GEM NEWS International - GIA · GEM NEWS INTERNATIONAL GEMS & GEMOLOGY SPRING 2002 87 tion in the...

86 GEM NEWS INTERNATIONAL GEMS & GEMOLOGY SPRING 2002

EDITORBrendan M. Laurs ([email protected])

CONTRIBUTING EDITORSEmmanuel Fritsch, IMN, University of Nantes, France ([email protected])

Henry A. Hänni, SSEF, Basel, Switzerland([email protected])

Kenneth Scarratt, AGTA Gemological Testing Center,New York ([email protected])

Karl Schmetzer, Petershausen, Germany ([email protected])

James E. Shigley, GIA Research,Carlsbad, California ([email protected])

Christopher P. Smith, Gübelin Gem Lab,Lucerne, Switzerland ([email protected])

GEM NEWS International

SPECIAL REPORTA New Corundum Treatment from Thailand. In December2001, these authors learned of a new type of heat treatmentbeing done in Thailand that purportedly could change theabundant light pink sapphire from Madagascar to a beauti-ful “padparadscha” color. At the time, treaters said onlythat the stones were being heated in an oxygen atmosphereand they believed the process was new and revolutionary.

Subsequently, we were told by Ken Scarratt, of theAGTA Gemological Testing Center (AGTA-GTC), and

other colleagues that in addition to the pink Madagascarmaterial, green sapphire from Songea (Tanzania), and evenold stocks of Thai ruby were involved. When, in earlyJanuary, we had our first opportunity to examine some ofthese stones, it was clear that more than one type of corun-dum was being treated by this process. By that time,gemologists had noted that many of these stones were dif-ferent from the heat-treated corundum we typically exam-ine, which gave rise to the belief that there was more to the“heat” treatment than was being disclosed.

Examination of Treated Samples. Our initial researchinvolved the examination of 48 stones treated by this pur-portedly new process. Pala International of Fallbrook,California, kindly loaned GIA 27 of the treated sapphires,all faceted, which they had recently obtained in Thailand.Shortly afterward, we received from D. Swarovski and Co.of Austria an additional 16 treated sapphires—10 facetedand six preforms. They reported that the 10 faceted sam-ples were provided by Metee Jungsanguansith of WorldSapphire in Chanthaburi, Thailand, who (according toSwarovski) is one of the key people involved in this pro-cess. At the same time, five corundums that appeared tohave been treated in a similar manner were submitted toour New York laboratory for identification. Of these 48samples, six were orange, 35 were pinkish orange to orangypink, and seven were orangy red to red-orange (see, e.g., fig-ure 1). The samples ranged from 0.34 to 3.53 ct, with most1–2 ct. Four of the six orange stones were purported to orig-inate from Songea, while the origin of the orangy red to red-orange stones is unclear at this time. All the other sampleswere reportedly from Madagascar.

The gemological properties of these stones were, for themost part, typical for corundums of these colors. Therewere only minor variances from the norm. For example,the orangy red stones had slightly elevated refractiveindices (1.766–1.774) and an abnormally strong iron absorp-

Figure 1. A new corundum treatment is being donein Thailand to produce the colors seen here

(0.43–1.09 ct). Although the earliest colors seen fromthis process were orangy pink to orange and orangy

red, more recently we have also seen yellow sap-phires. The starting material consists of various col-ors, including pink, colorless, light green, and dark

purple-red. Photo by Maha Tannous.

GEM NEWS INTERNATIONAL GEMS & GEMOLOGY SPRING 2002 87

tion in the desk-model spectroscope. The R.I. measure-ments were consistent when taken on several facets of thesame stone. With magnification, most of the stonesshowed evidence of high-temperature heat treatment in theform of altered and heat-damaged inclusions. In fact, therewas evidence that the temperatures being used were evenhigher than normal; for example, zircon inclusions, whichusually survive the heat treatment process, were destroyedin these samples.

Soon after reports of this new treatment appeared, itwas noted that the orange color did not go all the waythrough many of these stones (see, e.g., Web siteswww.agta.org/consumer/gtclab/orangesapphirealert.htm,www.palagems.com/gem_news.htm). Most of our samplesalso revealed evidence of a surface-related color when theywere immersed in methylene iodide and examined overdiffused light with a microscope. In fact, 36 of the stonesshowed a distinct orange color layer following the facetedshape of the stone over a pink central core (see, e.g., figure2). In many of these, the layer was only near the surface,penetrating just 10%–20% of the stone, with an appear-ance similar to that produced by diffusion treatment inblue sapphires (see, e.g., R. E. Kane et al., “The identifica-tion of blue diffusion-treated sapphires,” Gems &Gemology, Summer 1990, p. 117—figure 2). In several ofthe stones, however, the color layer extended deeper thanany diffusion treatment we had seen in the past. In fact, ina few samples the layer penetrated more than 50% of thedistance to the center of the stone, with one extendingapproximately 80%. Immersion also showed the presenceof small spotty blue zones in the cores of the orangy red tored-orange stones.

Five of the pinkish orange to orangy pink samples dis-played uneven coloration, but either did not have a sur-face-related color zone or the zone was very indistinct.One showed alternating bands of orange and pink in ahexagonal pattern. Another was mostly orange with smallareas of yellow.

Only four of the 48 stones, all orange, had the samecolor throughout. These four were represented as beingSongea sapphires that were originally green.

Although the near-surface, facet-related orange layerevident in many of these stones was very similar to thecolor zoning seen previously in diffusion-treated stones, we

observed none of the other identifying characteristics of dif-fusion: There was no higher relief in immersion, patchysurface color, or concentration of color at facet junctions.

We performed a quick color stability test on one pink-ish orange sample by heating the stone in the flame of analcohol lamp and then comparing it to a control sample ofthe same color. We observed no change in the colorappearance of the test sample.

Advanced Testing. All the surface diffusion-treated stoneswe have studied to date have shown an abnormal concen-tration of the color-producing metallic ion used in the diffu-sion process, such as titanium or chromium, at or near thesurface. With this in mind, we performed energy-dispersiveX-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) qualitative chemical analysison the surface of five of the above samples. Three were pre-forms that were sawn in half (with the sawn surfaces thenpolished) and also analyzed by electron microprobe atRutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Neitherof these techniques revealed the abnormal chemistry thatwe would expect from diffusion-treated material.

Dr. John Emmett, president of Crystal Chemistry inBrush Prairie, Washington, suggested that very low concen-trations of some light elements, such as magnesium, coulddiffuse easily into corundum at high temperatures and pro-duce this kind of color change. These elements are belowthe detection limits of the instruments mentioned above,so we turned to two more-sensitive techniques: laser abla-tion–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Forboth of these procedures, we started with the three sawnpreforms that were used for the microprobe analysis.

LA-ICP-MS, performed at Boston University, revealed

Editor’s note: Bylines are provided for contributing editorsand outside contributors; items without bylines were pre-pared by the section editor or other G&G staff. All contribu-tions should be sent to Brendan Laurs at [email protected] (e-mail), 760-603-4595 (fax), or GIA, 5345 Armada Drive,Carlsbad, CA 92008.

GEMS & GEMOLOGY, Vol. 38, No. 1, pp. 86–106© 2002 Gemological Institute of America

Figure 2. Many of the sapphirestreated by this new process

have surface-related color zon-ing that is visible when theyare immersed in methylene

iodide. The 1.55 ct stone on theleft shows an orange layer over

a pink core. The 1.80 ct stoneon the right shows a yellow

layer over a near-colorless core.Photomicrographs by Shane F.

McClure; magnified 10×.

trace amounts of Mg, Ti, V, Cr, Ni, and Ga that in almostall cases gradually decreased in concentration from theoutside rim of the stones to the center. However, none ofthese elements showed a direct, consistent relationship tothe surface-related color zones.

LA-ICP-MS is one of the most sensitive analytical tech-niques in chemistry, particularly for “heavy” elements (i.e.,those with high atomic weights) such as platinum, gold,and uranium. However, it is not always accurate for “light”elements such as lithium, beryllium, and boron.

SIMS analysis is very sensitive to both light and heavytrace elements, because the “background” (interferencefrom other charged particles of the same or similar mass-es) is close to zero. We therefore had SIMS analysis per-formed at Evans East Analytical Laboratory in EastWindsor, New Jersey.

The SIMS results proved quite interesting (table 1).Although some chemical variation from the rim to thecenter was detected for all the elements analyzed, themost pronounced variation was seen in beryllium. In fact,SIMS consistently recorded 20 to 30 times more Be nearthe surface than in the center of each of the three samples.

The SIMS results strongly suggest that Be was diffusedinto the crystal structure of the corundum from the sur-face. These data also indicate that other elements are enter-

ing the corundum to a lesser degree. The diffusion may beoccurring as a collateral effect of the heating process andthe “packing chemicals” used, or it may be the result ofdirectly adding a Be feed source during the heating process.Beryllium atoms are relatively light in atomic weight andsmall in size. Furthermore, although Be can combine withoxygen, it does not do so by forming an anion species—such as (SiO4)

2− or (BO3)3−—which would significantly limit

the diffusion speed and thus the diffusion distance within agiven time. For these reasons, it is possible for beryllium tomigrate readily into the corundum at high temperatures. Itshould be noted, however, that we do not know of anyinstance where Be is a chromophore in corundum or anyother gem material. The presence of Be may simply be anindication of a more complex chemical reaction that is tak-ing place to cause the change in color.

