ISSN 0846-3611 GEMMOLOGY CANADA

From the Editor:

I wish everyone a Happy and Rewarding New Year.

It appears that 2012 will be an interesting year for gemmology and all interested in the fascinating world of gems and jewellery. There may be a decline in activity at the various levels of the gem industry; however, there is a lack of well trained “gem technologists” who are absolutely necessary in this challenging world of new gem discoveries, gem treatments and innovative (and sometimes questionable) marketing schemes. Gemmology is a life long learning experience and perhaps now is the time to look into your professional development.

Wolf Kuehn, F.G.A., F.G.G.

Tucson February 2012

The Truth about Feldspars

Dr. Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA has completed a new research paper entitled “Obervations On The Occurrence Of Plagioclase Feldspars (PDF)“; please read this scientifically sound report and make your own conclusions.

In several previous CIGem News issues I have openly stated my position and opinion about the “Andesine Scam”. I am happy that a scholar like Joel Arem (PhD, Harvard University) has written a convincing article about the geological facts surrounding feldspar localities.

The whole story about large gem quality andesine from Congo combined with questionable research on specimen supposedly coming from Tibet and Mongolia appears to me an elaborate, well planned and executed hoax! I will change my opinion as soon as I read a scientific report of an independent geological research team verifying a gem quality producing mine in Congo or Tibet.

Emerald Controversy

Gemstone Forecaster

I highly recommend reading the Winter 2011 issue of the Gemstone Forecaster newsletter published by R. Genis. This edition contains an eye-opening interview with Cap Beesly (formerly AGL) about the current gem laboratory situation, an interesting video by Al Jazeera about Burma and several other newsworthy items.

GL Gem Raman Spectrometer

The GL Gem Raman quickly can tell the difference between diamond, cubic zirconia and zircon, distinguish jadeite from nephrite, separate real from faux pearls, tell whether it is ivory or plastic. There is great potential for detecting treatments and colour enhancements in gemstones; it will help in the determination of the nature and colour origin of diamonds and other gemstones.

More inforation about the GL Gem Raman^TM spectrometer system here.

New Version for GLGemSpec Program

We just finalized and tested version 2.5 of the GLGemSpec software. All GLGemSpec users should have received their update package by now. Please visit the GL GemSpec Support area for more information.

The update version includes a normalization feature; the spectrograph can be saved and used as a reference in the GLGemSpec data-base for other users to compare.

GEM 350 GLGem Spec Update Workshop

This course is for current or future users of the GL Gem Spectrometer system.

• Using PowerPoint presentations the development and use of modern spectrometers is introduced.
• The actual use of an Ocean Optics USB 4000 spectrometer and the GL Gem Spectrometer is demonstrated and compared.
• Practical testing of a number of interesting gem materials will be conducted by the participants under supervision of the workshop facilitator.
• Introduction of the GL Raman Spectrometer released in February 2012.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own gem materials for testing. To register on-line go here.

Presenter: Wolf Kuehn, B.A., M.A., Dipl.oec, FGA, FGG

Time: Tue, May 22, 2012 from 6 – 9 p.m. (3.0 hours)

Location: Richmond, B.C., Canada

Limited to 5 participants

Fee: $ 295 (free for current GLGemSpec users)

Participants who purchased the GL Gem Spectrometer system and future purchasers (within one month) will receive a voucher in the amount of $ 295 which can be applied towards upgrade and calibration services, book and instrument purchases in the Gemlab store.

C.I.G. Professional Development Program (AG-PDP)

Entrance Requirements

“Fine Jewellery Expert (C.I.G.)”, F.G.A. or equivalent from other institutions; foreign candidates may apply but must enter Canada under a visitor’s visa (no student visas available). If credentials were obtained before 2002 a practical entrance test must be passed.

Course Credits Required

• All C.I.G. GEM 200-level courses
  • GEM 210 Diamond Grading
  • GEM 220 Advanced Gemmology
  • GEM 230 Gem Colour Grading
  • GEM 250 Gem Identification II
• For this course it is recommended that students have basic gem testing equipment at their disposal to complete individual projects at home or at their work place; students will also learn the use of UV- VIS – NIR spectrometers. There will be a five-day practical workshop to complete the AG-PDP program.

To obtain certification as an Accredited Gemmologist (C.I.G.)^® a scientific paper has to be submitted within 6 months of completion of the A.G. (C.I.G.) diploma exam. See course outline or View/Download brochure (PDF) and View/Download Application Form (PDF). If you have any further questions about the AG-PDP program please call (604) 530-8569.

