Unveiled Secrets: Key Pieces of the Gem-A's Precious Gems and Mineral Hoard
In the world of gemstones, the Gem-A's Gemstones and Minerals Collection stands out as a testament to geological diversity and beauty. This collection, which was once owned by Basil Anderson, a founding father of the Gem-A, features a unique array of gemstones that are distinguished by their special characteristics.
Red beryl, for instance, is exceptionally rare and prized for its vibrant red color. Forming in volcanic rhyolite rocks, red beryl is valued as a collector's gem due to its scarcity. Another striking gemstone in the collection is banded fluorite, known for its striking color zoning and patterns, often appearing in layers of purple, green, and other hues.
Citrine, a yellow to golden variety of quartz, is popular in jewelry for its warm hues and relatively affordable price compared to other yellow gemstones. Peridot, the gem-quality variety of olivine, exhibits a distinctive olive-green color caused by iron content. It is often found in volcanic and some meteorite-related deposits.
Tanzanite, prized for its vibrant blue to violet hues, is a variety of the mineral zoisite found almost exclusively near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, making it geographically unique.
The collection also includes less common gemstones such as gypsum and zoisite, adding to its unique appeal. The Anderson Collection, donated to Gem-A in 1986 by an anonymous donor, includes a 30.82 carat beryl and a 39 carat aquamarine.
The collection also houses a coral skeleton, a branching, porous supporting structure produced by marine invertebrates, and precious coral, a more compact and less porous material with a deeper saturation of color. The sale of coral, like all organic gem materials, is subject to controls to preserve marine faunal diversity and maintain stocks for the future.
Jadeite, highly valued in China due to its strength and the ability to create delicate carvings, is also part of the collection. Jadeite, a polycrystalline gem material, is composed of many small interlocking crystals, giving it great strength and resistance to breakage. It has a pleasing variation of white, green, and lavender colors and a granular structure.
The collection also includes a cobble of rough jadeite, which has been polished on one side to reveal a bright lustre modified by a dimpling, common on polished jadeite. The Muzo emerald crystals in pyrite specimen, found in Colombia, is another notable addition to the collection.
The emeralds, formed from hot aqueous fluids circulating at high levels and under great tectonic pressure in the earth's crust, are embedded in pyrite. The collection also features cut and faceted tanzanites with deeper purple tones.
This remarkable collection, which collectively showcases geological diversity and beauty spanning rare volcanic minerals to vibrant quartz varieties and strikingly colorful gems, highlights both popular and rare specimens valuable to gemologists and collectors for their colors, formation, and rarity.
The article discussing the Gem-A collection was originally published in the Autumn 2018 issue of Gems&Jewellery (Volume 27, No.3).
- The Gem-A's Education and Self-Development division offers various courses and workshops in gemmology, providing an opportunity for personal growth and career development.
- For those seeking job-search assistance in the field of gemstones, the Gem-A's Career Development resources are invaluable, offering learning materials and skills training.
- As a testament to the Gem-A's commitment to lifelong learning, their publications cover a wide range of topics, from basic gemmology principles to advanced studies on specific gemstones.
- In addition to its renowned gemstone collection, the Gem-A is deeply involved in home-and-garden initiatives, promoting responsible sourcing and sustainable practices in the garden design industry.
- Fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts can also benefit from the Gem-A's knowledge, as understanding gemstones can lead to more informed decisions in jewelry purchases and fashion trends.
- Food-and-drink events hosted by the Gem-A provide an opportunity to taste delicious dishes from around the world, paired with educational talks on the gemstone industry.
- The Gem-A's travel program offers exclusive trips to visit mines and workshops, providing a unique blend of adventure, education, and cultural exchange.
- By supporting the Gem-A's Foundation, you contribute to preserving and celebrating gemstones, both through its educational efforts and its iconic gemstone collection.
