Title: Nephrite Bracelet with Filled Cavity Abstract: Figure 1. Two white jade bracelets weighing 62.305 g (left) and 69.422 g (right) with dark color patches similar to the natural skin of some nephrite pebbles. Photo by Jianjun Li.

Nephrite, also called tremolite, is treasured by the Chinese for its fine texture and superior toughness. White nephrite pebbles with some areas of orange or brown skin are called zi yu. Mutton-fat nephrite jade with a natural dark brown, brown, and/or brown-yellow oxide skin is rare and considered premium quality. This skin forms due to natural weathering, and the pebble is polished within river currents. In China, nephrite enthusiasts often aspire to own mutton-fat zi yu jewelry. White jade that is artificially polished into pebbles and partially dyed is often seen in China as an imitation of mutton-fat jade with brown and/or orange skin. Therefore, many traders treat the white primary ore into dyed brown-orange pebbles by artificially dyeing the material. A great deal of white jade with partially dyed color is marketed as mutton-fat zi yu in the Chinese market.
Recently, China’s National Gold & Diamond Testing Center (NGDTC) laboratory received from a client two bracelets with filled cavities that mimicked mutton-fat nephrite with dark brown skin. This treatment process is quite different from the traditional surface staining.
Shown in figure 1 are two bracelets weighing 62.305 and 69.422 g. The white portions were pure with very fine texture. The deep brown parts, which resembled the black skin on some nephrite, were distributed along large fissures, and the sharp color boundaries were accompanied by brown and yellow materials. The black material penetrated the body of the 62.305 g bracelet (figure 2).

Figure 2. Many gas bubbles and spherical pores formed from burst bubbles can be seen in the brown and black areas. Photo by Jianjun Li; field of view 13 mm.
Standard gemological tests were carried out to identify the two bracelets and the deep brown and orange-yellow parts. With the owner’s permission, a dark brown portion was sampled with a knife to obtain small scrapings, which were mixed with KBr powder to form a tablet. Next, infrared spectra were collected using a Nicolet Nexus 470 infrared spectrometer with a resolution of 8 cm–1 and 64 scans per sample.
With a PIKE Technologies UpIR diffuse reflection accessory, reflectance infrared spectra were collected on the white parts of the bracelets. The instrument resolution and scan count were the same as those described above. The reflection spectrum was corrected using the Kramers-Kronig method.
The sample’s spot refractive index was 1.61; specific gravity ranged between 2.95 and 2.96, consistent with nephrite. The white body of the bracelets presented very weak blue-white fluorescence under a 5-watt long-wave UV lamp (365 nm) and was inert under short-wave UV (254 nm). Because of a poor surface polish, the refractive index of the brown-black part could not be measured. The dark parts showed no fluorescence.
Under the gemological microscope, the white bodies presented a cryptocrystalline texture, with some obscure white areas. Dark brown patches on the bracelets appeared compact, with a slightly weak luster and grainy texture. The dark patches on the inner wall of one bracelet contained many spherical pores and gas bubbles of different sizes (again, see figure 2). This feature is common in glass or plastic imitation gemstones, but has never been found in nephrite. Spherical pores are formed from bubbles close to the surface that burst during the polishing process. The brown or dark brown dendritic pattern often found in fractures of natural nephrite (Z. Yin et al., “Nephrite jade from Guangxi Province, China,” Fall 2014 G&G, pp. 228–235) was not observed. Magnification showed that the orange-yellow and dark brown patches were artificially filled.
One of the authors reported on a “filled nephrite” in 2005 (J. Li, “The identification of impregnated nephrite,” Australian Gemmologist, Vol. 22, No. 7, pp. 310–317). After careful testing, a serious mistake in that report has subsequently been identified: the direct transmission FTIR spectra with absorption bands or peaks between 3060 and 2850 cm–1 were incorrectly attributed to the epoxy resin filler. The nephrite in that report was not actually filled at all. Until now, the authors have not found a nephrite that has been bleached and filled with polymer like the B-jadeite jade. The author of the earlier study and a coauthor of the present study (JL) no longer believe that direct transmission infrared spectroscopy detects the treatment of nephrite jade. The author tried to collect direct transmission infrared spectra through the deep brown patches of the two bangles, but experiments show that these areas absorbed the mid-infrared light completely.

Figure 3. Infrared spectra of the white (red line) and brown (blue line) areas of the bracelets are significantly different, with fingerprints that represent the vibration of the -OH (3674 cm–1) and the -CH2- groups (2924 and 2854 cm–1 peaks), respectively. The spectra have been vertically offset for clarity.
As shown in figure 3, there was significant difference between the infrared spectra of the white body (collected using reflection mode) and the brown patches (collected with KBr powder). These clearly represent two different materials.
The infrared spectrum (red line in figure 3, right) from the white body of the bracelets has a fingerprint similar to that of Italian nephrite (see I. Adamo and R. Bocchio, “Nephrite jade from Val Malenco, Italy: Review and update,” Summer 2013 G&G, pp. 98–106), except that the sample does not exhibit the absorption peak of carbonate-associated minerals. This verifies that the white part of the sample is tremolite.
To identify the material in the dark brown part collected with KBr powder (blue line in figure 3, right), we searched databases containing hundreds of spectra libraries purchased by NGDTC using Thermo Scientific OMNIC 9.2 software. Materials with higher degrees of matching included allspice, cellophane, and even opium. This suggests that the dark brown material may be organic. Further advanced testing would be required to conclusively identify the dark brown material.
In the 4000–2000 cm–1 range, the white part shows a spectrum peak of 3674 cm–1, attributed to the stretching vibration of the -OH groups in tremolite; the dark brown part shows a strong absorption band centered at 3429 cm–1 between 3700 and 3100 cm–1. This band is usually associated with hydroxyl groups in the polymer in organic matter. The 2924 and 2854 cm–1 peaks are often attributed to the -CH2- groups, which often appear in the spectra of organic-filled gems (e.g., E. Fritsch et al., “Identification of bleached and polymer-impregnated jadeite,” Fall 1992 G&G, pp. 176–187; M.L. Johnson et al., “On the identification of various emerald filling substances,” Summer 1999 G&G, pp. 82–107). Contamination from human fingerprints or body oils can also lead to absorption peaks within the 3000–2800 cm–1 range, but the absorption is generally weaker. The spectrum of the white part of the sample has a very weak absorption in this region, probably due to human body fat contamination or wax residue left after polishing.
This evidence indicates that the dark brown and orange parts of the samples are fillers. But this filling is obviously different from that in B-jade, where polymer is flooded between the grain boundaries. The filling in these two nephrite bracelets looks more like that in single-crystal gems. Therefore, we propose that the nephrite used in these bracelets had severe pits or cavities, and fillers were used to fill them and make the surface look smooth. The authors want to alert the trade and consumers to this new treatment, whose detection requires access to gemological instruments. Therefore, bringing your nephrite jewelry to a gem laboratory can help avoid unnecessary loss. Source: GIA @topic:13


Title: GIA Field Gemologists Visit Zambia’s Emerald Mines Abstract: Explore Zambia’s Emerald Mines

	Visit Zambia’s emerald mines with GIA field gemologists.

	You will surely feel the lure of emerald—central Africa’s green treasure—in this short GIA video. First, you’ll visit the Musakashi, Zambia, emerald mining area where mining is carried out by local people with simple hand tools.

	Next, you’ll travel with Field Gemologist Vincent Pardieu and the GIA team to Zambia’s Kafubu area, one of Africa’s oldest gem-mining areas. “There are maybe 400 mines, and maybe less than 10 are active,” says Pardieu.

	While there, you’ll witness several active emerald mines. Some are very small-scale and operated by local people, while some, like the MIKU and the KAGEM mines, are very large. The latter is probably the largest colored gemstone mining pit in the world. “The production of the mine is maybe accounting for 20 percent of the world,” remarks Pardieu. “The pit is way bigger than two years ago.”

	In this video, you’ll view the entire KAGEM operation—a modern, highly sophisticated mechanized pit mine. As you stand on the rim of the pit, a ripple of explosions blasts ore for processing. “Geology is dictating our mining here,” says Gemfields geologist Robert Gessner.

	You will witness workers recovering emeralds from the pit. “It’s exciting to touch a stone coming out of the ground,” says GIA Field Gemologist Andy Lucas.

	You’ll also venture underground into Gemfields’ exploratory underground workings and see the firm’s secure processing and sorting facility.

	This GIA Field Expedition (FE56) took place in September 2014. Besides Pardieu, the participants were cameraman Didier Gruel, Field Gemologist Andy Lucas, Gems & Gemology Technical Editor Dr. Tao Hsu, and Field Gemologist trainee Stanislas Detroyat. Source: GIA @topic:7


Title: Discover Mozambique’s Montepuez Ruby Mine with GIA’s Field Gemologists Abstract: A Visit to the Montepuez Ruby Mine

	Get an inside view of the world’s most productive ruby mine with GIA field gemologists.

	In this video, you’ll explore Mozambique’s Montepuez ruby deposit with GIA’s dedicated field gemology team. First, you’ll see how the legal owner of the mining rights—Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM), a subsidiary of the Gemfields corporation—works the area in steps from prospecting through separating the rubies from the ore, to sorting and eventual sale at their Singapore rough auction. You’ll also catch a glimpse of a day in the life of the thousands of unlicensed miners—garimpeiros—who conduct unauthorized mining in the MRM-owned area.

	Since spring 2009, this east African country has emerged as the world’s leading ruby source. As Field Gemologist Vincent Pardieu says of the Montepuez ruby deposit: “I have never seen any place where you have this combination of quantity, nice color, and nice clarity.”

	Every gem miner dreams of finding a big stone one day. “The garimpeiros here, most of them are local (meaning Mozambican) people,” explains Pardieu, “but there are also some Tanzanians here who are working with them. And the Tanzanians have a very good knowledge of ruby mining because you have ruby mining in Tanzania for more than 50 years.”

	Asked about risk, one garimpeiro adds: “Accidents used to happen…people die down there…the soil collapsed and then people die down there.”

	You’ll see the conditions garimpeiros work under—the pits, the dirt—the rubies they find and how they live, and visit a garimpeiro village. “I feel I’m very welcome here!” says geologist Dr. Hsu, with a smile.

	Finally, you’ll visit foreign buyers in Montepuez, which, Pardieu explains, consist of “about 500 to 600 Thai people and about 100 people from Sri Lanka.” The cash gained by these buyers provides the economic impetus for continuing unauthorized mining inside the MRM perimeter.

