Blue sapphires are currently being mined on an exploratory basis from alluvial deposits at the Lindi mine, near the town of Mingxi in Fujian Province. The geology and occurrence of the sapphires ...

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

Twenty-six peridot samples from the Esquel pallasite meteorite and 27 samples from 10 terrestrial sources were studied by laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LAICP- MS). Among ...

This little-known source of gem-quality peridot, located in southwestern New Mexico, produces small but brilliant gems. Kilbourne Hole peridot is found in the explosion debris of a 180,000-year-old ...

Figure 1. The largest known natural moissanite crystal, found along the Kishon River in northeastern Israel, measures 4.1 mm in its longest dimension. Photo by Vered Toledo. Synthetic silicon carbide ...

GIA Student Workrooms give you affordable access to all the equipment and gemstones you need to complete the practical requirements of your Gem Identification course through Online Education. This ...

Opal can range from 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Hardness and toughness Gem and mineral hardness is measured on the Mohs scale. The numbers are based on the relative ease or difficulty with ...

A synthetic gem material is one that is made in a laboratory, but which shares virtually all chemical, optical, and physical characteristics of its natural mineral counterpart, though in some cases, ...

Online courses and Lab classes required to earn your online credential offered via the GIA Online Division are listed below. Click here to download the requirements ...

Learn more about programs and courses offered at GIA's campus in New York City and worldwide, including admission requirements, class schedules, and academic policies. Stay in touch - complete the ...

This sapphire from Kashmir has an intense velvety blue color. – Photo: Robert Weldon/GIA. Sapphire is one of the Big three of jewelry colored gemstones—the other two are ruby and emerald. A durable ...

Established in 1931, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. A public benefit, nonprofit institute, GIA is the leading ...