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Sapphire
The name “sapphire” can also apply to any corundum that’s not ruby red, another corundum variety.
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Tools
Research
Freshwater Pearling in Tennessee
Natural pearl identification is one of the critical problems in pearl research. The DNA study of pearly mollusks and oysters facilitates solving this problem. To fulfill this goal, GIA sent a group from both research and education to Tennessee to sample the freshwater mollusks for DNA bar coding. Come with us to Camden, Tennessee, to see how we dive for pearly shells.
Rock Creek Montana Sapphires: A New Age of Mining Begins
Visit Montana’s Rock Creek sapphire mining area with a GIA field expedition and witness the recovery of these beautiful stones directly from the source.
Montana’s Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine: Sharing the Excitement of Mining with the Public
Join a GIA field team on an expedition to Gem Mountain, Montana, and witness the rarely seen sapphire heat treatment process and tourists passionately searching for treasures to turn into cherished jewelry.
A Fantastic Display of Phase Changes in a Sapphire’s Fluid Inclusion
Phase changes illustrate the temperature and pressure conditions in the fluid inclusion system of a Sri Lankan sapphire.
Blue Sapphires From a New Deposit Near Andranondambo, Madagascar
A recent rush in Madagascar yields new sapphire production.
Paula Crevoshay’s American Collection, Plus Jewelry with Nontraditional Gemstones
Lesser-known gem materials are seen in pieces alongside a collection created as an artistic inheritance for future generations of jewelry fans.
Romancing the Source: Myanmar
Accompany GIA field gemologists on a true gemstone mining adventure in exotic Mogok, Myanmar. This legendary source has been called “The Valley of Rubies,” but also produces a variety of other gemstones.
The Origin of Montana’s Alluvial Sapphires
Microscopic and chemical analysis may provide clues to the original source of Montana’s alluvial sapphires and help distinguish them from sapphires with overlapping properties.
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Venture into Chanthaburi’s Sapphire Mines and Markets with GIA’s Field Gemologists
See eastern Thailand’s resurgent mining operations and gem markets along with GIA’s field gemologists.
GIA Field Gemologists Seek Gems in Luc Yen, Vietnam
Climb Luc Yen’s treacherous limestone mountains in search of the region’s ruby, sapphire, and spinel.
GIA Field Gemologists Seek Blue Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli in Mogok, Myanmar
Join GIA gemologists as they seek the blue treasures of Mogok.
