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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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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.
34th International Gemmological Conference
A report from the 34th IGC, held in Vilnius, Lithuania in August 2015.
Violetish Blue Spinel in Yellow Sapphire
A singly refractive inclusion within a yellow sapphire proves to be spinel.
Alluvial Sapphires from Montana: Inclusions, Geochemistry, and Indications of a Metasomatic Origin
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.
Glassy Melt Inclusions in Sapphires from Montana
Two-phase inclusions are investigated in alluvial sapphires from deposits in Montana.
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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.
Synthetic Sapphire with Diffusion-Induced Color and Star
Diffusion treatment is used to induce color and asterism in a colorless synthetic sapphire.
Beryllium-Diffused and Lead Glass–Filled Orange Sapphire
A sapphire receiving two distinct forms of treatment is seen at the Carlsbad laboratory.
Unusual Combination of Inclusions in Synthetic Star Sapphire
A hexagonal boundary, usually found in natural material, is observed in a synthetic star sapphire.
