Spring 2023 G&G Available Now

Erica Zaidman

May 23, 2023

A variety of topics awaits you in the Spring issue of G&G. With two feature articles, another installment of Diamond Reflections, our report on the 2023 Tucson shows, the annual G&G Challenge quiz, and more, there’s something for everyone inside.

GEMOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MONTANA SAPPHIRE FROM THE SECONDARY DEPOSITS AT ROCK CREEK, MISSOURI RIVER, AND DRY COTTONWOOD CREEK

Dr. Aaron Palke and coauthors share their in-depth study of Montana sapphire from secondary deposits at Rock Creek, Missouri River, and Dry Cottonwood Creek. After detailing the fascinating history of sapphire mining and the geology of these three Montana mining districts, the authors cover the gemological characteristics of secondary Montana sapphire, including a comparison to the characteristics of sapphires from Tanzania. Finally, the article chronicles the heat treatment process of five Montana sapphire samples.

MORPHOLOGY OF COLOMBIAN EMERALD: SOME LESS COMMON CASES AND THEIR GROWTH AND DISSOLUTION HISTORY

Dr. Karl Schmetzer and Gérard Martayan investigate the morphological features in Colombian emerald to understand their growth and post-growth history. After studying a collection of 15 isolated emerald crystals and seven specimens in matrix using optical methods, the authors offer insight into the different patterns, including possible relationships to trapiche emeralds and those exhibiting the gota de aceite effect.

LAB NOTES

GIA’s global laboratory staff present their latest findings in the Lab Notes section, including a Libyan Desert glass bangle bracelet, a collection of pearls treated to look antique, and the largest faceted synthetic rutile examined at GIA to date.

MICRO-WORLD

The Micro-World section, dedicated to the inner world of gemstones, highlights a three-phase inclusion in alexandrite, a garnet inclusion resembling a flying insect in diamond, a series of negative crystals arranged in an arrow-like pattern in sapphire, and more.

DIAMOND REFLECTIONS

Diamond Reflections returns in this issue, providing a look at plastic deformation, one of the most prevalent features in natural diamond.

GEM NEWS INTERNATIONAL

Finally, the Gem News International section starts with our coverage of the 2023 Tucson gem shows, including the latest trends, market and mining updates, as well as handcrafted designs and unique specimens from all over the world. The GNI section continues with more noteworthy content, including reports of pearls from the UAE, Bahrain, and Chile and a color study of fancy sapphire from Greenland.

The Spring issue also contains the 2023 Gems & Gemology Challenge quiz. Score 75% or better and you’ll receive a certificate of completion (PDF file); earn a perfect score and your name will be listed in the Fall 2023 issue. Online entries for the Challenge must be submitted by Friday, September 1, 2023.