	This GIA Field Expedition (FE56) took place in September 2014. Besides Pardieu, the participants were cameraman Didier Gruel, Field Gemologist Andy Lucas, Gems & Gemology Technical Editor Dr. Tao Hsu, and Field Gemologist trainee Stanislas Detroyat. Source: GIA @topic:7


Title: Rose Quartz Quality Factors Abstract: This faceted rose quartz briolette weighs 18.29 carats. Its pastel color is a lovely example of the soft pink this gem is known for. - Robert Weldon, courtesy The Greenwood Group

                      The soft translucence and pale pink to deep pink shades of rose quartz appeal to gem lovers as well as crystal collectors.

Color
Rose quartz gets its name from its delicate pink color, ranging from very light pink (almost white) to medium-dark pink.

	It’s not uncommon to see some quartz varieties with color zoning. This rose quartz exhibits rich purple-pink areas of color.
Clarity
Tiny inclusions are responsible for the translucent appearance of most rose quartz. Finest-quality rose quartz is often transparent, so it’s usually faceted.

	Tiny fractures can cause a cloudy appearance, even in fine-quality faceted rose quartz. - Robert Weldon
Cut
The inclusions in rose quartz can create a display of asterism when the gem is cut as a cabochon. It might also be faceted or fashioned into beads.

	The cabochon cut promotes a striking star effect, called asterism, in this 170-ct. rose quartz. - Ricardo Cardenas
Carat Weight
Rose quartz is available in sizes large enough to inspire gem designers and carvers. Fashioned gems in larger sizes often display more intense color.

	Gem designer John Dyer’s Regal Radiant cut shows off the pastel pink color and large size of this 63.37-ct. rose quartz. - Lydia Dyer, Gem courtesy John Dyer & Co.

	An exquisite viola carved in rose quartz with 18K gold accents is featured in the “Symphony in Gemstones” collection. The gemstone “orchestra” was carved by Lothar Hermann of Idar-Oberstein, Germany. – Robert Weldon, gift of Art Sexauer Source: GIA @topic:1


Title: Zoned Scapolite from India Abstract: The Spring 2011 GNI section (p. 59) reported gem-quality yellow scapolite from Karur in the southern India state of Tamil Nadu. While visiting a local dealer, this contributor encountered parcels of rough and faceted scapolite that appeared strongly zoned to the unaided eye. They were reportedly mined from the same region as above. From the parcels, one rough and one faceted specimen were obtained. The faceted stone was a 9.10 ct oval mixed cut, while the 4.18 g rough specimen was a tetragonal prism with partially broken bipyramidal terminations (figure 1). Both had a pale yellow color with strong brown zones.

	Figure 1. These strongly zoned scapolites, a 9.10 ct faceted stone and a 4.18 g rough specimen, were reportedly mined in the Karur region of Tamil Nadu in India. Note the patchy appearance of brown zones. Photos by G. Choudhary.
Standard gemological testing on the faceted sample revealed an RI of 1.548–1.570, with a uniaxial negative optic sign and a birefringence of 0.022; its hydrostatic SG was measured at 2.66. These values are consistent with those reported for scapolite. Both samples fluoresced strong orange-pink (almost red) under short-wave UV radiation and were inert to long-wave UV. No absorptions were seen with a desk-model spectroscope. The color zones appeared patchy and showed some flaky inclusions along certain planes. This was confirmed with higher magnification (figure 2, left). Under oblique illumination these planes appeared highly iridescent, displaying bright spectral colors.

	Figure 2. The color zones were composed of fine platelets oriented in planes along the length of crystal (left). Under oblique illumination, these planes displayed bright interference colors and angular features (right), suggesting the exsolution of some mineral. Photomicrographs by G. Choudhary; magnified 64×.
Further observation at high magnification revealed some angular features. Although the planes intersect with each other at 90º, the features within them appeared to be following the bipyramidal faces, as indicated by their angle and orientation (figure 2, right). This brown mineral was found along planes in two directions intersecting at almost 90º (figure 3), which were oriented along the length of the crystal (its c-axis). Examination of the rough specimen revealed that these brownish planes were oriented along the prism faces, following the cleavage planes. Some of the brownish inclusions were also aligned along the basal pinacoid planes. The overall pattern and orientation of the zones indicated that some mineral has been exsolved along the cleavage planes, following the bipyramidal faces, as suggested by the angular features described above.

	Figure 3. The planes containing a brown exsolved mineral were present in two directions and intersected at almost 90º along the prism faces, which is also the direction of cleavage in scapolite. Photomicrograph by G. Choudhary; magnified 64×.
These brown platelets could not be conclusively identified, but Raman spectra indicated the presence of lepidocrocite, which has previously been reported as fillings in lath-shaped cracks of scapolite (E.J. Gübelin and J.I. Koivula, Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones, Vol.1, ABC Edition, Zurich, 1997, pp. 368–369). While the Spring 2011 GNI entry noted the occurrence of gem-quality yellow scapolite from the same location, this production is probably more suitable as a collector’s stone. Source: GIA @topic:2


Title: The Gemological Properties of Chatham Flux-Grown Synthetic Orange Sapphire and Synthetic Blue Sapphire Abstract: Recent rumors in the trade and inquiries to the various offices of GIA's Gem Trade Laboratory, Inc., concerning the commercial availability of faceted flux-grown synthetic blue sapphires prompted the writing of this article. Blue as well as orange flux-grown synthetic sapphires are now commercially available from Chatham Created Gems, Inc., in limited quantities as rough crystal groups and single crystals; they have not yet been marketed as faceted gems. In this article, the author examines the gemological properties of Chatham flux-grown synthetic orange sapphires and blue sapphires. Source: GIA @topic:3


Title: Apatite in Blue Sapphire Abstract: An apatite crystal is suspended over a cloud of rutile silk in this untreated star sapphire. Photomicrograph by E. Billie Hughes; field of view 6 mm.
One of the beauties of working with gemstones is that each time you peer into a stone, you get a glimpse of the universe held within. When we first examined the scene in a star sapphire (see above), we were delighted with the view. A feature that immediately stands out is the triangular crystal, which displays terraced growth features and iridescence on the surface when illuminated with a fiber-optic light. Analysis with micro Raman revealed that this crystal is apatite.
What makes the scene even more stunning is the way the crystal seems to float over a cloud of rutile silk. This same silk is what creates asterism in the stone.
While in this case the apatite crystal resides in a sapphire from Sri Lanka, apatite has also been reported in corundum from a variety of sources, including Afghanistan, Cambodia, Madagascar, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Tanzania, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.
Apatite can be found not only in ruby and sapphire from different origins, but also in many other types of gems. In our laboratory, we have encountered apatite inclusions in emerald, spinel, and garnet.
Apatite is a relatively common mineral, so it is not surprising to find it so often as an inclusion. Although it may occur frequently, in this instance it is anything but mundane. Source: GIA @topic:2


Title: In Memoriam: Andrew Cody Abstract: Andrew Cody was one of Australia’s leading opal authorities and made numerous contributions to the industry. Photo by Tao Hsu.
Australian opal leader Andrew Cody (see above) passed away on September 12, 2022, at the age of 71. Internationally regarded as one of Australia’s foremost opal wholesalers, cutters, and exporters, Cody was instrumental in the establishment of opal as Australia’s national gemstone and the development of standard opal nomenclature.
Collecting fossils, gemstones, and minerals since the age of 12, Cody began cutting opal in 1964 after a class trip to the famous deposit at Coober Pedy. In 1971, at the age of 20, he established Cody Opal, a wholesale opal and gem cutting business, which later began exporting worldwide. Cody was the joint founder of the National Opal Collection, an Australian opal and opal jewelry supplier with showrooms and museums located in Sydney and Melbourne.
Over the course of his career, Cody served in a number of leadership positions, including president of the Australian Gem Industry Association and president of the International Colored Gemstone Association. He was awarded honorary fellowships from the Australian Gemmological Association and the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. Also an author, Cody published two books. Australian Precious Opal – A Guide Book for Professionals (1991) was followed by The Opal Story: A Guidebook (2010), written with his brother Damien and published in six languages.
For more than 50 years, Cody worked tirelessly to promote Australian opal across the global gem industry, leaving an enduring legacy. We extend our condolences to his family and friends. Source: GIA @topic:13


Title: “Star of David” Spinel Twin Crystal with Multiphase Inclusions from Mogok Abstract: Figure 1. This 12-sided crystal recently obtained in Mogok is a rare spinel macle, hosting fascinating multiphase (liquid + gas) inclusions. The stone is reportedly from the eastern part of the Mogok Valley. Photo by Victoria Raynaud/GIA; field of view 5.7 mm.

	In December 2015, author VP obtained from the Mogok gem market a remarkable spinel crystal with a fascinating Star of David (figure 1). This unusual pattern was formed by two triangles on opposing sides of a central 12-sided polygon. Furthermore, the specimen hosted some conspicuous crystals that resembled fluid inclusions, which are rare in spinel. The stone was reportedly mined in the early 2000s near Pein Pyit, a village in eastern Mogok that is famous for such twinned spinel crystals (T. Themelis, Gems & Mines of Mogok, published by the author, Bangkok, 2008). Hundreds were found in the Mogok market between 2002 and 2004, but most were tiny or broken (V. Pardieu, “Hunting for ‘Jedi’ spinels in Mogok,” Spring 2014 G&G, pp. 46–57). The newly acquired crystal was added to the GIA reference collection. With a chemical formula of MgAl2O4, spinel belongs to the cubic crystal system. It is often found as octahedrons (with o faces), but sometimes dodecahedron d faces are visible. This specimen presents a fascinating case of twinning parallel to the octahedral plane O (111), commonly called “spinel-law” twinning. The general crystal outline is a 12-sided polygon instead of the expected hexagon. If a spinel crystal shows only o faces, a crystal flattened along the (111) plane will appear as a hexagon. But a spinel with both o and d faces that is flattened along the (111) octahedral plane will show 12 sides, as in this specimen.

	The crystal hosted several fractures as well as interesting fluid and crystal inclusions. Fractures are very common in such thin crystals, causing them to break easily. This specimen broke during the cleaning process (figure 2), and extra care should be taken while handling such crystals.

Figure 2. The Star of David spinel hosts some interesting multiphase inclusions. Such fractured, thin crystals are very brittle; this one was damaged during the cleaning process. Photo by Sasithorn Engniwat/GIA.

	One inclusion was a flat, opaque, and foliated black crystal (possibly graphite) that we could not identify with Raman spectroscopy. There were also carbonate inclusions (identified as calcite and dolomite using Raman spectroscopy). The most fascinating features were the multiphase inclusions; at least eight were located in the center of the specimen (figure 3). They were composed of a negative crystal filled with colorless liquid, hosting a flattened or spherical bubble, filled with a liquid and a gas. This was unlike the features in spinel from Man Sin, where negative crystals are filled with an orange liquid rich in sulfur (again, see Pardieu, 2014).

