London: The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) has launched the latest issue of its academic publication, The Journal of Gemmology (Volume 39, No. 1, 2024).
Released digitally on 2 April, this issue contains news and research from the international gemmological community, including an article focusing on the mineralogy and colour genesis of silicified coral from Indonesia. This attractive material shows various radiating and fern-like patterns in colours spanning reddish brown, orange-yellow, magenta and dark grey. The different colours are attributed to the density and colour variations of included hematite or siderite particles.
Additional feature articles include an examination of the characteristics and primary hydrothermal origin of nephrite jade from the Sky Zone in Wyoming, USA, a detailed look at gem-quality green cryptocrystalline muscovite (fuchsite) from Ya’an Prefecture in Sichuan, China, and a study of an historical ‘Egyptian’ emerald at the Mineralogy Museum of Paris School of Mines (Mines Paris – PSL) that turned out to be from Colombia.
Editor-in-chief Brendan Laurs FGA said, “Most of the articles in this issue focus on some interesting opaque-to-translucent gem materials. The Indonesian silicified coral is widely available on the market, as shown by its prominence at this year’s Tucson gem and mineral shows. The Wyoming nephrite is coming from a new primary deposit and is notable for its very fine-grained texture that enables a high polish lustre. The fuchsite from China was properly identified after the authors purchased it as another material (chrome-pyrophyllite) from an online seller. The historical ‘Egyptian’ emerald from the Mines Paris – PSL collection was catalogued as being from Egypt, probably due to its highly included appearance, but its gemmological and chemical properties demonstrate that it actually came from Colombia.”
In addition to the feature articles, each issue of The Journal of Gemmology contains a Gem Notes section, providing brief reports on diverse items of gemmological interest from around the world. In this issue, among the many items covered are a near-colourless HPHT-grown diamond with natural-appearing blue fluorescence, two new gem materials—yellow-to-orange sodalite and green haüyne—from Badakhshan, Afghanistan, an exceptional carved ‘enhydro’ chalcedony, and the identification of two types of treated and processed amber.
The What’s New column highlights recent publications and online resources of interest to gemmologists, while the Learning Opportunities section contains a detailed listing of upcoming conferences and educational events to further the professional development of its readers. Finally, the New Media section compiles information on new gem- and jewellery-related books.
A leader in its field, The Journal publishes original research articles on all aspects of gemmology, including natural stones and their treatments, synthetics, and simulated gem materials. It is published quarterly in collaboration with the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF.
Gem-A CEO Alan Hart FGA added, “We are thrilled to present another informative and insightful issue of The Journal of Gemmology for Spring 2024. I was especially taken by the cover of this issue, which perfectly highlights the colours and patterns of silicified coral hailing from Indonesia. Our international community of gemmology professionals really values ongoing learning and development, which is why The Journal continues to be such a vital resource for Gem-A Members. Staying abreast of international research and discoveries ensures Gem-A Members are at the forefront of our ever-evolving trade.”
Issues published in the past two years are accessible to Gem-A Members nationally and internationally. Previous issues are freely available to anyone via The Journal’s online archive. A cumulative index covering all issues from 1947 to 2023 and bibliographies covering specific subjects can also be freely downloaded from The Journal’s website.
