Chondrodite in Red Spinel from Mogok, Myanmar
The Bangkok lab recently encountered a single round crystal of chondrodite in red spinel, a possible indicator of Burmese origin.
Faceted Demantoid Garnet with Spectacular “Horsetail” Inclusions
Remarkable “horsetail” inclusions discovered in a demantoid garnet, while their origin and composition remain under discussion.
Monazite (?) in Quartz
Analysis of a transparent yellow angular crystal inclusion in a Brazilian rock crystal quartz host suggests monazite.
Radioactive Green Diamond
The Carlsbad lab recently encountered a 2.42 ct green diamond showing signs of radiation treatment by the use of radioactive salts.
Rainbow Graining in Diamond
One of the more subtle inclusion scenes gemologists sometimes observe in natural diamonds is the presence of crystallographically oriented structural defects known as “internal graining.”
Spiral Nacre in Natural Pearl
Nacreous pearls are known to have platelet growth resembling fingerprints or topographic maps, but a less common appearance is nacre with a concentric spiral pattern.
Unusual Composite Apatite-CO2 Inclusions in Sapphires from Ohn Bin Yee Htwet, Myanmar
The discovery of apatite and CO2 in a single inclusion in sapphire is reported for the first time by the Carlsbad laboratory.
Natural Black Coral with Polyp Structure
Examination of a large black oval cabochon reveals an intense orangy brown and black polyp structure, indicating natural black coral.
Quarterly Crystal: Rutile on Hematite
An unusual hematite crystal from Pakistan hosts a geometric outer skin of sagenitic rutile.
Windmill Zoning in Tourmaline
Pink faceted tourmaline reveals unique colorless windmill-shaped zoning.