Individual courses must be completed within 12 months; courses leading to a certificate or diploma must all be completed within 24 months.

For more info about the C.I.G. Professional Development Program (AG-PDP) go to Advanced (GEM 200-level) Courses or download brochure (PDF).

World Gem Society

The Canadain Institute of Gemmology is a member of the World Gem Society. For a nominal fee you can access a variety of resources available.

Wolf Kuehn, B.A., M.A., Dipl.oec, F.G.A., F.G.G. – Director of Education

© 2012 Canadian Institute of Gemmology, Vancouver, Canada – www.cigem.ca

The name and logo and the designation Accredited Gemmologist (C.I.G.)^® are registered trade marks (Registration # TMA407372 Canadian Intellectual Property Office)

Canadian Institute of Gemmology

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From the Editor

This newsletter is a bit late in the year as I wanted to wait for the first results from the proto-type GL Gem Raman spectrometer. I spent part of the summer in Europe (image is from Wilder Kaiser Mountains, Austria) and had the opportunity to make contact with several GLGemSpec users.

I wish you a Merry Christmas Season with a Happy and Successful 2012 and hope to see you in Tucson, Arizona in February.

GL Gem Raman Developments:

We finished testing the proto-type of the GL Gem Raman and have started designing a production unit combined with software development. We hope to have the first units for sale at the AGTA GemFair show in Tucson, Arizona in February 2012 or earlier.

More info here.

Here a few comments about the advantages (and disadvantages) of a Raman over other advanced gem testing instruments such as FTIR, UV-VIS-NIR spectrometer, etc:

We have chosen a 300 mW 532nm laser as excitation source as commercial units are now available at economical prices. These devices use diode lasers to “pump” a Nd-YAG laser which operates at 1064 nm. The light from this laser is frequency-doubled to give green 532 nm light. This wavelength is about optimum for both Raman efficiency and the detector operating range. The Raman spectral range is from 200 – 2,500 cm-1 and output under 200 mW is usually sufficient and safe for the sample.

Raman spectroscopy is scattering-based, not transmission/reflection; i.e. no need for sample preparation. Only a small sample area is required; there are no movable optical parts and maintenance is minimal.

The Raman can quickly tell the difference between diamond, cubic zirconia and zircon, distinguish jadeite from nephrite, separate real from faux pearls, tell whether it is ivory or plastic. There is great potential for detecting treatments and colour enhancements in gemstones; it will help in the determination of the nature and colour origin of diamonds and other gemstones.

The GL Gem Raman has a sample compartment big enough to accomodate larger specimen and single pieces of jewellery.

Large reference databases are available on-line such as at the RRUFF Project; GL R&T together with other GL Gem Raman users will build a reference database for the 532nm excitation laser used in the instrument.

Sphene or Sphalerite?

From RUFF Project

In the C.I.G. study gem collection we have one stone marked “sphene (over the limit)”. As I did not get results with the refractometer we checked the stone with the GL Gem Raman; as shown above we could match the stone with the RUFF reference for sphalerite.

BTW: The GL Gem Spectrometer would have provided a (less expensive) answer; both transmission spectra for sphene (titanite) and sphalerite were recorded by Dr. Bill Hanneman with the GLGemSpec in his book “Pragmatic Spectroscopy for Gemologists“. Below the normalized absoprtion spectrum of sphalerite (obtained with our GLGemSpec) and the Caltech reference (Mineral Spectroscopy Server) for sphene (titanite); they do not have a reference spectrum for sphalerite:

GL Gem Spectrometer

If you want to join other GLGemSpec users in over 15 countries you must order your unit soon  to receive it before Christmas; see detailed product information here. We also have a demo unit for sale ($ 200 savings).

In the last 12 months since introduction we have improved the firmware and software to make the spectrometer very efficient for use with or without the GL Halogen 10W Holder. Experienced users have developed their own illumination setups for use with larger samples and individual jewellery pieces. As part of our commitment we offer a generous warranty and upgrade policy. Please order here.

“A comparison study of corundum using the GL Gem Spectrometer” by the World Gem Society; download (PDF) here.

Tucson 2012

AGTA GemFair Tucson 2012 – January 31 to February 5 Get ready for the big event and visit us at booth # 31 on the Galleria Level

We will have all the details  about the new GL Gem Raman and like last year the portable GL Gem Spectrometer will be demonstrated. I also will be giving a workshop and presentation – to be announced soon.

