Mineralogy And Geochemistry Of Gems

Gems have been used in the manufacture of jewellery and as ornaments since antiquity. Considering gems, recent statistics have shown that about 15 billion Euros are annually at stake. Nowadays, gemmology, i.e., the study of gem materials, is one of the most expanding fields in the earth sciences, positioned between academia and industry. As an applied science, in gemmology, the instruments used should be non- or microdestructive, and their cost should be reasonable both in terms of equipment and time consumption. Gemmology can also be used contribute to the development of pure science and in some cases, destructive techniques may have to be used. Taking into account the fact that gems are albeit rarely available for scientific research, this compilation of 20 articles by around 100 researchers from over 30 different institutions situated in 20 countries from around the globe, presented in the Special Issue entitled “Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Gems”, offers very good examples on the application of various methods for their study which will hopefully contribute to our better understanding of gem formation in general and will enhance scientific debates attracting more scientists from various disciplines to get involved in this field.

Gems have been used in the manufacture of jewellery and as ornaments since antiquity. Considering gems, recent statistics have shown that about 15 billion Euros are annually at stake. Nowadays, gemmology, i.e., the study of gem materials, is one of the most expanding fields in the earth sciences, positioned between academia and industry. As an applied science, in gemmology, the instruments used should be non- or microdestructive, and their cost should be reasonable both in terms of equipment and time consumption. Gemmology can also be used contribute to the development of pure science and in some cases, destructive techniques may have to be used. Taking into account the fact that gems are albeit rarely available for scientific research, this compilation of 20 articles by around 100 researchers from over 30 different institutions situated in 20 countries from around the globe, presented in the Special Issue entitled “Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Gems”, offers very good examples on the application of various methods for their study which will hopefully contribute to our better understanding of gem formation in general and will enhance scientific debates attracting more scientists from various disciplines to get involved in this field.

Ruby, red corundum, is a gem mineral with mineral properties, gem characteristics and chemistry that are reliant on critical trace element substitutions in its aluminum oxide crystal structure. Ruby has attracted scientific and economic interest. It has already been studied extensively regarding its widespread global distribution and the diversity of its geological associations, as revealed by exploration and exploitation. Researchers are becoming increasingly aware that geographic typing of ruby characteristics and its host assemblages may guide further exploration and provide checks on reputed sources of both rough and cut stones. Genetic pointers, based on fluid and solid mineral inclusions, oxygen and other isotope values and pressure and temperature estimates, have already yielded much genetic information. Rare ruby in mantle xenoliths, TP ~1100o C, 2GPa, epitaxial diamond in ruby and ruby in diamond have special interest. Amid the present extensive documentation on this singular gem mineral, new insights and co-existing associations remain to be discovered. Although ruby largely appears in metamorphic and metasomatic source rocks, newer studies suggest it may also arise from magmatic sources. Age-dating of a range of mineral inclusions in ruby now allows more precise modelling of ruby genesis. Tectonic aspects of ruby genesis related to early collisional plate events on Earth are also a frontier for further understanding. In addition, ruby growth remains an important phase in metamorphic studies of events in some young collisional zones. This Special Issue planned for Minerals aims to attract further studies on this multi-origin gem mineral. Investigations at the ‘economic border’ of ruby and sapphire nomenclature and relevant treatments affecting ruby color will be considered.

Understanding gemstones in a geological context Gemstones are colorful treasures of the Earth that have captivated humans for thousands of years. The physical and chemical characteristics of each type of gem provide insights into the geological processes that created them. Geology and Mineralogy of Gemstones is a textbook aimed at upper-level undergraduate and graduate students. It presents the basic mineralogical and geological knowledge needed to understand gemstones and examines the characteristics and geological origins of different types of gemstone. Volume highlights include: Concepts in mineralogy Structure and chemical composition of minerals Geological processes that lead to the formation and movement of gemstones Equipment and tools used to examine gemstones and their physical properties The American Geophysical Union promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. Its publications disseminate scientific knowledge and provide resources for researchers, students, and professionals.

Originally published: London: Natural History Museum, 2022, as: The Natural History Museum book of gemstones: a concise reference guide.

Gemstones refer to pieces of mineral crystals that have been cut and polished, and are used for creating jewelry and other adornments. They come in a wide variety of colors and shades. Mineralogy refers to the study of the chemistry, crystal structure and physical properties of minerals and mineralized artifacts such as gemstones. Geochemistry refers to the study of the chemical composition of the Earth and its rocks and minerals. As gemstones are formed and found beneath the Earth's surface and may contain traces of minerals, they are studied under the subjects of mineralogy and geochemistry. They can be categorized as crystalline or amorphous. Minerals with a definite and regular internal atomic structure are called crystalline gemstones. Amorphous gemstones have no naturally occurring form and no organized internal atomic structure. This book includes some of the vital pieces of works being conducted across the world, on various topics related to the mineralogy and geochemistry of gemstones. With its detailed analyses and data, it will prove immensely beneficial to professionals and students involved in this area of study at various levels.

This edition has been revised and expanded to reflect recent and varied developments in the highly specialized field of gemology. Among these are: gemstone synthesis; imitation gems; the alteration of gems to improve, add, remove or otherwise change their color, phenomena or clarity; the importance and widespread uses of the microscope to reflect the aforementioned developments; and a number of new gem minerals or new forms of previously described minerals recently discovered or actively marketed for the first time. The chapter on Descriptive Gemology has been divided into two groups: important gemstones (those gem materials most widely used in jewelry and ornamental objects) and less important gemstones (those less commonly encountered).