Les émeraudes de Gachalá, Colombie; historique, genèse et découvertes paléontologiques,” Le Règne Minéral, Vol. 46, 2002, pp. 5–18). Most surprising is that these pseudomorphs were monocrystals. To investigate how the fossils were replaced by demantoid, we submitted the pieces for X-ray tomography analysis to the Laboratoire Français de Gemmologie (LFG) in Paris. They used an RXSolutions DeskTom 130 system; results are given in figure 3. There are no remains of the original fossil. The objects were formed entirely out of andradite, which apparently grew from the solid parts of the animal towards the outside of the shell, and inward toward the hollow parts. Hence, some of the hollow parts were not yet completely filled. Lighter shades of gray were due to less-dense material.

	Figure 3. X-ray tomography revealed that both fossils are made entirely of demantoid, and that some internal cavities of the organism remained partially empty.
The fact that the present pieces appear polycrystalline but display evidence of being single crystals suggests that the original fossil was replaced by the growth of many small garnet crystals of random orientation. By that theory, they later coalesced and evolved into a single crystal through the process known as Ostwald ripening (I. Sunagawa, Crystals, Cambridge University Press, 2005, p. 258). These pieces are therefore not a pseudomorph stricto senso, as details of the hard parts are lost, but more exactly, recrystallized psedomorphs with relatively well-developed crystal faces. @topic:1


Publish Year: 2021 Title: FTIR Observation on Sapphires Treated with Heat and Pressure Abstract: Figure 1. Color-calibrated photos of blue sapphires from different origins in the study
before (top) and after (bottom) heat with pressure treatment. Photos by Sasithorn
Engniwat.
Characteristics of sapphires heated with pressure have been discussed in several gemological publications in the past few years (e.g., M.S. Krzemnicki et al., “Sapphires heated with pressure – A research update,” InColor, Vol. 42, 2019, pp. 86–90). As previously reported, heat with pressure treatment is commonly applied to Sri Lankan sapphires, in either untreated geuda or conventionally heated blue sapphires, to enhance the blue color. The material has been treated at high temperature (approximately 1200–1800°C) with an application of pressure at nearly 1 kbar, using the facilities at HB Laboratory Co., Ltd. (H. Choi et al., “Sri Lankan sapphire enhanced by heat with pressure,” The Journal of the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong, Vol. 39, 2018, pp. 16–25).
Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is considered a useful tool in revealing heat treatment of corundum (e.g., C.P. Smith, “A contribution to understanding the infrared spectra of rubies from Mong Hsu, Myanmar,” Journal of Gemmology, Vol. 24, 1995, pp. 321–335). Previous studies reported a great variability of FTIR spectra for sapphires heated with pressure, and FTIR spectra of this treated material generally showed a unique pattern of hydroxyl-related broad bands in the 2800–3500 cm–1 range, with the prominent position at around 3050 cm–1 (e.g., Krzemnicki et al., 2019). The origin of the resulting distinct IR broad bands has not been clearly determined. As discussed in Krzemnicki et al. (2019), broad bands centered at around 3050 cm–1 in sapphires heated with pressure share similar IR features observed in some acceptor-dominated corundum—heated or unheated natural materials, as well as laboratory-grown samples. (Acceptors refer to ions with the charge of –1 relative to the lattice, such as Mg2+ in corundum; see E.V. Dubinsky et al., “A quantitative description of the cause of color in corundum,” Spring 2020 G&G, pp. 2–28.)
According to a previous study (M.D.T. Phan, “Internal characteristics, chemical compounds and spectroscopy of sapphire as single crystals,” PhD dissertation, University of Johannes Gutenberg Mainz, 2015, https://d-nb.info/1075170532/34), iron (Fe3+) content in corundum can affect the position of the 3310 cm–1 IR peak. In sapphires heated with pressure, the starting material is generally limited to Sri Lankan stones. Since blue sapphires from Sri Lanka typically contain relatively low Fe concentrations (A.C. Palke et al., “Geographic origin determination of blue sapphires,” Winter 2019 G&G, pp. 536–579), the starting materials used in the study were expanded to various deposits, including Myanmar, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Montana, Australia, Nigeria, Cambodia, and Thailand, to cover a wide range of Fe contents presented in natural corundum (figure 1). The 36 untreated and 8 conventionally heated blue sapphires were treated using heat with pressure under the conditions reported in Choi et al. (2018). Their FTIR spectra and chemical analysis using laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) were measured in the same analysis area to observe whether there was any change in FTIR spectra for different amounts of Fe.

Figure 2. Comparison of representative non-polarized FTIR spectra from sapphires heated with pressure at different Fe concentrations: (A) 275 ± 25 ppma Fe, (B) 927 ± 48 ppma Fe, and (C) 2280 ± 163 ppma Fe. Spectra are offset vertically for clarity.

Figure 3. The relationship between which band of multiple IR absorption bands is prominent for sapphires heated with pressure and Fe concentrations analyzed by LA-ICP-MS of the treated materials. The circle (●), triangle (▲), and square (■) symbols correspond to FTIR patterns A, B, and C, respectively, from figure 2.
After heat with pressure treatment, the vast majority of treated sapphires in this study (>90%) showed essentially the same hydroxyl-related IR broad bands in the 2800–3500 cm–1 range with different prominent band positions at around 3050, 3130, or 3200 cm–1 (figure 2). The IR broad band centered at around 3050 cm–1 with related bands at ~3130 and ~3200 cm–1 (figure 2A) can be observed in sapphires heated with pressure that contained Fe <700 ppma (figure 3, circle), whereas IR broad bands with comparable band intensities at around 3050, 3130, and 3200 cm–1 (figure 2B) can be found in treated sapphires with 550–1350 ppma Fe (figure 3, triangle). At relatively high Fe concentrations (>900 ppma) (figure 3, square), the FTIR spectra of sapphires heated with pressure displayed IR broad bands with a prominent band position at around 3200 cm–1 (figure 2C). In the overlapped Fe range of the samples (500–700 ppma Fe and 900–1350 ppma Fe), different IR patterns could be obtained, possibly due to heterogeneity of the samples and different characteristics of analytical techniques—bulk analysis for FTIR and spot analysis for LA-ICP-MS.
This study shows other possible FTIR spectra patterns that might be observed in sapphires heated with pressure, as well as prominent IR bands of the treated material that can shift position with different Fe concentrations. @topic:3


Publish Year: - Title: What it Takes to Mine Oregon’s Sunstone Abstract: Schumacher, far right, sets up to interview owner John Woodmark at the Ponderosa mine. Photo by Duncan Pay/GIA.

	It’s easy to think of southeast Oregon as the state’s “empty quarter,” where the towns are few and far between and it’s hard to get a cell phone signal, but Kevin Schumacher, a GIA digital resource specialist and videographer, thinks the landscape and the people mining for sunstone there make a unique and remarkable combination to the gem and jewelry industry.

	“The contrast between the tall trees at the Ponderosa and the broad, wide valleys and dark rolling volcanic hills near Plush was striking, although both areas have a rugged, distinctive beauty of their own,” he said.

	And the people?

	“These guys have an extra dose of character,” he said. “You need a multitude of skills to succeed in the desert and these folks really have it in spades. You have to be self-reliant … you need to prepare for the worst, but hope for the best.”

	That’s especially true in “the valley,” the miners’ name for the Rabbit basin’s sunstone digging area, about 20 miles north of the tiny hamlet of Plush. The gravel roads there ‒ Hogback and the aptly named Nasty Flat ‒ are brutal on cars.

	“Even to get there you need a tough vehicle,” Schumacher said. “Terry Clarke at the Dust Devil mine took one disdainful look at our SUV’s tires and told us to get 10-ply rather than the 4-ply next time.”

	They found out he was right when their SUV suffered a puncture close to the Dust Devil mine. That’s when they got a glimpse of the miners’ true spirit and generosity.

