GEMSWORLD | 26 | 2024 INNOVATION 创新科技 Careful microscopic observations of a stone’s inclusion characteristics are an integral part of the origin determination process (Photo: Kevin Schumacher/© GIA) 通过显微镜仔细观察宝石的内含物特 征,是在确定原产地过程中不可或缺的工序 （图片：Kevin Schumacher/© GIA) The science of gemmology and the coloured gemstone trade are constantly evolving, with new coloured gemstones and treatments periodically making their way to the market. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has been at the forefront of several exciting discoveries for decades and continues to bolster the coloured gemstone industry with its findings. “GIA looks for new gems and new treatments every day in our identification laboratories around the world and in our extensive scientific research work,” said Shane McClure, GIA’s global director, Colored Stone Services. “Due to our global reach and our extensive research programme, we are able to see developments almost as they occur and use that knowledge to inform the trade and protect consumers.” Treatments A case in point is GIA’s discovery of nickel-diffused spinel in a group of samples examined by the researchers at its Bangkok facility in 2023. The stones were represented as being cobalt diffused, a treatment that had been known for some years. Chemical analysis using laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma– mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) however revealed that some of these stones were actually diffused with nickel instead of cobalt, a process that had not been reported until then. The lab noted that this treatment now exists in the gem market and should be considered a possibility in spinel with blue or green hues. McClure said, “We are applying what we learned from studying this previously unknown process to examine whether diffusion with other as-yet-not-seen elements may be used for other coloured stones.” GIA’s global research team also converged at its global headquarters in Carlsbad, California in November 2023 to delve into the latest gemmological research and technological findings. These include the geochemistry of various species, the use of advanced techniques to detect diffusion treatments and the gemmological characterisation of emeralds from North Carolina. According to McClure, GIA’s advances in gemstone identification and treatment are gained by applying advanced instrumentation to gather the best possible information from samples, including those their researchers collect themselves through their field gemmology programme. The lab then relies on the expertise of its trained and experienced gemmologists and scientists to analyse and interpret the data. “These techniques and insights support the scientific basis for all GIA coloured stone reports,” he continued. Robust business Demand for GIA’s coloured gemstone laboratory services has increased substantially over the last few years, said McClure. He attributes this growth to the recognised quality, independence and robust science behind GIA’s reports and rising consumer demand for coloured gemstones with reports. In addition, the lab has increased its staffing The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) continues to enrich the coloured gemstone sector with its insights and services, playing a critical role in fostering consumer confidence in the trade. GIA美国宝石硏究院以其独到的眼光和优质服务，不断为彩色宝石界 发光发亮，在增强消费者对该行业的信心方面发挥着关键的作用。 Gemmological advances from GIA GIA在宝石学上的贡献
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