Figure 3. About five multiphase inclusions associated with colorless carbonate crystal are seen in the spinel’s center, shown using diffused brightfield illumination. Photo by Victoria Raynaud/GIA; field of view 2.40 mm.

	We assumed that the gas inclusions were mainly CO2, as some of the small bubbles disappeared while the stone was under the microscope and gently heated by the well light. This could not be confirmed by Raman analysis; the CO2 concentration in the solution may have been too low.

	FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of carbonates and oil in some fractures. This might be explained by the common practice (in Mogok) of keeping crystals in oil before selling them. We also studied the sample using photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The Cr3+ band in the PL spectra was approximately 0.89 nm wide. In the UV-Vis spectra, there was a clear absorption in the green around 537 nm. These features confirmed the absence of treatment (S. Saeseaw et al., “Distinguishing heated from unheated spinel,” GIA News from Research, 2009).

	The sample was analyzed using LA-ICP-MS. Three spots were studied and compared to GIA reference data obtained on other red spinels from different origins. The main trace elements observed were V, Cr, and Zn. Other elements (Li, Be, Ti, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Ga) were also detected in lower but still significant concentrations. Based on GIA’s reference data for origin determination, we would have identified these as Burmese, with other localities (Tanzania, Vietnam, or Tajikistan) excluded due to the elevated Zn and Ni content.

	Star of David spinels are rare crystals that fascinate many gemologists and collectors. Studying these macles promotes our understanding of them and will contribute to origin determination for red spinel. Source: GIA @topic:3


Title: Bicolor Cuprian Tourmaline Abstract: Figure 1. The 1.62 ct bicolor copper-bearing tourmaline. Photo by Shunsuke Nagai.
A bicolor gem has two colors in one stone. Ametrine is a well-known bicolor gem, a purple and yellow quartz combining amethyst and citrine. In addition to the ametrine variety of quartz, other colored gemstones such as corundum and tourmaline can be naturally bicolor, although most of them do not have a specific variety name. Most bicolor gem materials are cut to show different colors that are obvious when viewed in face-up orientation.
The Tokyo laboratory recently examined a bicolor rectangular step cut weighing 1.62 ct and measuring 9.14 × 5.47 × 3.71 mm (figure 1). The color was gradually distributed from bluish green to dark yellowish green along the length. This stone was doubly refractive with a refractive index of 1.620–1.640 and a specific gravity of 3.10. Microscopic observation revealed networked fluid inclusions and strong doubling. The stone was identified as tourmaline by these gemological features.
Paraíba tourmaline, a certain type of copper-bearing tourmaline, has been one of the most sought-after gemstones in the trade over the last three decades. In 2012, the Laboratory Manual Harmonisation Committee (LMHC) updated the definition of Paraíba tourmaline as “a blue (electric blue, neon blue, violet blue), bluish green to greenish blue, green (or yellowish green) tourmaline of medium-light to high saturation and tone (relative to this variety of tourmaline), mainly due to the presence of copper and manganese.” Visible/near-infrared (Vis-NIR) absorption was collected with GIA’s custom-made UV-Vis spectrometer to determine the chromophore. To be considered Paraíba tourmaline, the copper-related absorption needs to be dominant and the color appearance should be within the defined range.

Figure 2. Vis-NIR absorbance of the whole tourmaline (top), the bluish green portion (middle), and the dark yellowish green portion (bottom). Copper absorption is in the red (approximately 730 nm) and near-infrared regions (approximately 980 nm). Iron absorption is only in the red region (approximately 730 nm). Spectra are stacked for clarity.
Non-polarized absorption spectra of the whole stone showed two bands in the red and near-infrared regions (figure 2, black line). To measure the spectra of each color separately, one half of the gem was covered with opaque black cardboard to allow light to pass through only one color at a time. The results indicated that the dominant chromophore was different (figure 2; bluish green and dark green lines at the middle and bottom, respectively)—the bluish green part is colored by copper, whereas the dark yellowish green part is colored by iron (P.B. Merkel and C.M. Breeding, “Spectral differentiation between copper and iron colorants in gem tourmalines,” Summer 2009 G&G, pp. 112–119).

The trace element composition of each differently colored region was analyzed by laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). As shown in table 1, the bluish green side shows lower iron (566 ppmw) and higher copper (7850 ppmw), and the dark yellowish green side shows higher iron (11287 ppmw) and lower copper (4953 ppmw). Comparing the different Vis-NIR absorption patterns of these portions (figure 27), the association of copper and iron for each color portion is in agreement with Merkel and Breeding (2009). By virtue of its color and its chromophore, only the bluish green portion is consistent with the definition of Paraíba tourmaline.
Sometimes we encounter cuprian tourmaline with chemical zoning, which has varying trace element concentrations within. A drastic difference, as in the case of this bicolor tourmaline with a non-Paraíba iron-colored portion, is not typical. The dark yellowish green part could have been polished off to make this a typical Paraíba tourmaline. Source: GIA @topic:12


Title: Emerald Journey Abstract: Few people outside the gem industry realize the true nature of a gemstone’s journey from the mine to the counter of a store. Whether the gem is being offered to consumer’s at a traditional jewelry store’s counter, an internet shopping site, or a television broadcast the journey always involves a great deal of effort.  Tons of earth and countless hours of labor are needed to bring a gem from mine to market. Source: GIA @topic:7


Title: Morganite History and Lore Abstract: Morganite was named to honor American financier and gem enthusiast J.P. Morgan. - Corbis

                      Following the discovery of a new locality for rose beryl in Madagascar in 1910, George Kunz proposed the name morganite at a meeting of the New York Academy of Sciences on 5 December 1910 to honor his friend and customer J.P. Morgan for his financial support for the arts and sciences, and his important gifts of gems to the American Museum of Natural History in New York and  to the Museum of Natural History in Paris.  Morgan was one of the most important gem collectors in the early 1900s – his collection was partly assembled by Tiffany and Company and their chief gemologist, Kunz.

One of the interesting properties of morganite noted by Kunz was its intense red-colored fluorescence when exposed to X-rays, but no phosphorescence when the X-ray source was turned off.

On October 7th, 1989, one of the largest specimens of Morganite was uncovered. It was found in the Bennet Quarry of Buckfield, Maine, and it was somewhat orangish in hue and about 23 cm long and 30 cm across. This well-formed crystal weighed in at just more than 50 pounds, and was called ‘The Rose of Maine’.

	Miners discovered the first morganite specimens in Madagascar in 1911. Magenta-colored rough from those deposits still sets the color standard for the variety. This sample weighs about 12 oz. (349 g). - Maha Tannous Source: GIA @topic:1


Title: Characteristics of Treated Rubies from Greenland Abstract: Figure 1. Greenland’s rubies are characterized by abundant twinning planes. The twinning planes are not altered by the treatment at a larger scale, but features associated with the twinning can be significantly affected by heating. Photo by S. Wongchacree; field of view 14.40 mm.
Rubies and pink sapphire from Greenland are a new addition to the trade. The deposits have been known for decades, but only in the last three years have the finished gems become available in the market. The vast majority of the material is mined by the company Greenland Ruby and disclosed as treated. The habits of the rough corundum crystals are tabular, barrel, or rounded in shape. Their color ranges from dark red to very light pink, with a varying purplish or grayish cast.
Since the stones are mined from a primary deposit, they are often attached to other minerals. Most are mechanically removed at the mine site during the highly automated sorting process. At Greenland Ruby’s treatment facility, some stones might be further manually trimmed or clipped to remove more of the matrix. Next, the rubies and pink sapphires are intensely cleaned with strong acids. These dissolve most minerals but do not affect the corundum. Lime is used to neutralize the acid, sometimes leaving a thin white coating on the rough stones.
After cleaning, the stones are heated with flux in crucibles and heated in electric furnaces for multiple hours at high temperatures (>1500°C). This method improves the clarity by healing thin fractures. Excess flux covers the rough stones in a thin glassy layer. After cooling, this product is polished as cabochons or beads. Higher-clarity pieces are faceted. The small amount of corundum produced by artisanal miners is treated in a similar fashion, but their exact procedures are not known.
Inclusion scenes of untreated stones are described in C.P. Smith et al. (“Ruby and pink sapphire from Aappaluttoq, Greenland,” Journal of Gemmology, Vol. 35, No. 4, 2016, pp. 294–306) and K. Thirangoon (“Ruby and pink sapphire from Aappaluttoq, Greenland: Status of ongoing research,” GIA Research News, March 23, 2009). These studies highlight the unique and exotic suite of crystal inclusions, including sapphirine and cordierite. We were able to complement these earlier works by studying some of the high-grade material recently produced by Greenland Ruby that has been treated. This is a very intense treatment procedure that significantly alters the inclusion scenes of Greenland’s rubies and pink sapphires.

Figure 2. A: The Rose channels take on a more spotted appearance and can have multiple partially healed fractures around them; field of view 1.44 mm. B: This crystal was completely destroyed; all that remains is a cottony “snowball” inclusion; field of view 1.80 mm. C: All of the inclusions in this cluster developed partially healed fractures around them; field of view 3.60 mm. Photomicrographs by S. Wongchacree (A) and C. Khowpong (B and C).
The most obvious internal features are linked to the omnipresent twinning in corundum from Greenland (figure 1). The twinning planes themselves are not altered by the treatment. The so-called Rose channels, which are hollow tubes at the intersection of twin planes, do show changes. Small fractures, often healed, develop around the linear features, while the tubes themselves usually take on a more spotted appearance when viewed at higher magnification (figure 2A).
Most crystal inclusions show strong alteration, as expected for high-temperature treatment. This makes the unique inclusion scene of Greenland ruby and sapphire unrecognizable. Many of these inclusions transform into “snowballs” with a white frosty opaque nature, often accompanied by discoid fractures that can show signs of healing (figures 2, B and C). In rare cases, crystal inclusions such as zircon remain unaltered.

Figure 3. Left: The particles often appear as a mix of short needles, arrowheads, and more irregular shapes. Illuminating them requires the right orientation of the eye, particles, and light source. Right: Dense clouds of finer particles are occasionally found in Greenland rubies. Photomicrographs by C. Khowpong; fields of view 2.40 mm (left) and 2.88 mm (right).
Less common in Greenland rubies are particles and platelets. Since they require a correct alignment of the observer, platelet, and light source to be detected, they are often overlooked. The particles are a mix of elongated and irregularly shaped platelets. Some could be described as short, stubby needles resembling arrowheads (figure 3, left). They can also appear in dense clouds of finer particles with a roughly hexagonal outline (figure 3, right). These look very similar to the features observed in East African rubies from Mozambique and Madagascar, where they are very common. These seem to be only subtly affected by the treatment. In rare cases, the platelets take a roughly hexagonal form with concentric brightness zoning, resembling a fried egg “sunny-side up.” These may be reminiscent of inclusions typically associated with Thai rubies, although Thai rubies almost never show the presence of other particles. We suspect that the unique appearance of these platelets is due to the intense heat they have been subjected to.