	“Whenever anyone’s in trouble, they’ll put aside any rivalries and help each other out,” Schumacher said. “These are not young guys anymore, yet they had that tire fixed in no time ‒ nothing was too much trouble.”

	Schumacher watches as Dust Devil’s Terry Clark labors to fix a flat front tire on the team’s SUV. Photo by Duncan Pay/GIA.

The Logistics

	“All my camera gear fits in a small suitcase, and that pretty much fits into a regular overhead locker on an airplane,” Schumacher said. “You have to check over all the equipment thoroughly ‒ charge the batteries, take spares, carry plenty of memory cards.”

	“I would hate to get out there and find a dead battery, or find I’d forgotten something. I’ve no interest in being the weak link in the team!”

	Schumacher said being a video cameraman is a far from passive pursuit. “I listen to every word the person on camera says during an interview. Any detail of the mining operation or landscape they mention, I’ll make sure I capture on film after we finish the interview.”

	“That way, I can be sure the finished video conveys the whole experience of being there,” he said.

	A view along Hogback road near the Plush sunstone area, not far from the Dust Devil mine. There was a downpour a little after this photo was taken. Photo by Duncan Pay/GIA.

	And what of the journey out and back to the mines?

		“The Ponderosa mine is about a six-hour drive from Portland and only the last little stretch is gravel roads. The Plush sunstone area is about a 150 miles further south, and a good stretch is gravel roads. The sunstone valley feels a lot more remote,” he said.

	Remote and unpredictable. The group drove past brush fires further north, and a lightning storm lit the skies the last night at Dust Devil. The miners were a little concerned that they might have to pull out because of fires, but it eventually rained heavily, so the danger of fire was averted.

	“The drive out from the Plush area was memorable,” Schumacher said. “The heavens opened and all the ruts on the gravel roads filled with water. Our truck was sliding around every time we touched the water, and we were a little concerned about the tire Terry patched, but we needn’t have worried, it held up all the way back to Portland!”

Lasting Impressions

	“Each group of miners stuck in my mind ‒ they’re all wonderful characters,” Schumacher said. “I’ll always remember sitting around the campfire sipping cinnamon bourbon with John Woodmark’s crew at the Ponderosa at the end of the first day of our trip.”

	Not all mining camp life is hard work. Everyone relaxes around the campfire at the end of the day to share experiences, have a drink and talk politics. Photo by Duncan Pay/GIA.

	The next part of the visit with Don Buford, Terry Clark, and Mark Shore at Dust Devil was equally memorable.

	“Don and Terry are Vietnam veterans ‒ they choose to live in the desert for half of the year because it suits them ‒ they love mining and they’re invested in making Oregon sunstone an American success story.”

	“They showed us every facet of their operation, shared the ups and the downs, the challenges they still face every day they mine here,” he said.

	Schumacher was amazed how the miners use the smallest of signs to discover gems.

	“They’ll look for tiny sunstone fragments in ant hills and differences in the vegetation,” he said. “Sometimes they even walk the desert for months to find a good prospect. And once they find the gems, they’ve often got to get them out of pretty hard rock without breaking them into pieces.”

	In the end, which experience will he remember most about the trip?

	“I think actually trying our hand at mining at Dust Devil the old-fashioned way was pretty instructive” Schumacher said. “All of us were in the pit shoveling dirt through screens, and it’s not long before you realize what a lot of earth you’ve got to move to find anything at all. I was lucky; I found a couple of nice ‘reds’ ‒ the other GIA guys weren’t so fortunate!”

	And the miners and the unique gems they seek?

	“When we were leaving, Don shook our hands and told us we fit right in, which was the biggest complement he could have paid us,” Schumacher said. “I’d go back there in a heartbeat! Maybe I’ll do a little sunstone digging on my own.” @topic:2


Publish Year: 2022 Title: Michael Traurig: An Opal Dealer’s Battle with COVID-19 Abstract: Figure 1. A selection of opals at Jayson Traurig Bros. of Australia’s booth at the AGTA show. Photo by Erin Hogarth.
At the AGTA show, Michael Traurig (Jayson Traurig Bros. of Australia—Phoenix, Arizona, and Sydney, Australia) told us about his hospitalization for COVID-19 in Phoenix beginning in June 2020. “I went into shutdown,” he said. “Heart, lungs, kidneys. I was on dialysis. I was on a respirator. I became diabetic.”
Doctors put him on a life-support machine that acts as the heart and lungs outside the body. He said that up until that time, few people in the world with COVID-19 had survived the procedure. He was taken off and put back on the machine several times and visited by top doctors in the Phoenix area. “The ICU nurses called me magic because they put you on the machine to die basically,” he said. After 30 days, he was sent to a rehab facility in order to free the hospital bed. “I coded one more time in rehab and they jumpstarted me,” he said. “A few days later, everything started working again.” Today he is no longer diabetic.
At a second Phoenix hospital, where Traurig underwent surgery to remove the dialysis tubes, the staff had heard his story. “The head OR nurse looked at me and said, ‘Oh, you’re the one.’ I was the hope shot for the nursing staff because nobody else had lived through it.”
Traurig went home in September, more than two months after he was admitted. He had lost 70 pounds. “I couldn’t stand up,” he said. “I was jelly. I had to learn to walk. So I got a dog. And she walked me every day, twice a day.”
“It’s worth sharing my story if I can get even one person to put on a mask,” he said.
Before contracting COVID-19, Traurig had a successful show in February 2020. But a month later, 85% of the sales hadn’t been paid for, and he got the stock back. “Because everybody’s business shut down,” he said. He had used most of his funds to buy stock for Tucson because his business had changed in recent years due to changes in the industry and in the company. “I ended up mostly broke,” he said.
After his hospital stay, people began calling him and finding out what had happened. “They started throwing me a few bones,” he said. “And I started getting some business. They’ve been kind.” When he made his first purchase in months, a large batch of loose opals from a supplier in Australia, they let him pay it off over time. “There’s never credit given normally when you buy opals,” he said. They sent him more shortly before this year’s show. He had several displays of opal at the booth (figure 1) but said he had not yet been able to buy enough stock to make a living. “But it’s okay,” he said. “You realize who the friends are.”
Traurig’s father, John, and uncle, Tom, began working in the opal business in 1969. Jayson Traurig Bros. was the only non–North American member when AGTA was founded in 1981, the same year Michael bought into the business (Jayson = J’s son). In 1988, one of their boulder opals—which was later sold—was featured on the cover of G&G’s Summer issue (figure 2).

Figure 2. Cover of the Summer 1988 issue of G&G featuring the 26 ct “Jason” boulder opal, which has since been sold. Photo © Harold & Erica Van Pelt; opal courtesy of Jayson Traurig Bros. Pty. Ltd.
Traurig and his father are both red-green colorblind. He said they had both learned to compensate and that lighting makes a difference. During GIA’s Gem Identification course in the ’70s, John was given permission to ask what color a stone was because he couldn’t identify alexandrite’s color change. “I remember him coming home and laughing,” Traurig said. “During the exam he never asked the question. He said, ‘If I had to ask, I knew it was alexandrite.’”
Traurig spoke about how the opal business and his business have changed in the last 20 years. More dealers have joined the industry, and older miners have stopped mining. He noted that there are far fewer mining concerns today. In the ’80s and ’90s, they used to have three people to work the booth. “There were people who were trying to always be next to us because of the overflow. We were the draw. We stopped being the draw. It’s okay.”
Traurig also visited Tucson last April. “It was my tour of ‘I’m alive, I’m here, and I can walk,’” he said. “People were really welcoming and wonderful.” @topic:11


Publish Year: 2020 Title: Jadeite Jade and Serpentine Doublet Abstract: Figure 1. This “jadeite jade” carving submitted for identification proved to be a jadeite jade and serpentine doublet. Photo by Lai Tai-An Gem Lab.

