GIA’s Fall 2023 Gems & Gemology opens a portal into the world of yellow sapphire with the article “Yellow Sapphire: Natural, Heat-Treated, Beryllium-Diffused, and Synthetic.” Authored by John L. Emmett, Ungkhana Atikarnsakul, Jennifer Stone-Sundberg, and Supharart Sangsawong, this comprehensive study meticulously dissects the chromophores responsible for the myriad hues in yellow sapphire. Delving into natural, heat-treated, beryllium-diffused, and synthetic variations, the authors provide invaluable insights for gem enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
Oregon Sunstone’s Radiant Secrets:
“Special Colors and Optical Effects of Oregon Sunstone: Absorption, Scattering, Pleochroism, and Color Zoning” by Shiyun Jin, Aaron C. Palke, Nathan D. Renfro, and Ziyin Sun unravels the enchanting world of Oregon sunstone. The article explores the influence of metallic copper inclusions, detailing absorption, scattering, pleochroism, and color zoning. Readers are treated to a deeper understanding of the unique characteristics that make this gem-quality feldspar truly mesmerizing.
Ukrainian Pegmatite Wonders:
Embark on a journey through the Volyn Pegmatites in Northwest Ukraine with Gerhard Franz, Oleksii A. Vyshnevskyi, Volodymyr M. Khomenko, Peter Lyckberg, and Ulrich Gernert. In “Etch Pits in Heliodor and Green Beryl from the Volyn Pegmatites, Northwest Ukraine: A Diagnostic Feature,” the authors explore dissolution features of heliodor and green beryl, offering diagnostic criteria for distinguishing them from similar samples found in other regions.
British Columbia’s Gemological Bounty:
Philippe M. Belley’s “Iolite from the Thor-Odin Dome, British Columbia, Canada: Geology, Chemical Composition, Inclusions, and Cause of Chatoyancy” uncovers the geological setting and gemological properties of violet-blue gem cordierite from new deposits in British Columbia. This article provides a glimpse into the unique characteristics that define this precious gemstone.
Additional Highlights:
Beyond the feature articles, G&G’s Fall 2023 edition presents regular features that deepen gemological knowledge. Lab Notes showcase recent submissions to GIA’s laboratories, including a remarkable 4.04 ct ring crafted from a single-crystal CVD diamond. Micro-World offers captivating internal feature observations, such as zigzag-patterned fingerprints in blue sapphire. Diamond Reflections focuses on diamonds formed within eclogitic mantle host rocks. Gem News International includes brief studies of Burmese chameleon amber, Guatemalan omphacite jade, and other gem materials, along with coverage of the recent Turquoise United conference and the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference.
GIA’s Fall 2023 Gems & Gemology is a must-read for anyone passionate about the world of gemstones. With in-depth investigations, stunning visuals, and a wealth of gemological knowledge, this edition continues GIA’s legacy of unraveling the mysteries that lie within the Earth’s most precious treasures.
