Facet Nation: A Gemmology Podcast

Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of FacetNation, Simon and Lucinda delve into the fascinating world of tourmaline, particularly focusing on its significance in San Diego's gemstone history and the impact of the Dowager Empress Cixi on the pink tourmaline market. They explore the rise and fall of the tourmaline industry, the unique characteristics of the stone, and the methods used to identify it. The conversation is rich with historical anecdotes and insights into the gemmology field, making it an engaging listen for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Also in this episode, Lucinda and Simon delve into the fascinating world of tourmaline, exploring its color variations, treatments, and the rise of Paraiba tourmaline as a highly sought-after gemstone. They discuss the geological origins of Paraiba tourmaline, its global appeal, and highlight famous examples, including the Ethereal Carolina Divine Paraiba. The episode concludes with a look at the stunning Liddicoat tourmaline slice, showcasing the beauty and complexity of this remarkable gemstone.

Tourmaline is a significant gemstone with various types.
San Diego has a rich history of gemstone mining.
The Dowager Empress Cixi played a crucial role in popularising pink tourmaline.
Zixi's love for pink tourmaline influenced the gemstone market.
The decline of the tourmaline market followed Cixi's death.
Testing tourmaline requires specific techniques due to its colour variations.
Tourmaline can be mistaken for other gemstones.
Historical context enhances the value of gemstones.
Gemstones often have fascinating stories behind them.
Understanding gemstone history can enrich appreciation for them. Some stones show two completely different colours.
Watermelon tourmalines need both pleochroic responses listed.
Tourmaline can be treated to enhance colour.
Paraiba tourmaline is the most valuable type.
The discovery of Paraiba tourmaline changed the market.
Paraiba tourmaline's price skyrocketed due to rarity.
Geological events created the conditions for tourmaline formation.
Nigerian and Mozambican tourmalines are similar to Brazilian Paraiba.
Famous tourmalines often have historical significance.
The Liddicoat tourmaline slice is a stunning example of tourmaline beauty.

The Allure of Tourmaline: A Gemstone Journey
Unveiling San Diego's Gemstone Secrets
The Legacy of the Dowager Empress Cixi
Tourmaline: From Mine to Market

"She banned foot binding."
"It's a serious bottleneck."
"It's called Heitorita."
"It looks like stained glass."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tourmaline Part Two
02:30 Exploring San Diego's Gemstone History
05:57 The Dowager Empress Cixi and Pink Tourmaline
17:20 The Decline of the Tourmaline Market
18:22 Testing Tourmaline: Identification Techniques
22:01 Understanding Tourmaline's Colour Variations
25:01 The Treatment and Enhancement of Tourmaline
26:17 The Discovery of Paraiba Tourmaline
30:39 The Rise of Paraiba Tourmaline's Value
34:00 Geological Origins of Paraiba Tourmaline
38:25 The Global Appeal of Paraiba Tourmaline
39:05 Famous Paraiba Tourmalines and Their Significance
42:30 The Liddicoat Tourmaline Slice and Its Beauty

tourmaline, gemstones, San Diego, Dowager Empress Cixi, gemmology, pink tourmaline, gemstone testing, history, gem market, California tourmaline, Paraiba tourmaline, gemstone treatment, colour variations, gemmology, gemstone value, geological origins, famous gemstones, Liddicoat tourmaline

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail
Explore the fascinating science of gemstone colour, focusing on charge transfer mechanisms, the role of ions, and how treatments like heat affect gemstone hues. Perfect for gemmology enthusiasts and professionals alike.

 key topics
Charge transfer in gemstones
Colour centres and defects
Effects of heat treatment on gemstone colour

Titles
The Science Behind Gemstone Colours: Charge Transfer Explained
Unlocking the Secrets of Sapphire and Diamond Colours

 sound bites
"Blue sapphire's colour is a football match of ions."
"Charge transfer mechanisms reveal gemstone secrets."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Colour in Gemmology
02:53 Understanding Charge Transfer in Gemstones
05:35 Oxygen to Metal Charge Transfer
08:28 Metal to Metal Charge Transfer: The Sapphire Story
10:58 Organic Molecular Electron Transition
16:22 Colour Centres in Diamonds
22:39 The Science of Synthetic Diamonds
25:27 Understanding Green Diamonds
27:44 The Mystery of Pink Diamonds
30:48 Exploring Colour Centers in Diamonds
35:28 The Future of Gemmology and Podcasting

resources
Gem-A Gemmology Course - https://gem-a.com/education

Instagram - https://instagram.com/facetnationgemmology
Email - mailto:[email protected]

gemmology, gemstone colour, charge transfer, sapphire, diamond, heat treatment, colour centres, spectroscopy, mineralogy
Support the show

Send us Fan Mail
Join us as we explore the fascinating world of tourmaline, its formation, varieties, and historical significance, with insights from gemmologists Lucinda and Simon.

