The history of the Kashmir mines, the beautiful sapphires found there, and the outlook for the future.

A survey of the current gemological knowledge of pegmatites, including the gem varieties aquamarine, tourmaline, and topaz.

First in a series, this article reviews the exploration for gemstones and mining methods in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Several gems were recently examined that showed stars with an unnatural appearance or an unusual number of rays.

Known for their great beauty and rarity, pink diamonds have long been sought after by jewelers, collectors, and consumers.

The stories behind seven strikingly beautiful rare natural diamonds, united in an exhibit at the Smithsonian, are told here.

A large “Persian” turquoise cabochon was impregnated with a material that was also present in cavities on its base.

An emerald deposit at Byrud, in southern Norway, yielded significant quantities of crystals and gem rough in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Mina Stones promotes Nigerian gems including rubellite and sapphire as well as reviving traditional skills and symbols in the creation of original jewelry.

A nondestructive rapid screening technique uses fluorescence spectroscopy to identify treated colored pearls.

Application of slight pressure perpendicular to the twinning planes reveals the unusual property of this synthetic gem.