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Sapphire
The name “sapphire” can also apply to any corundum that’s not ruby red, another corundum variety.
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Research
Accurate Reporting of Key Trace Elements in Ruby and Sapphire Using Matrix-Matched Standards
Presents a group of corundum standards developed by GIA to improve the accuracy and efficiency of its laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) instruments.
Two Unusual Natural Sapphires with Synthetic Ruby Overgrowth
For the first time, the Carlsbad and New York labs see natural sapphire seeds with synthetic ruby overgrowth.
“Flower in the Rain” Inclusion in Sri Lankan Sapphire
A growth blockage/fluid inclusion combination in a blue sapphire from Sri Lanka resembles a bloom in a rainstorm.
Growth Tube Cluster in Sapphire
Surface-reaching growth tubes in a sapphire provide insight into the gem’s origin and treatment history.
The “Montana Queen” Sapphire
A rough blue sapphire crystal from the Rock Creek deposit is heat treated and cut to become the largest known faceted blue Montana sapphire.
Yellow, Green, and Blue Sapphires Reportedly from Antang and Gombe, Nigeria
Nineteen sapphires of various colors, reportedly from sources in northern Nigeria, are studied in GIA’s Tokyo laboratory.
Chart: Inclusions in Natural, Synthetic, and Treated Sapphire
Provides a visual guide to the internal features of natural, synthetic, and treated sapphires.
Big Sky Country Sapphire: Visiting Montana’s Alluvial Deposits
Documents a visit to the upper Missouri River and Rock Creek sapphire mining areas.
Sapphires from Northern Ethiopia
A new source of sapphires is found in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.
Pink Sapphire Filled with Bismuth-Based Glass
A sapphire with a color not commonly seen in the lab is found to have a glass filling.
New Designs from Paula Crevoshay
World-renowned jewelry artist Paula Crevoshay displays some of her newest pieces at the Tucson gem shows.
Tourmaline and Sapphire from Nigeria
An update on Nigerian colored stone production is obtained at the Tucson gem shows.
