“Fungal Hyphae” in a Mabe Pearl
A mabe pearl exhibits an unusual pattern of intersecting subsurface channels, likely formed by shell-boring parasites.
Leaf-Like Imprint on Non-Nacreous Pearl
Microscopic examination of a non-nacreous natural pearl reveals a distinctive pattern resembling leaves with intricate vein structures.
Reticulated Pattern on Pearl’s Surfaces
Several natural pearls in a multistrand necklace display an unusual reticulated surface texture with deep indentations and prominent ridges.
Two-Phase Inclusion in Peridot
Microscopic examination of a Pakistani peridot reveals a rare cylindrical fluid inclusion with a freely moving gas bubble.
Colorful Mosaic Pattern in Heated Orange Sapphire
Thin-film decrepitation inclusions create a colorful scene in a beryllium-diffused orange sapphire.
“Shooting Stars” in Sapphire
Numerous Rose channels against a backdrop of scattered zircon crystals produce a striking night-sky effect in a color-change sapphire.
Vesuvianite in Sapphire
The first known occurrence of a vesuvianite inclusion in sapphire is documented.
Distinctive Fluorescent Crystal Inclusions in Spinel
A cluster of transparent inclusions in spinel displays various fluorescent colors under short-wave ultraviolet light.
Quarterly Crystal: Chromite in Diamond
A partially etched colorless diamond octahedron hosts numerous opaque black chromite crystals.
Baw Mar Sapphire, China’s Freshwater Pearl Industry, Glass-Ceramic Imitation Gemstones, and Red and Orange Spinel from Myanmar and Vietnam
An overview of the Summer 2026 Gems & Gemology content.
74th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair Trade Show
Join us at the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair to explore a diverse range of gemstones, jewelry and industry solutions from leading Thai and international suppliers. Discover tools, components and machinery for the trade, and attend GIA seminars on pearls and diamond fluorescence.
Former GIA Governor Dr. Gordon E. Brown, Jr. Passes Away
CARLSBAD, Calif. – September 8, 2026 – Gordon E. Brown, Jr., a member of the GIA Board of Governors from 1988 to 2008 passed away in August.
Former GIA Governor Dr. Gordon E. Brown, Jr. Passes Away
CARLSBAD, Calif. – September 8, 2026 – Gordon E. Brown, Jr., a member of the GIA Board of Governors from 1988 to 2008 passed away in August.
GIA and Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Source of Copper Bearing Tourmaline from Ethiopia
CARLSBAD, Calif. and LUCERNE, Switzerland – August 27, 2026 – Researchers at GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and the Gübelin Gem Lab independently examined copper-bearing tourmaline from a newly reported source in Ethiopia.
Goethite Sprays in Apatite
Examination of a green-blue apatite reveals goethite in a surface-reaching fracture.
Fireworks in Aquamarine
Iridescent thin films in aquamarine resemble fireworks in the night sky.