Recent Developments. These results, most of whichwere published in the January 28 and February 15, 2002,issues of the biweekly GIA Insider (see www.gia.edu/news/ViewIssue.cfm?volume=4&issue=5#2), promptedtwo of the authors (SFM and TM) and Ken Scarratt of theAGTA-GTC to travel to Bangkok in early March. Withthe cooperation of the Thai Gem & Jewellery TradersAssociation, we held several discussions with dealers and


TABLE 1. Summary of trace-element composition analyzed using SIMS (in ppm weight).a

Material Sample no. Color Position Na Mg K Ca Cr Ga Be

Corundum 39402 Orange Rim 0.04 132 0.05 1.55 975 89.8 276Pink Midpoint 0.06 128 0.04 1.26 797 59.7 26.4Pink Center 0.04 92.0 0.02 0.81 664 49.9 26.9

39403 Orange Rim 0.63 154 0.66 8.36 373 144 462Pink-orange Midpoint 0.39 96.5 0.32 1.38 242 77.0 107Pink Center 0.28 83.7 0.26 2.09 206 59.0 27.8

39404 Orange Rim 3.46 146 4.24 7.98 697 137 452Pink Midpoint 0.84 97.8 1.35 1.90 473 95.1 26.2Pink Center 0.59 72.3 0.74 1.18 333 57.2 26.8

45002 Orange Rim 0.60 151 0.91 1.86 1122 125 229(treated half)

45031 Pink Rim 0.04 125 0.04 1.22 744 77.4 22.8(untreated half)

45082 Pink Rim 0.75 215 0.40 2.71 2136 143 479Center 8.79 181 5.78 2.30 1814 93.8 31.5

45032 Orange Rim 0.58 106 1.18 2.18 1705 123 291Center 1.80 96.6 4.75 1.50 1363 82.9 466

45033 Orangy red Rim 0.24 93.3 0.27 1.10 1798 66.5 36Center 0.31 90.9 0.35 0.95 1809 64.6 313

45035 Yellow Rim 4.20 28.6 6.07 0.96 14.4 181 402Center 1.05 36.6 1.66 0.69 13.2 197 458

Crucible 45100 — Inner surface 66.9 944 3.33 675 289 83.8 4610— Outer surface 117 2217 9.71 702 138 75.9 3875

a The elements Na, Mg, K, Ca, Cr, and Ga were quantified using ion-implanted reference materials and their concentrations should be accurate within±25% (1σ). Beryllium was quantified using calculated relative sensitivity factors, and its concentration should be accurate within ±200% (1σ). An ion-implanted Be standard has recently been created to increase the accuracy of these data.

treaters from Bangkok and Chanthaburi, and obtaineddozens of additional samples.

As of mid-April, we had performed SIMS analyses onseven additional samples (see, e.g., table 1). (For details on thecharacteristics of these samples, see the GIA Insider, April 19:www.gia.edu/news/ViewIssue.cfm?volume=4&issue=9.)With one exception, all of the treated corundums had ele-vated Be levels. The one exception was a blue stone withno surface-related color zoning. We had this blue stone test-ed because it was represented as having been heated in thesame crucible as stones that developed a surface-relatedcolor zone. SIMS revealed very little Be in either the rim orthe core. Most significant were the analyses of two halvesof a single stone, only one of which was treated by this newmethod (figure 3). The SIMS results showed approximately10 times more Be in the treated half than in the untreatedhalf. Greater amounts of Na, Mg, K, Ca, Cr, and Ga werealso present in the treated portion, although the increasesover the concentrations recorded in the untreated half werenot as significant.

In an attempt to track down the source of the berylli-um, we obtained SIMS analyses on a fragment of a ceramiccrucible that was used to hold stones that were treated bythis new method. Compared to the sapphires, the crucibleshowed much higher concentrations of Na, Mg, K, Ca, andin particular, Be (~4,000 ppm). In fact, the Be concentrationof the crucible was approximately 10 times higher thanthe highest concentration detected in the treated sap-phires. We are currently trying to acquire an unused cru-cible to see if the Be is inherent to the crucible.

In Bangkok, we learned that many different colors ofsapphire, including blue, can be treated by this new methodin the same crucible at the same time, and a variety of dif-ferent colors will be produced. Some of these stones willdevelop surface-related color zones, others will develop anew color throughout the entire stone, and still others willnot change at all. Although we do not fully understand thereason for this, we suspect it is related to the variable chem-istry of the individual stones. The fact that many colors canbe produced in the same crucible seems to be the underly-ing reason why those performing this treatment feel it can-not be a diffusion treatment as they know it: When theyintentionally do “diffusion treatment,” all of the stones inone crucible would emerge as basically the same color.

Discussion and Conclusion. Although we do know thathigh temperatures are involved, currently we do not knowthe exact treatment method(s) being used. However, thefact that the coloration may not extend through the entirestone is a significant issue for the gem trade. When a com-ponent of a stone’s color is confined to a relatively shallowsurface layer, there is always a danger that the color of thestone may change if it has to be recut. For example,according to William Larson of Pala International, a 2.69 ctemerald cut examined for this study originally had a large“window.” When the stone was recut in an attempt to

reduce the window, the color became more pink thanorange: Most of the orange color layer was removed fromthe pavilion during recutting (figure 4).

According to the Academic Press Dictionary ofScience and Technology (C. G. Morris, Ed., AcademicPress, San Diego, CA, 1992), one definition of diffusion issimply “the movement of individual atoms through acrystal lattice.” We cannot dispute that some kind of dif-fusion is taking place in these stones, since we know ofno other mechanism that can create these distinct, sur-face-related color layers in faceted corundum. At thistime, however, we question whether this new treatmentshould be classified in the same category as the surfacediffusion-treated stones we reported on in the past. If onlybecause of the distinct differences between the two, itmay be necessary to separate them in some manner.However, we do not believe we have enough informationat this time to make that judgment.

What we do know is that the mechanism behind thecolor change in these stones appears to be extremely com-


Figure 3. The right half (0.87) of this pink sapphirefrom Madagascar was treated by the new process. Thesurface-related orange zone that was developed in thetreated half significantly changed the sapphire’s colorappearance as compared to the untreated 0.86 ct halfon the left. Photo by Elizabeth Schrader.

Figure 4. This 2.69 ct treated sapphire was recut inan attempt to improve its appearance. As seen herein immersion, much of the surface-related colorzone on the pavilion was removed, which resultedin a significant change in the face-up color of thisemerald-cut sapphire. Photomicrograph by Shane F.McClure; magnified 10×.

plex. It is not simply heat treatment or diffusion treatmentas either has been described in the past. There are definite-ly elements entering the corundum during the treatmentprocess, but it is not clear what effect these elements arehaving on the color of the sapphires. It is not even clearwhat the source of these elements is: the crucible, thelocal environment (such as the oven), a chemical flux, orperhaps even other materials such as beryl or chrysoberylheated together with the corundum.

It is likely that the extreme temperatures being used arecausing reactions that are not well documented in the sci-entific literature or have not been documented at all. Wewill continue to research the process with different tech-niques and greater numbers of samples so that the industrycan fairly and accurately disclose the nature of the treat-ment to consumers.

Terminology of Laboratory Reports. The AGTA-GTC, GIAGem Trade Laboratory, Gübelin Gem Lab, and SSEF SwissGemmological Institute agreed that it was imperative todevise a unified disclosure policy to address this matter. Thefour labs formulated a terminology and disclosure policy forthose color varieties of corundum that reveal evidence ofheat treatment and have a surface-related orange color layer,as described above. There are two parts to the agreed-upondeclaration policy. The first concerns the use of the namepadparadscha, and the second concerns the actual wordinggiven on the laboratory report.

1. Those labs that typically apply the variety name pad-paradscha to sapphires that display an orangy pink topinkish orange face-up appearance will not apply thename to these treated stones.

2. All reports for these treated sapphires will include thefollowing statements:

Species: Natural CorundumVariety: Treated (Orange) SapphireComments/Treatments: Indications of heating.

The orange coloration of this stone is confined to a sur-face-related layer.

If new information becomes available concerning thenature of the treatment, it may be necessary to amend thispolicy.

Shane McClure, Thomas Moses, Wuyi Wang,Matthew Hall, and John I. Koivula

GIA Gem Trade Laboratory, New York and Carlsbad

AUTHORS’ NOTE: At press time, we were informed byYianni Melas of Swarovski and Co. that they have been try-ing to recreate this new treatment in an effort to understandthe process and help alleviate the confusion surrounding it.Swarovski scientists Arno Recheis and Thomas Rauch,under the leadership of Dr. Wolfgang Porcham, have suc-ceeded in reproducing yellow-to-orange colors in sapphire byadding chrysoberyl to the crucible during high-temperatureheat-treatment experiments.

Mr. Melas explained that the parcels of yellow sapphirerough he purchases for Swarovski in Madagascar may con-tain as much as 30%–40% chrysoberyl. He added that sinceall the stones in these lots are waterworn pebbles, and someof the chrysoberyls are virtually the same color as the sap-phires, it is difficult to readily separate the two materials. Itis possible, therefore, that the process was discovered origi-nally by the accidental inclusion of chrysoberyl in a crucibleof yellow sapphire during heat treatment.

To date, Swarovski scientists have run five experimentswith five stones treated in each experiment. Blue, yellow-green, and dark red corundum from Songea was used, aswell as pink sapphire from Madagascar. Mr. Recheis report-ed that the blue material turned yellow but varied in tonefrom light to dark. He also said that the yellow-green turnedyellow, the dark red turned orangy red, and the pink turnedorange. They intentionally treated these stones so that thecolors extended all the way through. As a result, they didnot produce any with the pinkish orange color associatedwith surface coloration.

The 2002 gem shows in Tucson, Arizona, provided anamazing diversity of gem materials—some from newlocalities—and included several interesting conferencesand symposia. Both public and private meetings were heldto discuss hot topics such as the new Thai heat-treatedorange and “padparadscha”-like sapphires (see SpecialReport above) and the controversy over alleged linksbetween tanzanite and the al Qaeda terrorist network.Reports on some of the gem materials seen at Tucson arepresented here, along with a selection of conferences.Additional items seen at the Tucson shows will appear inthe Summer 2002 GNI section.

CONFERENCE REPORTSHighlights of the Tucson Diamond Symposium. TheTucson Diamond Show sponsored three panel discussionson synthetic and HPHT-treated diamonds (February 7),diamond cut (February 8), and changes in the diamondpipeline (February 10).

The seminar on synthetic and HPHT-treated diamondsfeatured Dr. James Shigley of GIA Research, ChristopherSmith of the Gübelin Gem Lab, Alex Grizenko of LucentDiamonds, Charles Meyer of Lazare Kaplan International,Martin Haske of Adamas Laboratories, and JewelersVigilance Committee general counsel Cecelia Gardner. Mr.