The Lai Tai-An Gem Lab in Taipei recently received a carving presented as jadeite jade. The rectangular, uneven green piece, carved on one side but almost plain on the back and sides, weighed approximately 171.01 ct and measured approximately 50.4 × 39.9 × 7.4 mm (figure 1). Standard gemological testing revealed a spot RI of 1.66 on an area of the carved side, but surprisingly the smoother surfaces failed to yield clear readings. Microscopic observation revealed a coating in the areas where the failed RI attempts were made.

Figure 2. FTIR analysis revealed absorption valleys at 1167, 1077, 962, 853, 665, 587, 529, 476, and 433 cm–1 in the jadeite jade portion (red spectrum) and valleys at 1001, 646, 557, and 460 cm–1 in the serpentine portion (green spectrum).
Subsequent infrared analysis proved the carved side was jadeite jade owing to the relevant absorption valleys observed at 1167, 1077, 962, 853, 665, 587, 529, 476, and 433 cm–1. However, the four sides and base revealed valleys at 1001, 646, 557, and 460 cm–1, characteristic of serpentine despite the surface coating observed (figure 2).

Figure 3. Removal of the coating from the four sides and base exposed a clear boundary between the two materials (B and D). Prior to the coating’s removal (A and C), there were no indications the item was a doublet. Photos by Lai Tai-An Gem Lab.
The client granted us permission to remove the coating in order to analyze the item in more detail. After removal of the coating, the four sides and base showed a lighter saturation of green color separated by a visible horizontal line (figure 3, B and D). Before coating removal, the layering was not as obvious (figure 3, A and C). Magnification confirmed that the object was composed of two different materials. Standard gemological testing of the lighter colored material yielded RIs of 1.56, consistent with those expected for serpentine and supported by the FTIR and Raman analyses. Jadeite jade and serpentine can have a very similar appearance. The identification of this particular piece proved relatively straightforward, but if it were mounted in a closed-back setting with only the carved face visible, a costly identification error could easily result. @topic:9


Publish Year: 2023 Title: Yellow Radiation Halos in Iolite (Cordierite) Abstract: Figure 1. A view through the girdle displayed one of the lighter violet pleochroic colors of the iolite host, revealing a mix of monazite and zircon inclusions surrounded by yellow radiation halos. Note the colorless cores in the larger halos. Photomicrograph by Emily Jones; field of view 3.64 mm.

Figure 2. The dark violet background of the iolite shown through a polarizer creates a stunning backdrop for the large apatite and smaller monazite inclusions. The yellow radiation stains surrounding the monazite crystals are much thicker than the thin rim around the apatite. Photomicrograph by Tyler Smith; field of view 1.99 mm.
A mounted violet oval cabochon was recently examined by the authors. The stone was identified as iolite through standard gemological testing and confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Iolite, the gem-quality variety of the mineral cordierite, (Mg,Fe)2Al3(AlSi5O18), is known for its vibrant coloration and dramatic pleochroism but is rarely the subject of photomicrography because of its tendency to be either clean or heavily fissured. Under the microscope, small colorless and yellow crystal inclusions were observed, most of which were surrounded by yellow halos (figures 1 and 2) reminiscent of blue internal diffusion observed in heat-treated sapphire. Some of the inclusions were identified via Raman spectroscopy as zircon, monazite, and apatite, although not all were reachable due to their size or depth.
Interestingly, the size of the yellow halos varied across the species. For example, the large apatite shown in figure 2 possessed a much thinner halo than the relatively smaller monazites, likely due to the relative concentrations of radioactive trace elements in the inclusions. Alpha particles are known to cause yellow radiation damage in cordierite, both naturally and artificially (R. Krickl et al., “Radio-induced alteration in cordierite—Implications for petrology, gemmology and material science,” Geophysical Research Abstracts, Vol. 11, 2009). This yellow coloration fades at higher levels of radiation, perhaps due to degradation of the crystal structure through a process known as metamictization, which could explain the colorless core displayed by some of the inclusions (figure 1). Inclusions are often used to detect color-altering treatments, making it quite ironic that these inclusions were the source of the alteration. @topic:1


Publish Year: 2018 Title: Large Pargasite Inclusion in Kashmir Sapphire Abstract: Figure 1. This 14.06 ct octagonal blue Kashmir sapphire exhibits large, eye-visible inclusions of prismatic pargasite. Photo by Towfiq Ahmed.

Kashmir sapphires are known to have occurred in kaolinized plagioclase feldspar pegmatites, found as pockets between metamorphic stratified beds/cliffs of the Himalayan Zanskar Range. These sapphires captured many cognate mineral inclusions—such as pargasite, plagioclase feldspar, tourmaline, and zircon—which demarcate the pockets against the country rock (E.J. Gübelin and J.I. Koivula, Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones, Vol. 3, Opinio Publishers, Basel, Switzerland, 2008, p. 194).
Pargasite mineral inclusions (prismatic or as long, fine needles) in blue sapphire are regarded as a strong indicator of Kashmir origin. (R. Schwieger, “Diagnostic features and heat treatment of Kashmir sapphires,” Winter 1990 G&G, pp. 267–280).
Recently, a 14.06 ct octagonal-cut blue sapphire (figure 1) submitted to GIA’s Carlsbad laboratory for origin determination was of particular interest for its several unusually large, eye-visible pargasite crystal inclusions. Standard gemological properties confirmed the host sapphire’s identity, and advanced analytical testing specified its metamorphic geological origin.
Microscopic examination revealed an inclusion scene reminiscent of “new Kashmir,” a term referring to Kashmir sapphires that have come into the market since the 2000s. The blue sapphire featured several negative crystals, black graphite inclusions, unidentified rounded and needle-shaped colorless crystal inclusions (probably slender zircon rods or pargasite), reflective thin films, and fluid fingerprints.
Classic Kashmir sapphire features were also observed, such as “milky” turbid whitish broad bands, clouds, a parallel chromium-enriched zone (which glows red under long-wave UV illumination), ladder-like/antenna-like stringers, and snowflake-like inclusions.

Figure 2. A large prismatic pargasite mineral inclusion. Photo by Jonathan Muyal; field of view 7.19 mm.

Figure 3. Unoriented Raman spectra with 514 nm excitation confirmed the pargasite mineral inclusion identity (blue spectrum), using the RRUFF database as a reference (red spectrum).
The main inclusion features, the pargasite crystals (figure 2), were transparent with a brownish green bodycolor. Many of them were doubly terminated with a flat, columnar prismatic morphology with striations along their length, surrounded by halo- or rosette-like thin reflective films. The pargasite crystal’s surface pits and altered appearance suggested that these pargasite crystals were protogenetic inclusions present in the pegmatitic growth environment before the sapphire began to form. Raman microspectrometry analysis (figure 3) confirmed the identity of several crystal inclusions as pargasite.
The absence of 3309 peak series in IR spectroscopy and the microscopic observation of unaltered internal features supported an unheated call. The classic metamorphic UV-Vis absorption spectra, the metamorphic-type low-Fe chemistry data collected with Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and the observed inclusion scene supported a Kashmir origin conclusion. The issued GIA report identified the stone as a natural sapphire from Kashmir with no indications of heating.
Pargasite was once thought to be unique to Kashmir until it was found in sapphires from other countries. Nonetheless, pargasite inclusions are a strong indicator of Kashmir origin. With the support of advanced analytical instrumentation (UV-Vis and LA-ICP-MS) in addition to careful examination of the overall internal features (milky bands, ladder-like stringers, and snowflakes), the presence of pargasite inclusions can conclusively determine a Kashmir origin. @topic:1


