In Memoriam: Peter Keller
The gemological community mourns the loss of former GIA director of education and instrumental G&G contributor, Peter Keller.
Red-Dyed Spodumene Imitating Ruby
Testing identifies a “red corundum” sample as red-dyed spodumene.
Arsenopyrite in Smoky Quartz
Examination of smoky quartz from Inner Mongolia reveals rare arsenopyrite inclusions.
Copper “Confetti” Inclusions in Chalcedony
A variety of chalcedony from Indonesia displays a multitude of blue, green, and metallic inclusions.
Volcano-Shaped Internal Feature in Trapiche-Like Sapphire
Thin-film inclusions and triangle-shaped fissures are discovered in the fibrous arms of trapiche-like sapphire samples.
Quarterly Crystal: Etching on Laurentthomasite
A laurentthomasite rough sample from Madagascar displays an abundance of hexagonal etch features.
Identification of Natural, Reconstructed, and Imitation Root Amber
Three types of root amber beads submitted for identification are analyzed in Wuhan, China.
A “Cobalt Blue” Gahnospinel
Cobalt is identified as the primary coloring agent in an intense blue specimen of gahnospinel at GIA’s Bangkok laboratory.
Large Faceted Pallasitic Peridot
A large specimen of extraterrestrial peridot is analyzed at the Carlsbad laboratory.
Aegirine in Poudretteite
Aegirine inclusions are observed in two samples of poudretteite from Mogok.
Quartzite Bangle with Fuchsite Inclusions
A quartzite bangle mimics the appearance of jadeite jade.
Synthetic Rock Crystal Quartz Cluster with Natural-Looking Inclusions
A synthetic quartz crystal cluster is easily mistaken as a natural specimen.
A “Galaxy” within a Diamond
Tiny crystal and particle cloud inclusions resemble a galaxy in a 2.01 ct diamond.
Garnet with Apatite Inclusions
Vibrant blue apatite inclusions are observed in a garnet sample from an undisclosed source in Africa.