In 1878, the noted Austrian mineralogist, Gustav Tschermak von Seysenegg [1836–1927], was the first to properly identify silk in corundum, finding it to be composed of the mineral rutile (TiO₂). An English translation of his landmark paper is included, along with the original German version.

In the lab and marketplace alike, gemologists and gem traders seek to separate natural ruby from synthetic with training and gemological equipment. But what if there was an easier, faster method?

 Lotus Gemology produces what we feel are the finest gem testing reports in the gemological field. Each report includes gemstone identification, treatment identification and, in certain cases (mainly ruby, sapphire, spinel, emerald and jadeite jade) origin determination.

Do men and women have the same ability to see red? The answer might shock you.

The examination of a yellow sapphire provides a lesson in the power of gemological microscopy.

A brief look at the famous emerald and alexandrite from Russia's Ural Mountain mines.

The phenomenon of pleochroism in doubly refractive (DR) gemstones is described, as it relates to overall color appearance in the context of faceted gems. With strongly pleochroic gems, pleochroism can be seen in faceted gems, even if the table facet is oriented perpendicular to an optic axis. This is because facets change the direction of light as it moves through the gem.

An examination of the problem of separating pink sapphire and padparadscha from ruby.

The use of Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) in gem identification, with examples of sapphire & jadeite.

When it comes to gemology, whether it is practiced in the lab or jewelry store, the importance of traveling to the source cannot be emphasized enough. Not only is information more accurate at the source, but the experiences will also make you a better salesperson.