Figure 4. A: This healed fracture has irregular droplets of flux that were trapped during healing. They stand out due to their high relief and more translucent appearance; field of view 2.88 mm. B: Connecting networks of trapped flux in a healed fracture; field of view 2.80 mm. C: Not all fractures were able to heal to the same degree. Swirling droplets of trapped flux and air reveal that a large portion of this fracture is actually filled with solidified flux rather than healed corundum; field of view 1.20 mm. Photomicrographs by C. Khowpong (A and B) and S. Wongchacree (C).
Apart from the twinning features, the most obvious features in the treated stones are flux-healed fractures. These are caused entirely by the treatment and are diagnostic of flux healing. As such, they are completely unrelated to a specific origin. Remnants of the flux trapped in the healing fracture can appear as small irregular droplets or connecting worm-like tubes (figure 4, A and B). These might bear some resemblance to natural fingerprints, but they usually have a coarser appearance with more translucent whitish patterns. When the healing is incomplete, the flux can be present in the fractures as a glassy substance showing swirling patterns and trapped gas bubbles (figure 4C).
The treatment has no impact on the corundum’s trace element chemistry. The composition of the studied suite is in line with the data reported in Smith et al. (2016). The only values that show some deviation are the titanium concentrations, which are lower in the samples analyzed in this study (12–102 ppmw vs. 81–1227 ppmw in Smith et al.). This might be explained by the higher quality of the samples and thus the absence of cloudy, rutile-rich zones that have higher titanium concentrations. As mentioned in earlier studies, the trace element composition of these stones can overlap with rubies that form in amphibolites, which are commonly encountered in East Africa (mostly Mozambique and Madagascar).
Heat treatment with added flux clearly has a significant impact on the overall appearance and can be easily detected by the multitude of healed fractures. The treatment does alter some important internal features that can complicate origin determination. Source: GIA @topic:3


Title: Hairlike Inclusions in Benitoite Abstract: Whitish hairlike inclusions in a 3.55 ct faceted benitoite. Photomicrograph by Taku Okada; field of view 2.37 mm.
The authors recently examined a 3.55 ct benitoite that featured whitish hairlike inclusions throughout the stone (see above). The inclusions were too thin to be identified by Raman spectroscopy.
Gem-quality benitoite has been extracted from a single mine in California and is reported to occur with natrolite gangue in altered blueschist within serpentinite. Minerals found within benitoite include actinolite-tremolite, aegirine-augite, diopside, serandite pseudomorphs, neptunite, joaquinite, albite, apatite, and djurleite (B.M. Laurs et al., “Benitoite from the New Idria District, San Benito County, California,” Fall 1997 G&G, pp. 166–187). Therefore, the hairlike inclusions in this stone could be natrolite, chrysotile (white asbestos), or tremolite, which have whitish colors and acicular or fibrous crystal habits. Source: GIA @topic:2


Title: Aegirine in Poudretteite Abstract: Figure 1. An aegirine crystal inclusion in poudretteite rough from Mogok, viewed with oblique fiber-optic illumination. Photomicrograph by Kyaw Thu; field of view 2.3 mm.
Originally discovered in Canada in the 1960s and named for the family that owned the rock quarry where it was found, extremely rare poudretteite was recognized as a new mineral in 1986. In 2000, the first gem-quality stone was discovered in Mogok, Myanmar. Recently, local miners found a new poudretteite deposit near Pein-Pyit village in the northeastern part of Mogok town. Some of these mined poudretteite gemstones contained unusual green crystal inclusions (figure 1).

Figure 2. Aegirine inclusion showing sprays of acicular crystals in poudretteite rough from Mogok (darkfield and oblique fiber-optic illumination). Photomicrograph by Kyaw Thu; field of view 0.84 mm.
The author examined two rough gem-quality light pink stones weighing about 1.065 and 1.104 ct. Gemological observation and Raman analysis confirmed that the two samples were poudretteite. The green crystal inclusions were present as both single crystals and sprays of acicular crystals in a radial pattern (figure 2). They had a mostly prismatic crystal shape with a bright yellowish green color. Micro-Raman analysis identified them as aegirine, the first discovery of this mineral in poudretteite from Mogok. Aegirine commonly occurs in alkaline igneous rocks, nepheline syenites, carbonatites, and pegmatites. This mineral inclusion could be an indicator of Mogok origin. Source: GIA @topic:2


Title: Snowflake Inclusions in Mong Hsu Ruby Abstract: This partially healed fissure with a snowflake-like pattern is seen in a flux-heated Mong Hsu ruby. Photomicrograph by Nattida Ng-Pooresatien; field of view 1.3 mm.

The two main sources of Burmese ruby today are Mogok and Mong Hsu. Mogok is the traditional source of gem-quality ruby. The rubies from Mong Hsu are generally not as high in quality as those from Mogok, and typically show distinctive zoning with dark violet cores, a cloudy appearance, and multiple fractures. As a result, most stones from this deposit are heat treated at moderate temperatures using flux to repair fractures, improve clarity, and remove any unwanted blue color. Unheated Mong Hsu rubies are generally considered quite rare.
The author recently examined a 0.79 ct sugarloaf cabochon of pigeon’s blood ruby. Chemical analysis and gemological observation of internal features indicated that the origin of this stone was the Mong Hsu. Interestingly, microscopic examination with a combination of darkfield and oblique fiber-optic illumination revealed an open fissure with a snowflake-like pattern of flux residue (see above). The pattern is formed by the crystallization or devitrification of the glassy flux residue.
The snowflake is a symbol of the winter season and a traditional image associated with the Christmas holiday. This partially healed fissure resembling snowflakes is the first such feature the author has encountered in flux-heated ruby. Source: GIA @topic:3


Title: Rare Faceted Parisite Abstract: This 1.33 ct brownish orange pear-shaped brilliant cut is the first faceted parisite GIA has examined. Photo by Robison McMurtry.

Recently the Carlsbad laboratory received a 1.33 ct transparent brownish orange pear brilliant for identification service (see above). Standard gemological testing revealed a refractive index from 1.670–1.750 with a birefringence of 0.080 and a specific gravity (obtained hydrostatically) of 4.40. There was no fluorescence observed with exposure to long- or short-wave UV light. The stone also appeared doubly refractive when examined with polarized light. Microscopic examination with a fiber-optic light source showed strong doubling, two-phase fingerprints with trapped liquid and gas, and crystal inclusions. Raman and mid-IR spectroscopy conclusively identified the stone as parisite-Ce. The Raman spectrum displayed the strongest vibrational band at 1083 cm–1, and subsequent peaks at 1740, 1567, 1431, 741, 398, and 269 cm–1, which positively identified the mineral. The mid-IR spectrum revealed areas of rare earth element (REE) absorption. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis detected Ce, La, and Ca, supporting this identification.
Parasite is one of the rare-earth carbonite minerals found in the bastnäsite group, with a chemical formula of Ca(Ce,La,Nd)2(CO3)3F2. Parisite crystals are found in carbonatites, granite pegmatites, alkaline syenites, and hydrothermal deposits associated with these environments. Normally the crystals of parisite are too small and cloudy to produce decent gemstones. They are usually found as mineral inclusions in emerald from the Muzo mine in Colombia and in quartz from Zagi Mountain, Pakistan. This is the first time a faceted parisite gem has been examined by GIA. Source: GIA @topic:2


Title: Curved Tubes in Blue Sapphire Abstract: Curved linear features with healed fissures. The image was taken using a combination of darkfield and fiber-optic illumination. Photomicrograph by Victoria Raynaud; field of view 3.50 mm.

	During a GIA field expedition to Vietnam in May 2016, a 0.45 ct faceted blue sapphire containing numerous hair-like curved tubes (see above) was discovered at the gem market in Yen The. While the seller said the stone was mined in the Luc Yen area, this could not be confirmed. Unlike rubies and spinels, blue sapphires are not common in northern Vietnam. Analysis at GIA’s laboratory in Bangkok revealed that the stone had a metamorphic origin and had been heat treated. The tubes contained highly reflective glassy masses.

	Curved linear inclusions are well known in different types of gemstones. The most famous are probably the horsetails in demantoid garnet. Inclusions with a similar appearance have been observed in emeralds from Sandawana (Zimbabwe), quartz, and rhodonite (E.J. Gübelin and J.I. Koivula, Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones, Vols. 1 and 2, Opinio Verlag, Basel, Switzerland, 1986 and 2005; V. Pardieu, “Winza ruby? No sorry, my name is rhodonite!” http://www.giathai.net/rhodonite).

	In the corundum family, the only documented variety containing curved linear features are rubies from Winza, Tanzania (D. Schwarz et al., “Rubies and sapphires from Winza, central Tanzania,” Winter 2008 G&G, pp. 322–347). To our knowledge, these features have never been documented in blue sapphires. Source: GIA @topic:3


Title: An Unusual Treated Agate Presented as “Shi Zi Hong” Agate from Liangshan Abstract: Figure 1. This 5.74 ct treated agate sample (left) submitted to the lab resembled “Shi Zi Hong” agate (right). Photo by Su Xu.

              “Nanhong” agate, an attractive form of agate, mainly ranges from orange-red to purplish red, and is colored by the presence of fine-grained hematite inclusions. Nan and hong mean “south” and “red,” respectively. The material has gained great popularity in China’s domestic gem market in recent years. “Shi Zi Hong” agate, one of the most famous color varieties of “Nanhong” agate (Lin Li, “Analysis of gemological and petrological characteristics of Nanhong agate from Liangshan,” Chengdu University of Technology, China, pp. 17–18), usually has a more vibrant saturated orange-red color and fine texture, so its price is higher. Shi zi and hong mean “persimmon” and “red.” The majority of fine-quality Shi Zi Hong agate on the market has come from Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, China.

In October 2020, an orange-red cabochon sample was presented to the National Gold-Silver Gem & Jewelry Quality Supervision & Inspection Center (Sichuan) by a client who claimed it was a new type of Shi Zi Hong agate. The trader referred to it as “Meng Liao” agate (figure 1, left).

