The Crystal GazetteVol 52 # 04 April 2013 STONE OF THE MONTH Tourmaline

Important NoticesGeneral Meeting: 26th April 2013, AGM Club rooms,

19 4th Ave, St Peters, 7pm

Management Committee Meeting: 9th May, 6pm, Room 428, 38 Gawler Place Adelaide

TERACASTDiamond Merchants

T 08 8223 1123F 08 8227 1050

Suite 403, 38 Gawler PlaceAdelaide SA 5000www.teracast.com.au

louise@teracast.com.auContact Louise

Important Contacts:

President: Sue Arthur, FGAA,Dip DT,Cert IV T&A, M 0422 609 989

Secretary: Sandra Pimlott, FGAA, Dip DT Ph 8223 2362Treasurer: Don Bennett B.E. FGAA Ph 8296 1666Education: Tanya Cerny FGAA, Dip DT M 0401 213 835

Lise Jensen FGAA, Dip DT M 0428 363 698

GAA Office Phone Number: 8227 1377

Page 3 Gem Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a crystal boron silicate mineral compounded with elements such as aluminium, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, or potassium. Tourmaline is classified as a semi-precious stone and the gemstone comes in a wide variety of colors. The name comes from the Sinhalese word "Thuramali" or "Thoramalli".History Brightly colored Sri Lankan gem tourmalines were brought to Europe in great quantities by the Dutch East India Company to satisfy a demand for curiosities and gems. At the time it was not realised that schorl and tourmaline were the same mineral.Tourmaline species and varieties Commonly encountered species and varietiesSchorl species: Bluish or brownish black to BlackDravite species: from the Drave district of Carinthia Dark yellow to brownish blackElbaite species: named after the island of Elba, ItalyRed or pinkish-red—rubellite variety (from ruby)Light blue to bluish green—Brazilian indicolite variety (from indigo)Green—verdelite or Brazilian emerald varietyColorless—achroite variety (from the Greek "άχρωμος" meaning "colorless")Chemical composition The tourmaline mineral group is chemically one of the most complicated groups of silicate minerals. Its composition varies widely because of isomorphous replacement (solid solution).Crystal structure Tourmaline belongs to the trigonal crystal system and occurs as long, slender to thick prismatic and columnar crystals that are usually triangular in cross-section. The style of termination at the ends of crystals is asymmetrical, called hemimorphism. Tourmaline is distinguished by its three-sided prisms; no other common mineral has three sides. Prisms faces often have heavy vertical striations that produce a rounded triangular effect. Tourmaline is rarely perfectly euhedral All hemimorphic crystals are piezoelectric, and are often piezoelectric as well.Color Tourmaline has a variety of colors. Usually, iron-rich tourmalines are black to bluish-black to deep brown, while magnesium-rich varieties are brown to yellow, and lithium-rich tourmalines are almost any color: blue, green, red, yellow, pink, etc. Rarely, it is colorless. Bi-colored and multicolored crystals are common. Crystals may be green at one end and pink at the other, or green on the outside and pink inside; this type is called watermelon tourmaline. Some forms of tourmaline are dichroic, in that they change color when viewed from different directions.The pink color of tourmalines from many fields is the result of prolonged natural irradiation. Treatments Some tourmaline gems, especially pink to red colored stones, are altered by irradiation to improve their color. Irradiation is almost impossible to detect in tourmalines, and does not, currently, impact the value. Heat treatment is also used to enhance tourmaline. Heavily-included tourmalines, such as rubellite and Brazilian paraiba, are sometimes clarity-enhanced. A clarity-enhanced tourmaline (especially paraiba) is worth much less than a non-treated gem.Geology Tourmaline is found in granite and granite pegmatites and in metamorphic rocks such as schist and marble. Schorl and lithium-rich tourmalines are usually found in granite and granite pegmatite. Magnesium-rich tourmalines, dravites, are generally restricted to schists and marble. Tourmaline localities Gem and specimen tourmaline is mined chiefly in Brazil and Africa. Some placer material suitable for gem use comes from Sri Lanka. In addition to Brazil, tourmaline is mined in Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Malawi.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourmaline

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GAA Proudly Invites you to join us for a High Tea on the 14th April 2013Time : 2.30pm - 5.00pmPlace : Stamford Plaza Adelaide Hotel150 North Terrace AdelaideGreat time to catch up for a chat and some friendly laughs on Sunday afternoon

Heavenly High Tea | $29 per person (served on a three tier stand)Includes - A complimentary glass of champagne on arrival Fruit and plain scones with jam and cream Mini French pastries, assorted fruit flans and strawberry waffles Assorted ribbon sandwiches Mini quiches Stamford Signature curry puffs Freshly brewed tea and coffeeStudents for 2013 pay only $19 so please come and let us welcome you. This is open for all members and please feel free to bring a friend.

