The story of Richard Hughes' four-decade adventure with jade, from Burma's jadeite mines to China's classic mutton-fat nephrite mines at Hetian, Xinjiang Province. The work of China's modern jade carving masters is also discussed.

A large black star sapphire was brought in for testing. Two large pits on the base were carefully filled with brown dopping varnish. After removal of the varnish with alcohol, it was found that a large portion of the base had been filled with a lead glass.

This article discusses the use of handheld long-wave ultraviolet torches with the microscope. It has been found that these have tremendous utility in identifying and characterizing certain oiled gemstones, such as emerald, tourmaline, etc.

Lotus Gemology's gemologists have lectured extensively about a wide variety of gemological topics including ruby, sapphire, jade, and more.

A discussion of DRIFTS vs the Beam Condenser FTIR attachment in the testing of pink sapphire. The DRIFTS accessory is generally much better at unmasking heat treatment in ruby and sapphire.

The history of the Lao sapphire mines at Ban Huay Xai is detailed, along with modern mining by Hong Kong based Sino Resources Mining Corp. Ltd. from 2006–2012.

A Burmese sapphire shows a celestial scene both externally and internally.

An included calcite crystal within an unheated Burmese ruby displays dramatic twinning planes.

Surface-reaching growth tubes in a sapphire provide insight into the gem’s origin and treatment history.

A ruby’s surface-reaching cavity is filled with red oil.