The sample weighed 5.74 ct, and the appearance was similar to Shi Zi Hong agate (example shown in figure 1, right). The spot RI reading was around 1.54, and the sample was inert to UV radiation. Microscopic examination showed cryptocrystalline texture with red pinpoint-like inclusions scattered throughout, most of which were sufficiently fine to appear as hazy clouds under 40× magnification.

Raman spectra of the substrate and red pinpoints were obtained using 532 nm laser excitation. According to the RRUFF online database, peaks at 126, 205, 261, 353, and 464 cm–1 indicated that the main constituent of the substrate was quartz, while the red pinpoints matched that of hematite, with peaks at 224, 244, 291, 410, 610, and 1320 cm–1 (figure 2). Both were consistent with Shi Zi Hong agate. A sharp peak at 501 cm–1, seldom observed in Shi Zi Hong agate, appeared in the spectra of the sample. This significant peak was assigned to stretching vibrations of (SiO4)4– in the moganite structure.

Figure 2. Under magnification and using fiber-optic illumination, some fine pinpoints were distributed as hazy clouds in the rough agate. Raman spectroscopy identified the main constituent of substrate in the sample as quartz (green trace) and red pinpoint as hematite (red trace), both consistent with “Shi Zi Hong” agate (indicated by the purple trace and the black trace). The sample also showed a sharp peak at 501 cm–1 and a broad band at 660 cm–1, neither of which are seen in genuine “Shi Zi Hong” agate. Photomicrograph by Su Xu; field of view 0.22 mm. Spectra offset for clarity.
Based on a negative correlation between the relative content of moganite and the crystallinity of agate (Zhou Dan-yi et al., “Study on the relationship between the relative content of moganite and the crystallinity of quartzite jade by Raman scattering spectroscopy, infrared absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques,” Rock and Mineral Analysis, Vol. 3-4, No. 6, 2016, pp. 652–658), we concluded that the crystallinity of natural Shi Zi Hong agate was much higher than that of the sample. Another obvious anomaly was the broad band at 660 cm–1, which was found in the spectrum of the sample but was seldom observed in Shi Zi Hong agate, and this deserved further investigation.

The client admitted that the “Meng Liao” agate was actually a normal brownish yellow agate heated by a low-temperature process. Meanwhile, he loaned us an untreated rough stone (figure 3) for Raman analysis of its body and very fine yellow pinpoint inclusions.

Figure 3. The untreated brownish yellow rough stone, approximately 17.0 × 22.0 × 1.5 mm, loaned by the client for analysis. Photo by Xiaoping Shi.
The substrate of the untreated rough stone and the “Meng Liao” agate sample submitted to the lab showed almost the same peaks in the region of 1000–100 cm–1, suggesting that they might be homologous with each other. The spectrum of the yellow pinpoint, exhibiting peaks at 299, 389, 415, and 550 cm–1 and lacking a 660 cm–1 band, matched the Raman spectrum for goethite and was related to the formation of color in the rough, as shown in figure 4. According to a previous report (D.L.A.de Faria and F.N. Lopes, “Heated goethite and natural hematite: Can Raman spectroscopy be used to differentiate them?” Vibrational Spectroscopy, Vol. 45, No. 2, 2007, pp. 117–121), the disordered hematite structure was initially formed by dehydration and caused the relative intense band at 660 cm–1 by heating goethite at a low temperature (~140°C to 360°C).

Figure 4. Raman spectra of the brownish yellow rough stone: Peaks at 299, 389, 415, and 550 cm–1 indicated goethite. Peaks at 126, 205, 261, 353, 464, and 501 cm–1 were consistent with the treated agate sample submitted to the lab. Spectra are offset for clarity.
The natural hematite in Shi Zi Hong agate, by contrast, has features including a very weak 660 cm–1 band and a high degree of order, by which genuine Shi Zi Hong agate can be distinguished from the brownish yellow agate that acquired an orange-red color by artificially heating goethite. These results show that the agate submitted by the trader as “Meng Liao” agate, resembling Shi Zi Hong agate, can be readily detected by its unique Raman spectrum displaying an obvious broad band at 660 cm–1 and a sharp peak at 501 cm–1. Consumers in the market for Shi Zi Hong agate should watch out for this treated material. Source: GIA @topic:12


Title: Fluorite in Brazilian Alexandrite Abstract: An octahedral fluorite crystal in a 1.25 ct Brazilian alexandrite. Photomicrograph by Hikaru Sato; field of view 2.37 mm.
The author recently examined a 1.25 ct transparent oval modified brilliant alexandrite. The stone possessed a single crystal inclusion in the shape of a perfect octahedron (see above). Raman analysis identified the crystal as fluorite (CaF2), which supported the alexandrite host’s origin determination of Brazil.
Fluorite crystals are occasionally found in Brazilian alexandrite (Z. Sun et al., “Geographic origin determination of alexandrite,” Winter 2019 G&G, pp. 660–681). However, they are often rounded in shape and rarely perfectly octahedral like the observed crystal here. Source: GIA @topic:2


Title: Helical Inclusion in Colombian Emerald Abstract: A three-dimensional helical inclusion in emerald. Photomicrograph by Taku Okada; field of view 2.93 mm.

GIA’s Tokyo laboratory recently examined a 7.54 ct natural emerald containing a 3D helical inclusion (see above) resembling a DNA double helix or fish bone. This helix, consisting of whitish grains, reached the emerald’s surface. The other associated inclusions were jagged three-phase fingerprints, growth tubes, and the gota de aceite optical effect (R. Ringsrud, “Gota de aceite: Nomenclature for the finest Colombian emeralds,” Fall 2008 G&G, pp. 242–245). All these features supported a Colombian origin. To date, three emeralds examined in GIA’s Tokyo laboratory that were reportedly Colombian have exhibited similar inclusions. This helical inclusion may therefore be a characteristic of Colombian emeralds. Such a discovery within a stone is always pleasing. Source: GIA @topic:3


Title: Spessartine Garnet in Aquamarine Abstract: Figure 1. A 7.98 ct blue aquamarine faceted by the author to display the garnet crystal within. Photo by Jessa Rizzo.
The author recently had the opportunity to examine and facet a sample of aquamarine rough. The aquamarine, reportedly from Pakistan, was acquired from gemstone dealer Ali Shad of Shad Fine Minerals (Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan). The rough was specifically selected for the large red garnet inclusion within. In preparation for faceting, the stone was oriented with the garnet inclusion as the primary focus. After careful planning and execution, a 7.98 ct modified emerald cut was achieved, highlighting the garnet crystal under the table facet (figure 1). Oblique fiber-optic illumination was used to observe the internal features of the aquamarine, revealing a well-formed red spessartine garnet crystal with iridescent colors along the garnet and aquamarine interface (figure 2). This is one of the most beautiful inclusions the author has seen in an aquamarine, and it is noteworthy as the gem was faceted to display the inclusion rather than to conceal or remove it.

Figure 2. The red spessartine garnet showed vibrant interference colors along the interface with the aquamarine host. Photomicrograph by Nathan Renfro; field of view 5.63 mm. Source: GIA @topic:3


Title: Condor Agate from Argentina Abstract: Core of a “Condor” agate containing faint hemispheres of fibrous, white chalcedony. Photomicrograph by Tyler Smith; field of view 14.52 mm.

“Condor” agates from the Mendoza region of Argentina are sought after by collectors for their vibrant colors and sharp banding. This variety of agate is named after the impressive Andean condor, which calls this mountainous region home. One such stone (see above) was recently examined for photomicrography. It displayed intense orange and yellow bands, likely colored by fine hematitic and limonitic concentrations. The banding ended abruptly at an opaque gray mineral interface that demarcated the transparent core. Contained within this lake were ghostly oolitic concretions, some of which enclosed their own hematite particles. Chalcedony is available in a dizzying selection of varieties and is a constant source of inspiring specimens. Source: GIA @topic:12


Title: Dislocation Chain in Oregon Sunstone Abstract: This orangy red Oregon sunstone contained an interesting decorated dislocation that was visible using fiber-optic illumination. Photomicrograph by Jessa Rizzo; field of view 4.79 mm.

The author recently examined a high-quality faceted orangy red Oregon sunstone weighing 6.77 ct. Examined under magnification with fiber-optic illumination, the stone displayed an unusual inclusion that consisted of a decorated dislocation string (see above). Copper exsolution platelets, which are common in Oregon sunstone, were also observed. In this example, the decorated dislocation followed a rectangular pattern, consistent with the crystal structure of the host feldspar. This unique light-scattering dislocation chain is the first that the author has encountered in Oregon sunstone. Source: GIA @topic:3


Title: Hematite in Quartz: “A Rose by Any Other Name” Abstract: Figure 1. A plain quartz silver pendant measuring 31.50 × 17.00 × 10.00 mm encapsulates extraordinary inclusions of complex hematite crystals. Photo by Conny Forsberg.

Careful exploration of the micro-world can often reveal extraordinary crystal formations, even in relatively inexpensive, somewhat ordinary jewelry. The silver pendant shown in figure 1, measuring 31.50 × 17.00 × 10.00 mm, was purchased by author CF in 1996 from a Brazilian dealer at the Pueblo Show in Tucson, Arizona. It stood out among many others for its aesthetic swarm of crystal inclusions (later identified by their color and morphology as hematite), while their host was confirmed to be quartz using standard gemological techniques, including refractive index and optical testing. Several of the included crystals exhibited a complex habit known to mineral collectors as a “hematite rose”—an aggregate of crystal platelets arranged very much like the blooms of its botanical namesake. One of these inclusions was oriented in such a way that it lent itself to easy observation and photomicrography; this is not always the case with jewelry pieces whose construction may obscure the internal view or make lighting the inclusions tricky. A halogen light source with dual fiber-optic wands was used to successfully illuminate the rose from an oblique angle and to bounce light off the microscope plate in order to provide transmitted lighting (figure 2).

Figure 2. One of the quartz cabochon’s perfect “rose” habit inclusions exhibits fine, well-crystallized thin platelets of hematite. Transmitted and oblique halogen fiber-optic lighting. Photomicrograph by Conny Forsberg; field of view 5.00 mm.
While quartz is a silicate, hematite is an iron oxide; both crystalize in the trigonal system. The surfaces of the fine, well-crystallized platelets of hematite exhibit triangular growth steps revealing this mineral’s underlying symmetry. These very thin plates reveal a deep red color in transmitted light. Quartz has a large thermal expansion coefficient, larger than that of hematite. Therefore, we would not expect cooling from the formation conditions to create a thin gap between the quartz and the hematite capable of producing thin-film interference colors, which are indeed absent here. Freely grown macro-specimens command hefty prices in the mineral-collecting world; however, an observant inclusionist may obtain one very frugally. This hematite crystal formation is as lovely as any rose and a fitting bloom for any gemologist’s micro-world garden. Source: GIA @topic:2


Title: Cornelia Goldsmith, 2013 JCK Rising Star Abstract: View Gallery

Background

	I grew up in Kiel, Germany and remember how I spent timeless summers along with my two sisters scouring the beaches of the Baltic Sea, always on the lookout for small pieces of golden amber amongst the sand and rocks. Although I had no formal training, this Baltic amber along with other small “treasures” of varying shapes and colors ended up in my very first creations of earrings and bracelets. It was a very humble beginning to a design career and I remember it fondly.