TUCSON 2002

Grizenko said that producers of synthetic diamonds wouldcontinue to improve and change their processes, makingidentification more difficult. These products will have theirplace in the market, he added, so the industry should notfear them. Mr. Smith reviewed various detection proce-dures for HPHT-treated and synthetic diamonds, and Mr.Haske maintained that some of the detection work couldbe accomplished by instruments specially built for the pro-cess. Dr. Shigley reviewed GIA research on synthetics,much of which has been published in Gems & Gemologyover the past 15 years, and said that work on HPHT-treateddiamonds was ongoing, as GIA continues to build adatabase. Ms. Gardner told the audience that, regardless ofthe material, the burden of disclosure ultimately falls onthe retail jeweler, so it is the retailer’s responsibility tolearn and understand about treatments and synthetics.

The diamond cut panel included Charles Meyer, PeterYantzer of the AGS Diamond Grading Laboratory, Dr. IleneReinitz of GIA Research, Leon Cohen of Codiam, and DavidFederman representing Eight Star Diamond. Mr. Meyer ledoff the discussion with the comment that a quantifiable cutstandard is required to protect the consumer and help holddiamond value. He acknowledged that there may never be a“definitive opinion on what makes a beautiful diamond, butwe do need a recognized standard.” Dr. Reinitz and Mr.Cohen stressed that specific facets, often overlooked in pro-portion analyses, were extremely important. “Every facetmatters,” said Dr. Reinitz, although GIA research has foundthat the lower girdle facets are particularly important:“Light coming into the crown is three times more likely tohit a lower girdle facet than a pavilion main.” Mr. Cohenalso argued that facets must be aligned as perfectly as possi-ble because they act as mirrors.

Noting that interest in diamond cut has grown tremen-dously, Mr. Yantzer indicated that 8,000 Web sites addressthe subject. He said recent studies have validated theexpertise of diamond cutters in deriving the most beautyfrom a round brilliant diamond, and noted that “Ideal”proportions have evolved over the years to yield greaterfire and brilliance. Mr. Federman told how devices such asthe Fire Scope and Hearts and Arrows viewers in Japanprovided an easily understood, observable way to deter-mine that a diamond was well cut. All the panelists agreedthat cut evaluation was progressing to a system basedmore on actual “performance”—especially with regard tofire and brilliance—than on a single set of proportions.

The discussion on changes in the supply pipeline fea-tured Youri Steverlinck of the Diamond High Council inAntwerp, Joe Landau of Joseph Landau Inc., Phoenix gemdealer Gary Wright, Ben Janowski of Janos Consultants,and this contributor. According to Mr. Janowski, diamondprices will become more volatile and retailers will be facedwith slimmer inventories, which means fewer choices forconsumers. De Beers Diamond Trading Company (DTC)sightholders will continue to ally themselves with largeretailers, resulting in the disappearance of some mid-sized

chains. Synthetics could be a “major problem” to theindustry, he noted, even with detection measures in place,because they could destroy the mystique of diamonds.

The contributor of this GNI entry said that a worldwithout DTC domination would not bring massive dia-mond sell-offs and cataclysmic price declines as predictedby some writers. The major producers will keep a certainorder to the market even without old-style De Beers custo-dianship. Mr. Steverlinck predicted that new manufacturingcenters, particularly in China and Eastern Europe, will bringan excess of production capacity that will increase competi-tion among diamond centers. De Beers will probably reduceits $200 million generic diamond advertising campaigns,because its market share has declined to about 60%.

Noting that diamond margins continue to fall, Mr.Landau told the audience that “respect” has to be rebuiltin diamonds through quality initiatives, branding, and cre-ative packaging so consumers feel they are getting some-thing special. Mr. Wright, however, countered that thebiggest problem in the industry was “Conflict of Interest”diamonds, those that diamond companies sell direct toInternet dealers or even to consumers on their own Websites, thus undermining margins.

Russell ShorGIA, Carlsbad

[email protected]

8th Symposium on the Gems and Minerals of Afghanistan.On February 9, this symposium provided a comprehensivelook at the current status of the gem and mineral industryof Afghanistan. The goal was to formulate plans forresearch, mining, and marketing these commodities in away that would provide employment, foreign currency, andtax revenue to the people and government of Afghanistan.About 20 participants and observers were present; thisreport provides a summary of the formal presentations. Thesymposium was organized by Gary Bowersox (GeoVisionInc., Honolulu, Hawaii); for more information, visitwww.gems-afghan.com/8-symposium.

In his introduction, Mr. Bowersox emphasized that min-ing gems and minerals can offer immediate benefits toAfghanistan by providing jobs and foreign currency, whilepromoting peace. Gems & Gemology editor Alice Kellerthen reviewed the importance of this country as a source offine emerald, tourmaline, aquamarine, and other gem min-erals. Engineer Mohammed Es’Haq (Panjshir, Afghanistan)provided an informative assessment of the political and mil-itary situation. Although optimistic about the future, he isconcerned that foreign and domestic rivalries could under-mine peace efforts. Mir Waees Khan (Jegdalek Ruby Corp.,Peshawar, Pakistan) outlined the status of the ruby and sap-phire mines at Jegdalek, where most work has been sus-pended until the political and military situation improves.

After showing a new film called “The Gem Hunter inAfghanistan” (see review in this issue), Mr. Bowersoxdescribed how his exploration in 2002 will focus on the


central Asian region—concentrating on Tajikistan if condi-tions do not allow access to Afghanistan. Dr. Larry Snee ofthe U.S. Geological Survey (Denver, Colorado) describedthe resources available from his organization for traininggeologists and performing a mineral resource assessment ofAfghanistan and neighboring countries. High-resolutionsatellite-based mapping can now be used to identify miner-als on the surface and delineate geologic terranes that arepromising for mineral exploration. Derrold Holcomb(ERDAS Inc., Atlanta, Georgia) provided further details onthe capabilities of these remote-sensing techniques, withcase studies illustrating how minerals, rock types, and tec-tonic features are mapped from satellites (figure 5). GaryClifton, a geologist from Coleville, California, discussedways of funding gem exploration activities in Afghanistan.

Gemological presentations at the 23rd Annual FM-TGMS-MSA symposium. “Minerals of Africa” was the theme ofthis year’s symposium organized by the Friends ofMineralogy, Tucson Gem & Mineral Society, and theMineralogical Society of America. Abstracts of the talkswere published in the Mineralogical Record (Vol. 33, No. 1,pp. 75–82). Four presentations included gem minerals.

Chris Johnston (Omaruru, Namibia) reviewed therecent discoveries of aquamarine, jeremejevite, and otherminerals in the Erongo Mountains of central Namibia. Hewarned of realistic fakes that are difficult to detect and wellexecuted by gluing crystals to matrix. Alexander Falster(University of New Orleans, Louisiana) explored the com-position of gem-quality yellow, green, and colorless “ortho-clase” feldspar from Itrongay, Madagascar. X-ray diffractionanalysis of several samples obtained in Madagascar in 2001showed they were sanidine, rather than orthoclase. Dr.Karen Webber (University of New Orleans) discussed thecomposition of gem tourmaline from three pegmatite areasin Madagascar. Samples studied from the Antandrokombymine were elbaite, whereas those obtained from theAnjanabonoina mine and the Fianarantsoa district were lid-dicoatite. Dr. William “Skip” Simmons (University of NewOrleans) and Dr. Federico Pezzotta (Museo Civico di StoriaNaturale, Milan, Italy) described the occurrence and com-position of rhodizite-londonite from Madagascar; gem-qual-ity material is known from the Antsongombato andTetezantsio pegmatites.

COLORED STONES AND ORGANIC MATERIALSAmethyst from Afghanistan. Jack Lowell (Colorado Gem &Mineral Co., Tempe, Arizona) showed GNI editor BrendanLaurs some attractive amethyst that was mined recently insoutheastern Afghanistan (figure 6). The material was beingsold in Tucson by Haleem Khan (Hindu Kush Malala Gems


Figure 6. This amethyst crystal cluster and gem-stone (12.96 ct) come from eastern Afghanistan.Courtesy of Jack Lowell; photo by Maha Tannous.

Figure 5. This image map of Afghanistan’s PanjshirValley region (northwest of the emerald mines) was

made with imagery from the United States’s newU.S. ASTER satellite. The sensor captures 14 wave-

length ranges (or bands) in the visible, near-infrared,short-wave infrared, and thermal spectral regions.Selected specifically to aid in mineral exploration,

these bands can reveal mineral signatures at a reso-lution of 15 m per pixel. The green areas are vegeta-

tion along the rivers. The white areas in the center ofthe image are clouds. Courtesy of Derrold Holcomb.

& Minerals) and Farman Ullah (Rocks & Minerals Co.),both of Peshawar, Pakistan. They reported that the Afghanideposits were discovered in mid-1999 at two localities,Makur (or Maquar) and Zarkishan (or Zarkashen), in theKoh-I-Suleman range. The local people drill and blast for theamethyst, but there is little systematic mining or modernequipment. The rough is sold to local distributors in the vil-lage of Ali Khail near Makur, and then is taken to Peshawarfor international distribution. Mr. Khan said that crystalsweighing up to 8 kg have been found, and he estimated thatthe total production from both deposits is 25,000 kg, with5% being gem-quality. As of April 2002, Mr. Lowell hadobtained 750 carats of the faceted amethyst, in sizes rangingfrom approximately 3 to 21 ct.

Fossilized “Stingray” coral. Mark Castagnoli of Placer GoldDesign, Vancouver, Canada, had some interesting fossilizedcoral at the King’s Ransom booth in the AGTA show. Thematerial debuted at the JCK show in 2001. According toMr. Castagnoli, this extinct coral of the genus Favosites isfrom the Silurian period (i.e., 408–438 million years ago).So far, a few kilograms have been recovered from just onearea of an ancient reef that is exposed in the intertidal zoneof a remote island off the coast of Alaska’s Prince of WalesIsland. Fossilized Favosites from the Prince of Wales areahave been documented by S. M. Karl et al. (“Reconnaissancegeologic map of the Duncan Canal/Zarembo Island area,southeastern Alaska,” U.S. Geological Survey Open-FileReport 99–168, 1999; see http://wrgis.wr.usgs.gov/open-file/of99-168/PDF/of99-168-pamphlet.pdf).