C.I.G. Vancouver Courses 2012

We have posted the schedule for Courses/Workshops in the coming new year here.

World Gem Society

For a nominal fee you can access a variety of resources available to gemmologists and appraisers.

Wolf Kuehn, B.A., M.A., Dipl.oec, F.G.A., F.G.G. – GLR&T Project Manager

© 2011 Gemlab Research & Technology, Vancouver, Canada – www.gemlab.ws

The name and logo is a registered trade mark (Registration # TMA407372 Canadian Intellectual Property Office)

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Gemlab Research & Technology

GL Gem Spectrometer Anniversary Sale

One year ago Gemlab Research & Technology introduced this innovative gem testing instrument; since then over 50 units have been sold to users in 15 countries. The improvement of the GL Gem Spectrometer is an ongoing process.

We are proud that we were able to enhance the CCD in a proprietary process to produce a much more stable signal; sensitivity was increased as well and both software and hardware are now 64 bit compliant. The GL Halogen Light Holder has been redesigned to produce a brighter light and less noise in fringe spectral  areas.

All units are hand-made locally, tested in the GL R&T lab before shipping and support services are available by phone and e-mail. The present price of US$ 1,495.00 (Can$ 1,565, 1.125,00 Euros) for the whole package including the software licence is the lowest this year. Take the opportunity and order a unit right now;  please allow up to 3 weeks for delivery. More Information…

Free Delivery to Canada and Continental USA

Click Here to Order the GL Gem Spectrometer

Comment: GLGemSpec users have asked about the new MDM Direct Reading Digital Gem Spectroscope; it is definitely superior to a hand spectroscope with an accuracy down to 1 nm. However, it is still an analog device with a diffraction grating spectroscope coupled to a camera which allows comfortable viewing of the spectra on a LCD monitor. The GL Gem Spectrometer is a tool that requires a computer to operate. Spectras can be saved, edited, published and printed out; the instrument requires a more experienced gemmologist to interpret the results which are made available to others in a data-base.

Our Warranty and Commitment

We will repair and replace your GL Gem Spectrometer if necessary due to defective parts, etc during the first 6 months unless other consumer protection regulations exist in your country. We also offer free firmware/CCD upgrades within 12 months if shipped to us at your cost and risk and we will return the unit to you at no cost. After 12 months a processing fee of $ 295 will be charged which covers the firmware update with any CCD upgrade (can be customized), re-alignment and recalibration for dropped spectrometers, etc.  and return shipping charges; other repair services upon request. Software updates are always free.

GEM 350 GLGemSpec Update Workshop

This course is for current or future users of the GL Gem Spectrometer system.

• Using PowerPoint presentations the development and use of modern spectrometers is introduced.
• The actual use of an Ocean Optics USB 4000 spectrometer and the GL Gem Spectrometer is demonstrated and compared.
• Practical testing of numerous gem materials will be conducted by the participants under supervision of the workshop facilitator.
• Introduction of a prototype of the GL Raman Spectrometer to be released in February 2012.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own  gem materials for testing. To register on-line go here.

Presenter: Wolf Kuehn,  B.A., M.A., Dipl.oec, FGA,  FGG (Canadian Institute of Gemmology)

Time: Friday, November 11, 2011 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (3.0 hours)

Location: Vancouver Airport Hotel TBA, Richmond B.C., Canada

Limited to 8 participants

Participants who purchased the GL Gem Spectrometer system and future purchasers (within one month) will receive a voucher in the amount of $ Can295 which can be applied towards upgrade and calibration services, book and instrument purchases in the Gemlab store.

We reserve the right to cancel courses if there is insufficient enrolment; upon return of all course materials students will receive a full refund for the tuition paid but no other compensation can be offered.

Please wait with travel arrangements until final confirmation.

View/Download and read carefully our refund policy (PDF).

Canada Post Labour Disruption

By the time you read this newsletter Canada Post should be back to work. We will process all orders as soon a possible; please be patient as there will be some delays.

Save $ 100 on GL Gem Spectrometer

This is an opportunity to purchase a GL Gem Spectrometer system for a lower price (limited time and quantities); sold to users in over 15 countries our spectrometer is an advanced testing tool for the professional gemmologist. See detailed product information here.

In the last 9 months since introduction we have improved the firmware and software to make the spectrometer more efficient. As part of our commitment we offer a generous warranty and upgrade policy. Due to the Canada Post strike we have extended our sales until July 15, 2011 Please order here

Calibration Problems with Chinese made Refractometers

We have tested several  refractometers from China and made some observations which are of importance to beginner gemmologists (and perhaps to the experienced as well). Almost all units we inspected were NOT properly calibrated.

