Figure 1. Pleochroism in a 15 ct tanzanite, as seen with the unaided eye through the crown and the pavilion sides and ends. Photo by Wimon Manorotkul. ABSTRACT While virtually all gemological texts ...

The distinction of natural from cultured pearls traditionally has been based on X-radiography. X-ray computed microtomography (μ-CT) has recently been applied to gain more insight into pearl ...

This article presents information about the CVD process, the history of its development, and properties that differentiate the resulting synthetic crystals from natural diamond.

Malaya garnets from Bekily, Madagascar, are predominantly pink to pinkish orange, with some stones orange to red. Discovered only in the late 1990s, the majority are intermediate members of the pyrope ...

While more people are becoming familiar with lab-grown diamonds, many still don’t know how they are actually made. Learn about the two diamond growth processes, HPHT and CVD.

Reports on a visit to a shell nucleus manufacturer and two pearl farms in northern Vietnam, which is emerging as a notable producer.

A behind-the-scenes exploration of the Smithsonian's Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals.

ABSTRACT Aquamarine and heliodor are colored by Fe ions, an important coloring agent for beryl. Blue to yellow gem beryl was studied by quantitative spectroscopy and trace-element analytical ...

Sri Lanka’s gemstone and jewelry industry blends traditional practices and experience with the needs of the modern global market. Photo by Andrew Lucas/GIA. To visit Sri Lanka is to experience one of ...

Diamonds have a long history as a premier gemstone—a natural consequence of their beauty, rarity, and superlative physical properties such as extreme hardness. Diamonds that are mined for use as ...

Carbon is one of the most important elements on our planet, which led the Geological Society of London to name 2019 the Year of Carbon. Diamonds are a main host for carbon in the deep earth and also ...

Journey with us to Brazil for a visit to one of the world’s most prolific tourmaline mines. You’ll also hear a highly captivating story of family success through perseverance.