GIA Presents on Ruby and Sapphire at Singapore International Jewelry Expo
Understanding heat treatments and mining developments, July 3-6
CARLSBAD, Calif. – June 25, 2013 – Ruby and sapphire, both varieties of the mineral corundum, have captivated civilizations since ancient times and have been a research focus at GIA (Gemological Institute of America) for decades. Dr. Ahmadjan Abduriyim, GIA senior scientist and senior manager of Colored Stone Services, will discuss corundum heat treatments and mining developments on July 4 and 5 during the Singapore International Jewelry Expo. Representatives from GIA in Thailand will greet attendees at its booth T23, July 3-5 from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on July 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.Gemological Observation of Ruby and Sapphire Heat Treatment
Friday, July 4, 6-7 p.m.
Global demand for natural, untreated rubies and sapphires continues to grow. Abduriyim will share the latest gemological observations about these prized stones and how GIA’s research team keeps up-to-date with advancements in their treatments. He will discuss evidence indicating whether a ruby or sapphire has been heated, fissure healed, fracture filled or diffused with other elements, and the prevalence of these treatments in the international gem market.
Corundum Gem Mining Activities in South East Asia
Saturday, July 5, 2-3 p.m.
Well-known ruby and sapphire mining areas in Chanthaburi, Thailand; Pailin, Cambodia; and Luc Yen, Vietnam have seen significantly reduced production from secondary deposits in the ground. However, local miners are still searching corundum sources by using simple jigs, water pressure and small scale excavators instead of heavy machinery. Abduriyim will share a video and discuss the importance of corundum mining in these locales, and how gem samples from these regions can improve understanding of origin determination for the global gem industry.
Abduriyim received his doctorate in mineralogy from the Division of Earth and Planetary Science at Kyoto University in Japan. Prior to his tenure at GIA, he served as chief research scientist at the research laboratory of the Gemmological Association of All Japan. Abduriyim has authored numerous gemological articles, including work on geographic origin determination of major gemstones and the applications of LA-ICP-MS in the gemological field, which have been published in major gemological periodicals such as Gems & Gemology.
GIA’s presentations, which are free and open to the public, will take place at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore.
