Past conferences
Abstracts Library
Opal stability: a step toward detection
Opal is a gem of captivating beauty that stems from its complex microscopic structure composed mainly of silica. In the most striking specimens, the light diffraction from a three-
Quartz crystals from alpine fissures: their formation and the historical significance of alpine quartz as raw material for objets d’art
The central Alps, especially the central granite massifs (Aar Massif, Gotthard Massif, Mont Blanc Massif) in Switzerland and adjacent France are known since ancient times for their
Sulfur-based species induced photochromism in sodalite
Sodalite Na4 (Al3 Si3 O12)Cl is a natural aluminosilicate mineral that contains sulfur or sulfur-related defects, known as chromophores (Reinen et al. 1999; Fleet et al. 2010). Hac
The Importance of Research for Gem & Jewellery Industry
Research has always been an essential tool for business leaders who always realise that the consuming public is active, and hence, research investment could help lead their busines
Colour change Paraiba tourmaline from Brazil
In just a few decades Paraiba tourmalines have developed into one of the most valuable and sought-after gems in the world. Of particular interest are specimens from the legendary B
Mapping underground rivers at the Copeton Diamond Field, New South Wales, Australia. Following these “deep leads” to further riches
In Australia’s ‘New England’, early gold and tin explorers discovered diamonds in their sluice boxes without realising their significance, but by the 1890s the Copeton-Bingar
Treated jadeite-jade: Unusually bright fancy colours
Jadeite-jade is a precious ornamental stone that has been valued as the topmost decorative stone and has been used in jewelry, carvings, and other ornamental objects by many cultur
Origin Identification Characteristics of High-quality Green Jadeite
Currently occurrences of jadeite mainly include Myanmar, Guatemala, Russia, Kazakhstan and Japan. Origin has a great impact on the price of high-quality green jadeite and at presen
Influence of Irradiation on Colour Modification and Colour Stability of Rubies: A Preliminary Study
Ruby is the chromium-bearing red colour-variety of corundum Al2 O3 . Since historic times, ruby is highly popular in the gem and jewellery market because of its highly saturated re
Phase transformations as important markers for heat treatment detection in corundum and other gemstones
Detection of heat treatment of ruby and sapphire and other colour varieties of corundum is a major issue for the trade and laboratories alike. Heat treatment of corundum is commonl
Proposed New Filler Type for Emerald Fracture Filling: Design, Detection, Differentiation, Disclosure
Fracture filling is common in gem trading to enhance gemstones’ beauty and / or durability. Common textbook examples are (lead) glass filling of rubies and diamonds, polymer/resi
Geographic Origin Determination of Fei Cui: A comparison of high-quality green Fei Cui from Myanmar, Guatemala, and Italy
Fei Cui is a kind of jade that is defined as a granular to fibrous polycrystalline aggregate composed solely, or principally of any of the following or any combination of the follo
Additional Observations on Unstable Color in Padparadscha Sapphires
For the past few years laboratories have been testing the color stability of padparadscha sapphires. It became an issue because we realized that the orange color in some pads was u
Overview of the “GEM” special exhibition at the NMNS
A special exhibition “GEM” was held at the National Museum of Nature and Science (NMNS), Tokyo, from February 19th to June 19th, 2022. The exhibition covered all aspects of gem
A study of Chikayama’s gem and mineral collections and building a gem museum
Based on the belief that “a gemstone is art and science,” Mr. Akira Chikayama devoted his life to gemological research and study for the benefit of people involved in gemstones
Quantitative estimation of spinel’s thermal and geothermal history by photoluminescence spectroscopy and its application in spinel origin determination
The thermal history of spinel can not only be used to distinguish the natural spinel from heated and synthetic ones, but also to reveal that the spinel underwent different geologic
Initiatives for sustainable pearl cultivation in Japan
Natural pearls are a gift from nature. On the other hand, cultured pearls are a symbol of humanity and nature. Skilful pearl smiths and rich nature are needed to cultivate beautifu
Explanation on Yellow, Green and Brown Coloration Series of Basalt Related Bangkaja Sapphires
The basalt related Bangkaja sapphires, excluding the black star ones, commonly occur in three coloration series, i.e., the yellow, the green and the brown. Two representative sampl
Analysis of Myanmar golden-lipped cultured pearls using X-ray radiography, EDXRF, UV-Vis-NIR and Raman spectroscopy
Myanmar golden-lipped pearl oysters (Pinctada maxima) are well-known to be found at the Myeik Archipelago – formerly also known as Mergui Archipelago – in the Andaman Sea in so
A brief history of synthetic diamond researches in Japan
Research on diamond synthesis started in early 1960s in Japan, following GE’s success in 1955. The research was most active between 1980 and 2000 in Japan, triggered by success i