Please call Ivana on 0438824459 or Don on 82961666 for catering purposes.Pay via bank deposit to BSB 633 108 A/C 143921435 and leave name as reference or pay on the day.

As Ethiopian gemstone revenues rise, government looks to limit exports of rough

Quietly and under the radar, Ethiopia appears to be developing into a significant force in the gemstone industry. Speaking last month, Ato Tollosa Shagi of the country's Ministry of Mines reported that over a six-month period the country had earned $288 million from the export of gemstones. Ato Tollosa was speaking at a seminar held at the Canadian Embassy in Addis Ababa. He told participants that currently some 250 companies have taken licenses to operate mining exploration in the country. The country is best known for its opal production, which was first included in the Ethiopian federal government's list of exportable items in 2005. As a result, output increased, both in terms of production and revenue. In January it was reported that the federal government was considering banning the export of rough opal, in order to persuade exporters to add value locally. It will be the second extractive resource to be banned, after the ministry suspended the export of unprocessed tantalum, a corrosion resistant, rare blue-gray metal. Ethiopia exported 10,104 kilograms of gemstones during the last two quarters of 2012; 600 kilograms more than in 2011. India consumed close to 80 percent of exports. More than 2,000 miners, working under the umbrella of 17 associations are engaged in opal mining. There are 200 exporters recognized by the ministry. According to Tekle Yilma, president of the Ethiopian Gemstone Association, almost all gemstones are sold as rough, without any value addition.

http://www.gemewizard.com/newsletters/view_article.php?id=168

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Notes & RemindersNotes & RemindersTO REGISTER for any GAA course PLEASE CONTACT:

Education: Tanya Cerny FGAA,. M 0401 213 835 or Lise Jensen FGAA M 0428 363 698 or

Secretary Sandra Pimlott 8223 2362, sandrapimlott676@hotmail.com

2013 Courses –Commencing datesPlease note there has been a price increase in some courses.

1. Intro to Gemmology Aug, Nov- $295This basic course is designed for jewellers, hobbyists or for people traveling overseas.Gems and Gemmology provides students with an opportunity to assess whether they wish to pro-ceed with a range of more advanced short courses or the intensive two year Diploma in Gemmo-logy.

2. Diamond Grading –27th May-31st May 9am-5pm -$1750 M, $2250 NMLearn the intricacies of diamond grading and be able to explain differences in a diamonds colour, clarity or cut and be confident in your ability to point out the advantages or disadvantages of each. Maximise your diamond knowledge for profit and pleasure. In this course the emphasis is on practical work, so most of your time is spent with handling diamonds and the various instruments used to grade them. At the end of this course you will be able to grade any diamond to certificate standard on the international scale.This is a popular course, if you would like to do it, please show interest early!

3. Intro to Antique Jewellery- TBA-$2754. Gemmology Update- $2750*5. Retail Diamond Consultancy- TBA- $2956. Pearl & Bead threading- TBA- $245 M $265 NM

*Course offered depending on numbers enrollingNote :- Prices given are members prices- Non-members please contact Secretary for prices

General Meeting: Fri 26General Meeting: Fri 26ndnd April, 7pm. AGM Clubhouse. April, 7pm. AGM Clubhouse.

ROOMS ATTENDANCE AND VOLUNTEERSROOMS ATTENDANCE AND VOLUNTEERSThe GAA lab is open to the public between 10am-2pm. As members, you are welcome to come in and use the instruments in the lab for free.

LIBRARY BOOKS-LIBRARY BOOKS- Would any members who have books on loan from the Library please return them as soon as possible to the rooms. Thanks, The Librarian

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Seminar Program

GAA 67th Annual Federal Conference, Melbourne 2013All events to take place at GAA House, 380-382 Spencer Street, West Melbourne

Practical Identification Lab SessionSaturday 25th MayChoose from either session time of 10am – 12pm, or 1:30-3:30pmNumbers strictly limited to 15 people per session. Cost $60

Grant Hamid FGAA, Dip DT ‘New Stones, Traditional Techniques’Grant has been a popular lecturer and practical demonstrator in gemmology at GAA Victoria for more than 30 years. While his main interest lies with corundum, his experience as a fourth generation gem dealer also brings him into contact with many new varieties of gemstones and treatments. In your choice of either a morning or afternoon session you will have the opportunity to have a truly ‘hands on’ lecture and practical demonstration to learn how to accurately identify some of the latest gem treatments and new gems that may have entered the market since you last studied. Stones to be studied include:Assorted natural and synthetic sapphires with diffusion treatmentsGlass filled rubiesHeat quenched and flux-healed synthetic corundumMozambique natural rubiesBeryllium treated sapphiresThese sessions are specifically geared to current gemmologists and are a ‘must’ if it’s been some time since you last studied.

