A look at the rare and unusual gem and mineral market.

Microscopic examination of a Mozambican pink sapphire reveals an inclusion with a surprising shape and composition.

A Mexican copal plays host to a well-preserved mushroom.

Raman spectroscopy reveals that a green bead, showing chatoyancy on one side, comprises jadeite and amphibole.

A report on the largest facet-grade afghanite seen in the GIA gem identification department.

The many gemological applications of the first-order red compensator.

The eyepiece pointer simplifies the task of pointing out microscopic features on or in any gemstone.

The properties and techniques of flux-grown synthetic emeralds from Russia are discussed.

“Birthday Book of Gems”; “The New World of Gold”; “Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire Facets”; “Art Nouveau Jewelry”; “Reviews in Mineralogy Volume 12: Fluid Inclusions”

A compilation of gem news from around the world, covering topics such as localities, unusual gem materials, market news, new products, discoveries, jewelry manufacturing techniques, and industry trends.

An examination of so-called

The technique is nondestructive and, with Fourier transform instrumentation, extremely rapid in comparison to most laboratory methods.

The description and properties of three fancy-color diamonds auctioned at Christie's.

Some treated yellow and blue-to-green diamonds show a peculiar color zoning when viewed through the pavilion.

“Cameos in Context The Benjamin Zucker Lectures, 1990”; “Gemstones of North America, Volume III”; “Diamond Exploration Techniques Emphasising Indicator Mineral Geochemistry and Canadian Examples”; “An Overview of Production of Specific U.S. Gemstones”; “Gemmologia Europa V—European Gemmologists on Rubies and Sapphires”

Over the last 25 years, the diamond-cutting industry worldwide has been revolutionized by sophisticated instruments that provide invaluable aid in the process of creating a polished gem.

Zimbabwe’s Sandawana mines have been an important producer of emeralds for 40 years.