Publish Year: 2011 Title: Ruby and Sapphire from the Tan Huong-Truc Lau Area, Yen Bai Province, Northern Vietnam Abstract: Primary and secondary deposits in the Tan Huong–Truc Lau area of northern Vietnam’s Yen Bai Province have supplied rubies (especially star rubies) and some sapphires—mostly of cabochon quality—for more than a decade. The gems are typically translucent to semitransparent and pink to purplish or brownish red, with rare color zoning. The most distinctive features of this corundum after polishing include growth zoning and asterism. The samples contain relatively high amounts of Fe and variable Ti and Cr. The geologic origin and gemological properties of this corundum are distinct from that of the adjacent Khoan Thong–An Phu area. @topic:9


Publish Year: 2008 Title: Color Variations and Properties of Johachidolite from Myanmar Abstract: To learn more about the rare gem material johachidolite, the authors used various analytical techniques to study 15 faceted samples from Myanmar that showed a range of colors: saturated orange, orange, yellow, desaturated yellow and desaturated green. Both orange/yellow-hued and green samples showed trends for beryllium and the radioactive/radiogenic elements uranium, thorium, and lead. Orange/yellow samples also showed relatively constant rare-earth element (REE) concentrations, but the green samples had higher REE values, especially for the lighter elements. @topic:2


Publish Year: 2002 Title: Rhodizite-Londonite from the Antsongombato Pegmatite, Central Madagascar Abstract: Londonite was approved as a new mineral species in 1999. This rare aluminum-beryllium borate is the cesium-rich analogue of rhodizite; the two end members can be separated only through quantitative chemical analysis. The only known source of gem-quality londonite is the Antsongombato pegmatite in central Madagascar, from which at least 300 carats of rhodizite-londonite have been faceted. The gemstones are colorless to greenish yellow, with an R.I. range of 1.689–1.691, S.G. of 3.34–3.42, and yellowish green fluorescence to short-wave UV. Internal features include partially healed fractures and conspicuous growth zoning that typically correlates to areas of anomalous birefringence. Some near-colorless rhodizite-londonite from Antsongombato has been irradiated to greenish yellow or yellow using X-rays. Both natural-color and irradiated rhodizite-londonite will fade on prolonged exposure to sunlight. @topic:1


Publish Year: 2001 Title: Spessartine Garnet from Ramona, San Diego County, California Abstract: For most of the 20th century, the principal source of fine spessartine was the area around the Little Three mine near the town of Ramona in southern California. Two pegmatites—the Hercules-Spessartite and the Spaulding dikes—yielded most of the estimated 40,000–50,000 carats of facet-grade rough mined from 1956 to 1994. Prized for its bright orangy yellow to yellowish orange color, Ramona spessartine has similar R.I. and S.G. values to those of most other pegmatitic gem spessartines. Typical internal features are wavy two-phase partially healed fractures, negative crystals, needles/tubes, growth patterns, and anomalous birefringence; mineral inclusions are rare. The composition of four samples (ranging from light orangy yellow to yellow-orange) was Sps94.8–88.8Alm4.7–11.0Gro0.5–0.2, and the absorption spectra of all samples showed strong peaks for Mn2+ and subordinate Fe2+ bands. @topic:1


Publish Year: 1988 Title: Chrysoberyl and Alexandrite from the Pegmatite Districts of Minas Gerais, Brazil Abstract: This fourth article in the author's series on the pegmatite districts of Minas Gerais, Brazil, focuses on chrysoberyl, particularly the rare but coveted varieties cat's-eye and alexandrite. Most of the cat’s-eye chrysoberyls on the gem market today come from Brazil, primarily from the region around the Americana and Santana valleys. This article examines some of the more important mines in this region, with a detailed description of the Barro Preto deposit. Farther south, the Malacacheta area has produced a number of fine alexandrites during the last 13 years. Since October 1986, however, it has been overshadowed in both quality and quantity by the small Lavra de Hematita, which produced 50 kg of fine alexandrite in less than three months. These two occurrences are also described in detail. @topic:9


Publish Year: 2022 Title: Copper “Confetti” Inclusions in Chalcedony Abstract: Figure 1. This new chalcedony from Indonesia, which one dealer is marketing under the trade name “Aquadite,” contains numerous inclusions composed of copper and copper minerals such as red cuprite, blue chrysocolla, and green malachite. The largest triangular cabochon weighs 78.80 ct. Photo by Annie Haynes; courtesy of Yianni Melas.
Recently the author examined an interesting new variety of chalcedony from Indonesia (figure 1). Samples were sourced from Greek dealer Yianni Melas in order to document the new material. Gemologically, the properties are consistent with chalcedony, including a refractive index of 1.54 and a specific gravity of 2.56. However, this material is particularly notable for its mineral inclusions. Much like confetti thrown in the air as a celebration, a multitude of blue, green, and metallic inclusions (figure 2) were scattered throughout the chalcedony matrix. Advanced testing, including Raman spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis combined with microscopic observation, confirmed the presence of chrysocolla, malachite, native copper, and cuprite.

Figure 2. The Indonesian chalcedony contains vibrant inclusions such as greenish blue chrysocolla (A), green malachite, and well-formed crystals of native copper that has in some cases altered to the deep red mineral cuprite (A, B, and C). Photomicrographs by Nathan Renfro; fields of view 10.27 mm (A), 4.17 mm (B), and 4.77 mm (C).
Melas plans to market this new material under the trade name “Aquadite.” This fascinating chalcedony from Indonesia should be a popular gem for any collector who enjoys unique examples of vibrantly colored chalcedony. @topic:1


Publish Year: 2023 Title: Quarterly Crystal: Hiddenite from Idaho Abstract: Figure 1. Weighing 20.57 ct and measuring 37.10 mm in length, this doubly terminated, heavily etched spodumene crystal contains chromium as its coloring agent or chromophore. Photo by Adriana Robinson.
Not every day do we encounter a known but rare gem mineral from a previously unknown locality for the species. But that is exactly what happened when we examined the doubly terminated, heavily etched green crystal shown in figure 1. This slightly yellowish green crystal, weighing 20.57 ct and measuring 37.10 × 10.00 × 8.50 mm, is from Sawtooth National Forest in Elmore County, Idaho. It came to us from the mineral collection of Jack Lowell of Tempe, Arizona.

Figure 2. Found on the surface of the heavily etched crystal, these sail-shaped etch features captured with differential interference contrast photomicrography provide definitive proof of the mineral spodumene. Photomicrograph by Nathan Renfro; field of view 1.44 mm.
Mined by Geary Murdoch in the 1990s, the crystal was sold to Lowell as an etched aquamarine. Lowell suspected that it was a spodumene crystal due to the very distinctive and diagnostic etching on its surfaces (figure 2). The authors examined the crystal with Raman analysis to confirm its identity as spodumene. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence identified its chromophore as chromium, indicating the specimen was the rare green variety known as hiddenite.

Figure 3. This 2.30 ct doubly terminated hiddenite crystal comes from the Adams mine in North Carolina, the first known locality for the gem. Photo by Annie Haynes.
Idaho is only the second known hiddenite source. The first to yield gem crystals (figure 3) was the Adams hiddenite and emerald mine in Alexander County, North Carolina. @topic:2


Publish Year: 2022 Title: Rare Orange Benitoite Abstract: Figure 1. The size and bright color of this 2.29 ct orange benitoite are exceptionally rare. Photo by Nathan Renfro.
A bright orange benitoite (figure 1) weighing 2.29 ct was recently examined at the Carlsbad laboratory. Standard gemological testing revealed a refractive index of 1.756 to over the limit (OTL) and a specific gravity of 3.68. The fluorescence reaction was strong orange in long-wave ultraviolet light and medium blue in short-wave UV (figure 2). The benitoite was slightly color-zoned orange and blue; the blue portion’s pleochroism was very light blue and darker blue, while the orange portion’s pleochroism was orangy yellow and dark orange. Microscopic examination showed altered crystals with discoid fractures (figure 3) and strong doubling. The discoid fractures were consistent with heated benitoite.

Figure 2. The orange benitoite’s response to long-wave (left) and short-wave UV (right). Photos by Nathan Renfro.