Gemmology SeminarSunday 26th May 1:30 – 6:30pmCost $110(AGM of the GAA at 1pm – free)Our Gemmology Seminar is your opportunity to hear from some of the leading names in our field, ask questions and participate in debate and discussion.The Seminar will be followed by informal drinks and nibbles (included in the price)

Speakers:James Riley FGA, FGAHK, BA(Hons) RJ DipCEO, Gem-A: Gemmological Association of Great Britain. ‘100 Not Out’James is the 6th generation of his family to enter the jewellery industry. After completing a history degree in the late 90’s, James worked for renowned jewellers Boodle and Dunthorne as their gemstone buyer and production manager. This company was selected by DeBeers to run the pilot for what became the DeBeers ‘Forever Mark’ and involved extensive collaboration between miners, cutters and the retailer to arrive at a product that was suitable for branding. Following this role, James ran the UK operations of the world’s oldest diamond merchant firm – Backes and Strauss – where one of his many projects including sourcing and supply of diamonds for the now infamous Damien Hirst skull. James holds gemmological qualifications both from Gem-A and the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong. He served on the Gem-A board from 2005, becoming Chairman in 2009. In 2012, James was asked to relinquish this position in order to take over as CEO.In addition to his duties at Gem-A, James is currently working on updating the 3rd edition of Eric Bruton’s ‘Diamonds’ and creating a new advanced gemmology course concentrating on the theory and

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practical applications of advanced gemmological lab equipment; this will form the basis of the final year of a new degree course (available from Gem-A) awarded by Birmingham University.Presentation: ‘100 Not Out’Established in 1908, Gem-A is the world’s oldest provider of gemmology education and provided the basis for the first courses in gemmology taught by the GAA in the 1940’s.This presentation will look at the developments and changes in the world of gemmology over the last 100 years or so and how education has or hasn’t changed during this time. James will be taking us back to examine an exam paper from 1913 which will ask us to consider what has changed in the interim.

Paul Agnew B.A.Sc. (Geol) Rio Tinto Chief Geologist, Technical Support & Technology Development ‘Diamonds: How do you find them?’Paul Agnew is a geologist with more than 25 years of experience in minerals exploration with Rio Tinto. During his career he has been involved in the search for gold, copper, lead, zinc, uranium, bauxite and – of course – diamonds.Paul’s involvement in diamond exploration spans from collecting samples in the deserts of Australia as a young field geologist, right through to managing Rio Tinto’s global diamond laboratories and the development of sophisticated diamond indicator mineral classification techniques.Presentation: ‘Diamonds: How do you find them?’ In this presentation, Paul will be focusing on the various common sources of diamonds in the natural environment and in turn what exploration tools and techniques are then used to select areas to mine them. He will be explaining the process behind identifying targets for further investigation, target testing, evaluation of potential resources and mining techniques.In what is going to be a somewhat technical presentation, Paul has promised to keep the geological and exploration jargon to the minimum (!) to give you the best overview of how and where diamonds are mined in Australia.

Dr Elizabeth Smith and Jenni Brammall – Joint PresentationAustralian Opal Centre, Lightning Ridge‘Opalised fossils: Rare, Exquisite, Valuable’Dr. Elizabeth SmithDr Elizabeth Smith is the undisputed world authority on opalised fossils. Elizabeth lives at Lightning Ridge, where she has collected and studied opalised fossils for over 25 years, gaining her PhD in vertebrate palaeontology (University of NSW) in 2009. She is author of the book ‘Black Opal Fossils of Lightning Ridge’ and numerous popular articles and scientific papers, is Vice President of the Australian Opal Centre and Honorary Research Associate at the Australian Museum. Her interests include opal field heritage, natural history, fine arts and opal clay ‘sauropots’.

