GemTOF quality control: participation in 2nd age dating blind round robin dating test
Age dating of minerals and their associated rock formations is important in geoscience research in order to be able to reconstruct and understand geological processes and Earth’s history. To be able to date a mineral, it is necessary that this mineral incorporates an element/isotope that decays radioactively
Native copper inclusions in copper-bearing tourmaline: a new formation scenario?
Gold-coloured platelet inclusions have been reported in copper- bearing tourmaline from Paraíba State in Brazil since the discovery of this highly sought-after gemstone (Fritsch et al., 1990) in the late 1980s. Until now, this extraordinary type of inclusion in tourmaline was mentioned in the literature only
Ti-diffusion treated sapphire cabochons
Titanium diffusion treatment is known since decades: it can lead to a surface-related blue colour in corundum. Basically, this treatment is a heating process requiring high temperatures in combination with titanium (oxide) as an additive. During the treatment, titanium atoms penetrate into a superficial layer o
Pink sapphire with orange iron hydroxides in fissures
Padparadscha is one of the most attractive corundum varieties in the trade and is sought after for its subtle pinkish orange to orangey pink colour. Padparadscha, originally known from Sri Lanka only, is found today also in other deposits such as for example in Madagascar and Tanzania, both part of East Africa
Testing of calibrated coloured stones: a complex job for gemmologists
The Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF is regularly testing batches of tiny calibrated coloured stones for the Swiss watch industry similar to our testing service for melée diamonds. Testing such small coloured gemstones is challenging, starting with the handling of such small stones to analytical restrictions
New cobalt-bearing spinel from Lukande, Tanzania
Gem-quality spinel (MgAl2O4) from Tanzania is well known in the trade for many decades. Most of these spinels are purple or pink to saturated red. Especially famous are pinkish red spinels from Mahenge, which in fact are found at the locality Epanko (or Ipanko), about 7 km south of the small township of Mahenge
Unearthing the past: harnessing history in the study of gemmology
Gemstones have been used in jewellery for millennia, with their history dating back to ancient civilizations. From Egypt to Mesopotamia, India to China, Europe and the Americas, gemstones have held deep cultural significance and have been treasured for their inherent beauty and mystical properties.