Mr. Castagnoli chose this trade name because the mate-rial (figure 7) reportedly resembles the patterns shown by theskin of a stingray. The distinctive cellular structure consistsof white to gray or blue-gray cells that are outlined in black(see figure 7, inset). Each cell originally contained a coralpolyp, which was separated from neighboring polyps by athin wall. Similar fossil corals that have been used in jewelrycontain larger cells (see, e.g., R. V. Dietrich, Gemrocks:Ornamental & Curio Stones, http://www.cst.cmich.edu/users/dietr1rv/gemrx.htm, accessed March 28, 2002).“Stingray” coral is being used principally as inlay in men’saccessories such as rings, tie tacks, and cufflinks.

Canadian emerald discovery in the Yukon. In September1998, emeralds were discovered at Regal Ridge (alsoknown as the “Crown showing”) in the Finlayson Lakearea of southeastern Yukon Territory (61°17’N, 130°35’W).The deposit was found by geologists working forExpatriate Resources, who were exploring for base metalsin the area along the Tintina fault. Preliminary reconnais-sance of the deposit was encouraging, and in summer 2001the first mechanized prospecting was performed by TrueNorth Gems Inc., Vancouver, Canada. True North has anoption with Expatriate for 50% ownership of the propertyin exchange for a US$1.1 million work commitment overfive years. This contributor, a consultant for True North,

showed rough and cut emeralds from the exploration workto G&G editors in Tucson. Representatives of TrueNorth—Bernard Gaboury and Brad Wilson—also providedinformation for this report.

The Regal Ridge emerald occurrence encompasses a sur-face area of approximately 900 ×400 m, with a depth downto 100 m. The emeralds occur in sulfate-tourmaline zonesin altered chlorite-mica schist adjacent to quartz veins, andrarely within the veins (see L. A. Groat et al., “Canadianemeralds: Geology, mineralogy, and origin of the Crownshowing, southeastern Yukon,” Canadian Mineralogist,manuscript accepted 2002). At least eight such veins, up to1 m thick, have been identified. The best emeralds are a sat-urated bluish green with high clarity (figure 8); Groat et al.report average values of 3,208 ppm Cr and 171 ppm V from


Figure 7. “Stingray” coral is a new gem material fromAlaska. Distinctive patterns are created by its cellularstructure (see inset). The polished slab in the centermeasures 6.1 × 3.6 cm; photo by Maha Tannous. Insetphotomicrograph by John I. Koivula; magnified 10×.

Figure 8. This emerald (0.11 ct) was cut from mate-rial recovered in the course of near-surface explo-ration activities at Regal Ridge in the YukonTerritory, Canada. Courtesy of True North GemsInc.; photo by Brad Wilson.

electron microprobe analyses of 25 samples. Most of thestones faceted so far are small (i.e., less than 0.25 ct); thelargest faceted stone is 0.50 ct, and the largest cabochonweighs 2.08 ct. The small stone sizes are thought to resultfrom the breakage of the near-surface material during sea-sonal freeze-thaw cycles in the arctic environment. Intactcrystals of significant size are anticipated in the permafrostzone, below about 10 m depth.

Five faceted emeralds (0.09–0.14 ct) from Regal Ridgewere loaned to GNI by True North. Standard gemologicalproperties were obtained by GIA’s Elizabeth Quinn: R.I.—nω=1.587–1.591, nε=1.579–1.584; birefringence—0.007–0.008; S.G.—2.70–2.76; and inert to long- andshort-wave UV radiation. Cr absorption lines were seen

with a desk-model spectroscope. These properties are con-sistent with emeralds from other localities, although theR.I. values are relatively high (i.e., comparable to emeraldsfrom Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Madagascar; see R.Webster, Gems, 5th ed., Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford,England, 1994).

Microscopic examination of these samples by John I.Koivula revealed minute black crystals (possiblychromite); slightly rounded, brassy yellow crystals (possi-bly pyrite); near-colorless crystals with the appearance of acarbonate; two- and three-phase inclusions (some withbirefringent solid phases); and color and growth zoningthat formed a partial hexagonal pattern when viewed par-allel to the optic axis. Groat et al. identified the followingmineral inclusions in their samples: calcite, chalcopyrite,molybdenite, phlogopite, pyrite, quartz, tourmaline, andzircon; also chromite, scheelite, and other minerals wereidentified within tiny cavities in their samples.

Regal Ridge is Canada’s first potentially commercialemerald deposit. True North is continuing its evaluationprogram with surface and bulk samples in summer 2002.

William RohtertHermosa Beach, California

[email protected]

Red andesine feldspar from Congo. In Tucson, Dr. LaurentSikirdji of Saint-Ismier, France, had some attractive redfeldspar from Africa that resembled red labradorite fromOregon (see, e.g., C. L. Johnston et al., “Sunstonelabradorite from the Ponderosa mine, Oregon,” Winter1991 Gems & Gemology, pp. 220–233). He was told by hiscontact (who wishes to remain anonymous) that the sourceis actually a new find in the Democratic Republic ofCongo. This contributor examined three stones (figure 9),ranging from 1.04 to 8.95 ct.

The red color is irregularly distributed, and some areasare almost colorless. There was no hint of green, as issometimes seen in Oregon labradorite. R.I. values were1.551 and 1.560, with a birefringence of 0.009. According tothese values, the composition of these plagioclase samplesfalls in the range of andesine (slightly less than 50% anor-thite component), rather than labradorite. The optic signwas biaxial negative, and the specific gravity was 2.67. Thestones were very weakly pleochroic, with one of the redcolors being slightly more orangy than the other.

The stones fluoresced a weak to medium orange tolong-wave UV, which was strongest in the zones with theleast color. When they were exposed to short-wave UV,there was a weak red emission with an even weaker bluesurface-related luminescence.

All three stones contained the same inclusion scene:many parallel, lath-like groups of very small, reflectiveinclusions (figure 10), causing a schiller-like effect. Theseare presumably copper platelets, by analogy with theOregon material. Some twin planes also were seen.

A visible-range spectrum of the 1.04 ct sample in ran-


Figure 9. These three andesines (1.04 to 8.95 ct) arereportedly from a new find in the DemocraticRepublic of Congo. Courtesy of Laurent Sikirdji;photo by A. Cossard.

Figure 10. Several parallel, lath-like groups ofminute reflective inclusions are responsible for theschiller-like effect in andesine from the DemocraticRepublic of Congo. Photomicrograph by E. Fritsch;magnified 30×.

dom orientation revealed increasing absorption from about700 nm toward the ultraviolet, which is probably due tolight scattering by copper platelets causing the schiller. Onthis was superimposed a moderately broad band with anapparent maximum at about 565 nm; this has been attribut-ed to absorption by copper particles that are too small toscatter light, as is observed in “ruby” glass and redlabradorite from Oregon (see A. N. Hofmeister and G. R.Rossman, “Exsolution of metallic copper from Lake Countylabradorite,” Geology, Vol. 13, 1985, pp. 644–647). EF

Fluorite from Afghanistan. A new source of attractivegem-quality green-to-blue fluorite has been found nearKandahar, Afghanistan. One of the dealers selling thematerial in Tucson was Mohammad Khan of M. K. Gems& Minerals, Stanton, California. He reported that thedeposit was discovered in 2001, and estimated that morethan 100,000 carats have been faceted so far from about200 kg of gem-quality material produced.

Mr. Khan loaned two emerald-cut fluorites (19.05 and27.91 ct; figure 11) to GNI editor Brendan Laurs for exami-nation. Standard gemological properties were recorded byGIA’s Elizabeth Quinn: color—bluish green and green-blue; R.I.—1.436 or 1.437; S.G.—3.19; optic character—singly refractive with moderate cross-hatched anomalousdouble refraction; fluorescence—weak blue to long-waveUV, and very weak greenish blue to short-wave UV;Chelsea filter reaction—pink; and no absorption featuresseen with a desk-model spectroscope. Microscopic exami-nation revealed “fingerprints,” two-phase (fluid-gas) inclu-sions, clouds, pinpoints concentrated in parallel layers, andcleavage fractures.

The attractive natural colors and transparency in rela-tively large sizes are notable characteristics of fluoritefrom this locality.

Green fluorite from the Rogerley mine, England. Recentactivities at the Rogerley mine, located in the historic

Weardale mining district in County Durham, northernEngland, have produced numerous specimens of “emer-ald” green fluorite. A moderate amount of gem-grade fluo-rite also has been recovered (figure 12). To date, gemstonesup to approximately 15 ct have been faceted by Terra(David and Maria Atkinson) of Sedona, Arizona, as well asby Jonté Berlon Gems (Buzz Gray and Bernadine Johnson)of Fallbrook, California; they were being sold by Terra atthe GJX show. Byron Weege of Pala, California, has fash-ioned cabochons up to approximately 25 ct and set theminto gold jewelry appropriate to this soft material (e.g.,brooches and pendants); these were being sold by UKMining Ventures (UKMV) in Tucson. This contributor is apartner in UKMV and has assisted with recent miningactivities for the material.

Aside from its deep green color, one of the most interest-ing aspects of Rogerley mine fluorite is its strong bluish pur-ple-white fluorescence to long-wave UV radiation, whichproduces bluish purple overtones in sunlight. Such intensefluorescence in fluorite has been attributed to elevated con-tents of rare-earth elements (see H. Bill et al., “Origin of col-oration in some fluorites,” American Mineralogist, Vol. 52,1967, pp. 1003–1008); recent analyses have confirmed rela-tively large amounts of Y, Ce, La, Sm, and Nd in theRogerley mine material (A. U. Falster et al., “REE-contentand fluorescence in fluorite from the Rogerley mine,Weardale, County Durham, England,” Rocks & Minerals,Vol. 76, No. 4, 2000, pp. 253–254).