Jenni BrammallJenni Brammall is a vertebrate palaeontologist and since 2004 has been Manager of the Australian Opal Centre at Lightning Ridge. She has worked in scientific research, teaching and publication; journalism; exhibition development and curation; photography; graphic design; jewellery design; and opal sales and marketing. Jenni has a science degree with first class Honours in vertebrate palaeontology, and qualifications in scientific photography and opal cutting. She is a valuer of opalised fossils under the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program.Presentation: ‘Opalised fossils: Rare, Exquisite, Valuable’In this richly illustrated presentation, Elizabeth Smith and Jenni Brammall will introduce opalised fossils: their origins, discovery, diversity, significance and valuation. Found during opal mining, opalised animal and plant remains from the Age of Dinosaurs are unique to Australia and are among the world’s most rare and valuable fossils.

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Garry Holloway BSc, FGAA, DipDT Diamond cut Specialist and member of “The Cut Group”‘High Performance Diamond Cut Reports for Consumers’Garry is a prominent member of the Australian jewellery industry as the owner of Melbourne retailer Holloway Diamonds and as an author of numerous industry and gemmology related articles on diamonds.Originally qualified as a geologist, Garry discovered his passion for gemmology, and in particular diamonds, following studying with the GAA in the 1980’s. Since studying and establishing his own business, Garry has put numerous members of his own staff through GAA courses and been a vocal supporter of gemmological education in the industry. Today Garry is best known for his extensive research and development into methods and technologies to improve diamond optical performance. Further to this, Garry is a member of ‘The Cut Group’ whose membership also comprises: Sergey Sivovolenko (Finland, CEO of OctoNus), Dr Yuri Shelemenitiev (Head of the Russian Gem Centre) and Janak Mistry (India, Chairman of Lexus SoftMac). Presentation: ‘High Performance Diamond Cut Reports for Consumers’Currently, GIA only offers a cut rating for round brilliant cuts (RBCs). One, smaller, lab has cut grades for some other shapes but apply different standards for each shape, so it’s impossible to make a true comparison for stones from that lab.Imagine if there was a universal way to evaluate, compare and rate any diamond cut, regardless of shape?Garry will be contesting that if such a rating system existed there would be a good incentive for cutters to improve performance from fancy cuts. With new tools and techniques exciting new diamond cuts could be developed and existing cuts improved. In having a standardised rating system, comparing all cuts to the Tolkowsky round, both the retailer and consumer would benefit by being able to make informed choices.In what promises to be a thought provoking, if not controversial, presentation, Garry will be presenting his latest research in this exciting area that has real implications for how we might grade diamonds in future.

Scientists uncover evidence of Vikings' use of 'sunstones' to navigate ships

Legend has it that Vikings seamen used special "sunstone" to navigate their ships when clouds covered the skies. With magnetic compasses only becoming widely used from the end of the 16th century, overcast weather would ordinarily have rendered navigators virtually helpless.While accounts of the Viking sunstones are well known, no archaeological evidence was ever uncovered to suggest that they actually existed. Until recently that is. Scientists at the University of Rennes in France have reported discovering an unusual crystal among the navigational tools of the Alderney, an Elizabethan warship that sank near the Channel Islands in 1592. While it postdates the Vikings by more than 300 years, it does suggest that sunstones may have been standard elements in the ancient mariners' navigational kits. Chemical analysis showed the crystal to be Icelandic Spar, or calcite crystal. Because of its rhombohedral shape of calcite crystals, Mike Harrison, coordinator of the Alderney Maritime Trust, told LiveScience "they refract or polarize light in such a way to create a double image. This means that if you were to look at someone's face through a clear chunk of Icelandic spar, you would see two faces. But if the crystal is held in just the right position, the double image becomes a single image and you know the crystal is pointing east-west." The refractive powers of Icelandic spar remain even in low light when it's foggy or cloudy or during the twilight hours, meaning that it could be used to navigate when visibility is poor. Indeed, the researchers showed that, even after the sun had dipped below the horizon, they were able to orient themselves within a few degrees. No such crystals have been found yet at Viking sites, but recent excavations turned up the first calcite fragment at a Viking settlement. This proves that "some people in the Viking Age were employing Iceland spar crystals," the researchers wrote.

http://www.gemewizard.com/newsletters/view_article.php?id=173

Spend A Minute With Your Council Members...

