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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
GIA Field Gemology Team Explores Sapphire Mines at Ilakaka, Madagascar
Tour one of the world’s most active sapphire mining areas—the island of Madagascar—with GIA’s field gemologist Vincent Pardieu.
Dual-Color Double Stars in Ruby, Sapphire, and Quartz: Cause and Historical Account
Examines a form of asterism comprising two six-rayed stars, one white and one that exhibits the stone’s bodycolor. Firsthand accounts and a survey of patent documents reveal that diffusion has been used to create or enhance this optical phenomenon in synthetic and possibly natural corundum since the 1950s.
Unusual Combination of Inclusions in Synthetic Star Sapphire
A hexagonal boundary, usually found in natural material, is observed in a synthetic star sapphire.
Rubies and Sapphires from Snezhnoe, Tajikistan
This large marble-hosted occurrence in the Pamir Mountains is a potentially productive source of corundum, including ruby with a bright red color reminiscent of “pigeon’s blood” Burmese rubies.
Synthetic Sapphire with Diffusion-Induced Color and Star
Diffusion treatment is used to induce color and asterism in a colorless synthetic sapphire.
Romancing the Source: Sri Lanka
Accompany GIA field gemologists on a true gemstone mining adventure in Sri Lanka, “The Island of Jewels.” You’ll observe traditional gemstone mining techniques that are still in use today. Sri Lanka is a mining, cutting, and trading powerhouse.
Study of the Blue Moon Diamond
Presents spectroscopic and phosphorescence data of the Blue Moon, a 12.03 ct Fancy Vivid blue diamond discovered at the historic Cullinan mine in early 2014.
Exceptional Pink to Red Diamonds: A Celebration of the 30th Argyle Diamond Tender
Describes the extremely rare polished pink diamonds from Australia’s Argyle mine that have been sold for 30 years through invitation-only tenders.
Rough Diamond Auctions: Sweeping Changes In Pricing and Distribution
Examines the growing percentage of rough diamonds being sold through auctions, a shift that has caused price volatility while opening up supply to more manufacturers and dealers.
Mozambique: A Ruby Discovery for the 21st Century
Join GIA on location at the Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique, the most important ruby discovery of this new century.
Sri Lanka: Expedition to the Island of Jewels
Offers a firsthand look at Sri Lanka’s mining, cutting, jewelry manufacturing, and retail sectors, where tradition and innovation converge.