The Rogerley deposit was discovered in the early1970s by local mineral collectors Lindsay Greenbank andMick Sutcliffe, who worked the mine part-time throughthe early 1990s and produced a limited but steady supplyof high-quality specimens. Fluorite has been recoveredintermittently from other deposits in the area as well. InMay 1999 a new partnership (UKMV) began mining full-


Figure 11. The war-torn area near Kandahar,Afghanistan, is the source of these attractive fluo-rites (19.05 and 27.91 ct). Photo by Maha Tannous.

Figure 12. Green fluorite from the Rogerley mine innorthern England has been fashioned into attractivefaceted stones (here, 5.8–9.4 ct) and cabochons.Courtesy of UK Mining Ventures; photo by Jeff Scovil.

time during the summer months. Working primarilyunderground, a crew of two to four miners uses ahydraulic diamond chainsaw to recover large specimenswithout damaging them (see J. Fisher and L. Greenbank,“The Rogerley mine, Weardale, County Durham,England,” Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 75, No. 1, 2000, pp.54–61). The mineralized cavities are hosted by a verticalvein and by metasomatic zones or “flats” that extend lat-erally from the vein. To date, the most attractive materialhas been produced from the flats. These crystals typicallyare penetration twinned on {111}. Individual crystalsattain sizes up to 8 cm, and sometimes contain purplecores or narrow pale yellow zones near the surface.

Jesse FisherSan Francisco, California

[email protected]

Demantoid garnet from Iran. Since mid-2001, attractivecrystals of demantoid have been mined from a tribal area insoutheastern Iran. At the 2002 Tucson show, rough and cutmaterial was shown to GNI editor Brendan Laurs by SyedIftikhar Hussain (Syed Trading Co., Peshawar, Pakistan) andDudley Blauwet (Dudley Blauwet Gems, Louisville,Colorado). According to both dealers, the deposit is locatedin Kerman Province, near Jiroft; Mr. Blauwet further speci-fied that it is situated near the village of Soghan.

Yellowish green to green single crystals and crystalclusters as large as 2–3 cm have been produced, althoughmost range from 2 to 10 mm in diameter. The clustersform rounded translucent aggregates, whereas the singlecrystals are typically transparent in smaller sizes (i.e., 2–3mm) and semitransparent to translucent in larger sizes.Mr. Hussain had obtained about 150 kg of rough in severalparcels, with just 5 kg suitable for cutting mixed gradesand 2–3 kg of top-end material. He estimated that about2,000 carats have been faceted, in sizes ranging from 1 to 8mm in diameter. Faceted stones over 0.70 ct are uncom-mon, and also tend to become too dark.

Mr. Hussain and Mr. Blauwet supplied several rough

and cut samples to GNI for examination. Standard gemo-logical properties were obtained by GIA’s Elizabeth Quinnon six faceted stones (0.12–1.13 ct; figure 13): color—yel-lowish green to green, medium to dark; R.I.—greater than1.810; S.G.—3.86–3.89; optic character—singly refractivewith moderate to strong anomalous double refraction;inert to long- and short-wave UV radiation; pink reactionto the Chelsea filter; and Cr doublet (620 and 640 nm) seenwith the desk-model spectroscope. Microscopic examina-tion revealed “fingerprints” in all samples, as well asfeathers and needles. Subparallel colorless straight orcurved fibers occurred in three of the samples; however,these fibers were not seen in radial arrangements or associ-ated with chromite grains, as is typical of the “horsetails”in demantoid from Russia. Also seen in two samples wasprominent angular yellowish green and brownish orangecolor zoning.

Blue, biaxial positive kyanite from Nepal. Dr. LaurentSikirdji also showed this contributor a large parcel (about100 stones) of faceted blue kyanite from Nepal that heacquired in Bangkok in late 2001. Such material was brieflymentioned in the Spring 1999 Gem News (p. 51). Unlikethe typical gem-quality kyanite from Brazil, the vast major-ity of kyanite from Nepal is homogeneous in color andnearly free of inclusions. The stones in this parcel rangedfrom approximately 1 to 3 ct and were oval cut.

Dr. Sikirdji loaned this contributor two stones for fur-ther study: a homogeneously colored 1.42 ct oval that wastypical of the parcel, and a 1.67 ct dark blue oval with adistinct near-colorless zone across the width of the stone(figure 14). This color zonation is the reverse of that oftenobserved in the Brazilian material, which typically has astrong blue band cutting through an area of much lightercolor. Both gems had a specific gravity of 3.60. The R.I.values were 1.710–1.727 and 1.711–1.728, respectively,with a birefringence of 0.017. These values are fairly typi-cal for kyanite. However, contrary to many gemologicalreference books (e.g., R. Webster’s Gems, 1994; GIA’s GemReference Guide, 1995), the optic sign of these kyaniteswas biaxial positive, not negative. This was first pointedout by Y. Lulzac (“Manuel de Détermination des PierresTaillées de Joaillerie ou de Collection,” Nantes, France,2001, privately published), who stated that kyanites arecommonly biaxial positive, and only rarely negative.

The Nepalese samples show the strong light blue–darkblue pleochroism that is typical of kyanite. When exposedto short-wave UV radiation, they revealed a weak but dis-tinct yellowish green luminescence in the homogeneoussample and in the colorless band of the zoned stone. Thelong-wave UV reaction appeared similar, but much weakerand not very distinct.

Quantitative chemical analyses were performed with aJEOL-5800LV scanning electron microscope (SEM)equipped with a Princeton Gamma Tech energy-dispersiveIMIX-PTS detector. The composition of the homogeneous


Figure 13. Iran is a new source for demantoid garnet.These stones (0.12–1.13 ct) were selected to showthe range of color and size that is available fromthis deposit. Courtesy of Syed Iftikhar Hussain andDudley Blauwet; photo by Maha Tannous.

stone, as well as both color parts of the other kyanite, werevery similar: 35.13–35.32 wt.% SiO2 and 61.64–62.07 wt.%Al2O3. The slightly low totals (about 97 wt.%) may beexplained by the presence of light elements (e.g., traces ofwater) that cannot be detected by this method. A verysmall amount of iron was detected as well—about 0.3wt.% Fe2O3—in the dark blue zones. In the homogeneousstone and the near-colorless zone, the level is below thedetection limit (0.3 wt.%) for this instrument, although theiron peak height was lower in the near-colorless zone.

UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy was performed on aVarian Cary 5G spectrophotometer. The random-orientationspectra of both blue kyanites were similar: a weak, sharpdoublet at 380–385 nm, another doublet at about 430–450nm, and a broad band with a maximum at about 610 nm,with somewhat noticeable shoulders around 530 and 650nm. This broad band is responsible for the color, and wasmuch weaker in the near-colorless zone. These spectral fea-tures are reminiscent of those of blue sapphire, which sug-gests that the weak, sharp bands are due to Fe3+ in octahedralcoordination, substituting for Al3+. The broad band at about610 nm is likely caused by Fe2+–Fe3+ charge transfer, and theshoulder at about 530 nm is possibly due to Fe2+–Ti4+ chargetransfer. This interpretation is consistent with the chemicalanalysis (Ti would be at concentrations well below detectionlimits, and only low Fe concentrations are necessary) and thedata review provided by R. G. Burns (MineralogicalApplications of Crystal Field Theory, Cambridge UniversityPress, 1993, pp. 129–130). EF

Pargasite from China. At the Best Western Executive Innhotel, Yunfu Gao and Quing Mei showed this contributorsome interesting green crystals that were being sold asemerald from Wenshan, Hunan Province, China (figure15). The crystals ranged up to 3.5 cm long, and were host-ed by a white crystalline matrix. They were vivid green

and semitransparent to translucent; some also containedsmall areas that could be faceted.

However, their diamond-shaped cross-section was nottypical of emerald, so this contributor purchased somesamples and took them to Dr. Robert Downs, professor ofmineralogy at the University of Arizona (in Tucson), foranalysis. Raman spectroscopy of the green mineral wasinconclusive, since there was no matching spectrum in hisRaman database. The white matrix was identified as a car-bonate (calcite and/or dolomite). Next, the green mineralwas analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction. On the basis ofthe resulting pattern, it was identified as pargasite (anamphibole), with cell parameters closely matching thosefor a chrome-bearing pargasite published by M. Raudseppet al. (American Mineralogist, Vol. 72, 1987, pp. 580–593).

Green pargasite crystals of this size are quite rare. Thedealer also was selling red spinel crystals from the samelocality, and some of the pargasite specimens contained thered octahedrons. The same mineral association (withsmaller pargasite crystals) is known from marble layersnear Hunza, Pakistan; specimens from that locality wereavailable at Andreas Weerth’s TGMS show booth this year.Gem-quality pargasitic hornblende is known from SriLanka and the Baffin Island area in Nunavut, Canada, butso far only yellowish or greenish brown to dark brownstones have been faceted from those localities (B. Wilson,pers. comm., 2002; see also W. Wight, “Check-list for raregemstones—Hornblende,” Canadian Gemmologist, Vol.15, No. 4, 1994, pp. 110–113).

Samir-Pierre KanaanParis, France

[email protected]

Cultured pearls with gem inlays. The jewelry design teamof Gabriele Weinmann and Wigbert Stapff of Weinmann +Stapff, Heidelberg, Germany, has developed a novel proce-dure for setting inlays of various gem materials into cul-tured pearls. These Magic Pearls™ (patent pending) wereavailable at the Pala International booth during the AGTAshow. The manufacturing process involves removing oneor more imperfect sections of a cultured pearl and setting a


Figure 15. This vivid green, 3.5-cm-long crystal fromHunan Province in China was identified as parga-site. Courtesy of Samir-Pierre Kanaan; photo byMaha Tannous.

Figure 14. These kyanites from Nepal (1.67 and 1.42ct) were found to be biaxial positive. Note the dis-tinct near-colorless layer across the width of thestone on the left. Courtesy of Laurent Sikirdji;photo by A. Cossard.

precisely cut piece of gem material into the resulting cavi-ty with a rim of gold or platinum. Opal is the principalmaterial used for the inlay (figure 16), although a variety ofother gems (e.g., tourmaline, topaz, and emerald) also areemployed depending on the color of the cultured pearl andthe client’s preference. Both round and baroque culturedpearls from every major freshwater and saltwater pearl-producing region are used, in sizes ranging from 8 to 30+mm in diameter.