Rob ManellaRob has been a member of the GAA for about 15 years. He has lectured Gem 1, Gem 2 and Introduction to Gems and gemmology. He has recently taken over the publicity role

1, What is it about gemmology that you love and what first attracted you to gemmology? I love the investigative work that goes into identifying the rare gems. The attraction to gemmology came from my interest in lapidary, wanting to have a better understanding of the gems I was cutting. 2, What is your favourite gemstone or mineral? Why? I love the natural

swirls and patterns of malachite, which inspires some of my work. I also love opal, which is the gem that introduced me to mining and many new friends in Andamooka and Coober Pedy.3, How long have you been a member of the GAA? I commenced my gemmological studies in 1994. Once I had graduated, I took on the role of teaching Intro to Gemmology, assisted with Gem 1 and Gem 2 lectures and held the position of Publicity Officer.4, What is the best advice you have ever been given? Don’t travel on a boat after just eating bacon and eggs for breakfast!Try and show empathy to those less fortunate than you, especially for those who are seasick.5, What is your favourite book/song? Favourite books are, A long Walk to Freedom, the autobiography of Nelson Mandela and Tobruk by Peter Fitzsimons. Both inspirational Favourite song? I come from a very musical family and have been exposed to many genres however if I had to pick one it would be ‘Let the Children Play’ by Santana. 6, Where was your favourite holiday, or where would you love to visit? My favourite holiday would have to be 3 weeks in the Alice and 4 weeks spent in the Kimberley with my wife Tina. A number of trips to various opal fields have also brought great experiences.We are now trying to plan a trip to Europe and the USA. Dare I say that Tucson is on the itinery.7, What is your earliest memory? Jumping on mums brand new couch (4 years old) with mud on my shoes and getting caught. I think it was getting caught that I remember the most.8, If you could invite 3 people over for dinner, who would they be? Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela and Galileo.

GUTNICK PLANS WATER-BLASTING TO WIN MERLIN DIAMONDSMerlin Diamonds expects to begin the revival of Australia’s famous Merlin diamond mine in the June quarter, using borehole water-jets in a trial operation that it expects will lead to full-scale commercial mining in the third quarter.The company led by mining personality Joseph Gutnick has signed borehole mining specialist Jet Mining to operate the Merlin mine, 80km south of Borroloola in the Northern Territory. The mine, famed for its brilliant white diamonds and source of Australia’s largest gem, the 104.73ct Gungulinya-Bunagina, has been closed since 2003.The company says the water-jet mining technique will enable the direct extraction of ore without capital intensive underground development or overburden removal.Jet Mining, an affiliate of US-based oil&gas/mining innovator Kinley Exploration, says using high pressure water pumps to blast mining areas from a borehole recovers diamonds undamaged in areas where they would otherwise be inaccessible or uneconomic.

http://www.miningbusiness.net/content/gutnick-plans-water-blasting-win-merlin-diamonds

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2013 GAA Calender

Month General Meeting Other EventsApril Fri 26th Intro to Gems

13th & 20thMay No General Meeting • GAA Annual Conference in

Melbourne, 25th-28th• Practical Diamond Grading,

27th-31st• Skillex Careers Expo

June No General Meeting 1st June, Class of 2012 Graduation Dinner

July Fri 26thAugust Fri 23rd Intro to GemsSeptember Fri 27thOctober No General Meeting EOY ExamsNovember No General Meeting Intro to GemsDecember No General Meeting

Please note these dates may change. Watch this space for upcoming events and date changes.

A huge Thank You to Mark Madden and Patrick Jelk for their fascinating talk out the GAA General Meeting last month.

Mark Madden spoke about the difficulties and finesse required in Diamond Setting. No-one will look at a dioamond piece of Jewellery again.

Patrick Jelk wowed us with some of his hand made creations. His sculptural jewellery are true works of art!

Keep the Date! 1st June, Graduation Night for Graduating Class of 2012, Diploma in Gemmology and Diamond Technology

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67th GAA Annual Federal Conference

Melbourne, 2013

Program

Venues:GAA (Gemmology) House

380 – 382 Spencer Street, West Melbourne

Melbourne Bowls ClubFlagstaff Gardens

Corner Dudley & Peel Streets,West Melbourne

Sat 25th MayNew Gems and TreatmentsPractical Lab Testing Session 1(max 15 participants)Venue:GAA House 10am-12pm $60 inc GST

New Gems and Treatments Lab Testing Session 2(max 15 participants)Venue: GAA House 1.30-3.30pm $60 inc GST

Gala Dinner for Graduates and MembersFancy Dress (Sports Theme)Venue: Melb. Bowls Club 7.30-11.00pm $90 inc GST

Sunday 26th MAYGAA Annual General MeetingOpen to all membersVenue: GAA House 1pm FreeGemmology SeminarIncludes Post-Seminar Drinks and Nibbles 1.30-6:30pm $110 inc GST

Combination packageGala Dinner and Gemmology Seminar(Does NOT include prac session Saturday) $175 inc GST