jade, jadeite, fei cui, nephrite, Burma, gems, maw sit sit

The jadeite mines of Upper Burma (now Myanmar) occupy a privileged place in the world of gems, as they are the principal source of top-grade material. This article, by the first foreign gemologists allowed into these important mines in over 30 years, discusses the history, location, and geology of the Myanmar jadeite deposits, and especially current mining activities in the Hpakan region. Also detailed are the cutting, grading, and trading of jadeite—in both Myanmar and China—as well as treatments. The intent is to remove some of the mystery surrounding the Orient’s most valued gem.

emeralds, beryl, emerald enhancements, treatments, gems

An examination of gemological dogma relating to emerald enhancements… It started small. Probably a joke at the office water cooler. Rumor was that the US Postal Service was lobbying to put a tax on e-mail. Next thing you know, angry messages are flying around the world and I'm dusting off my bazooka for an assault on the Capital building. That is until I found out it wasn't true. It mighta been true, it coulda been true, oh it shoulda been true, but alas, it simply wasn't. Damn! Beliefs. We guard 'em closely. We bow down to them, defend them to the death. We are Pope Paul V railing against Galileo's Copernican astronomy. Don't know if you're like me, but once I get an idea in my head, it takes over like some kinda virus. All of a sudden, it's down with the godless commies, pox on the infidels and the next thing you know, I'm whistling the David Koresh death march…

Burma, jade, jadeite, fei cui, Hpakan, gems

There are many dealers who look upon gemological labs with a good deal of disdain and the feeling is often mutual. So often today it seems that gemologists and traders are on opposite sides. Tug, tug, pull, pull, each seems to have a different agenda. Dealers often view gemologists as inferior beings (those who can, sell; those who can't, teach or identify). And, for their part, gemologists look upon merchants as some type of single-celled amoebae (those who understand, teach or study, while those who can't, become merchants). We hope the following article will go some ways towards bridging this gulf, by gently (and sometimes not so gently) pointing out the problems and solutions for each camp.

corundum, quality.10, Burma.12, gems

The Mogok area of Myanmar (Burma) has long been noted for producing some of the world's finest blue sapphires. Burmese sapphire mining is reviewed, along with some of the most important blue sapphires from Burma, particularly those of large size. Mention is also made of some giant corundum crystals from other localities. The article contains sections based upon eyewitness accounts and discussions with some of Mogok's long-time gem dealers.

corundum, Afghanistan.12, Tajikistan.12, geology.11, gems

While ruby is one of the most important gems, in the twentieth century little has been written about one of the premier sources of antiquity— Afghanistan. The following article is divided into two parts. The first describes the history of Afghanistan's ruby/spinel deposits. Important mines are located near Jagdalek and Gharan (Badakhshan). The latter is believed to be the original source of the balas ruby (spinel); many of the most famous spinels, such as the Timur Ruby and Black Prince's Ruby, possibly originated there. The second part deals with the gemmological characteristics of Jagdalek rubies.

corundum, ruby, Vietnam.12, inclusions.5, gems

Review of events in the Bangkok gem market, including the appearance of large quantities of ruby from northern Vietnam.

gems, gem identification, corundum gem identification

A summary of corundum identification.

corundum, India.12, Kashmir.11, Burma.12, gems

No gemologist today would deny the importance of inclusions to the study of gemology. They are vital tools in separating synthetic gems from natural, and their importance will certainly increase along with the growing sophistication of treated gems. However, the question of inclusion-based country-of-origin reports does not find all gemologists and traders in agreement. Some support the practice; others do not. The following article takes a close look at the entire question of lab-issued origin reports, asking… a. are origin reports accurate within a reasonable degree of error using the current methods? b. even if origin reports are reasonably accurate, how are they being used in today's market? Do they provide useful collector information and protection to prospective customers, or are they merely a diversion for drawing the buyer's attention away from the stone's overall appearance and quality, to some ill-definable factor, such as origin? c. are origin reports akin to the authentication of a painting by a master artist, or do natural gems have only one artist Mother Nature? The purpose of this article is, thus, to explore objectively the arguments for and against lab origin reports. First the author explains why he believes origin reports are not totally reliable and definitely not in the best interests of the consumer. Supporters are then given the opportunity for rebuttal, explaining why they think Mr. Hughes has lost his mind. It is our hope that, out of the fray, readers, defenders of the faith, and opponents will better understand this question of origin.

instruments, inclusions.5, color.4, properties.3, gems

The author ruminates on the rather poor state of gemological instrument design and offers several suggestions for improvement.

corundum, sapphire, East Africa, Kenya.12, inclusions.5, gems

A brief inclusion study was done on a small sampling of Turkana sapphires provided by Ted Themelis. Perhaps the most distinctive feature throughout the lot of approximately 30 pieces was a slight cloudiness, or girasol," if you will. While in reflected light the stone might appear blue or green, in transmitted light an oily yellowish "diesel" appearance was seen (see Figure 1). This was found in virtually all specimens, except the one piece which had been heat treated. Heat treatment removed this cloudiness, as well as improving the color, suggesting that the cloudiness may be exsolved Ti and/or Fe compounds."