How can laboratory testing reveal that a gemstone may come from a previously unrecognised source? This webinar explores the fascinating investigation into copper-bearing tourmaline from a new source in Ethiopia.
Drawing on two recent papers published in The Journal of Gemmology, the talk examines how multi-element analysis and machine learning identified samples that did not match established references. Laboratory findings, combined with reports from the gem trade, provided the evidence needed to establish and report the new source.
The webinar will explore the gemmological and chemical characteristics of the material, how it can be distinguished from copper-bearing tourmalines from Brazil, Nigeria and Mozambique, and which varieties are classified as Paraíba tourmaline under LMHC guidelines.
A fascinating look at how science, laboratory testing and industry knowledge can come together to uncover a new gemstone source.
Speaker: Dr Hao Wang
Dr Hao Wang is Head of Research at the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF. He earned his PhD and completed postdoctoral research at ETH Zurich, specialising in inorganic analytical chemistry and trace element analysis. After joining SSEF in 2015, he led the development of GemTOF, the laboratory’s platform for multi-element analysis. His research includes the geographic origin determination of Paraíba tourmaline and emeralds using machine learning, as well as dating gemstone inclusions. His current research focuses on the detection of irradiation-treated corundum.
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The Gem-A office will be closed from 3pm Wednesday 24th December 2025 for the holidays, reopening 9am Friday 2nd January 2026.
Season’s greetings from all of us at Gem-A!
