Padparadscha Sapphire & the Ownership of Words
A discussion of the definition of padparadscha sapphire, from early to modern times, along with the difficulty in standardizing such definitions.
Articles
Rutile in Corundum — Following the Silk Road
A discussion of rutile silk in corundum and its use in detecting artificial heat treatment. Careful examination of these "silk" inclusions can provide vital clues to unmask heated gems.
Fluxed Up — The Fracture Healing of Ruby
A discussion of the flux-healing treatment of rubies. This article was given the Richard T. Liddicoat Journalism Award by the American Gem Society in 2005.
Ruby, Pink Sapphire & Padparadscha — Walking the Line
An examination of the problem of separating pink sapphire and padparadscha from ruby.
Ruby Connoisseurship — Seeing Red
A loving look at ruby – the gem of passion – from the standpoint of the connoisseur.
Sapphire Connoisseurship — Judging Sapphire — Passion Fruit
Sapphire is one of the classic gems. In this article, Lotus Gemology's resident connoisseur casts a discerning eye at the factors that contribute to quality in this legendary precious stone.
From Russia with Jade — Russian Fei Cui Deposits
Jadeite jade is a stone intimately associated with Burma (Myanmar). But there are deposits in other countries. This article details Russia's jadeite deposits in the Polar Urals and Khakassia.
Burmese Jade — The Inscrutable Gem
Myanmar's jadeite mines occupy a privileged place, representing the planet's principal source of fine jadeite jade. This article covers the deposits themselves, along with the cutting, grading and trading of jadeite.
Lenny Cram's Opal Mine — Fun Down Under
The believe-it-or-not story of Australia's Lenny Cram and his opal mine in a mason jar.
Burma's Jade Mines — An Annotated Occidental History
The history of Burma's jade mines, as seen through Western eyes, from the earliest accounts through World War II.