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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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Tools
Research
Study of the Blue Moon Diamond
Presents spectroscopic and phosphorescence data of the Blue Moon, a 12.03 ct Fancy Vivid blue diamond discovered at the historic Cullinan mine in early 2014.
Exceptional Pink to Red Diamonds: A Celebration of the 30th Argyle Diamond Tender
Describes the extremely rare polished pink diamonds from Australia’s Argyle mine that have been sold for 30 years through invitation-only tenders.
Rough Diamond Auctions: Sweeping Changes In Pricing and Distribution
Examines the growing percentage of rough diamonds being sold through auctions, a shift that has caused price volatility while opening up supply to more manufacturers and dealers.
Mozambique: A Ruby Discovery for the 21st Century
Join GIA on location at the Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique, the most important ruby discovery of this new century.
Sri Lanka: Expedition to the Island of Jewels
Offers a firsthand look at Sri Lanka’s mining, cutting, jewelry manufacturing, and retail sectors, where tradition and innovation converge.
Sri Lanka: From Mine to Market, Part 2
The series continues with a revealing look at Sri Lanka’s jewelry manufacturing and retail sectors, as well as visits to five major gem mining and trading centers.
Sri Lanka: From Mine to Market, Part 1
Join GIA field gemologists and witness firsthand the entire value chain of the Sri Lankan colored gemstone and jewelry industry, from digging for sapphire in the mud to the glamour of finished jewelry on a fashion model.
Unusual Optical Effect in Blue Sapphire | Gems & Gemology
A bluish violet sapphire shows surprising effects under lab examination.
A Look Inside a Remarkably Large Beaded South Sea Cultured Pearl
A study of the nacre and the cavity of a large Pinctada maxima cultured pearl yields a theory on the specimen’s formation.
Hunting for “Jedi” Spinels in Mogok
Documents a series of visits to Myanmar in search of exceptionally bright pinkish red spinels possessing no dark tones.
Near-Colorless HPHT Synthetic Diamonds from AOTC Group
Presents the gemological and spectroscopic properties of a suite of synthetic diamonds grown by AOTC using high pressure and high temperature.
Update on Gemstone Mining in Luc Yen, Vietnam
Explores the emergence of the Luc Yen area as a producer of corundum, spinel, tourmaline, and other colored stones.
