Apatite Oiling: Before and After
Laboratory observation of fissures in an apatite cabochon before and after oiling.
Hyalite with Magnificent Internal Features
Pronounced cubic cavities, sometimes containing fluorite, are observed in a rare hyalite sample.
Quarterly Crystal: Hillocks on Beryl
Hexagonal growth hillocks are observed on gem-quality aquamarine from Pakistan.
Spessartine Garnet in Aquamarine
Aquamarine is faceted to display a red spessartine garnet crystal inclusion.
Vietnamese Skyline
Red spinel from Vietnam features iridescent needles resembling a futuristic skyline.
Amber Filled with Epoxy Resin
Gulf countries experience an increase in epoxy resin filling in amber rosary beads.
Barite-Calcite Composite as Imitation “Wulanhua” Turquoise from Hubei Province, China
“Wulanhua” turquoise bracelet identified as composite material made of barite, calcite, and blue dye.
Characteristics of Amber with Irradiation Treatment
A study of the effects of irradiation treatment on amber.
The Discovery of Davemaoite, the CaSiO3 Perovskite, in a Diamond from Earth’s Lower Mantle
Davemaoite identified in a diamond from Orapa, Botswana.
Gray “Spinel Sisters”
Two rare gray spinel stones stand out at the AGTA show for their exceptional size, quality, and color.
Inclusions and Spectroscopic Features of Yellowish Green Enstatite
Close study of six bright yellowish green enstatite samples reveals cause of color and four-rayed asterism.
Many Faces of Wavellite
An Arkansas lapidarist shares his work with wavellite and explains his stabilization process.
Old Techniques Reimagined: Maki-e Pearls
An ancient Japanese lacquer technique applied to cultured pearls creates unique pieces of art.
Hydrothermal Synthetic Ruby
A transparent cushion-cut hydrothermal synthetic ruby was recently submitted to Carlsbad laboratory for an identification report.
Nail-Head Spicule in a Russian Emerald
The Carlsbad laboratory observes a nail-head spicule in a natural Russian emerald.
Unusual Laser Drill Holes in a Laboratory-Grown Diamond
Unusual laser drill holes identified in a laboratory-grown Fancy yellow cushion modified brilliant diamond.