In particular the model sold for under $ 100 like in the packaging to the left had variations of up to .010 for refractive index which could lead to wrong identification when unaware of the deficiency. We opened one of these units and discoverd that all the movable parts in the instrument were glued together and modification was impossible. The 2 models sold in our on-line store can be adjusted after disassembly. We use a reference stone of RI=1.4703 to calibrate all units before shipping.

In the past we have sold refractometers with a built-in LED which provides a satisfactory mono-chromatic light source; however, users report about drained batteries after putting the refractometer back in the protective pouch and being accidentally switched on again.

We recommend our GL Portable Refractometer (with an external flashlight); you can purchase it here.

A Portable Polariscope and Dark-Field Scope

We are always looking for ways to make gem testing instruments more portable. The GL 5 LED Light Box provides an effective light base for the GL Portable Polariscope and the GLDarkfield 10X Loupe and other instruments such as refractometer, dichroscope and filters.

We have tested several gem testing tools with the GL 5 LED Light Box including the dichroscope and hand-held spectroscope (be aware of transmission typical for this type of LED) and 20x loupe; it operates on 3 AAA batteries. The image to the left shows the GL Portable Polariscope mounted ontop of the 5 LEDs and unmounted. It is easily replaced by the GL Darkfield 10x Loupe making it into a versatile portable mini microsope with darkfield. The light output of the 5 LEDs is quite strong. Fracture filled diamonds and types of glass filling are easily identified. The polariscope has a removable immersion cell allowing undistorted view of inclusion features when used with the proper immersion liquids.

We highly recommend this light unit in combination with the mentioned portable gem testing tools.

Study Stones for Be-treated Sapphire and Filled Rubies

We have started offering a variety of study stones for reference purposes. Many Be-treated sapphires can be identified when detecting features such as seen in the study stones; filled rubies are easier to spot. In the coming weeks we will offer other additional stones in the on-line store. We also have several Colombian emerald (Muzo) specimen for sale.

Click for Be-treated sapphire and lead filled ruby samples.

Understanding Rough Gemstones

We received an interesting book which we highly recommend. If there is enough interest we will carry it in our on-line bookstore.

Whether one is a novice in the field of gemology or a veteran, Understanding Rough Gemstones, by Shyamala Fernandes and Gagan Choudhary, will definitely give one a refreshing and relevant view of gemstone rough. Perhaps what makes this content of this book so intriguing is the fact that both authors have been closely associated with gemmology for practically their entire lives. They are not only incredibly passionate about the subject but also very well-read. The book manages to teach the reader a whole lot without becoming, at any point, monotonous or heavy. Whether a student or a veteran gemologist, we are sure that there will be some gems of knowledge in this book for everyone. Loaded with picturesque photographs and characterized by charmingly simple writing, this book is must-readl! Pages: 211 with many illustrations, images, reference tables, etc. Cost is approximately $ 35 plus shipping from India. Call Helen D Souza at IIJ Tel 022 67444355 or email .in

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Wolf Kuehn, B.A., M.A., Dipl.oec, F.G.A., F.G.G. – GLR&T Project Manager

© 2011 Gemlab Research & Technology, Vancouver, Canada

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Update (January 10, 2012)

Dr. Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA has completed a new research paper entitled “Obervations On The Occurrence Of Plagioclase Feldspars (PDF)“; please read this scientifically sound report and make your own conclusions.

As a group, feldspars are the most abundant minerals on planet Earth. Yet despite mineralogical superabundance and gargantuan crystal size, transparent feldspar gems (with a few notable exceptions) are usually tiny and extremely rare. The vast majority of ornamental feldspars are opaque or translucent, white, gray or a very pale hue, and often display a “phenomenon”, such as iridescence or some other type of color effect. These materials, including moonstone and sunstone, have been prized as gems for centuries. Several, including labradorite and amazonite, are widely used in jewelry.

Question: what has prevented the gemstone world from paying as much attention to feldspars as they deserve?

Answer: Extreme rarity, small size, and lack of bright coloration has prevented the gemstone world from paying as much attention to feldspars as the group deserves.

The following article is an attempt to correct this mistake and reveal the amazing story of a group of gems that may turn out to be major players in the future of the jewelry trade.

Dr. Joel E. Arem’s former article “Gem Feldspars And Feldspar Treatments (PDF)”

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