Ruby from northern Kenya. Tim Roark of Tim RoarkImports, Atlanta, Georgia, showed GNI editor BrendanLaurs some rounded fragments of ruby from an unspeci-fied new deposit in northern Kenya (figure 17). Accordingto Mr. Roark, the deposit is basaltic in origin, and was dis-covered in early 2002. About 1–1.5 kg/month of rough hasbeen produced, yielding faceted stones in the 0.25–1.5 ctrange. The largest ruby faceted so far weighed approxi-mately 2 ct. Some of the material was heated in anattempt to brighten its color, but little change was seen.The stones in figure 17 show an attractive red color with-out heat treatment.

Black spinel from Mexico. A rich alluvial deposit of high-quality black spinel was discovered in January 2000 byArturo Hernandez in the mountains near the village ofAcaponeta (22.30°N, 105.21°W), between Mazatlán andPuerto Vallarta in Nayarit State. Mr. Hernandez and this

contributor showed GNI editor Brendan Laurs a parcel ofthe rough and cut spinels during the Tucson shows.

To date, the spinel has been recovered from four tribu-taries (see, e.g., figure 18) that originate from Mesa delMalpais (elevation 300 m), located about 7 km northwest ofAcaponeta. The productive area, which covers 3.5 km2, isunderlain by alkali basalt flows and interlayered mafic tuffsof Tertiary age. Black spinel has been found in significantconcentrations in a few areas of both the tuffs (which aretypically altered to clay) and the basalt, the latter withaccessory peridot and augite. However, the greatest concen-tration of spinels has been found in the alluvium, soil, andunderlying decomposed material.

Since its discovery, the high-grade surface material hasbeen worked intermittently by Margarita Mining Co.(Arturo Hernandez and Ray Fortier), employing up to 20local miners at a time. This material averages about 1 kg ofspinel per cubic meter, and in some areas contains up to 5kg/m3. Currently, the miners sort the material using squaresieves with 0.7, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 cm mesh, discarding piecessmaller than 0.5 cm. About 90% of the production byweight will produce stones of 0.5–1.0 ct; the top 10% willfinish 3 ct stones on average, but 15–20 ct gemstones arenot uncommon. So far, the largest rough recovered was a66.2 gram water-worn pebble, and the largest faceted stoneweighs 34.46 ct.

The dominant octahedral morphology of the spinel ismodified by cube and dodecahedron faces in some crystals;rarely, dodecahedra are dominant. Spinel-law twinning on{111} is common, often resulting in unusual elongate formsand macles. Three rough and three cut samples were loanedby this contributor to GNI for examination (figure 19).GIA’s Elizabeth Quinn recorded the following properties ontwo faceted samples (14.05 and 20.17 ct): R.I.—1.762 and


Figure 16. The Magic Pearls™ in this necklace areaccompanied by emerald beads. The AustralianSouth Sea cultured pearls (15.0–17.5 mm) havebeen inlaid with opal and 18K gold. Courtesy ofWeinmann + Stapff; photo by Robert Weldon.

Figure 17. These unheated rubies (2.53–3.39 ct) arefrom a new deposit in northern Kenya. Courtesy ofTim Roark Imports; photo by Maha Tannous.

~1.772 (unclear reading), S.G.—3.79 and 3.82, and both wereinert to long- and short-wave UV radiation. The R.I. andS.G. values are consistent with the spinel-hercynite series(MgAl2O4–Fe2+Al2O4), and an X-ray powder diffraction anal-ysis by GIA’s Dino DeGhionno also indicated that thespinel contains some hercynite component. SEM-EDS qual-itative chemical analyses of several samples by Dr. ShaneEbert at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver,Canada) revealed dominant aluminum, as expected, withmajor amounts of Mg and Fe.

The Acaponeta deposit is unusual for the prevalence ofrelatively large crystals of black spinel that are appropriatefor jewelry applications. Because it takes a high polish, thespinel is particularly suitable for checkerboard cuts andfaceted beads (again, see figure 19).

William RohtertHermosa Beach, California

[email protected]

More on cuprian elbaite tourmaline from Nigeria. Severaldealers in Tucson were selling the new cuprian elbaitesfrom Nigeria (see, e.g., Fall 2001 GNI, pp. 239–240; C. C.Milisenda, “Cuprian tourmalines from Nigeria,”Gemmologie: Zeitschrift der Deutschen GemmologischenGesellschaft, Vol. 50, No. 3, 2001, pp. 121–122). Thestones were being marketed under various trade names,such as African Paraíba, Indogo tourmaline, and BlueGlacier tourmaline. Most of them showed a similar lightgreenish blue color that is reportedly derived from the heattreatment of blue-violet to “amethyst”-colored material.

Marcelo Bernardes (Manoel Bernardes Ltd., BeloHorizonte, Brazil) loaned four samples of the tourmaline(0.77–1.10 ct; figure 20) to GNI editor Brendan Laurs forgemological examination and chemical analysis. GIA’sElizabeth Quinn obtained the following gemological prop-erties: color—light to medium greenish blue; pleochro-ism—very weak to weak, light greenish blue and verypale greenish blue; R.I.—nω=1.618–1.620, nε=1.636–1.638;birefringence—0.018–0.019; S.G.—3.06–3.07; Chelsea fil-ter reaction—yellowish green; inert to long- and short-wave UV radiation, except for one stone that fluorescedvery weak bluish green to long-wave UV; and a cutoff at650 – 660 nm seen with a desk-model spectroscope.Microscopic examination revealed two-phase (liquid-gas)inclusions, “fingerprints,” fractures with low relief, nega-tive crystals, and colorless mineral inclusions thatappeared to be feldspar. These properties are comparableto those reported in the Fall 2001 GNI section for thistourmaline, and overlap those of elbaite from Paraíba,Brazil (see E. Fritsch et al., “Gem-quality cuprian-elbaitetourmalines from São José da Batalha, Paraíba, Brazil,”Fall 1990 Gems & Gemology, pp. 189–205). Although theNigerian tourmaline commonly is heated to bring out thegreenish blue color, none of the samples showed evidenceof heat treatment.

Electron-microprobe analyses of the four samples


Figure 18. An alluvial deposit of high-quality blackspinel was found in January 2000 in Nayarit State,Mexico. Arturo Hernandez, who discovered thedeposit, is standing in an exploratory pit in La Viejacreek that yielded approximately 5 kg of spinel from5 m3 of alluvium. Photo by William Rohtert.

Figure 19. The Mexican spinel is typically found asslightly rounded octahedrons (top, 11.43–33.88 ct).The material shows good luster and has been cutin relatively large sizes (bottom, 14.04 ct cushionshape, 28.04 ct faceted bead, and 20.16 ct roundbrilliant). Courtesy of Margarita Mining Co.; photoby Maha Tannous.

were performed at the University of New Orleans. Theresults confirmed that the tourmalines are elbaite, with0.04–0.23 wt.% CuO. There were significant variations inthe copper content within each sample; the largest varia-tion was 0.04–0.15 wt.% CuO in five point analyses. Theonly other chromophore present in significant amountswas manganese (0.06–1.72 wt.% MnO), which alsoshowed considerable variation within each sample.Minute amounts of bismuth (up to 0.09 wt.% Bi2O3) alsowere detected, but the levels were near the detection

limit for the instrument. Titanium and Fe were notdetected, nor was Mg, V, Cr, Zn, Ba, or Pb. As stated inShigley et al. (“An update on ‘Paraíba’ tourmaline fromBrazil,” Winter 2001 Gems & Gemology, pp. 260–276),cuprian elbaites from Nigeria and Brazil share overlappingchemical as well as gemological properties. Those authorsreported that they know of no way to separate similar-appearing material from the two countries.

BL and William “Skip” Simmons and Alexander Falster

University of New Orleans, Louisiana

Vesuvianite from Kenya. Transparent vesuvianite isattractive and durable enough to be worn in jewelry, but itis more commonly sold as a collector’s stone. At theAGTA show, Tim Roark had faceted vesuvianite from anew location south of Nairobi, Kenya, that was discoveredin April 2001. Mr. Roark reported that of approximately1–2 tons of rough removed, only about 1–2% has been fac-etable. The stones, which resemble peridot, were availablein sizes up to 5 ct; larger stones were too dark to be mar-ketable. In April 2002, Mr. Roark learned that the localgovernment recently closed the mining operation due toits location near a game park.

This contributor obtained standard gemological proper-ties on five faceted transparent to semitransparent samples(0.57–3.59 ct; figure 21) varying from medium to dark yel-lowish green to medium yellow-green. The samples weremoderately to heavily included; microscopic examinationrevealed heavily “roiled” graining that imparted a pro-nounced heat-wave effect. This patchy strain is sometimescalled an internal “micro-granular” texture due to theaggregate reaction seen in the polariscope. The stones alsocontained small dark opaque crystals, clusters of smalltransparent near-colorless crystals, cotton-like clouds, andother mineral impurities.

Each stone yielded only a single R.I. value, whichranged from 1.712 to 1.720, with the lower measurementsrecorded on samples that were more yellow than green.Vesuvianite typically shows birefringence (0.001–0.012);however, no birefringence was detected in these samples.No optic figure was discernible in the polariscope due tothe graining.

The samples had S.G. values of 3.39–3.41, and wereinert to long- and short-wave UV radiation. They gave agrayish pink reaction to the Chelsea filter. When exam-ined with a desk-model spectroscope, all samples dis-played a strong absorption line at approximately 461 nm,which is typical of vesuvianite, and the three yellowishgreen stones also showed general absorption in the lowerblue region of the spectrum (i.e., below approximately 440nm).

EDXRF qualitative chemical analysis of two samples(i.e., the lightest and darkest) by Shane Elen of GIAResearch detected Al, Si, and Ca as the major constituents,minor amounts of Fe, and traces of Ti, Mn, Zn, and As. In


Figure 20. Greenish blue copper-bearing tourmalinesfrom Nigeria were widely available at the 2002Tucson show. The cuprian elbaites shown here(0.77–1.10 ct) contain up to 0.23 wt.% CuO. Courtesyof Manoel Bernardes Ltd.; photo by Maha Tannous.

