Past conferences
Abstracts Library
Phase transformations as important markers for heat treatment detection in corundum and other gemstones
Detection of heat treatment of ruby and sapphire and other colour varieties of corundum is a major issue for the trade and laboratories alike. Heat treatment of corundum is commonl
Gemmological studies of “Hybrid Diamond” (Natural + CVD synthetics)
Size and quality of CVD synthetic diamonds for jewelry market have been improved over the years, and various fancy colour CVD diamonds have also been produced. In addition, overgro
Colour varieties of gems – where to set the boundary?
In theory it is simple: a gemstone is a mineral formed in nature by geological processes and, as such, it has a mineralogical name that is scientifically defined and accepted by th
Initiatives for sustainable pearl cultivation in Japan
Natural pearls are a gift from nature. On the other hand, cultured pearls are a symbol of humanity and nature. Skilful pearl smiths and rich nature are needed to cultivate beautifu
Study of a historical Alexandrite from Paris school of mines collection
Rare are the scientific studies on exceptional gemstones belonging to museum collections. This investigation is part of an ongoing project, on the study of historic gems, of the Mi
Causes of color in brown mammoth ivory
The mammoth species were once the largest terrestrial mammals in the world during the late Pleistocene (approximately 350,000 to 10,000 years ago), inhabiting the northern hemisphe
Rose Quartz: Journey Into the Nano-Jungle
Massive rose quartz is a readily available mineral ranging in colour from pink to salmon- or lavender-pink (Figure 1). Given its popularity in the market, it might be assumed that
The Banjarmasin Diamond in Amsterdam – War Booty from Borneo
The Banjarmasin diamond in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam plays a questionable role in the history of the Dutch occupation of Southern Borneo. Confiscated from the
Baltic amber and its inclusions: an insight into the origin and nature of the trapped material
Amber is a fossilised resin from ancient trees (coniferous and deciduous), which underwent the process of fossilisation in various epochs and depositional environments. Until the p
Geographic Origin Determination of Fei Cui: A comparison of high-quality green Fei Cui from Myanmar, Guatemala, and Italy
Fei Cui is a kind of jade that is defined as a granular to fibrous polycrystalline aggregate composed solely, or principally of any of the following or any combination of the follo
Purple to bluish grey chalcedony from Ethiopia
In the past 15 years, Ethiopia has repeatedly gained attention for a variety of new gem finds. In 2008, a large deposit of white play-of-colour opal was found (Rondeau et al., 2010
Colour change Paraiba tourmaline from Brazil
In just a few decades Paraiba tourmalines have developed into one of the most valuable and sought-after gems in the world. Of particular interest are specimens from the legendary B
Influence of Irradiation on Colour Modification and Colour Stability of Rubies: A Preliminary Study
Ruby is the chromium-bearing red colour-variety of corundum Al2 O3 . Since historic times, ruby is highly popular in the gem and jewellery market because of its highly saturated re
Gemological and Luminescence Characteristics of Taaffeites from Mogok, Myanmar
Taaffeite is a rare gem that has been found in different localities such as Tanzania, Sri Lanka, China, and Mogok, Myanmar. Systematic research on the taaffeite from Mogok, Myanmar
Snapshot of rubies from 1915
In 2008 the Honourable Mary Montagu Scott oversaw the opening of a permanent exhibition at Buckler’s Hard Maritime Museum on the Beaulieu Estate about the steamship SS Persia (Fi
Study and investigation of garnet from Balangir in Odisha, India
n the present study investigation of almandine-pyrope garnet, found in the Khaliapali village (20.8639° N, 83.4708° E) located in Balangir Tehsil of Balangir district of Odisha s
A study of Chikayama’s gem and mineral collections and building a gem museum
Based on the belief that “a gemstone is art and science,” Mr. Akira Chikayama devoted his life to gemological research and study for the benefit of people involved in gemstones
Color enhancement in yellow sapphire
Natural yellow sapphire is colored by one or the combination of two different chromophores, Fe3+ and the trapped hole-Fe3+ (h• -Fe3+) colour center. Fe3+ chromophore is typically
DNA Fingerprinting and age dating of historic natural pearls: a combined approach
Natural pearls are accidental formations in wild oysters. The lack of new supply in recent decades has meant that the trade is heavily dependent on old stocks of natural pearls, an