Figure 3. The orange benitoite contained several discoid fractures with healed fringes, consistent with heat-treated benitoite. Photomicrograph by Nathan Renfro; field of view 2.33 mm.
Benitoite is a barium titanium silicate (BaTiSi3O9) known as the California state gem, and it only occurs in gem quality in San Benito County, California. The New Idria District produces medium to medium-dark blue and lighter blue colors. According to a previous study published in G&G, pink and colorless examples are considered rare. In addition, heat treatment of lighter-color or colorless benitoite may result in an orange color. Since only a small portion of the treated material successfully changes color, orange benitoite is considered rare (B.M. Laurs et al., “Benitoite from the New Idria District, San Benito County, California,” Fall 1997 G&G, pp. 166–187).
This benitoite was faceted by Bill Vance of Vance Gems, who stated that the rough was colorless prior to heat treatment. The bright orange color and large size make this an exceptional example of orange benitoite. Very few of these have been examined at GIA, and this 2.29 ct gemstone is the largest example we have observed. @topic:1


Publish Year: 2014 Title: Jadeite Bangle with the Appearance of Polymer Treatment Abstract: Figure 1. This 244.29 ct translucent light to deep green and brownish yellow bangle measures approximately 70 × 14 mm. It contained a transparent, light-colored area that suggested the possibility of a polymer impregnation process. Photo courtesy of Lai Tai-An Gem Lab.

Jadeite jade always comes under close scrutiny in the market because it is so frequently treated. The treatment options for jadeite jade are numerous: bleaching, dyeing, polymer impregnation, or a combination of these. Polymer impregnation is a particular favorite, a process that is not always easy to observe by magnification. A 244.29 ct translucent light to deep green and brownish yellow bangle measuring approximately 70 × 14 mm was recently submitted to the Lai Tai-An Gem Lab in Taipei. The client was concerned about a more transparent light-colored area (figure 1) that appeared to be possible evidence of impregnation.

Standard gemological testing indicated a spot RI reading of 1.54 at the more transparent light-colored area and 1.66 elsewhere on the bangle, an SG of approximately 3.32, and a characteristic jadeite spectrum exhibiting a band at about 437 nm. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy were also applied, producing spectral features that confirmed the bangle’s identity as jadeite jade. Microscopic examination revealed natural inclusions within the transparent area that appeared to be polycrystalline (figure 2). Neither would be seen in an impregnated specimen, ruling out this treatment. Further analysis with Raman microscopy was conducted to identify its true nature.

Sharp absorption peaks at around 207, 347, 400, 465, and 990 cm–1 were a match for nepheline (figure 3), a mineral sometimes associated with albite in jadeite. The nepheline crystal remained intact during the fashioning process, and its presence led to confusion over whether the bangle had been treated.

Figure 2. Microscopic examination of the suspect area revealed natural inclusions and a crystalline form. Neither would be found in an impregnated specimen. Photo courtesy of Lai Tai-An Gem Lab.

Figure 3. Sharp absorption peaks around 207, 347, 400, 465, and 990 cm–1 were consistent with nepheline, a mineral sometimes associated with albite in jadeite. @topic:9


Publish Year: 2022 Title: Eye Pattern in a Rock Fragment Abstract: An eye pattern complete with pupil, iris, and sclera is clearly visible in this rock fragment. Photomicrograph by Polthep Sukpanish; field of view 12.5 mm.
Recently, the authors encountered a partially polished rock fragment measuring 14.50 × 9.43 × 2.43 mm and weighing 3.45 ct that exhibited a very realistic eye pattern (see above). Various shades of yellow and green material formed the pupil and iris, while a distinctive white outline surrounded the iris as a sclera. Microscopic observation revealed different microcrystalline minerals. Raman spectroscopy identified pyroxene, feldspar, and quartz as the most abundant minerals. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis revealed silicon as the dominant element, while traces of iron and potassium were also detected.
Naturally formed eye patterns in gems are rare but do exist, such as a “dragon’s eye” in a fire agate (Winter 2015 G&G Micro-World, p. 441) and a radial eye structure in a sapphire (Summer 2017 G&G Micro-World, pp. 244–245). While the textures in rocks are much more diverse than those in single-mineral gemstones, observing such a unique feature is always exciting. @topic:3


Publish Year: 2021 Title: Mobile Inclusions in a Decorative Quartz Object Abstract: Figure 1. A partial view of the long irregularly shaped brown negative crystal running along the length of its quartz host. Photomicrograph by Lai Tai-An Gem Lab; field of view 6.42 mm.

A client recently submitted an interesting transparent, highly polished, barrel-shaped object for identification. It weighed approximately 109.2 g, measured approximately 90 × 37 × 22 mm, and clearly exhibited a long brown internal feature (figure 1) containing multi-phase inclusions along the length of the predominantly colorless body. Standard gemological testing resulted in an RI reading of 1.55 (spot) and SG value of 2.61. Microscopic examination revealed fluid, fingerprint, and crystal inclusions typical of a natural growth environment. As a result, the object was identified as natural quartz, which was confirmed by FTIR and Raman analysis.

Figure 2. The countless tiny brown particles together with part of the large colorless bubble within the negative crystal. Photomicrograph by Lai Tai-An Gem Lab; field of view 4.57 mm.
However, the most notable feature of this specimen was its unique and impressive mobile inclusion scene. On first impression, the long brown inclusion appeared to be a crystal, but it turned out to be a negative crystal filled with countless tiny mobile brownish particles (figure 2) and a large colorless mobile gas bubble. The mobility of these inclusions within the brown negative crystal was cleverly incorporated into the final design, as the lapidary fashioned the object into a barrel form with flat faces at either end. This allowed the object to be flipped over like an hourglass, so that all the mobile inclusions would be set in motion (figure 3; see video). It was also noted that the gas bubble moved at a faster rate than the tiny particles, which made the object even more captivating. The ambient temperature also appeared to affect the speed at which the inclusions moved—the higher the temperature, the faster the rate.

Figure 3. A series of images showing the movement of the tiny brown particles and the large bubble in the barrel-shaped object. The denser particles drop toward the bottom and the bubble rises to the top. When flipped over, the process starts again, reminiscent of an hourglass. Photo by Lai Tai-An Gem Lab.

Mobile Inclusions in Quartz

Although the identification of this quartz specimen was straightforward, it was a pleasure to see the artistry employed in its fashioning that permitted its inclusions to be easily seen to maximum effect. @topic:1


Publish Year: 2023 Title: Unusual Solid Inclusions in Flame-Fusion Ruby Abstract: Figure 1. Numerous natural-looking dark red solid inclusions were observed in a flame-fusion laboratory-grown ruby. Photomicrograph by Ezgi Kiyak; field of view 2.9 mm.
The author recently examined unusual dark red solid inclusions in a flame-fusion laboratory-grown ruby. Standard gemological testing yielded a refractive index of 1.760–1.768, a chromium emission line in red using a handheld spectroscope, medium red fluorescence under long-wave UV, and weak red fluorescence under short-wave UV. These properties were consistent with ruby. Microscopic examination using brightfield illumination revealed numerous dark red inclusions (figure 1) that resembled crystals commonly seen within natural corundum.