	I moved to the United States in 1988 and enrolled in my first jewelry making classes at the Massachusetts College of Art. Two years later I transferred to the technical program at the North Bennett Street School in Boston’s North End.

	Next, I studied under Cecelia Bauer in New York in the late 1980s and discovered the ancient granulation technique I have used extensively in my designs. I put my first jewelry line together while completing my technical studies and immediately began to sell some early designs for my collection at several arts and crafts shows locally.

	I established Cornelia Goldsmith Studio in Sausalito, California in 1994 and remained there, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, until early 2013 when I moved the design studio to San Francisco in an old brick building that overlooks San Francisco Bay.

	I completed the “Jewelry Design” course at GIA in 2011 to better learn how to render my ideas on paper. Prior to that I relied on some relatively basic sketches (some might say scribbles!) to develop my ideas. Being able to render my designs in watercolor has streamlined the first stage of a new earring or bracelet I might be thinking about and allows me to better visualize and incorporate color into my design from the first moment.

The Design Process

	I dream in shapes, colors and of little things that pass through my life. These motifs gradually transform into more developed ideas for a piece of jewelry, usually through several iterations of drawings. I feel a great need to get them out of my system once they become earrings, necklaces, brooches and rings. It feels very purifying, really, to design, render and fabricate some idea into existence as a finished piece of jewelry – and it is equally fulfilling when I am finally able to see my jewelry being worn.

	My jewelry reflects an enduring love of natural, organic forms that blend ancient and new world sentiments. I also have a deep appreciation for exacting craftsmanship and fine detail, which are very important to me and, I suppose, express my view of the world.

Favorite Gemstones and Metals

	There are so many beautiful gemstones, so it is really very difficult to choose a favorite. I do love to design with sapphires – just because they exist in so many gorgeous colors of the rainbow! I also use a lot of tourmalines. And of course diamonds – in all shapes and sizes.

	My jewelry is all handmade in various combinations of alloys such as 18K white and yellow gold, 21K yellow gold and platinum. I also like to make a few of the designs in silver.  We manufacture our own alloys in the workshop, making sheet and wire in all shapes and thicknesses.

Motivation

	Being a designer is very fulfilling for me and I love deriving my inspiration from all the little things that surround me in my life.

	I believe we should act as stewards of the planet and the environment, so take the extra time and expense to seek out and use conflict-free and recycled materials. I think that is of vital importance. We really have no other choice if we are to leave behind a world fit to inhabit for future generations.

	Cornelia Goldsmith. Photo provided by Cornelia Goldsmith. Source: GIA @topic:6


Title: New Find of Petroleum-Included Quartz from Madagascar Abstract: Figure 1. These two quartz crystal scepters containing a multitude of complex petroleum fluid inclusions (left) that fluoresce yellow to blue to long-wave UV light (right) are from a new deposit in Madagascar. The larger crystal weighs 11.05 ct and measures 22.81 mm in length. Photos by Annie Haynes; courtesy of Hidden Gem Gallery.
At the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show (TGMS), a new find of quartz with petroleum inclusions was offered for sale by Hidden Gem Gallery (Portland, Oregon). According to owner G. Moses Samora, the material is from the Andranotokana Massif in the Alaotra-Mangoro region of eastern Madagascar. Petroleum inclusions in quartz have been seen for a number of years from many deposits, most notably from Baluchistan, Pakistan (Spring 2004 Gem News International, pp. 79–80). The petroleum in these quartz crystals from Madagascar appeared brownish yellow and, as with many other petroleum inclusions in quartz, reacted to long-wave UV light with yellow to blue fluorescence (figure 1).

Figure 2. The new find of quartz from Madagascar contained complex fluid inclusions consisting primarily of petroleum, methane, asphaltite, and water (left). When exposed to long-wave UV light, the petroleum appeared to fluoresce a strong yellow. However, the digital camera used to capture the image registered the fluorescence as a blue color (right). Photomicrographs by Nathan Renfro; field of view 2.81 mm.
Microscopic examination revealed numerous complex fluid inclusions containing obvious brownish yellow petroleum, a gas bubble presumed to be methane, dark solids of what was likely asphaltite, and a colorless immiscible liquid that was probably water (figure 2). Interestingly, in some fluid inclusions the methane bubble was mobile provided there was enough available space within the petroleum-filled cavities. These components are consistent with petroleum fluid inclusions in quartz from other deposits. When exposed to long-wave UV light, the petroleum component strongly fluoresced light yellow (which appeared blue in the photomicrographs), as has been previously observed in similar material. The two crystals from this new deposit displayed a scepter morphology, which seems unusual, though it remains unclear whether this is diagnostic for the locality or just unique to these specific examples.
Microscopic inclusions in quartz are enjoyable to examine, and petroleum inclusions are of particular interest to the collector due to their spectacular UV reaction. The introduction of this new quartz find at the Tucson show is an exciting addition to the gem and mineral trade. Source: GIA @topic:2


Title: GIA Team Documents Oregon’s Sunstone Mines Abstract: The rich glow of red from inside this rough Oregon sunstone hints at its potential as a fashioned gem. Photo by Duncan Pay/GIA.

In July 2013, GIA’s Shane McClure, director of West Coast Identification Services in the Carlsbad lab; Duncan Pay, editor-in-chief of Gems & Gemology; and Robert Weldon, manager of photography and visual communications, traveled with videographer Kevin Schumacher to the remote southeast corner of the U.S. state of Oregon to visit three of the region’s sunstone mines. The team spent five days interviewing the miners and photographing/filming each mining operation. They also collected gem and rock samples for future research, which will be published in Gems & Gemology.

The unique nature of the gems and the harsh, yet beautiful high plains and desert landscape left an indelible impression on all the trip’s participants.

“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,” Schumacher said.

John Woodmark of the Ponderosa Mine couldn’t agree more, which is why he and his team work so hard to protect it.

“It’s a pristine area, it’s beautiful,” he said. “It’s wonderful just to come up here, let alone find a truly exotic gem like Oregon sunstone. We’ve got over a million board feet of huge ponderosa, most of them in the 250- to 300-year-old range, and we’re trying very hard not to disturb any of those trees and still get the same stones that we need to mine.”

Sunstone is a rare and exotic American gem. That’s what makes mining more than a commercial activity for the people GIA met on this trip, Schumacher said.

“It’s a passion, and a way of life ‒ they’re working hard to make Oregon sunstone a mainstream gem, one that enlightened consumers will ask their jewelers for. I’d never given much thought to sunstone before, but now I realize it’s a genuine treasure ‒ right on our doorstep.”

See the Field Report on Oregon sunstone in the Fall 2013 issue of Gems & Gemology, which includes Schumacher’s videos of mining activities and conversations with the dedicated souls that mine Oregon’s beautiful state gem.

A miner shows the GIA team the production from one of the sunstone mines visited. Photo by Duncan Pay/GIA. Source: GIA @topic:1


Title: Vesuvianite in Burmese Ruby Abstract: This vibrant yellowish green crystal in a faceted ruby from Myanmar was identified as vesuvianite. Photomicrograph by Nathan Renfro; field of view 1.20 mm.

It is a pleasant surprise when a gemologist encounters a vibrantly colored crystal in a gemstone, as most gems are either inclusion free or contain inclusions that are weakly colored due to their small size. When the authors discovered a vibrant yellowish green crystal in a Burmese ruby (see above), it was a very welcome sight. Green crystals in corundum are not common but do occur occasionally. Green spinel and pargasite both occur in gem corundum. The former, a singly refractive mineral, was ruled out immediately because this inclusion behaved as a doubly refractive mineral when examined between crossed polarizers. Doubly refractive pargasite remained a possibility. The surprise came when Raman microspectrometry identified the yellowish green crystal as vesuvianite, also known as idocrase. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time vesuvianite has been reported as an inclusion in ruby. Source: GIA @topic:2


Title: Nephrite Jade from Multiple Sources Abstract: Figure 1. This bead strand is from Pakistan (9 mm beads), while the bead bracelet is from Siberia (20 mm beads). Green nephrite from Pakistan has a very similar appearance to material from British Columbia. The Siberian beads are much brighter. Photo by Kevin Schumacher.
Green nephrite deposits are found at many locations around the globe, with British Columbia, Siberia, and northwestern China as the leading producers. Old and still active subduction zones with ophiolite have the potential to produce green nephrite. This is because green nephrite bodies are closely associated with their serpentinite host rocks, part of the ophiolite exposed on land when an ocean basin closes. All major green nephrite deposits cluster in this type of convergent-margin environment.
At the 2020 GJX show, Nikki Makepeace from Jade West in British Columbia showed the authors nephrite pieces from Pakistan, an emerging green nephrite source. The green to dark green appearance and the quality of these pieces (such as the bead strand in figure 1) are very similar to the production from British Columbia. In comparison, green nephrite from Siberia shows brighter colors (the bracelet in figure 1 and the pendant in figure 2). Ms. Makepeace informed the authors that the production from Pakistan is quite substantial.

Figure 2. High-quality nephrite from Siberia can sometimes show a color similar to that of green jadeite. Photo by Tao Hsu.
The earliest report on Pakistan nephrite was published in 1963, with the positive identification of two pebbles collected in 1955 in the riverbed of the Teri Toi in Kohat District of Pakistan (B.C.M. Butler, “Nephrite jade in West Pakistan,” The Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, No. 3/4, 1963, pp. 130–139). The geographical location of this deposit placed it in the collision belt along the Himalaya Mountains. This is the convergent margin between the Eurasian and Indian Plate when the Tethys Ocean closed about 50 million years ago, providing an ideal geological environment for nephrite formation.
In addition to the goods from Pakistan, the authors saw a large koru, a spiral shape often used in Maori art, made of nephrite from Afghanistan. Currently, Afghani materials are scarce on the international market. The only information the authors could find was that the rough comes from the Kohi-Safi District of central Parwan Province. This location is not far from the Pakistani deposit.
While buyers are still waiting to see more production from these emerging sources, green nephrite from British Columbia and Siberia still dominate the market. Siberian goods in general demand higher prices than materials from the rest of the world due to their brighter colors. British Columbian production is still high and can supply finished goods of all price ranges. Source: GIA @topic:13


Title: Fall 1993 G&G Book Reviews Abstract: “Gemstones of East Africa”
By Peter C. Keller, 144 pp., illus., publ. by Geoscience Press, Phoenix, AZ, 1992. US$50.00

“Health Risk Assessment of Irradiated Topaz (Nureg/Cr-5883bnlnureg-52330)”
By K. Nelson and J. W. Baum, 141 pp., available from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 1993.