Figure 21. These vesuvianites (0.57–3.59 ct) comefrom a new deposit south of Nairobi, Kenya.

Photo by Maha Tannous.

addition, the dark yellowish green stone contained tracesof Sr; this stone also appeared to contain higher concentra-tions of iron, but it is unknown at this time whether thiscontributed to the darker green color.

Cheryl WentzellGIA Gem Trade Laboratory, Carlsbad

[email protected]

Vesuvianite from Madagascar. On a recent buying trip toMadagascar, Tom Cushman of Allerton Cushman & Co.(Sun Valley, Idaho) purchased a small parcel of faceted,transparent green stones that were represented as tourma-line. He later identified them as vesuvianite. At the GJXshow, this contributor (CPS) purchased two samples (eachweighing 0.26 ct; figure 22) for examination at the GübelinGem Lab (GGL).

Both stones were confirmed as vesuvianite based ontheir gemological properties and Raman spectra. Standardgemological testing of the samples yielded results that wereconsistent with this color variety of vesuvianite: R.I.—nω=1.702 and nε=1.706; birefringence—0.004; optic charac-ter—uniaxial negative; S.G.—3.40, 3.42; pleochroism—weak, light green and yellowish green; and nearly inert tolong- and short-wave UV radiation, with only a faintchalky yellow reaction to both wavelengths. Both stoneswere transparent, yet microscopic examination revealedsome distinctive features, including swirled or undulatinginternal growth structures and color zoning. Ramanmicrospectrometry was used to identify several opaque,black metallic platelets as magnetite (figure 23), as well as anumber of transparent, colorless rounded masses and rod-like crystals as carbonates (calcite or aragonite; figure 24).

One of the samples also contained fine pinpoints and short,slightly iridescent needles dispersed throughout the stone.

Polarized UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectroscopyrevealed a broad band centered at approximately 595 nm(yellowish green pleochroic color) or 610 nm (light greenpleochroic color), as well as a series of weak, poorlydefined bands between 688 and 704 nm that are attributedto Cr3+. (The color of a similar vesuvianite from Quebec,Canada, has been attributed to Cr3+, presumably in anoctahedral site; see Fall 1991 Gem News, p. 185.) Anotherweak, broad band at approximately 463 nm is attributed toFe3+. For the yellowish green pleochroic color, a secondaryabsorption minimum was located at 535 nm with anabsorption edge at approximately 450 nm. For the lightgreen pleochroic color, a secondary absorption edge at 530nm was superimposed on the main absorption edge atapproximately 380 nm.

EDXRF qualitative chemical analysis of each samplerecorded the major elements Ca, Al, and Si, with minor-to-


Figure 22. These two 0.26 ct vesuvianites camefrom a small parcel of faceted material purchasedin Madagascar. Their yellowish green color isattributed to Cr3+. Photo by Franzisca Imfeld.

Figure 24. Colorless, transparent crystals of calciteor aragonite formed rounded masses, as well aselongate rod-like crystals, in the Madagascar vesu-vianite samples. Photomicrograph by ChristopherP. Smith; magnified 75×.

Figure 23. Black metallic platelets of magnetitewere abundant in both Madagascar vesuvianitesamples. Photomicrograph by Christopher P. Smith;magnified 55×.

trace amounts of Cr, Fe, Mn, Ti, and V, as well as Sr and Y.Relatively more Cr was recorded in the sample that had aslightly less distinct yellowish modifier to its color.

This is the first instance of gem-quality, chromium-colored yellowish green vesuvianite from Madagascar thatGGL is aware of. In addition, we believe this is the firsttime that magnetite and calcite/aragonite have been iden-tified as inclusions in vesuvianite.

CPS and George BosshartGübelin Gem Lab, Lucerne, Switzerland

SYNTHETICS AND SIMULANTSStar opal triplets. Although not new, some unusual blackstar opal triplets were seen in the Pueblo Inn room of Boband Susan Thompson of Idaho Opal Mines Inc., Dubois,Idaho (see, e.g., figure 25). The samples had attractive play-of-color and displayed various asterism phenomena suchas three- or six-rayed stars and “points.” (Points are spotsof light near the edge of the cabochon that are located atthe same positions as rays, but do not extend to the top ofthe cab.) According to Bob Thompson, they were con-structed from an opal wafer sandwiched between a blackbasalt backing and a Pyrex glass top. The opal was minednear Spencer, Idaho, from vugs within a decomposed rhyo-lite that has been affected by nearby geysers.

The optical phenomena shown by these opal tripletswere studied by J. V. Sanders (“Star opal from Idaho,”Lapidary Journal, Vol. 29, No. 11, 1976, pp. 1986–2010),who attributed the star effect to “an optical diffractionphenomenon from imperfections in the crystal-like pack-ing arrangement of the transparent silica particles” (p.1992). Thus, unlike the stars in other stones, the asterismin these opals is not visible without the glass top thatrefracts the diffracted light toward the viewer. To deter-mine if a particular opal will display a star, Mr. Thompsonlooks first for a distinctive “rolling flash” in the basalt-backed opal layer, and then wets the opal and covers itwith the glass top.

Sam MuhlmeisterGIA Gem Trade Laboratory, Carlsbad

[email protected]


Figure 27. Two large open tubes are seen in this pol-ished quartz (approximately 4.0 × 3.0 cm) fromAfghanistan. Courtesy of Robert Bentley Co.; photoby Maha Tannous.

Figure 25. A diffuse star can be seen in this opaltriplet (10 × 8 mm), which is composed of a blackbasalt base, a glass top, and a wafer of opal fromSpencer, Idaho. Courtesy of Idaho Opal Mines Inc.;photo by Maha Tannous.

Figure 26. This 29.9 ct (approximately 3.0 cmwide) aquamarine termination plate from MinasGerais, Brazil, displays an attractive natural etchpattern. Courtesy of Robert Bentley Co.; photo byMaha Tannous.

COLORED STONES ANDORGANIC MATERIALS

Recent emerald production from Hiddenite, North Carolina.Several emerald-bearing fissures have been found recentlynear Hiddenite, North Carolina, about 80 km northwest ofCharlotte. Approximately 3,400 carats of mixed-qualityrough have been recovered from seven fissures, and onJanuary 11, 2002, an eighth vug yielded two large emeraldcrystals. The smaller one was particularly well crystallizedand estimated to weigh about 40 ct (see figure 28).

Gems & Gemology editor Alice Keller visited thelocality on January 27 with the owner of the property,James Hill of North American Emerald Mines. At the site,she observed the two emerald crystals in situ with quartzand mica, in a fissure that cross-cut the gneiss host rock.The exposed portion of the smaller emerald measuredapproximately 3–4 cm long and 2–3 cm in diameter; itwas translucent to transparent bluish green. The largercrystal was strongly zoned, with the darkest green colorconcentrated at the surface. Some of the other materialthat Mr. Hill recently mined also showed this color zon-ing, with deep “emerald” green outer portions and palegreen to nearly colorless cores. Mr. Hill removed the wallsection that contained the two large emeralds in situ usinga hydraulic diamond chainsaw; he hopes to sell it to amuseum. So far eight emeralds have been faceted from therecent production, with the largest weighing 8.18 ct.

The emerald-bearing fissures were located with groundpenetrating radar (GPR) after the weathered overburdenwas removed to expose the gneiss (figure 29). Using GPR,Dan Delea of Geophysical Survey Systems Inc. in NorthSalem, New Hampshire, has identified more than 40anomalies—which are thought to represent mineralized

fissures—within about 3 m of the surface on the 14 acresite. According to Mr. Hill, all of the fissures excavated todate have been associated with a “limonite” seam in thehard rock. He believes that deeper penetration of the radarwill reveal more fissures.

In late March 2002, Mr. Hill found another mineralized

MISCELLANEOUSInteresting etch features and cavities in beryl and quartz.At the AGTA show, Robert Bentley Co. had several gemcrystals that displayed unusual natural surface patterns orinternal features. Some of them were partially polished tobring out their attractive qualities when set in jewelry.Two specimens in particular—an aquamarine terminationplate and a colorless quartz crystal—caught the attentionof this contributor.

Beryl crystals typically show a hexagonal prismatichabit with a flat basal termination. After growth, some ofthe faces may undergo light to moderate local dissolution,commonly called “etching.” This usually results innumerous small pits scattered over the crystal faces. Theaquamarine specimen in figure 26 is the flat terminationof a crystal that reportedly was mined in Minas Gerais,Brazil, and shows interesting “road map”–like dissolution

patterns. All of the faces other than the etched surfacehave been polished to emphasize the patterns. Narrownotched lines are developed in orientations parallel to theprism faces, and locally intersect. Hexagonal pits on thesurface and tubes parallel to the c-axis also are present. Allof the dissolution features reflect the symmetry of thecrystal structure as well as growth imperfections.

Although quartz occasionally contains open tubes andnegative crystals, these inclusions generally are small. Theremarkable polished quartz from Afghanistan in figure 27displays two large tube-like cavities in different directions.The larger cavity measures approximately 3 cm long and 1cm in the diameter. The cavities have roughly hexagonalcross-sections, and their internal surfaces show an array ofsmall faces and steps.

Taijin LuGIA Research, Carlsbad

[email protected]


Figure 28. This emerald crystal (3–4 cm long and2–3 cm in diameter) was found in January 2002near Hiddenite, North Carolina. The 1.76 ct emer-ald in the inset was cut in April 2002 from therecent production. Photos by Robert Weldon.

GNI REGULAR FEATURES

fissure on the property, outside the area surveyed by GPR.One side of the fissure was peeled back to reveal a wall thatwas approximately 2.4 m wide and 1.2 m tall, containingcrystals of albite, muscovite, pyrite, and black tourmaline.Two emerald crystals weighing about 10 ct and 30 ct werefound in loose material at the bottom of the fissure.

Emeralds were first found in North Carolina, the onlystate in the U.S. known to produce significant emeralds,more than a century ago. Since then, several large emer-alds have been recovered (see, e.g., D. L. Brown and W. E.Wilson, “The Rist and Ellis Tracts, Hiddenite, NorthCarolina,” Mineralogical Record, Vol. 32, No. 2, 2001, pp.129–140). Mr. Hill’s last major discovery occurred in late1998, when he unearthed a 71 ct emerald that was facetedinto the 7.85 ct “Carolina Prince” and the 18.88 ct“Carolina Queen.”

