News Archive

Serendibite

Introduction: Serendibite is an extremely rare mineral with the chemical formula Ca2(Mg,Al)6(Si,Al,B)6O20. The mineral was first discovered in 1902 by G.T. Prior and A.K. Coomaraswamy at Gangapitiya, which is near Ambakotte, approximately 12 miles (20 km…

The Ivory Pandemonium

The noble and ethical standing of the US Government on illegal ivory trade is certainly welcomed by the environmentally conscious both in the US and abroad. A similar ban on ruby and jade, however, doesn’t give much…

Diamond Market – November 2014

World Diamantaires face financing crunch and Global Diamond jewelry sales reach Record Level. EGL reports banned from trading platforms. Rio Tinto celebrates 30 years of pink diamond tenders with release of unprecedented four red diamonds. It should come as…

Valuing a Crazed Opal

Although the assignment discussed here involves a cracked or crazed opal, the methodology is similar for any damaged gemstone. The appraiser only has what is in front of them, and if it is a damaged…

Sphene

Sphene is calcium titanium silicate (CaTiSiO5). The mineral was first discovered in Hauzenberg in the Bavarian region of Germany in 1795. It was named titanite for its titanium content. The synonym, sphene, was introduced in…