STONE Gem Tourism

Gübelin Grades an Exceptional Vietnamese Ruby with “Pigeon’s Blood” Color

How does Vietnamese ruby compare to Burmese ruby? Learn about the "Red Treasure" of Vietnam and why even experts can...

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Ammonite Mining in Canada

Beautiful ammolite gems are made from ammonite fossils. Come with Jeff Moriarty of Moriarty’s Gem Art on an ammonite mining...

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Sapphire Mining in Montana

What’s sapphire mining like? Follow Jeff Moriarty of Moriarty’s Gem Art as he travels to Montana in search of amazing...

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Why We Love Montana Sapphires and Yogo Sapphires

With rich cornflower blue Yogo sapphires and fancy-colored gems in any color of the rainbow, Montana sapphires are a great...

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Top Spots for Gem Hunting in the US

Visit one of the top gem hunting spots in the US. Go alone or with the family. A gemology-themed vacation...

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Australian Opals

Australian opals account for 95% of the world’s supply. Learn about Australia’s geological history, the start of its opal trade,...

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Opals in the Australian Outback

Discover the beauty of opals in the Australian Outback. Opal expert Peter Brusaschi shares the story of how he learned...

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Master Diamond Cutter Mike Botha Takes on Esperanza

The Esperanza is the most valuable diamond ever mined in the US. Learn the story behind the find and the...

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Ethiopian Emeralds (Better than Colombian?)

Learn everything you need to know about Ethiopian emeralds, including quality, pricing, gemology, and how they compare to those from...

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A View of the Quartzsite Gem Shows

The Quartzsite gem shows attract gemologists and rock hounds from around the world. Learn what to expect and how to...

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Tucson Gem and Mineral Show Reviews

Novice and expert gemologists discuss their experiences at the celebrated annual February Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. You'll find reviews...

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Five Tips for Your First Gem Show

New to the gem trade or just a hobbyist? Don't be intimidated! Follow these tips for your first gem show...

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Desert Prospecting: Discovering California Turquoise

IGS member Richard Edley shares his experiences discovering California turquoise and offers advice on desert prospecting.

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Opal Prospecting and Mining

Headed out to the opal fields? Read on to learn more about opal prospecting and mining, plus some expert tips...

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800 Years of Mogok: A Celebration in Tenuous Times

As Mogok, Myanmar prepares to celebrate its 800th anniversary, the inhabitants of this prolific gem producing region face an uncertain...

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Opal Mining in Coober Pedy: History and Methods

The town of Coober Pedy, Australia produces more opal than anywhere else. Its culture has been thoroughly shaped by opal...

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Denver Gem & Mineral Showcase 2017

With over 900 vendors and numerous geologic rarities, the 2017 Denver Gem and Mineral Showcase had plenty to see. Read...

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A Visitor’s Guide to Colorado Gemstones

Colorado has a lot to offer gemologists and rock hunters. Before you visit, learn about Colorado gemstones as well as...

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Pricing Information For Star Opals From Spencer, Idaho

Some opals from Spencer, Idaho show asterism or the “star stone” effect. Learn how to price these beautiful but rare...

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An Introduction to Turkey’s Gemstones

Turkey's gemstones include well-known species such as diaspore, chalcedony, and purple jade, as well as unusual specimens of lesser-known gems....

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Where Can You Find Agate Stones Forming?

Agate stones typically form slowly in the cavities of ancient hardened lava flows. Learn where you can see this process...

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Sharing the Fun and Folklore of Gemology

My goal is to share with each of you the fun and folklore or gemstones. Since this is my first...

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Old Mine Tales

Old Mine Tales that were submitted as letters to Faceter's Digest. They are a personal history of the author's experiences...

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