Gem-A Launches Final Issue for 2023 of The Journal of Gemmology Focusing on Colouration in Iron-Bearing Beryl
Respected scientific resource for Gem-A Members is available online now, with printed copies arriving in the New Year, to facilitate continued professional development for gemmologists.
Press Release: 20 December 2023
Gem-A, London, United Kingdom
The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) has launched the latest issue of its academic publication, The Journal of Gemmology (Volume 38, No. 8).
Released digitally on 18 December 2023, this issue contains news and research from the international gemmological community, including an article discussing the origin of aquamarine (blue to green) and yellow colouration in iron-bearing beryl by Dr Lars Olov Andersson. Past studies disagree on the locations of iron ions in the crystal structure, and the present article proposes mechanisms for the various blue-to-green and yellow colours of Fe-bearing beryl that are consistent with changes in colour due to heating and irradiation.
Additional feature articles examine the gemmological characteristics and origin of basalt-related pyrope from Southeast Vietnam, the characteristics of the colour zones and inclusions in unusual multicoloured quartz from Brazil, an historical 42.54 ct faceted alexandrite from the Mineralogy Museum of Paris School of Mines, and a third-century CE sapphire and gold ring housed in the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki in Greece.
Editor-in-chief Brendan Laurs FGA says: “Authors of the articles in this issue of The Journal have put considerable effort into researching, writing and sharing their results for the benefit of the gemmological community, on topics ranging from causes of colour to new gem materials and important historical objects in museum collections. The diversity of these topics shows the many different directions being taken by contemporary gemmological research.”
In addition to the feature articles, each issue of The Journal of Gemmology contains a Gem Notes section, providing brief reports on diverse items of gemmological interest from around the world. In this issue, among the many items covered are blue cat’s-eye apatite from Brazil, a rare assemblage of lazurite, sulphur and bystrite inclusions in a ruby from Mogok, Myanmar, and new production of topaz from an alluvial deposit in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam.
The What’s New column highlights recent publications, online resources and museum displays of interest to gemmologists, while the Learning Opportunities section contains a detailed listing of upcoming conferences and educational events to further the professional development of its readers. Finally, the New Media section compiles information on new gem- and jewellery-related books.
A leader in its field, The Journal publishes original research articles on all aspects of gemmology, including natural stones and their treatments, synthetics, and simulated gem materials. It is published quarterly in collaboration with the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF.
Gem-A CEO Alan Hart FGA adds: “As 2023 draws to a close, I am pleased to be able to present another fantastic issue of The Journal of Gemmology before the Holiday Season starts. Our international community of gemmology professionals really values continued learning and development, which is why The Journal of Gemmology is such a vital resource for Gem-A Members. I hope you enjoy reading this issue and once again feel inspired by our fast-paced, globally significant and ever-evolving trade.”
Issues published in the past two years are accessible to Gem-A Members nationally and internationally. Previous issues are freely available to anyone via The Journal’s online archive. A cumulative index covering all issues from 1947 to 2022 and bibliographies of Journal articles covering specific subjects can also be freely downloaded from The Journal’s website.
Start receiving The Journal of Gemmology today.
Anyone can become an Associate Member of Gem-A and receive printed and online access to both Gem-A publications: The Journal of Gemmology and Gems&Jewellery. Visit the Gem-A website to find out more.
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For further information, please contact:
Nysa Pradhan
nysapradhan@gem-a.com
+44 0207 404 3334
Notes to editors:
About Gem-A
The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, or Gem-A, is the world’s longest established provider of gem and jewellery education. Our Gemmology Diploma evolved from the first gem course proposed for the UK jewellery trade in 1908, and our prestigious Gemmology and Diamonds Diplomas — taught in seven different languages and 26 countries around the world — are recognised globally.
Gem-A forms an international community of gem professionals and enthusiasts. We serve the interests of the gem and jewellery industries through high standards of education in our courses and our support for global gemmological research. We also provide various membership opportunities, offer high-quality gemmological instruments, and host a number of educational events throughout the year, as well as two internationally distributed publications, The Journal of Gemmology and Gems&Jewellery.
www.gem-a.com
About The Journal of Gemmology
The Journal of Gemmology has been the official scientific journal of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain since it was incorporated in 1947. It is published quarterly in print and electronic formats. All Individual and Gold Corporate Members of Gem-A receive The Journal as part of their membership package. Institutional subscriptions are available for laboratories, libraries, museums and similar organisations.
To contact the Editor-in-Chief, please direct correspondence to Brendan M. Laurs FGA at editor@gem-a.com.
