Gem Tourism


Take a virtual trip to see where gemstones are found all over the world.

Exploring the Hidden World of Tanzanite Mining: A Journey into the Depths of Tanzania

Exploring the Hidden World of Tanzanite Mining: A Journey into the Depths of Tanzania

What's tanzanite mining like? Follow Jeff Moriarty of Moriarty's Gem Art as he descends into a Tanzanian mine in search...
Read More
Gübelin Grades an Exceptional Vietnamese Ruby with “Pigeon’s Blood” Color

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...
Read More
Ammonite Mining in Canada

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...
Read More
Sapphire Mining in Montana

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...
Read More
Why We Love Montana Sapphires and Yogo Sapphires

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...
Read More
Top Spots for Gem Hunting in the US

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...
Read More
Australian Opals

Australian Opals

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

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...
Read More
Master Diamond Cutter Mike Botha Takes on Esperanza

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...
Read More
Ethiopian Emeralds (Better than Colombian?)

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...
Read More
A View of the Quartzsite Gem Shows

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...
Read More
Tucson Gem and Mineral Show Reviews

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...
Read More
Five Tips for Your First Gem Show

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...
Read More
Desert Prospecting: Discovering California Turquoise

Desert Prospecting: Discovering California Turquoise

IGS member Richard Edley shares his experiences discovering California turquoise and offers advice on desert prospecting.
Read More
Opal Prospecting and Mining

Opal Prospecting and Mining

Headed out to the opal fields? Read on to learn more about opal prospecting and mining, plus some expert tips...
Read More
800 Years of Mogok: A Celebration in Tenuous Times

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...
Read More
Opal Mining in Coober Pedy: History and Methods

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...
Read More
Denver Gem & Mineral Showcase 2017

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...
Read More
A Visitor’s Guide to Colorado Gemstones

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...
Read More
Pricing Information For Star Opals From Spencer, Idaho

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...
Read More
An Introduction to Turkey’s Gemstones

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....
Read More
Where Can You Find Agate Stones Forming?

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...
Read More
Sharing the Fun and Folklore of Gemology

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...
Read More
Old Mine Tales

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...
Read More

Never Stop Learning

When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.

Become a Member

Get Gemology Insights

Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!