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Sapphire
The name “sapphire” can also apply to any corundum that’s not ruby red, another corundum variety.
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Research
Romancing the Source: Myanmar
Accompany GIA field gemologists on a true gemstone mining adventure in exotic Mogok, Myanmar. This legendary source has been called “The Valley of Rubies,” but also produces a variety of other gemstones.
The Origin of Montana’s Alluvial Sapphires
Microscopic and chemical analysis may provide clues to the original source of Montana’s alluvial sapphires and help distinguish them from sapphires with overlapping properties.
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Venture into Chanthaburi’s Sapphire Mines and Markets with GIA’s Field Gemologists
See eastern Thailand’s resurgent mining operations and gem markets along with GIA’s field gemologists.
GIA Field Gemologists Seek Gems in Luc Yen, Vietnam
Climb Luc Yen’s treacherous limestone mountains in search of the region’s ruby, sapphire, and spinel.
GIA Field Gemologists Seek Blue Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli in Mogok, Myanmar
Join GIA gemologists as they seek the blue treasures of Mogok.
GIA Field Gemology Team Explores Sapphire Mines at Ilakaka, Madagascar
Tour one of the world’s most active sapphire mining areas—the island of Madagascar—with GIA’s field gemologist Vincent Pardieu.
Dual-Color Double Stars in Ruby, Sapphire, and Quartz: Cause and Historical Account
Examines a form of asterism comprising two six-rayed stars, one white and one that exhibits the stone’s bodycolor. Firsthand accounts and a survey of patent documents reveal that diffusion has been used to create or enhance this optical phenomenon in synthetic and possibly natural corundum since the 1950s.
Unusual Combination of Inclusions in Synthetic Star Sapphire
A hexagonal boundary, usually found in natural material, is observed in a synthetic star sapphire.
Rubies and Sapphires from Snezhnoe, Tajikistan
This large marble-hosted occurrence in the Pamir Mountains is a potentially productive source of corundum, including ruby with a bright red color reminiscent of “pigeon’s blood” Burmese rubies.
Synthetic Sapphire with Diffusion-Induced Color and Star
Diffusion treatment is used to induce color and asterism in a colorless synthetic sapphire.
Romancing the Source: Sri Lanka
Accompany GIA field gemologists on a true gemstone mining adventure in Sri Lanka, “The Island of Jewels.” You’ll observe traditional gemstone mining techniques that are still in use today. Sri Lanka is a mining, cutting, and trading powerhouse.
