Suggested Outline for Synthetic Gemstone Article
You may contact G&G electronically by sending email to Editor Brendan Laurs or by telephone at 760-603-4503.
We have found that the following outline works well for most synthetic gemstone articles, with more emphasis often placed on some sections than others, depending on the nature of the material, or the author's specific interests and expertise. Depending on the material, authors may choose not to address all the points below, or they may wish to provide additional subject matter. (Note that synthetic material must be called "synthetic" throughout the manuscript.)
ABSTRACT: concise statement of what was studied, methods used, and the identifying characteristics
INTRODUCTION: significance, production, and distribution, including: when the material was first manufactured, where it is manufactured, size range of rough, range of qualities (color and clarity), approximately how much material has been sold thus far, through whom it is marketed, and where most is cut—the lead photograph should show a range of samples, mounted and/or unmounted
BACKGROUND: natural and other synthetic counterparts, history of manufacture, and how this material fills the needs of the gem and jewelry industry
GROWTH TECHNIQUES: methods for producing gem-quality material, growth rates; may include a diagram or photo showing the growth apparatus; include treatment steps (e.g., irradiation of synthetic amethyst)
DESCRIPTION OF THE ROUGH: where applicable, describe the shape of the crystals, their surface textures, and the relationship of the faces to the seed crystal; may include a diagram and/or photo with the crystal faces labeled
MATERIALS AND METHODS: source of samples (e.g., directly from the manufacturer), number of samples and their description (e.g., rough or fashioned, sizes, range of colors—a photo of all or a representative group of samples is appropriate), what tests/analyses were performed on which samples and using what equipment—be specific
GEMOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS: include a table comparing these properties to those seen in the natural stones
Visual Appearance: color and color zoning, diaphaneity; as seen with the unaided eye (specify lighting conditions, e.g., daylight-equivalent fluorescent light, incandescent light, etc.)
Optic Axis Orientation: where applicable, effects on appearance and weight retention
Pleochroism: according to optic axis direction
Refractive Indices and Birefringence: range and typical values
Luminescence: note if any dopants are used to produce a distinctive reaction; photos may be helpful Luminescence to visible light: e.g., "red transmission," color filter reaction
Short-wave ultraviolet radiation: color, intensity, zoning, chalkiness
Long-wave ultraviolet radiation: color, intensity, zoning, chalkiness
Transparency to short-wave ultraviolet radiation: if applicable; photos may be helpful
Specific Gravity: range and typical value
Spectroscope Spectrum: describe features and their positions
Microscopic Characteristics: fractures; inclusions—types, appearance, phases present; structural properties—growth zoning or other growth features, twinning, color zoning; photomicrographs should be supplied with magnification and lighting conditions specified
Other Distinguishing Features: magnetism, etc.
CHEMISTRY: EDXRF, SEM-EDS, and/or electron microprobe, etc.: major- and/or trace-element data, zoning, correlation between elements, and concentrations of any possible chromophore elements should be included; data tables and/or graphs are typically supplied
SPECTROSCOPY: UV-visible, infrared, and/or fluorescence; graphs are typically supplied
DISCUSSION: what can be inferred from the tested properties about the distinctive qualities of this synthetic gem material; identifying characteristics versus natural equivalents and/or other synthetic material; cause of color (if known)
CONCLUSION: summary of the main points, including the identifying characteristics, and how important this material is likely to be for the trade
REFERENCES: formatted as per G&G style
Note: Figure captions need to be complete sentences.
|