“Opal Identification and Value”
By Paul B. Downing, 210 pp., illus., publ. by Majestic Press, Tallahassee, FL, 1992. US$38.95

To view the full section, download the PDF above. Source: GIA @topic:1


Title: Fall 1987 G&G Book Reviews Abstract: “Harry Winston, the Ultimate Jeweler, 2nd Edition”
By Laurence Krashes, 218 pp., illus., publ. by Harry Winston, Inc. (New York) and the Gemological Institute of America (Santa Monica, CA), 1986. US$75.00

“Alexandre Reza: Dreams of Yesterday, Realities of Today”
by Arlette Seta, 120 pp., trans. by Christine Jones, illus., publ. by Editions d'Art Monelle Hayot, Paris, 1985. US$50.00

“Crystal Growth Processes”
By J. C. Brice, 298 pp., illus., publ. by Blackie/HaIstead Press, Glasgow, 1986. US$61.95

To view the full section, download the PDF above. Source: GIA @topic:7


Title: Fall 1985 G&G Book Reviews Abstract: “A Field Manual for the Amateur Geologist”
By Alan M. Cvancara, 256 pp., illus., publ. by Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1985. US$12.95

“The Second Ring: A Jeweler's Guide to Computers”
By S. M. Hickel, 285 pp., illus., publ. by Pimiteoui Publications, Rodney, MI, 1985. US$19.95

“Des Pierres Precieuses Aux Pierres Fines”
By Claire and Alain da Cunha, 95 pp., illus., publ. by Librairie Plon, Paris, France, 1984. US$24.95

To view the full section, download the PDF above. Source: GIA @topic:9


Title: Photographing the Cheapside Hoard Abstract: Hazel Forsyth, the Museum of London’s senior curator of medieval and post-medieval collections. Image by Kevin Schumacher/GIA.

Robert Weldon, manager of photography and visual communications for GIA, had read about the Cheapside Hoard in a journal some years ago, but that did not prepare him for his first glimpse of the treasure.
“It was one of those moments where you don’t anticipate what you’re going to see,” he said. “We went down to the dungeon of the museum, past a bevy of guards – and you know why the guards are there – and all of the sudden we’re in an area that looks like some kind of laundry room. Everyone’s quiet. Suddenly you realize that there on a table are 20 of the most exquisite items you could imagine.”
He and videographer Kevin Schumacher had just spent hours interviewing and filming the staff and were distracted by lugging their equipment into the room. The collection was laid out on a big billiard-like table, with various pieces set on little pedestals.
“It almost didn’t register what the significance of the moment was,” Weldon said. “Finally seeing this treasure just sitting before us. That’s when the interviews of the day – where we had discussed the significance of certain pieces due to their age, the times they might have been carved, or the type of gem trade that had probably existed in the 1500 and 1600s– really came into focus.”
The Logistics
Weldon was instrumental in setting up the opportunity for GIA to document the Cheapside Hoard in a Gems & Gemology article. He contacted the museum after an introduction to Museum Director Sharon Ament by U.S.-based diamond dealer Alan Bronstein. A week later, he and Schumacher were on their way to London.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to really observe this treasure and to be able to relate its incredible and significant history,” Weldon said.
That meant the pressure was on for Weldon to figure out the most efficient way to travel with a limited studio, and yet be able to capture the best possible photos.
“I had to come up with a method to photograph these items, not knowing what my studio space was going to be like at the museum. And also understanding that when you send out a studio, you’ve got to deal with the customs issues and carnets,” he said. “So I went home and invented a small studio that collapses into a three- to four-inch thick tablet that can be packed into a bag and easily placed in a conventional suitcase. My camera and lighting came with me separately in the carry-on luggage. I didn’t even have a chance to test the mini-studio properly.
“It looks like nothing, but it’s how it’s used, along with the skill and understanding of what a piece needs before you photograph it,” he said. “Hazel Forsyth, senior curator of the collection, did not allow the pieces to be handled, put items down on the stage, and moved them around for us according to our wishes.”
Weldon and Schumacher spent the majority of the day, beginning at 8:30 a.m., documenting the museum and its various exhibits and interviewing staff about the Cheapside Hoard.
“I was getting more and more nervous as the interviews went on, even though I was the person asking the questions,” Weldon said. “Knowing that it was getting later and later, I was thinking, ‘when am I going to photograph the 20 Cheapside pieces?’.”
The still photography finally started at 4 o’clock. The museum staff made special arrangements for additional photography time, Weldon said and he was able to finish by 6:30.
“It’s practically unheard of to photograph that many significant pieces in just over two hours,” Weldon said, but he is proud of what they accomplished. “I felt it was important to document as many views of each item as we could ‒ and though this added to the time spent, I was happy because each piece had an incredible story to tell.”
A Life’s Work
Weldon interviewed Hazel Forsyth, who has written two books about the Cheapside Hoard, for nearly two hours.
“I am touched when thinking about her, because this is a woman who has dedicated a great portion of her professional life to really understanding this collection. This treasure is at the very core of what she does every day and she knows it absolutely better than anyone on earth,” he said. “She knows how something was put together and what the significance of it was at a certain place in time. She is the one who has also done more to uncover who the person, or persons, might be that put this treasure under the ground.”
He compares her talking about the collection to uncorking a bottle of wine.
“All of the sudden, all of this information is pouring out; this wonderful, incredible knowledge,” he said. “And then she’ll remind herself, ‘and oh by the way, there’s this other aspect of this jewel and here’s what we can say about that.’ She is able to look at certain aspects of the jewelry and tell you what may have happened. She has such incredible reverence for it.”
Lasting Impressions
“You are reminded about why you’ve become a gemologist and what an incredible trade we’re in,” Weldon said. “All of the things we studied, you’re seeing them right there in front of you.”
He was particularly fascinated with the carved emerald watch, knowing that emeralds from Colombia were only discovered by Europeans in the late 1530s, and that by the late 1500s were reaching the European lands.
“Here’s this magnificent emerald from Colombia, so you know it had to do with early trade with the Colombian emerald deposit that was to make such an incredible impression on the world,” he said. “Then European watch technology, only a hundred years old at that time, helped create this truly international, fusion jewel.”
“You’re transported back in time, because you’re looking at details that someone’s tool actually performed on the gem and you’re sort of channeling them by seeing it. You’re imagining who this person, or group of people, might have been that for whatever reason decided to bury this treasure under a floor. And inevitably you ask yourself: ‘what happened to those people?’ It’s a mystery.”
Those questions are fascinating to him, he said.
“We still don’t know how to solve all of the secrets of the Cheapside Hoard, although there were hints from Forsyth as to what might have been, and the exhibit at the London Museum till April 2014 also provides a strong clue.” Source: GIA @topic:6


Title: Brazil’s Emerald Industry Abstract: Figure 1. Open-pit mining at Belmont is conducted on a large scale. Trucks are constantly being filled with ore to be taken to the processing plant. Photo by A. Lucas.

              Since the 1970s, Brazil has been a consistent source of emerald. This is especially true today, with steady production from the Itabira/Nova Era belt in the gemrich state of Minas Gerais.

Along with successes there have been challenges for the Brazilian emerald industry. Increasingly strict environmental regulations and higher labor costs have made production more expensive. Mining companies have had disagreements with land owners, and there have been legal issues with the independent miners known as garimpeiros. Another challenging issue facing the mining, cutting, and trading sectors is the rapid rise of the Brazilian real against the U.S. dollar.

While Brazilian emeralds were not traditionally known for their quality, this perception has been changing. Stones from the Itabira/Nova Era belt reportedly sell for up to $30,000 per carat. Nova Era tends to produce clean faceted stones, which are highly popular with jewelry manufacturers. The emeralds’ fine color and good transparency make this material highly sought after in the marketplace.

	Belmont, Minas Gerais
The Belmont property was originally a cattle ranch and remains one today. But since 1978, Belmont has also operated a well-known emerald mine. It is managed by Marcelo Ribeiro, whose grandfather discovered emeralds on the ranch by accident. It began as an open-pit operation (figure 1). Bulldozers remove the weathered emerald-bearing material and transport it to a processing area for washing and sorting.

After two decades of open-pit mining, Belmont added underground operations in 1998. Miners were lowered into a 75 m vertical shaft, from which they dug side tunnels by hand or using explosives, removing the schist and bringing it back up the shaft.

An elevator carried five personnel as well as mined material in and out of the underground mine. During this contributor’s visit to Belmont in 2004, the company estimated another 10–15 years of production remained in the open-pit mine. Now they believe the open-pit area may have a much longer life span.

Since 2004, Belmont has expanded the underground operation into a ramp-style underground mine where trucks drive directly into the workings. The emeraldbearing schist is broken up by explosives, and front loaders empty it onto trucks to be taken to the processing plant.

Optical sorting has replaced hand picking of the emeralds. These devices are faster and have a higher recovery rate, while eliminating the possibility of theft. The optical sorting instrument used by Belmont can be cus tomized to identify a variety of minerals. A charge-coupled device (CCD) camera recognizes the emeralds in the schist by color, triggering an air blast that moves them to a conveyor belt (figure 2).

Figure 2. A conveyer belt brings ore into the optical sorter at Belmont for the CCD cameras to scan. Photo by Eric Welch.
Belmont has processed 70,000 tonnes of ore annually for the last three years, recovering 250,000 grams of rough emerald per year. That works out to 1 g of emerald per 0.28 tonnes of processed ore. But to obtain the 70,000 tonnes of emerald-bearing ore, Belmont must first remove 350,000 tonnes of overburden. While the average production of emerald-bearing schist is 6,000 tonnes per month, the output is higher during the dry season and lower during the rainy season that runs from September through February. Eighty percent of the production is from open-pit mining, 20% from the underground operation. This is because Belmont’s processing plant is designed primarily for the weathered material from the open-pit operation. The processing plant is being expanded to better handle the harder emerald-bearing schist. By the end of 2012, Belmont expects underground mining to account for half of the output.

On average, 1 g of rough emerald produces 1ct of faceted emerald, or 250,000 carats per year. The typical size range of the rough is 2–20 mm or 0.2–20 g. Belmont is known for high-quality rough that allows cutters to consistently produce calibrated 1–5 mm rounds, as well as 1–10 ct center stones for jewelry manufacturers.

