(Press Release) CARLSBAD, Calif. – May 16, 2019 – The Spring 2019 issue of Gems & Gemology (G&G) presents articles on tourmaline classification, sapphire origin determination via inclusion analysis, a legendary reliquary, identifying origin of freshwater pearls, the impact of cut and orientation on alexandrite’s color change and more. This latest edition of GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America’s) quarterly professional journal includes regular features – Lab Notes, Micro-World, Diamonds from the Deep and Gem News International – and announces the winners of the G&G 2018 Dr. Edward J. Gübelin Most Valuable Article Award. Readers can also test their gemological knowledge with the annual multiple-choice G&G Challenge. G&G’s Spring 2019 issue is available in print by subscription and in the GIA Store, and digitally – at no cost – on GIA.edu.
The lead article, by GIA scientists Ziyin Sun, Aaron C. Palke, Christopher M. Breeding and GIA Governor Barbara L. Dutrow, presents a simplified but comprehensive classification for tourmaline species based on quantitative measurements of six elements using laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analysis. The second article examines the age and origin of sapphires from two Sri Lankan alluvial deposits using trace-element composition and inclusion characterization, including age dating of zircon inclusions.
The third feature, “The Talisman of Charlemagne: New Historical and Gemological Discoveries,” gives an overview of the first scientific analysis of this ninth-century religious relic. In the fourth paper, GIA researchers use LA-ICP-MS and multivariate analysis to compare the trace-element concentrations in cultured freshwater pearls from China and the U.S. with natural pearls found in the U.S. to identify their origins.
The fifth paper, “Pleochroism and Color Change in Faceted Alexandrite: Influence of Cut and Sample Orientation,” presented by regular G&G contributor Karl Schmetzer, shows how a number of factors can impact the perceived color of this signature color-change form of chrysoberyl. The final article of the issue is an in-depth field report on the 2018 gemological expedition to Ethiopia, led by GIA field gemologist Wim Vertriest.
Lab Notes features the largest diamond discovered in North America, Burmese color-change sapphire and a laboratory-grown diamond containing a CVD layer grown on natural diamond. Diamonds from the Deep examines what we can learn from diamond age determination. Micro-World showcases the internal world of gemstones, including copper inclusions in purple chalcedony from Indonesia and a fossil insect in opal. Gem News International covers the 2019 Tucson shows with market insights and photos of beautiful and interesting specimens.
This and every issue of G&G since 1934, including full articles, lab notes, photo galleries and exclusive video footage, are available at no cost on GIA’s website at https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology.
Additional research articles are available at http://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research.
Print subscriptions and copies of back issues are available at http://store.gia.edu.
For press inquiries, please contact Nellie Barnett at [email protected] or +1 760-603-4184.
About GIA
An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight and, in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which is recognized around the world as the standard for diamond quality.
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism. Visit GIA.edu.
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