Tourmaline's chemical complexity and isomorphous series
Formation of tourmaline in pegmatites and metamorphic rocks
Varieties of tourmaline and their unique features
Historical lore and the myth of pyroelectricity
Testing and identifying tourmaline in gemmology

Simon and Lucinda

Titles
The Hidden World of Tourmaline: From Conquistadors to Colourful Crystals
Unlocking the Secrets of Tourmaline: Varieties, Formation, and Lore

 sound bites
"Paraiba tourmalines glow like neon blue."
"Rubellite is the most popular tourmaline."
"Rubellite is a deep, moody red."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Facet nation and Personal Updates
04:26 Shout Outs and Community Engagement
08:38 Exploring Tourmaline: A Gemstone Overview
12:59 The Chemistry and Characteristics of Tourmaline
17:28 Historical Significance and Unique Properties of Tourmaline
20:26 The Science Behind Tourmaline
24:17 Formation of Tourmaline
29:24 Varieties of Tourmaline
36:40 Favourite Tourmalines and Their Unique Qualities

Instagram - https://instagram.com/facetnationgemmology
tourmaline, gemstones, gemmology, mineral formation, jewellery, gem varieties, gemstone history, gem testing, gem inclusions

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail
This episode explores the science behind gemstone colours, focusing on dispersed metal ions, valency states, atomic environments, and their effects on colour and luminescence. Hosted by Lucinda and Simon, it combines scientific insights with personal reflections and industry tips.

Dispersed metal ions and their role in gemstone colour
Valency states of transition metals and their effects
Atomic environment and its influence on gemstone hue
Luminescence and fluorescence in gemstones
Energy transfer and electron excitation in gemology

Energy transfer in electrons
Valency and atomic environment influence on colour
Colour change effect in gemstones

Review the valency states of transition metals in your gemstone collection
Use a spectroscope to observe absorption bands and fluorescence
Experiment with heating and irradiation to alter gemstone colors

The Science of Gemstone Color: Dispersed Metal Ions and Atomic Environments
Unlocking Gem Colors: Valency, Atomic Environment, and Light

"Light as packets of energy excite electrons."
"Atomic arrangement affects gemstone colour."
"Chromium electrons jump, causing fluorescence."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Colour in Gemmology
02:50 Philosophical Reflections on Energy and Colour
05:31 Understanding Ions and Their Role in Colour
08:03 The Impact of Valency State on Gemstone Colour
10:47 Atomic Environment and Colour Variations
13:30 The Role of Chromium in Colour Change
16:16 Luminescence and Its Connection to Colour
18:56 Fluorescence and Crystal Defects
21:25 Conclusion and Future Topics

resources

Gem-A (Gemological Association of Great Britain) - https://gem-a.com
Spectroscope and Light Source Information - https://www.gemologyonline.com
Simon and Lucinda's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/facetnationgemmology/

gemmology, gemstone colour, dispersed metal ions, valency, atomic environment, luminescence, gemstone spectroscopy, Alexandrite, ruby, emerald

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail
This week we are joined by Ian Dun, president of the Gemological Association of Australia. Discover insights into gemstone grading, Australian gemstones, and the future of gemological research. Of Particular interest is GAA's, world first, Opal Studies Course. Come and listen to find out all you need to know.

key  topics
Gemological education and certification in Australia
Australian gemstones: Opal, Sapphire, and more
Advances in gemstone grading and identification

guest  name
Ian Dun

Titles
Unlocking the Secrets of Gemmology with Ian Dun
Australian Gemstones: A Deep Dive into Opal and More

sound bites
"Welcome to Facet Nation, a gemmology podcast."
"Opal is misunderstood and polarizing."
"Australian opal is my favourite gemstone."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Facet Nation and Ian Dun
01:52 Ian Dun's Gem Story and Career Path
08:49 The Gemological Association of Australia: History and Courses
12:55 Diploma of Diamond Technology and Practical Grading
21:42 The Online Opal Course: Development and Purpose
23:39 The Journey of Opal: From Mine to Market
27:36 Understanding the Opal Course: Structure and Feedback
29:21 The Allure of Opal: Personal Perspectives
34:19 Opal's Renaissance: Trends and Design Innovations
38:19 Research and Future of Opal Studies
40:39 Exploring Other Australian Gemstones
52:32 The Future of Gemmology: Education and Career Paths

Resources
Gemological Association of Australia - https://www.gem.org.au/
Opal Course - https://www.gem.org.au/courses/opal-studies/
CIBJO Opal Guide - https://www.cibjo.org/
keywords
gemmology, gemstones, Australian gemstones, gemstone grading, gemmological education, opal, diamond, jewellery design, opal study, education

Support the show