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Emerald
Emerald is the bluish green to green variety of beryl, a mineral species that includes aquamarine.
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Research
Field Gemology: Building a Research Collection and Understanding the Development of Gem Deposits
With more than 90 field expeditions on six continents since 2008, GIA has accumulated over 22,000 colored stone reference samples. This extensive collection of colored stones with known origins supports GIA’s research on geographic origin determination.
A Review of Analytical Methods Used in Geographic Origin Determination of Gemstones
Geographic origin determination relies on a combination of gemological observations and advanced analytical tools. This contribution reviews the analytical methods commonly used to establish origin.
Geographic Origin Determination of Emerald
The relative chemical diversity of emeralds from different deposits worldwide allows clear origin determination in most cases. This contribution explains the criteria used by GIA to make geographic origin conclusions for emeralds.
Geology of Corundum and Emerald Gem Deposits: A Review
Over the last two decades, knowledge of the formation of gem deposits has improved significantly. This article reviews the state of our knowledge of the geology and genesis of gem corundum and emerald deposits.
Unique Vanadium-Rich Emerald from Malipo, China
Spectroscopic and chemical analyses of emeralds from this Chinese deposit show a unique composition.
Gemstones in the Era of the Taj Mahal and the Mughals
A look at the gem ornamentation of this landmark, as well as the jewels of the Mughal dynasty.
The Talisman of Charlemagne: New Historical and Gemological Discoveries
Reveals new details about this historical jewel and the results of its first gemological analysis.
Land of Origins: A Gemological Expedition to Ethiopia
Documents a visit to the sapphire, opal, and emerald mining and trading areas of Ethiopia.
Gilson Cat’s-Eye Synthetic Emerald
In the early 1960s, French ceramist and engineer Pierre Gilson succeeded in growing and producing flux synthetic emerald of commercially marketable quality.
Colombian Emerald Industry: The New Generation
Fortieth Anniversary of the Belmont Mine
Photoluminescence Spectra of Emeralds from Colombia, Afghanistan, and Zambia
Compares PL spectroscopy data of 48 emerald samples from three countries to evaluate the usefulness of the technique in geographic origin determination.