Star emerald from Madagascar. Six-rayed star emerald is oneof the rarest asteriated gem materials known. Only a fewspecimens have been described. These were reportedly fromSanta Terezinha, Brazil (see Gem News: Spring 1995, pp.60–61; and Fall 1995, p. 206), and from Nova Era, Brazil, andan unknown source (U. Henn and H. Bank, “Beryll-Katzenaugen und Sternberylle,” Gemmologie: Zeitschriftder Deutschen Gemmologischen Gesellschaft, Vol. 46, No.2, 1997, pp. 113–117). Compared to star sapphires, for exam-ple, asterism in emerald is always relatively weak.

The 6.80 ct six-rayed star emerald described here report-edly originated from Morafeno in the Mananjary area ofeastern Madagascar. Mines in this area have yielded a smallbut continuous production of gem-quality rough during thelast few years. The 12.5 × 11.1 mm cabochon was purchasedby a German dealer in summer 2001 from a Malagasy gemmerchant. The emerald showed a whitish sheen and a weaksix-rayed star. The sample had refractive indices of1.581–1.588 (measured on the flat base) and a specific gravi-ty of 2.73. Pleochroism was bluish green parallel to the c-

axis and yellowish green perpendicular to c. Absorptionspectra seen with a spectrophotometer consisted of the nor-mal Cr- and Fe-related bands of natural emerald.

Microscopic examination revealed distinct growth andcolor zoning parallel to two prism faces as well as to thebasal pinacoid. Many small, tabular, birefringent inclusionsalso were present (figure 30). These minerals were orientedwith their flat face approximately parallel to the basal pina-coid of the host emerald; they are probably responsible forthe whitish sheen and may also contribute to the weak six-rayed star, but the exact mechanism of star formation andthe identity of these inclusions is unknown. KS

Tourmaline “slider” in quartz. Generally speaking, smallpieces of rough or broken rock crystal quartz have littlevalue. Sometimes, however, such mineral scraps may con-tain interesting inclusions that have special appeal forgemologists and collectors.

Recently this contributor received an interesting pieceof rock crystal from John R. Fuhrbach, a jeweler and gemol-ogist from Amarillo, Texas, who had obtained it in Zambia.The quartz contained two irregularly shaped rods of greentourmaline and a hexagonal prism of brownish pink tour-maline. The two green crystals reached the surface of thequartz on natural crystal faces, whereas the brownish pinktourmaline was partially exposed on a fractured surface. Toget a better look at the tourmalines, with Mr. Fuhrbach’spermission we asked Leon Agee of Agee Lapidary in DeerPark, Washington, to polish a flat window on the sample.After cutting, the quartz weighed 29.32 ct.

During the polishing process, Mr. Agee noticed thatthe brownish pink tourmaline crystal backed away fromthe polishing wheel. In fact, the vertical up-and-down dis-


Figure 29. The weathered overburden in the back-ground has been removed to expose the gneiss hostingemerald-bearing fissures at this North Carolina emer-ald mine. Ground penetrating radar was then used tolocate mineralized fissures. Photo by Robert Weldon.

Figure 30. The abundant tabular inclusions seenhere are probably responsible for the whitish sheenand may also contribute to the asterism in this 6.80ct emerald from Madagascar. Photomicrograph byKarl Schmetzer; magnified 40×.

placement of this crystal was easily accomplished withonly light pressure (figure 31, left). When viewed in reflect-ed light (figure 31, right), the hexagonal cross-section of thetourmaline seemed to have a nearly perfect fit within thequartz. This immediately brought to mind the slidingrutile needles in quartz reported by this contributor in theFall 1998 Gem News section (pp. 225–227). This type offree-moving inclusion was thought to be unusual becauseof the degree of crystal growth perfection required for suchan inclusion to glide through the host mineral surroundingit, while still seeming to have a perfect, tight fit.

All lapidaries have probably encountered mineralinclusions that “just popped or pulled out” of a gem theywere trying to cut. Many more crystal inclusions than pre-viously thought might actually be free to move if theywere exposed to the surface.

John I. KoivulaGIA Gem Trade Laboratory, Carlsbad

[email protected]

MISCELLANEOUSIllusion Mount™ stone holders. An interesting modificationto a traditional way of displaying gems was developed inApril 2001 by John Patrick of El Sobrante, California. TheIllusion Mount™ employs pre-cut sheets of clear plastic tosuspend a stone within the round or square boxes that arecommonly used by gem dealers (figure 32). The holder cre-ates the effect of the stone “floating” in air, and permitsexamination from several directions without the need toremove the gem from the container. The small opening thatcradles the stone in the holder is available in several sizesand shapes, and larger holes can be cut in the plastic ifdesired. Mr. Patrick has chosen Rio Grande (Albuquerque,New Mexico) as the sole distributor of this product.

EXHIBITSGIA Museum exhibits in Carlsbad. Through the end ofOctober, the Rotunda Gallery at GIA in Carlsbad,California, is featuring “Gems in Art—Art in Gems,” anexhibition of gems in works of art other than jewelry.Cameos, intaglios, and other carvings, as well as objetsd’art and objets de virtu (decorative yet functional objects

such as inlaid boxes), by leading gem artists will be on dis-play. From June 6, 2002 to February 6, 2003, in theMuseum Gallery, “Opal and the Dinosaurs—Discover theLink” will feature rare opalized fossils from Australia.This exhibit will also explore opal formation and miningin Australia, and show fine opal in rough and cut form, aswell as opal jewelry. For more information on these freeexhibits, contact Alexander Angelle at 800-421-7250, ext.4112 (or 760-603-4112), or e-mail [email protected].

ANNOUNCEMENTSThe JCK Show—Las Vegas. Held at the Sands Expo &Convention Center on May 31–June 4, this show will host acomprehensive educational program beginning May 29. Toregister, call 800-257-3626 or 203-840-5684. Visit http://jck-vegas2002.expoplanner.com.

3rd World Diamond Conference. Held June 17–18 at theFairmont Hotel Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada, thisyear’s conference will feature presentations by mining com-


Figure 31. With very littlepressure, this tourmalineinclusion could be pushedcompletely through thequartz host in either direc-tion (left). In reflectedlight, the almost perfect fitof the tourmaline inquartz can be seen.Photomicrographs by JohnI. Koivula; magnified 5×.

Figure 32. The Illusion Mount™ uses a pre-cut sheetof plastic to suspend a gem within the round orsquare containers used by many dealers. The stonecan be viewed from several directions withoutremoval from the container. Photo by Maha Tannous.

pany executives, industry analysts, financiers, and govern-ment officials from several countries involved in the dia-mond trade. Visit www.iiconf.com/Diamond2002Main.asp,call 305-669-1963, or e-mail [email protected].

Jewelry 2002: A Celebration of Jewelry. The 23rd AnnualAntique & Period Jewelry and Gemstone Conference willbe held July 20–25 in Hempstead, New York. The programemphasizes hands-on jewelry examination techniques,methods of construction, understanding materials usedthroughout history, and the constantly changing market-place. Visit www.jewelrycamp.org, call 212-535-2479, or e-mail [email protected].

11th Quadrennial IAGOD Symposium and GEO-CONGRESS 2002. The 11th Symposium of the Inter-national Association on the Genesis of Ore Deposits willbe presented in association with the Geological Societyof South Africa’s biennial southern African earth sciencemeeting on July 22–26 in Windhoek, Namibia. The pro-gram will include an open session on“Cathodoluminescence of Gems and Other Minerals,” aswell as a pre-meeting field trip titled “Post-CollisionalPegmatites, Gemstones and Industrial Minerals, CentralNamibia” (July 17–21). Participants will visit topaz,aquamarine, jeremejevite, and tourmaline deposits. Visitwww.geoconference2002.com, phone 264-61-251014, fax264-61-272032, or e-mail [email protected].

JA New York Summer Show. On July 28–31, Jewelers ofAmerica will present this show at the Jacob K. JavitsConvention Center in New York City. A range of educa-tional programs and seminars will be offered. Prior to theJA show, GIA Career Fair will take place July 26 at theJavits Center. Career Fair will offer recruiting and net-working opportunities, career counseling, and more.Information on the JA show is available at www.ja-newyork.com, or call 800-950-1314, ext. 4983 (or 646-654-

4500). To learn more about GIA Career Fair, call 800-421-7250, ext. 7337 (or 760-603-7337).

FIPP 2002. The 12th International Gemstones Show and14th Open Air Precious Stones Show will take placeAugust 14–17 in Teófilo Otoni, Minas Gerais, Brazil.Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in semi-nars and excursions to local gem mines. Visitwww.geabrasil.com or e-mail [email protected].

IMA2002. On September 1–6, the 18th General Meetingof the International Mineralogical Association will takeplace in Edinburgh, Scotland. Scientific sessions willinclude “Gem Materials” and “CathodoluminescenceMicroscopy Applied to Gemstones and Other Minerals.”Visit http://www.minersoc.org/IMA2002 or [email protected].

Colorado gems. On September 7–10, a symposium titled“Gemstone Deposits of Colorado and the RockyMountain Region” will take place at the Colorado Schoolof Mines in Golden, Colorado. Lectures and field trips willcover the mineralogy, geology, and field occurrence of gemand crystal deposits in this region. This symposium pre-cedes the Denver Gem and Mineral Show (September13–15); the theme of this year’s show is “Gemstones ofColorado.” Contact Dr. Peter Modreski at 303-236-5639 ore-mail [email protected].

AGTA Spectrum Awards competition. AGTA’s SpectrumAwards recognize outstanding jewelry designs from theU.S. and Canada that feature natural-color gemstones andcultured pearls. They also include a Cutting Edge competi-tion to honor the lapidary arts. The deadline for enteringthe 2003 competition is September 27, 2002. Winningentries will be displayed at the 2003 AGTA GemFairs inTucson and Las Vegas (in connection with the JCK Show).For entry forms and more information, visit www.agta.orgor call 800-972-1162.


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