Sphalerite
Introduction: Sphalerite is zinc sulfide (ZnS), also known as zinc blende. It is a fairly common mineral crystallizing in the isometric system and is a principal ore of zinc. In addition, it often contains iron…
Gem NotesMarket Uncertainty: Ducks and Diamonds
As I write this report I can’t help but envision the duck swimming metaphor, everything is calm on the surface but below the surface the feet are paddling like crazy to keep going. There is…
Diamond MarketAGA 2015 Tucson Gemological Conference
The Accredited Gemologists Association held their annual Tucson conference at the Marriott University Park Hotel on February 4. This year, with 136 registered attendees, the association hosted one of the biggest conferences in their history. The…
ConferencesGem Market Pulse February 2015: Economy, Colored Stones, Strong
Economy, Colored Stones, Strong While ruby sales slow, red tourmaline alternate benefits. In the US, consumer confidence as reported by the Conference Board now stands at a level not seen since August 2007. A number of factors…
*Gem Focus & Market Pulse (Free Subscriber)Gem Market Pulse January 2015: Pink Sapphire
Featured Gemstone - Pink Sapphire What Gems to Buy? Exotic gems or fancy sapphires... This year colored stone sales are projected to grow globally by approximately 7%. In the US and other key markets, colored gems have emerged…
*Gem Focus & Market Pulse (Free Subscriber)Colored Gemstones: Impacts on Availability and Pricing from 2000-2014
This report looks at the various events over the last fourteen years that have significantly impacted the colored gemstone industry. It is meant to highlight certain events and the impacts they have had, but it…
Featured ArticlesColored Stone Market – January 2015
Expectations are for a good holiday season for jewelers. Many loose stone manufacturers are starting to offer finished jewelry. High demand and excitement is leading to higher gem prices. It has been a curious start…
Colored Stone MarketPolished Diamond Prices Stumble into the Holiday Season
Like a boxer in the middle rounds diamond prices have taken a hit to the chin and are stumbling into the holiday season. Canada’s mine owners of Diavik mine commit to expansion and more exploration…
Diamond MarketAppraising Worn Jewelry and Damaged Gemstones for Insurance
New jewelry is easy to value but what happens when a customer brings in an item of jewelry showing damage or excessive wear? As the independent appraiser, your job includes an accurate description of the…
News ArchiveGem Note: Hauyne
Introduction: Haüyne is an extremey rare mineral, a member of the sodalite group, and is even more rare as a gemstone with the formula (Na,Ca)4-8Al6Si6(O,S)24(SO4,CL)1-2. It is sometimes seen in the literature as hauyne or…
Gem Notes