Figure 2. Strong curved growth lines and numerous gas bubbles and dark solid inclusions were present in the flame-fusion ruby. Photomicrograph by Ezgi Kiyak; field of view 2.9 mm.
Furthermore, magnification showed characteristic internal features of flame-fusion ruby such as curved striae and gas bubbles. The strong curved growth lines and numerous gas bubbles (figure 2) suggested that this was an early type of flame-fusion ruby. Although flame-fusion corundum is widely available in the marketplace, it is unusual to encounter a specimen containing natural-looking dark red solid inclusions. These inclusions are possibly unmelted alumina powder, and the fact that Raman was unable to identify something other than alumina supports this (E.J. Gübelin and J.I. Koivula, Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones, Volume 3, Opinio Publishers, Basel, Switzerland, 2008).
Identification of the natural or laboratory-grown origin of a stone with this type of natural-looking inclusion can be difficult. Careful observation is needed to correctly identify such a specimen’s origin. @topic:3


Publish Year: - Title: Report Check - 2215478947 Abstract: gia report number
2215478947

date of issue
Feb. 16, 2021

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LABORATORY-GROWN DIAMOND REPORT - COLOR IDENTIFICATION

Laboratory-Grown Colored Diamond Report - Color Identification

REPORT DETAIL

TREATMENT
GROWTH METHOD
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

Round Brilliant

Measurements

Dimensions listed as “minimum diameter – maximum diameter x depth” for round diamonds and “length x width x depth” for fancy-shaped diamonds.

9.65 - 9.72 x 6.34 mm

Weight

Weight given in carats, recorded to the nearest hundredth of a carat. One carat is equal to 1/5 of a gram.

2.50 carat

COLOR

Grade

Assessment of the presence of color including hue, tone and saturation when compared to GIA Master Color Comparison Diamonds.

Fancy Light Yellow

Distribution

Evenness or unevenness of color seen face-up using standard viewing procedures.

Even

COMMENTS

Comments

This is a man-made diamond produced by HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) growth process. No evidence of treatment was detected.

INSCRIPTION(S)

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GIA 2215478947

*This GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report describes color and clarity specifications on the same scale as the GIA Diamond Grading Report for natural diamonds. The specifications do not correlate to nature’s continuum of rarity. To learn more about laboratory-grown diamonds, including how GIA differentiates them from natural diamonds visit GIA.edu/GIALGDR

Feb. 16, 2021

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Publish Year: 2021 Title: Quarterly Crystal: Fibers and Rods in Euclase Abstract: Figure 1. The orange-pink color of this 10.82 ct Brazilian euclase is reminiscent of padparadscha sapphire. Photo by Diego Sanchez.

From time to time in the laboratory, we run into problems that we just cannot resolve. Just such a situation was recently encountered when we examined a very unusual 10.82 ct transparent euhedral crystal of orange-pink euclase measuring 14.71 mm wide, pictured in figure 1. We knew from experience that the natural surface striations on this transparent crystal would make conclusive identification of the inclusions difficult at best. The euclase crystal, recently recovered during limited mining in Livramento de Nossa Senhora in Bahia, Brazil, was acquired from Luciana Barbosa of the Gemological Center in Asheville, North Carolina. The cause of the unusual padparadscha-like orange-pink color of this euclase production was determined to result from impurities of Mn3+ (L. Gilles-Guéry et al., “Mn3+ and the pink color of gem-quality euclase from northeast Brazil,” accepted by American Mineralogist, 2021).

Figure 2. Attempts to identify these acicular inclusions discovered in the 14.71 mm euclase crystal proved unsuccessful. Photomicrograph by Nathan Renfro; field of view 2.56 mm.
On examination with a gemological microscope, we observed fine branching fibers and rods of white to red-brown color suspended in the euclase (figure 2). The red-brown color of some of the inclusions suggested epigenetic alteration at some point.

Figure 3. With a dark brown fluid and a moving bubble, this tiny cylindrical void was a surprising discovery. Photomicrograph by Nathan Renfro; field of view 0.288 mm.
As shown in the photomicrograph in figure 3, we observed a tiny hollow cylindrical void containing a dark brown fluid and a mobile gas bubble. The color of the fluid made it difficult to clearly see the gas bubble, unless it was moving.
As we suspected, laser Raman microspectrometry could not pin down the identification of the inclusions. Raman testing only showed the peaks for the euclase host. We also tried energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) to pick up any hints of unusual chemistry, but again useful information eluded us. After several tries at both Raman and EDXRF, we finally realized that destructive analysis would be needed for a clear identification of the inclusions. Since this well-formed euclase crystal has a very rare and unusual color, we decided not to use destructive analysis. We would keep the euclase intact, to be enjoyed as a gem mineral specimen. @topic:1


Publish Year: - Title: Classmates Reunite to Celebrate One of Their Own Abstract: Class of 1980 reunion attendees included, from back left: Patricia Biehn, David Conger, Donald Warmblood, James Allen Holmes, Ken McGrath, Debbie Hiss, Lenore Goldman, Marisa Vinciguerra, and Wayne Babcock, center. The group surrounds a specimen that was moved from the Santa Monica campus. Those not able to attend the reunion were Danny Katz (who helped set up the class Facebook page) and Gino Buccellati, who was involved in a work project in Italy and Skyped with the group while they were in Carlsbad. Classmate Lori Sellinger will attend the New York screening of the documentary. Nicholas Vuillet followed the class of '80s escapades on Facebook. Photo by Eric Welch/GIA.

	They met more than 33 years ago, but for nine members of a 1980 Graduate Gemologist class, the connection they made as students has never broken.

	“It was amazing to see everyone,” said Wayne Babcock, owner of Angels Antiques in Carpinteria, California. “We had only spent six months studying together at GIA, but had bonded so quickly and well! After 33 years, it was like we had never been apart. All the love was right there.”

	The group traveled to Carlsbad for the West Coast premiere of the jewelry documentary Masters of Dreams, the brainchild of classmate Ken McGrath, of Toronto, Canada. The four-part series offers a behind-the-scenes view into the glamorous and artistic world of high-end jewelry.

	Ken McGrath was pleased his classmates reunited for the screening of his Masters of Dreams documentary. Photo by Kevin Schumacher/GIA.

	“Making Masters of Dreams was the culmination of a lifelong passion and a tiny dream that grew big,” McGrath said. “To be able to include the sweetest, coolest group of rock star friends I had the pleasure of going to school with, was extremely moving. They were so supportive and positive. It truly was an awesome evening and a deeply meaningful experience for all of The Class of 1980!”

	It has not always been easy for this pre-Internet group of friends to keep in touch.

	“We had telephone numbers when we left class, but not all of them,” said David Conger, owner of Conger's Jewellers in Ottawa, Canada. “A few years ago, I gave up on the possibility that we would ever reunite. It was a goal of mine 20 years ago, but there was no mechanism to find the other classmates ‒ until we recently started to reconnect through Facebook.”

	That’s how McGrath found them and invited them to the GIA event, which included a lunch in their honor, class photo, tours of the campus, and an evening reception and screening of his film. It also included hours retelling shared stories and laughter at their hotel.

	“The best part of the reunion, for me, was simply sitting out on the hotel patio grilling dinner and just catching up with everyone and reminiscing,” said Debbie Hiss, owner of Debbie Hiss Consulting. “There was a lot of laughter!”

	Lenore Goldman, who is in the yachting business, said she loved hearing about different directions their lives have taken.

	“It was great to hear everyone’s story, she said. “In some ways, it was like time had not passed, yet we all needed reading glasses to see the old photos.”

	Conger said he felt an instant connection with his old friends.

	“It was wonderful to reconnect. It seemed as though no time had passed,” he said. “Hearing the familiar sounding laugh of one classmate brought it all back again as though nothing had changed. I loved the experience. This was a time of joy and happiness, not unlike the feeling I get at Christmas.”

	Patricia Biehn, who traveled from Kauai, Hawaii, was a little concerned that the special connection they had might be lost because of the number of years that had gone by and the divergent paths they all traveled.

	“Not the case! We picked up right where we left off. We were a wonderful, tight-knit family, and still are,” she said. “We will not let 33 years go by before we get together again, more of us next time!”
Impressions of the Carlsbad Campus

	The grads, who attended a much smaller GIA campus in Santa Monica, were impressed by the size and location of the Carlsbad campus.

	“GIA looks like a museum! The campus is beautiful,” Goldman said. “That view of the ocean makes me want to come back and never leave again.”

	Babcock described it as modern, beautiful, efficient and enjoyable. “I am so very much more proud to be a gemologist after having seen the ‘new school’,” he said.

