Banded Turquoise from Zhushan County, Hubei Province, China
Researchers examine six specimens of banded turquoise, obtained through long-term cooperation of local miners in Zhushan County.
Blue Zircon Reportedly from Malawi
A reported new source of blue zircon in Malawi yields rough material for beautiful finished stones in the gem trade.
Biogenic Carbon in Pink Corundum from Southern West Greenland
Recent studies of pink corundum in Greenland suggest that the presence of graphite created the conditions that facilitated corundum formation.
GSA Meeting – GIA Session
An overview of GIA’s presentations at the annual Geological Society of America (GSA) meeting held in Portland, Oregon.
Epoxy-Filled Chalcedony as an Imitation for “Candy Agate”
Popular “candy agate” beads are identified as epoxy-filled chalcedony at the Taiwan Union Lab of Gem Research.
“Floating Flower” Inclusions in Aventurine Quartz Bangle
Lab analysis proves that a bangle with “floating flower” inclusions believed to be jadeite jade or albite is actually highly translucent aventurine quartz.
Historic Sales of Pink and Blue Diamonds from the Argyle Mine
Rio Tinto sells its final collections of pink and blue Argyle diamonds at record-breaking prices.
Update on Mining Activity at Yogo Gulch, Montana
Renewed mining interest in Montana promises a return of the famous Yogo sapphire to the gem trade in the coming years.