Distinguishing Copal from Amber: Insights into Physical Characteristics

Many authors have used the term “copal” to refer to ancient and subfossil resins. The term originated from the Nahuatl language, where it was called “copalli” and was used by the Aztecs and Mayas. Over time, the term has been expanded to encompass all unfossilized resins found worldwide. Although initially associated with the resins used by the Aztecs and Mayas, copal has come to represent a broader category of unfossilized resins. According to Poinar (1992) and other researchers, copal may retain its distinctive qualities for millions of years. Therefore, attempting to define copal and amber based solely on their geological age remains problematic.�Poinar (1992) suggests that the most reliable criteria for distinguishing copal from amber lie in the physical characteristics of the fossilized resin. Key factors such as solubility, hardness, and melting point provide valuable insights. By examining these properties, researchers can make informed judgments regarding whether a particular fossilized resin should be classified as copal or amber. Poinar’s insight underscores the importance of focusing on the observable features of the resin rather than solely relying on its geological age to determine its classification.

Emeralds

Emeralds are fascinating gemstones, known for their vibrant green color and unique inclusions. These inclusions, often called “jardin” (French for garden), give each emerald its distinctive character and natural beauty.

Mozambique

Pink sapphires

Pink sapphires from Vietnam’s marble-hosted mines are highly sought after for their stunning range of pink hues, including a beautiful purplish-pink shade. These gems mesmerize with their visual appeal and bring a calming effect associated with love, romance, and compassion.

These gems revealed fascinating inclusion scenes, showcasing clear blue-violet color zones, intricate “dustoids,” and captivating snowflake-like inclusions forming star-like patterns. The presence of transparent crystal inclusions and varied mineral inclusions further exemplified nature’s artistry.

Step into the captivating world of gemstones, where hidden secrets and fascinating discoveries await!

Gemstone enthusiasts and traders were caught off guard when the AGTA Gemological Testing Center in New York issued a warning in 2002 about the emergence of beryllium-diffused rubies and sapphires on the market. A new chapter in gemstone treatments emerged as beryllium diffusion took center stage. This innovative method carried out at high temperatures using a flux, resulted in significant visual transformations of rubies and sapphires. This treatment leads to significant changes in the color and properties of the stones, making it difficult for gemologists to identify them.

A significant number of rubies and sapphires flooding the international gem markets had undergone a new treatment method involving the deliberate diffusion of Beryllium into the gemstone lattice. This revelation sparked extensive experimentation, discussions, and debates within the corundum world.
Even after 21 years, a significant volume of these treated rubies and sapphires remains in the market. Recently, 6 intense and evenly colored yellow sapphires were submitted for identification and origin determination at ICA | GemLab.

THE FASCINATING INTERIOR OF RHODOLITE GARNETS

he peculiarities which distinguish this garnet from the ordinary occurrences of the species are: its variety of shades and tints, for the most part similar to those belonging to the rhododendrons and roses; its surprisingly small amount of coloring matter; its gem-like transparency; its freedom of internal imperfections, microscopic inclusions and striae, all so universally characteristic of common garnets; also, its remarkable brilliancy when cut as a gem

ICA | GemLab

Mozambique

Mozambique is recognized as a significant producer of garnet, with notable deposits primarily originating
from the Cuamba region in the Niassa Province. Mozambique garnets are characterized by their
exceptional and timeless beauty, all while remaining relatively affordable. When expertly cut, these garnets
exhibit remarkable inner brilliance, often showcasing an eye-clean finish. Furthermore, they are renowned
for their high quality and clarity grade among colored gemstones, with appearances ranging from
wonderfully transparent to distinctly clear, as verified by esteemed gemological laboratories worldwide.
Despite their superior quality, Mozambique garnets are somewhat challenging to procure consistently due
to their rarity, as they constitute the country’s only mined semi-precious gemstone. The unique attributes of
Mozambique garnets make them particularly distinguished. These attributes encompass not only their
physical characteristics, such as ease of cutting and weight, but also their aesthetic features, including
clarity and hardness.