Quarterly Crystal: Cinnabar in Fluorite
Trigonal cinnabar inclusions are identified in a crystal cluster of fluorite and calcite.
Flux-Induced Fingerprint Patterns in Synthetic Ruby: An Update | Gems & Gemology
Some manufacturers are known to have treated Verneuil flame-fusion synthetic rubies by immersion in a flux melt to induce patterns like the “fingerprints” seen in some natural rubies.
D-Color Natural IIa Diamond with Walstromite Inclusion
A diamond is proven to have a superdeep origin through an inclusion of CaSiO3-walstromite.
Strong Fluorescence in B-Jade Impregnated with Wax
A bangle is an example of the misconception that B jade is only impregnated by resin, when in fact wax-impregnated jadeite is also considered B-jade.
HPHT-Processed CVD Laboratory-Grown Diamonds with Low Color Grades
The Antwerp lab examines CVD laboratory-grown diamonds where HPHT processing resulted in relatively low color grades.
Chrysoprase and Prase Opal from Haneti, Central Tanzania
Commercial quantities of gem-quality chrysoprase and green prase opal (nickel-bearing chalcedony and common opal, respectively) have been recovered from altered serpentinite deposits near Haneti, Tanzania.
Cutting Diffraction Gratings to Improve Dispersion (“Fire”) in Diamonds
A new microlithography process developed to create high-resolution diffraction grating patterns on portions of certain facets can improve the dispersion of light and thus the amount of “fire” in a diamond.
“Fishbone” Inclusion in a Burmese Peridot from Mogok
Examination of Burmese peridot with impressive size, color, and clarity reveals a fishbone-shaped inclusion.
Polymer-Filled Aquamarine
The authors have encountered hundreds of polymer-filled aquamarines in the Chinese jewelry market.
Two Pearls of Indian Cultural Significance
Two pearls representing Indian deities were recently examined in the Mumbai laboratory.
Ancient Script-Like Serpentine in Brown Peridot
Examination of a brown peridot xenocryst reveals thread-like serpentine inclusions resembling ancient text.
Identification of Natural, Reconstructed, and Imitation Root Amber
Three types of root amber beads submitted for identification are analyzed in Wuhan, China.
The Distinction of Natural from Synthetic Alexandrite by Infrared Spectroscopy
A useful way to identify stones that contain no distinguishing inclusions.
Spray of Columbite Crystals in Topaz
A cluster of bladed columbite crystals is identified in colorless topaz.
Turquoise Planet Earth
A sphere of Armenian turquoise with natural brown matrix material mimics planet Earth.
Synthetic Moissanite: A New Diamond Substitute
Synthetic moissanite is much closer to diamond in overall appearance and heft than any previous diamond imitation; this article reports on how to identify and characterize it.
Sapphire Chart Article: Suggested Reading on Sapphires and Their Inclusions
Suggested Reading on Sapphires and their Inclusions
Suggested Reading on Emeralds and their Inclusions
Suggested Reading on Emeralds and their Inclusions
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