Desert Prospecting: Discovering California Turquoise
IGS member Richard Edley shares his experiences discovering California turquoise and offers advice on desert prospecting.
Opal Prospecting and Mining
Headed out to the opal fields? Read on to learn more about opal prospecting and mining, plus some expert tips for finding precious opal beneath your…
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 can be fun, educational, and (maybe) profitable.…
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 future.…
Ethiopian Emeralds (Better than Colombian?)
Gem experts compare the bright, neon-green hues of Ethiopian emeralds to paraíba tourmalines and extra-fine Colombian emeralds. Learn what…
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 mining. Learn more about…
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 choice for any jewelry…
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 about some highlights in…
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 to make the most out of the event.
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 notable gem shows, museums,…
Reviews of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show
Novice and expert gemologists discuss their experiences at the celebrated annual February Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. You’ll find reviews of…
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 shop at these huge annual January…
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 unique triolette cut designed to showcase…
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 star opals.
An Introduction To Turkey’s Gemstones
Turkey’s gemstones include well-known species such as diaspore, chalcedony, and jade, as well as unusual specimens of lesser-known gems. Learn…
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 occurring today.
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 article for IGS, my goal is to introduce you to the difference…
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 with the mines in North…
Opals in the Australian Outback
Peter Brusaschi explains how he felt when he first discovered the opal town of Yowah in the outback opal fields of Australia.
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