Blue octahedral crystal inclusions within heliodor cabochons are found to be gahnite, a zinc-rich end member of the spinel group.

The properties of petrified woods originating from various localities in Thailand and Myanmar are examined.

A colorless diamond crystal fragment shows an eye-visible bluish green internal induced radiation stain that developed in a near-surface environment.

Abalone pearls submitted to the New York lab provide insight into the range of colors and shapes this type of mollusk can produce.

A Very Light pink diamond showing a uniform plane of color intersecting with a cone of strain that fit perfectly into a colorless hole is studied at the Carlsbad lab.

Two quartz specimens showing asterism and cross-shaped inclusions are analyzed.

A rare mineral acquired along the Thai-Myanmar border exhibits the distinctive six-spoke pattern associated with trapiche.

An emerald reportedly from Madagascar is cut to show asterism, a rare phenomenon in this material.

An assembled mabe pearl contains a fluted object, the function of which is unknown.

A Fancy Intense purplish pink diamond with a network of planar cracks and strain-induced bodycolor reveals an aesthetic geometric pattern.

A lighting method modified for gemological microscopy provides false-color contrast to enhance inclusion scenes.

An unusual host-inclusion association is revealed when a cluster of crystals in a colorless topaz is discovered to be molybdenite.

A green cabochon from China resembling jadeite is found to be antigorite, a member of the serpentine group.

Advancing CVD growth technologies yield intensely colored, high-quality synthetic diamonds, such as the two green-blue synthetic materials seen in the New York lab.

Bangles submitted for identification are found to be not jadeite jade, but hydrogrossular garnet, an unusual choice for this form.

Proposes a model for trapiche emerald formation based on petrographic, spectroscopic, and chemical examination.

A technique for origin identification based on statistical analysis and LA-ICP-MS spectrometry.

Examines a new source of colorless and near-colorless gem-quality HPHT synthetic diamonds using spectroscopic and gemological analysis.

Explores the history, geology, and current production of this unique source of large diamonds.

Review of Mineral Treasures of the Ozarks, by Bruce L. Stinchcomb.