The rough sorting facility is located in the nearby town of Itabira. Belmont sorts the rough for its manufacturing customers into 15 qualities and five different size ranges, for a total of 75 rough categories. About 80% of the rough sold by Belmont is cut in India.

The mine is currently undergoing expansion and will be adding another highly efficient optical sorter. The company is also expanding mining operations through a joint venture with former owners of the Rocha emerald mine, which borders Belmont to the north. Rocha opened in 2005 but closed after only a few years. The new joint venture is a 50/50 split between Belmont and the Rocha group, and Rocha has been renamed the Canaan mine, its original name. Discus sions are ongoing between the mining partnersand the land owner, who prefers the operation be an underground mine. Under Brazilian law a percentage of the production goes to the land owner, even when another company owns the mining rights. Belmont has opened a tunnel entrance into the Canaan mine that is currently 120 m long. Once it is 400 m long and 50 m deep, the drive-in tunnel will reach the mineralized zone, where core samples showed emerald-bearing rock. Belmont estimates that by July 2012 it will be removing the first trucks of emeraldbearing ore from Canaan for processing. Mr. Ribeiro expects a production rate comparable to that of the underground operation at Belmont, which is 3.5 to 4 g of emerald per tonne of ore. He believes the emeralds will be larger but have a lighter color due to lower chromium content.

Belmont’s water reclamation system incorporates a five-pond system that uses filtering and gravity to remove particles introduced by mining and processing. With plans to increase underground mining, there will be less fine particle overburden to remove by washing, resulting in less need for water. The company expects its water reclamation to be even more efficient and less expensive at that point, minimizing the impact on the environment.

Belmont estimates the life of the mine according to the market price for emerald. If the price goes up 30%, the mine’s life expectancy doubles. If the price drops 30%, the life of the mine is cut in half. At current prices, Mr. Ribeiro expects 20–30 more years of profitable operation unless the production rate increases significantly. Also contributing to the mine’s life span is the fact that Belmont cuts some of its own rough, thus moving up the value chain and recording higher profits per tonne of ore mined. By earning more revenue per tonne, Belmont can afford to mine deeper underground.

They currently cut 25% of the production by value (10% by volume). All of their cutting is done close to the mine.

	Capoeirana, Minas Gerais
Emeralds were discovered in the Capoeirana area of Nova Era in 1988. Here the extraction is done primarily by independent miners and smaller-scale operations. The emeralds can be of very good color and quality, surpassing those previously produced from Santa Terezinha de Goiás.

In 2004, this contributor saw considerable activity by independent miners in pits, tunnels, and shafts. The work was very labor intensive. The miners used some explosives but mostly hammers, picks, and shovels. They would load the ore in wheelbarrows, take it to a washing area, and dump a barrel of water over it. The miners would then use hammers to break up some of the larger pieces of schist, shovel the ore onto a washing screen, and continue breaking the pieces with a hammer. They would then sort through the screen by hand to look for any schist that contained emerald crystals (figure 3).

Figure 3. Much of the production at Capoeirana is done by independent miners. The processing of the ore is accomplished by simple hand washing. Photo by A. Lucas.
One operation was somewhat mechanized: The miner was strapped to a cable and lowered by a winch into the mine and then brought back up with bags full of ore to be processed.

A 2009 visit to the Capoeirana area revealed that things had changed considerably since 2004. This time there were far fewer miners working, and the village itself seemed noticeably quieter—there were no dealers in the street, and nobody offered emerald crystals for sale. One reason given for the downturn was that the area’s mines were becoming too deep for independent miners. Some of the shafts were reaching depths of 100 m, where it was difficult to work the hard rock using ladders and hand tools. Also, some of the underground workings were becoming very close to each other, and the thin walls between them increased the risk of cave-ins. The global economic recession also took its toll on the Capoeirana emerald miners, as it has on the entire Brazilian gem industry. Because emeralds are traded in the U.S. dollar and the Brazilian real has gained so dramatically against the dollar, it has become very difficult for these inde pendent miners to make a living. Many have moved on to other areas where the deposits might be easier to work, while others have returned to agriculture. Companies such as Belmont were looking to purchase some of these properties so they could bring in a more sophisticated and profitable operation.

Mining at Capoeirana is done by a cooperative in which individual miners hold rights to sections of the deposit. The miners must be part of the cooperative, and they can only buy mining rights from individuals who have purchased theirs from the cooperative.

The Montebello mine, under the management of Sergio Martins (Stone World, São Paulo), is a small but fairly mechanized operation, especially for Capoeirana, where most of the mining is done by garimpeiros. Montebello is an underground mine where the miners drill into the mica schist (figure 4) and load the holes with explosives. Using various hand tools and shovels, they load carts with ore. The carts are pulled along tracks to take the ore to the elevator, where it is hauled up to the surface for processing. The mineralized zone is approximately 100 m wide and 300 m deep.

Figure 4. At Montebello, miners drill into the hard schist to prepare it for blasting. Photo by A. Lucas.
Processing at the Montebello mine is also more sophisticated than elsewhere in the Capoeirana area. After washing the ore through sluices, the workers put it on a sorting table and carefully look for emerald crystals in the schist.

In recent months, since the beginning of the more sophisticated small-scale operations such as Monte - bello, Capoeirana has turned out fine-quality material and faceted stones from 10 to 20 ct. Overall production figures are hard to estimate due to the degree of smallscale mining, but a low estimate for the last two years is 20 to 30 kg per month of facet-grade material, with fine-quality material accounting for at least 1 to 2 kg of the total. Emeralds from this area tend to be larger, and it is rare to find rough less than 1 g (e.g., figure 5). However, most of the crystals break during removal from the schist. Even the broken pieces can weigh 20–50 g, and rough fragments as large as 1 kg have been recovered. The higher-quality material is typically kept in Brazil for cutting, with the rest exported primarily to India.

	Figure 5. Emerald crystals recovered from the schist at Capoeirana can be large. Photo
	by A. Lucas.

	Bahia
The state of Bahia produces approximately 500 to 1,000 kg of emerald each month, but the quality is usually lower than that of Itabira/Nova Era. While there aresome fine-quality stones from Bahia, the vast majority are highly included. Most of the mining is done by garimpeiros, in the Carnaíba and Socotó areas.

	Santa Terezinha de Goiás
Santa Terezinha in Goiás State was an important emerald-producing area from the 1970s through the 1990s, but the last decade has seen little production. One of the advantages of this area was that the emeralds were found by mining the deposit in a straight line. Because the emeralds were fairly evenly distributed, production was consistent and predictable. This is completely different from emerald mining in Itabira/Nova Era, where the gems are locally concentrated and output is more sporadic.

At Santa Terezinha, emeralds were found in talccarbonate schist as opposed to Nova Era’s harder mica schist. This made extraction of the emerald crystals easier.

	Cutting and Trading
Brazil’s emerald production goes to both domestic cutters and foreign buyers who take the rough back to cutting centers in their own countries. Companies from Jaipur, India, are able to buy entire mine productions because their cutting facilities can handle all sizes and qualities of emerald, and they have a market for the entire range of goods. This gives them a considerable advantage, allowing them to offer a good price for the entire production. Brazilian cutters have higher labor costs, so they must gear their operations toward the product they can sell for a price that absorbs these costs. Rather than purchasing the entire mine production, they must buy a pick of the mine production—and pay a higher price for it. They have become adept at paying just enough to make it enticing for the miners to sell them the better quality and sizes, while staying competitive in the global market. Brazilian cutters have found a niche in fine-quality calibrated goods that are enticing to manu facturers worldwide (figure 6). This enables them to hit a profitable price point, and they can also cut larger, good-quality emeralds.

Figure 6. The wholesale emerald trade in Brazil is quite active. Businesses such as Sergio Martins’ Stone World (shown here in his former office at Teofilo Otoni) enjoy a thriving international and domestic market. Photo by A. Lucas.

	The Future
There are substantial challenges facing the Brazilian emerald industry. Stricter environmental regulations increase the cost of mining and make future finds less likely. The cost of labor is constantly rising, making it necessary to invest in technology. As the Brazilian real grows stronger against the dollar, the revenue that can be realized is declining while costs are increasing. Yet the potential for emerald production from the Itabira/Nova Era belt remains extremely promising. These deposits may very well warrant the investment needed for exploitation.

With advanced mining technology, plus high-end domestic cutting generating greater revenue and moving mining companies up the value chain, the future of the Brazilian emerald industry looks very encouraging. Source: GIA @topic:1


Title: Iolite-Sunstone Intergrowth and Inclusions Abstract: Figure 1. An iolite-sunstone overgrowth crystal specimen. Photo by Kevin Schumacher.

At the GIA Carlsbad laboratory, the authors recently examined a cabochon of “bloodshot” iolite (containing red, eye-visible platelets of hematite) intergrown with a sunstone (figure 1). This material was reportedly sourced from India. Cordierite (iolite) and plagioclase feldspar is a common metamorphic mineral assemblage, and similar material reportedly from India has been documented in the past (Winter 1991 Gem News, pp. 261–262).
This “double” gem specimen displays a mixture of an attractive bluish violet dichroic color with red hematite platelet inclusions in the iolite half, combined with an orange aventurescence effect from numerous tiny copper-colored hematite platelets in the sunstone half.

Figure 2. This colorful inclusion scene showcases an anthophyllite crystal inclusion, which exhibits high transparency, several cleavage planes, and a thin/bladed prismatic crystal form. Photomicrograph by Jonathan Muyal; field of view 2.34 mm.
Viewing the stone under magnification offers an inclusion scene with a variety of well-formed hematite platelets, crystals, and liquid inclusions. Of particular interest was a fine elongated single-crystal inclusion of anthophyllite (figure 2).
The crystal shape of the anthophyllite could easily be mistaken for phlogopite, which has been documented in cordierite (E.J. Gübelin and J.I. Koivula, Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gems, Vol. 1, ABC Edition, Zurich, 1986, p. 268). In fact, several greenish brown prismatic phlogopite crystal inclusions were also observed inside the same specimen. Nevertheless, the anthophyllite crystal was conclusively identified by Raman microspectrometry analysis. The anthophyllite crystal inclusion showed a bladed prismatic crystal form, orangy yellow color, transparency, and several cleavage planes.
Although amphibole mineral inclusions have been documented extensively, distinct prismatic anthophyllite crystal inclusions are very rare and few references are found in the literature. Anthophyllite is more common in lamellar or fibrous form, classified as asbestos.
This combination iolite-sunstone specimen and its inclusions offer a unique visual composition that makes it a desirable piece for a gem collection Source: GIA @topic:2