	Several of the grads pointed out that for all of the physical changes, being on campus felt familiar.

	“The first impression I ever had of GIA was how wonderful the teachers and staff were – how they were so willing to help the students with any issue,” Congers said.” I felt that had not changed.”

	Marisa Vinciguerra, of Ballwin, Missouri, said she felt the same way walking through the halls of the Carlsbad campus as she did in Santa Monica. She described it as “that mystical feeling of being around all of that ‘gem-knowlegey'.”

	The group tour included visits to classrooms where they were intrigued by the eLearning program, CAD/CAM courses and scope of the Institute.

	Despite all that was new, however, they sensed that the GIA standards they knew as students remain the same.

	“The professionalism of GIA has always been a constant,” said James Allen Holmes, who owns a design and manufacturing business in Texas. “The culture of any corporate entity translates to the outside world and that still shines as bright as a diamond at GIA.”

	From left, Marisa Vinciguerra, David Conger, James Allen Holmes and Patricia Biehn gather at the evening reception. Photo by Kevin Schumacher/GIA. @topic:6


Publish Year: 2021 Title: Hematite “Rose” Inclusion in Aquamarine Abstract: The aquamarine cabochon showed a fractal-like hematite inclusion with the beautiful outline of a rose. Photomicrograph by Shu-Hong Lin; field of view 0.64 mm.
Recently, a 23.67 ct pear cabochon aquamarine with light greenish blue color and poor clarity was sent to the Taiwan Union Lab of Gem Research (TULAB) for identification. Microscopic observation of this aquamarine from the basal direction showed a number of negative crystals and black to brown hematite, confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Hematite inclusions in gems usually appear in shapes such as flaky, striped, dendritic, or filamentous. Yet the hematite inclusions in this aquamarine seem to resemble a rose blossom composed of mathematical fractals (see above). It is worth mentioning that the rose form of hematite is common in hand specimens but rarely seen as inclusions. Photomicrography with brightfield illumination reveals this unique inclusion that shares a dash of science and romance. @topic:3


Publish Year: 2018 Title: Mushroom in Copal Abstract: This copal from Mexico contained a remarkably well-preserved eye-visible mushroom inclusion. Photomicrograph by Nathan Renfro; field of view 9.59 mm.

Copal is widely popular among gem collectors due to its eclectic inclusion scenes. As a fossilized tree resin, copal can contain a wide range of flora, fauna, and inorganic materials. It is not uncommon to find spiders, termites, leaves, and petals inside this resinous gem. In a 19.83 ct brownish orangy yellow copal, the author recently observed a remarkably well-preserved mushroom (see above) that was easily seen with the naked eye and had a cap that was just over 5.5 mm in diameter. Stalks of broken mushrooms, miscellaneous plant materials, and gas bubbles were also found in this specimen. Interestingly, copal was also used for many years by some indigenous peoples in Mexico and Central America as incense for ceremonial purposes such as the sacred mushroom ceremony. The mushroom inclusion in this copal, reportedly from Mexico, may have a more significant meaning for the people of Mesoamerica that goes beyond a gemological standpoint. @topic:9


Publish Year: 2015 Title: Unusual Pink Sapphire Bead Abstract: Figure 1. This 17.25-mm-long bead contained more than 30 randomly oriented drill holes. Photo by Nathan Renfro.

              How to ruin a gem-quality natural untreated tumble-polished sapphire? Fill it with numerous drill holes! At 9.36 ct and measuring 17.25 × 9.13 × 6.21 mm, the purplish pink bead shown in figure 1 had the perfect form to produce a very attractive faceted pear-shaped gem, but that effort seemingly ended in failure. These drill holes, more than 30 of them in all, stood out in high relief because they were at least partially filled with a dark unidentified residue. This leaves the question of why anyone would drill so many holes in a perfectly good sapphire. Closer microscopic examination revealed a possible clue. At the surface of three of the holes were small bright red fragments, identified by Raman analysis as ruby (figure 2). Yet we were unable to determine if the fragments were natural or synthetic, due to their small size. Further analysis with advanced analytical equipment would be required to make this separation. The implication is that if all the drill holes contained a bright red ruby, this would have enhanced the light pink appearance of the bead. Because so many of the ruby fragments were missing, the unsightly drill holes made for a rather unattractive gem bead.

Figure 2. Three of the drill holes, seen here using diffuse transmitted light and oblique fiber-optic illumination, contained a small ruby fragment identified by Raman analysis. Field of view 4.40 mm. Photomicrograph by Nathan Renfro. @topic:3


Publish Year: 2022 Title: Gota de Aceite–Like Effect in a Brazilian Emerald Abstract: Figure 1. This 2.99 ct Brazilian emerald displayed a roiled effect similar to the gota de aceite phenomenon. Photo by Shunsuke Nagai.
Internal optical effects can provide useful information to help identify gemstones and understand their nature and geographic origin. For example, gota de aceite, a roiled or “drop of oil” appearance seen in Colombian emeralds, is considered to be caused by irregularities in the crystal structure due to rapid growth triggered by alteration of the growth conditions (e.g., R. Ringsrud, “Gota de aceite: Nomenclature for the finest Colombian emeralds,” Fall 2008 G&G, pp. 242–245; Winter 2017 Lab Notes, pp. 460–461).

Figure 2. Internal features observed in the 2.99 ct Brazilian emerald. Left: Gota de aceite–like optical effect with columns resembling drops of oil. Note that this image was taken at an angle parallel to the c-axis. Right: Numerous raindrop-like needles and tubes. Photomicrographs by Makoto Miura; fields of view 3.10 mm and 2.46 mm.
Recently, GIA’s Tokyo laboratory examined a 2.99 ct step-cut emerald measuring 10.17 × 8.12 × 5.50 mm (figure 1) for geographic origin determination. This stone exhibited a unique roiled growth structure resembling the gota de aceite effect (figure 2, left) at an angle nearly perpendicular to the table facet. The gota de aceite structure was visible parallel to the c-axis of the emerald based on microscopic and polariscopic observations. From other directions such as girdle to girdle, the effect was not visible and columnar growth structure was observed. The emerald also contained numerous reflective raindrop-like needles and tubes (figure 2, right) and irregular two-phase inclusions. This stone had a refractive index range of 1.580–1.588 and showed no reaction under a Chelsea color filter. The ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared spectrum showed a significant Fe2+ broad band at around 810 nm. These internal and standard gemological features did not match Colombian origin, with the exception of the gota de aceite effect. Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectroscopy revealed a high iron concentration (4540–4800 ppmw) and medium potassium (230–254 ppmw) and lithium (62–68 ppmw) contents. A Brazilian origin was determined based on inclusions and trace element composition (S. Saeseaw et al., “Geographic origin determination of emerald,” Winter 2019 G&G, pp. 614–646).
The gota de aceite optical phenomenon has been used as a characteristic feature of classic Colombian emeralds, but a similar pattern was previously reported in a Zambian emerald (Winter 2017 Lab Notes, pp. 460–461). The similarity in the growth pattern suggests that the growth conditions causing the rapid emerald crystallization were similar, although the geological origins and chemical compositions of both emeralds are different. As several microscopic studies on emerald have concluded (e.g., S. Saeseaw et al., “Three-phase inclusions in emerald and their impact on origin determination,” Summer 2014 G&G, pp. 114–132; Winter 2017 Lab Notes, pp. 460–461), inclusions and internal features may not always be helpful in determining geographic origin, and the gota de aceite effect may not offer enough evidence for Colombian origin. Careful observation of other inclusions combined with advanced testing is required for origin determination of emerald. @topic:3


Publish Year: 2016 Title: Sapphire Rough Filled with Green Lead Glass Abstract: Figure 1. This hexagonal green sapphire rough was treated with a green lead-glass filling. Right: Green residue and trapped gas bubbles are seen in the filled fractures; field of view 2.90 mm. Photos by Jonathan Muyal.

