Understanding Gemstone Species and Varieties

Introduction

Today, we will be discussing four different gemstone species: beryl, corundum, garnet, and quartz. These gemstones have multiple varieties within them and are important to the gem and jewelry trade. We will explore their chemical compositions, colors, and typical inclusions. Let's dive in!

Beryl

Beryl is a beryllium aluminum silicate and is typically colorless. However, it can be found in various colors such as green, yellow, blue, and pink when additional elements are present. Some popular varieties of beryl include emerald, aquamarine, and green beryl. Emeralds, in particular, are known for their vibrant green color, while green beryls are typically duller in appearance. Inclusions in emeralds can include crystal inclusions, feathers, and calcite rhombs.

Corundum

Corundum is aluminum oxide and can be found in a range of colors. The most well-known varieties of corundum are rubies and sapphires. Rubies are red corundum, while sapphires can come in a variety of colors such as blue, yellow, and pink. Inclusions in rubies and sapphires can include crystals, feathers, and color zoning. Star rubies and sapphires exhibit an asterism effect, which creates a star-like pattern when light is shone on the stone.

Garnet

Garnet is a large group of species within the garnet family. Some popular varieties of garnet include pyrope, almandine, and spessartine. Pyrope is typically red, almandine is deep red, and spessartine is bright orange. Inclusions in garnets can vary, but commonly include crystals, feathers, and silk. Tsavorite garnet is a green variety, while hessonite garnet is an orange variety.

Quartz

Quartz is an abundant mineral found in various colors and varieties. Some popular macro-crystalline varieties of quartz include amethyst (purple), citrine (yellow), and rose quartz (pink). Chalcedony, a polycrystalline variety of quartz, includes varieties such as agate, carnelian, and chrysoprase. Quartz can also exhibit optical effects such as aventurescence in aventurine quartz and chatoyancy in tiger's eye.

Conclusion

Gemstone species and varieties offer a wide range of colors and fascinating inclusions. From the vibrant green of emeralds to the deep red of rubies, gemstones have captivated humans for centuries. Understanding the different species and varieties can help you appreciate the unique beauty of each gemstone you encounter.

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The Science Behind Pink Diamonds

Introduction

Welcome to GIA Knowledge Sessions, a series of talks about gemology, drawing on decades of research at GIA. In this session, Dr. Sally Magana, the senior manager of Diamond Identification, will discuss the science behind pink diamonds. Pink diamonds are a rare subset of the already rare colored diamond family, and their unique characteristics make them highly valued in the gemstone market.

Understanding the Color Distribution of Pink Diamonds

Pink diamonds come in various shades and intensities, ranging from very light to fancy red. The color distribution can be seen within the pink family, which includes straight pink diamonds, pinkish-purple, brownish-pink, and orange-pink diamonds. These different hues all result from similar causes of color, which will be explained in detail throughout this talk.

The Role of Nitrogen in Pink Diamonds

Nitrogen is a key element in the formation of pink diamonds. Most diamonds start with single and isolated nitrogen atoms, which eventually pair up to form aggregates. The type of nitrogen aggregates present in a diamond determines its color and other characteristics. For example, type Ia diamonds have a mixture of A and B aggregates, while type IIa diamonds have no detectable nitrogen.

The Formation Process of Pink Diamonds

Pink diamonds are formed under specific geologic forces. They are typically exposed to high temperatures and pressures, which cause plastic deformation and create the pink color. The exact process and depth at which pink coloration occurs are still not fully understood, but researchers have observed that pink diamonds from the Argyle Mine in Australia are often associated with eclogitic inclusions formed at around 1200 degrees Celsius.

Golconda Pinks: The Rare Pink Diamonds

Golconda pinks are a subset of pink diamonds that are exceptionally rare. They get their color from nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers, which are formed through a combination of natural radiation and low-temperature heating. Golconda pinks are characterized by their pale color and unique fluorescence under ultraviolet light, which is directly related to the nitrogen-vacancy centers present in the diamonds.

Color Treatment and Bleaching of Pink Diamonds

Pink diamonds can be treated to enhance their color. The most common treatment involves irradiating diamonds with nitrogen and inducing vacancies to create NV centers. This treatment is used for both natural and lab-grown diamonds. It's worth noting that pink diamonds, including Golconda pinks, can undergo temporary bleaching when exposed to ultraviolet light. However, the color reverts back to its stable state over time.

Conclusion

Pink diamonds are a fascinating subset of the diamond family, known for their rarity and unique characteristics. The science behind their coloration involves nitrogen-vacancy centers, plastic deformation, and specific geological processes. As the Argyle Mine, a major source of pink diamonds, is set to close, the future of pink diamond supply remains uncertain. However, the beauty and allure of pink diamonds continue to captivate gemstone enthusiasts and collectors around the world.

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Here is a simple tool. With the help of this tool, someone can easily calculate his or her birthstone. Just enter your date of birth and press the calculate button, and you will find your birthstone name.
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Gemology Hub / Gems Hub / Minerals Hub: A Simple Test for Identification of Natural Tenebr...

Gemology Hub / Gems Hub / Minerals Hub: A Simple Test for Identification of Natural Tenebr...: I originally composed this laboratory alert note in December 2013 using a PowerPoint presentation.. However, I now want to share it on socia...

A Simple Test for Identification of Natural Tenebrescent Scapolite and Irradiated Tenebrescent Scapolite

I originally composed this laboratory alert note in December 2013 using a PowerPoint presentation.. However, I now want to share it on social media platforms to effectively distribute the information in a simple way.
With the help of this simple, effective test, geologists, mineralogists, gemologists, and people involved in the gemstone business can effortlessly differentiate between natural untreated tenebrescent scapolite and irradiated tenebrescent scapolite.

Here is the link below 

simple test for identification of natural untreated tenebrescent scapolite and irradiated scapolite☝