	The Carlsbad laboratory recently examined a yellow-green hexagonal prismatic crystal (figure 1, left) that was presented as sapphire. The rough specimen was approximately 11 mm long. The specific gravity was measured as 4.00, and the stone was inert to both long- and short-wave UV. The identity of the rough sapphire was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Microscopic examination revealed that the stone was partially covered by drops of green glassy residue, and numerous fractures throughout it were filled with the same material. Also observed were numerous trapped gas bubbles and a prominent orange flash effect, consistent with a lead-glass filling (figure 1, right). Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis confirmed the presence of lead.

	Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–quadrupole mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used to investigate the chemical composition of the green glassy residue. A line of ablation spots, positioned on one of the flat crystal faces, was designed to cross a large drop of the residue. The oxide weight percent profile (figure 2, left) revealed that the residue contained 9.3 to 9.7 wt.% B2O3, 23.7 to 24.9 wt.% Al2O3, 12.2 to 12.6 wt.% SiO2, 3.6 to 4.2 wt.% CuO, 1.2 to 1.3 wt.% CdO, and 45.4 to 47.4 wt.% PbO. The combined oxide weight percent of Li, Na, K, Ca, and Zr was around 1.5 (averaged value). The chemical analysis confirmed that the filler was lead glass.

	Figure 2. Left: The wt.% oxide profile shows a strong correlation between the glassy residue and a high Pb concentration. Right: The lead glass shows a refractive index of 1.75 for a PbO content of 63.3 wt.%. Inset photo by Jonathan Muyal.

	With such a small amount of Al (2.6 wt.% Al2O3) in the lead glass (Z.Q. Zeng and P. Hing, “Preparation and thermal expansion behavior of glass coatings for electronic applications,” Material Chemistry and Physics, Vol. 75, No. 1–3, 2002, pp. 260–264), the approximate composition of major elements can be obtained by subtracting 24.22 wt.% Al2O3 (arising from the host sapphire crystal) from the total chemical composition and renormalizing the sum to 100 wt.% oxide (R. Barbour, Glassblowing for Laboratory Technicians, Wellington, New Zealand, Pergamon Press, 1978, p. 4). The renormalized composition of the lead glass was 63.3 wt.% PbO, 16.9 wt.% SiO2, 12.8 wt.% B2O3, 5.3 wt.% CuO, and 1.7 wt.% CdO. The PbO wt.% was plotted on the Pb wt.% oxide vs. refractive index plot (http://physics.info/refraction) and showed an RI of 1.75, which is very close to corundum’s RI of 1.76–1.77 (figure 2, right). The high refractive index of the glass concealed the difference in luster between corundum and filler.

	A previous study reported on blue cobalt-colored lead glass–filled sapphires whose color was assigned to the presence of a small amount of cobalt in the filler (T. Leeawatanasuk et al., “Cobalt-doped glass-filled sapphire; an update,” Australian Gemmologist, Vol. 25, No. 1, 2013, pp. 14–20). The green color of the glass in this specimen was likely caused by the combination of CuO (which causes a greenish blue color in glass) and CdS (which causes a yellow color; see B.H.W.S. De Jong et al., “Glass,” in Ullmann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Wiley-VCH, 2000, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/14356007.a12_365). The yellowish appearance and the high levels of Fe (1629 to 2640 ppmw) in the area without filler indicate that the piece might have been a yellow sapphire before being filled. This was the first sapphire with green lead-glass filling examined at the Carlsbad laboratory. @topic:3


Publish Year: 2019 Title: Glass Bangles Abstract: Figure 1. The 343.94 ct translucent white bangle on the left and the 355.52 ct translucent mottled purplish gray and green bangle on the right were carved from manmade glass. Photos by Robison McMurtry.
Recently, the Carlsbad laboratory was sent two bangles for identification: a 343.94 ct translucent white bangle and a 355.52 ct translucent mottled light purplish gray and green bangle (figure 1). The white bangle could have easily been given a sight identification of nephrite due to its color and dullness. But its refractive index (RI) of about 1.500 eliminated the possibility of nephrite, which has an RI of 1.62. Further observation showed an even color and no natural inclusions. Gas bubbles of various sizes could be seen just below the surface (figure 2). The RI in combination with the gas bubbles indicated that this bangle was a manufactured product.

Figure 2. An elongated gas bubble seen below the surface of the white bangle. Photomicrograph by Nicole Ahline; field of view 3.57 mm.

Figure 3. Gas bubbles of various sizes could easily be seen throughout the mottled purplish gray and green bangle. Photomicrograph by Nicole Ahline; field of view 3.57 mm.
The mottled bangle had a color very similar to that of jadeite. An RI of 1.610, rather than the typical jadeite RI of 1.66, indicated that this piece was also not what it appeared to be. Gas bubbles were identified throughout the bangle (figure 3), further confirming that this was a manufactured product. Strings of gas bubbles were observed without magnification, an arrangement that could have easily been mistaken for a natural jadeite structure (figure 4).

Figure 4. Clusters of gas bubbles with a string-like structure in the mottled purplish gray and green bangle. Photomicrograph by Nicole Ahline; field of view 3.57 mm.
These gemological properties and observations identified these bangles as manmade glass and not the nephrite and jadeite they resembled. With nephrite and jadeite having such a rich cultural history, it is common for imitations to show up on the market. Items like these demonstrate the need to always be cautious when purchasing jewelry. @topic:3


Publish Year: - Title: The Nature of the Be-Nb-Ta Containing Cloud in Natural Madagascar Blue Sapphire – An FIB/HRTEM Study Abstract: Detecting beryllium in sapphires and rubies has been a critical test in modern gemological laboratories ever since beryllium-diffusion was discovered as a color-enhancing treatment in the early 2000s. However, beryllium is also occasionally detected in natural untreated corundums, which added complications to beryllium testing during the early days of its implementation. Natural beryllium in sapphire is almost always associated with heavy high field strength elements (HHFSEs) such as niobium, tantalum, and tungsten, and is often unevenly distributed in milky or cloudy regions of a stone. This report is the first investigation on the nature of the nano-inclusions in the milky regions of natural beryllium-bearing sapphires. @topic:3


Publish Year: 2019 Title: Sapphire Inclusion with Rutile “Silk” in a Burmese Star Sapphire Abstract: A guest crystal located at the back of the star sapphire stands out under cross-polarized illumination, exhibiting concentric rings of interference colors when viewed along its optic axis (left). Examination with fiber-optic light revealed a group of needle-like rutile inclusions oriented along the basal plane of the sapphire inclusion (right). Photomicrographs by Xiaodan Jia; field of view 3.83 mm.
GIA’s Hong Kong laboratory recently examined a remarkable sapphire inclusion inside a Burmese star sapphire. Possessing the same refractive index as its host, the sapphire guest displays extremely low relief and is nearly invisible under transmitted light. Nevertheless, its outline became distinctive under cross-polarized illumination, showing strong interference colors (see above, left). Closer examination using fiber-optic illumination revealed a group of oriented rutile “silk” in this sapphire inclusion (see above, right). Although exsolved rutile needles are a common inclusion in Burmese sapphire, it is interesting to see two sets of dense silk exsolved from both the star sapphire host and a protogenetic sapphire inclusion, each aligned with the basal plane of its own host. @topic:3


Publish Year: 2012 Title: Radioactive Morganite Abstract: Two strongly orangy pink morganites with residual radioactivity were studied. The dose rate of the samples, measured by a scintillation survey meter, ranged from 0.15 to 0.35 μSv/h. Although this radioactivity was likely not hazardous, it was above the recommended exposure limit set forth in 1990 by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. To identify the radionuclides, gamma rays from the samples were measured using a Ge(Li) semiconductor detector. The activation products 134Cs, 54Mn, and 65Zn were detected, proving that the samples had been artificially irradiated with neutrons. @topic:1