The Crystal Gazette Vol 52 # 01 January 2013 STONE OF THE MONTH Andalusite, Chiastolite and Kyanite Kyanite Chiastolite Andalusite Important Notices Gem 1 and Gem 2 Lessons begin early February Management Committee Meeting: 7th Feb, 6pm, Room 428, 38 Gawler Place Adelaide AGM 15th Feb 2013, AGM Club rooms, 19 4 th Ave, St Peters, 7pm Start
TERACAST Diamond Merchants T 08 8223 1123 F 08 8227 1050 Suite 403, 38 Gawler Place Adelaide SA 5000 www.teracast.com.au louise@teracast.com.au Contact Louise Important Contacts: President: Sue Arthur, FGAA,Dip DT,Cert IV T&A, M 0422 609 989 Secretary: Sandra Pimlott, FGAA, Dip DT Ph 8223 2362 Treasurer: Don Bennett B.E. FGAA Ph 8296 1666 Education: Tanya Cerny FGAA, Dip DT M 0401 213 835 Lise Jensen FGAA, Dip DT M 0428 363 698
Page 3 Gem Andalusite, Chiastolite and Kyanite Andalusite Kyanite Andalusite is an aluminium nesosilicate mineral with the chemical formula Al2SiO5. A clear variety first found in Andalusia, Spain can be cut into a gemstone. Faceted andalusite stones give a play of red, green, and yellow colors that resembles a muted form of iridescence, although the colors are actually the result of unusually strong pleochroism. Occurrence Andalusite is a common regional metamorphic mineral which forms under low pressure and low to high temperatures. The minerals kyanite and sillimanite are polymorphs of andalusite, each occurring under different temperature-pressure regimes and are therefore rarely found together in the same rock. Because of this the three minerals are a useful tool to help identify the pressure-temperature paths of the host rock in which they are found. An example rock includes hornfels. Chiastolite is a variety of andalusite with the chemical composition Al2SiO5. It is noted for distinctive cross-shaped black inclusions of graphite. In areas around Georgetown, California, metamorphosed sediments contained andalusite and chiastolite in a graphite rich metasediment. The chiastolite crystals have been pseudomorphically altered by a mixture of muscovite, paragonite and margarite. The calcium rich margarite tends to form along the graphite rich crosses or bands within the chiastolite. Kyanite, whose name derives from the Greek word kuanos sometimes referred to as "kyanos", meaning deep blue, is a typically blue silicate mineral, commonly found inaluminium-rich metamorphic pegmatites and/or sedimentary rock. Kyanite in metamorphic rocks generally indicates pressures higher than 4 kilobars. Kyanite is strongly anisotropic, in that its hardness varies depending on its crystallographic direction. In kyanite, this anisotropism can be considered an identifying characteristic. Uses of kyanite Kyanite is used primarily in refractory and ceramic products including porcelain plumbing fixtures and dishware. It is also used in electronics, electrical insulators and abrasives. Kyanite has been used as a semiprecious gemstone, which may display cat's eye chatoyancy, though this use is limited by its anisotropism and perfect cleavage. Color varieties include recently discovered orange kyanite from Tanzania. The orange color is due to inclusion of small amounts of manganese (Mn3+) in the structure. Kyanite is one of the index minerals that are used to estimate the temperature, depth, and pressure at which a rock undergoes metamorphism. Notes for identification Kyanite's elongated, columnar crystals are usually a good first indication of the mineral, as well as its color (when the specimen is blue). Associated minerals are useful as well, especially the presence of the polymorphs of staurolite, which occur frequently with kyanite. However, the most useful characteristic in identifying kyanite is its anisotropism. If one suspects a specimen to be kyanite, verifying that it has two distinctly different hardness on perpendicular axes is a key to identification; it has a hardness of 5.5 parallel to {001} and 7 parallel to {100}. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/andalusite http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/chiastolite http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/kyanite 3
The GILC opal committee urges the gemological community raise awareness Hong Kong, Dec 27, 2012 The Gemstone Industry & Laboratory Conference (GILC) formed an Opal Committee task force at their general meeting in Tucson Feb. 2012. Its purpose was to find useable nomenclature as could be applied to the newer hydrophane opals currently on the market. The GILC has determined that disclosure regarding this variety of opal coming from the Wollo district of Ethiopia be as follows: Special Care Required: Hydrophane generally indicates a material that is absorbent when immersed in liquid. Keep away from cleaning agents, perfumes, oils and any liquids as they can be absorbed and may alter color and/or appearance. Avoid sudden and extreme temperature changes. Avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaners; clean with a soft cloth. The GILC feels this is a concise and workable suggestion for the industry. Further, the GILC has made request that the gemological community raise the awareness and more clearly define the parameters of hydrophane tolerances. The GILC suggest laboratories give this consideration for research. About the GILC For more than two decades, GILC has been a platform for industry stakeholders to address and discuss important issues related to nomenclature, consumer confidence, terminology as well as the better involvement of Certification and research laboratories. GILC is an invitation-only event. ABOUT THE ICA: The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), a non-profit organization, is the only worldwide body specifically created to benefit the global colored gemstone industry. ICA was founded in 1984 and is now comprised of almost 700 gemstone dealers, cutters, miners and retailors from 47 countries who are devoted to advancing and promoting the knowledge and appreciation of colored gemstones and jewelry. ### 4
Notes & Reminders TO REGISTER for any GAA course PLEASE CONTACT: Education: Tanya Cerny FGAA,. M 0401 213 835 or Lise Jensen FGAA M 0428 363 698 or Secretary Sandra Pimlott 8223 2362, sandrapimlott676@hotmail.com 2013 Courses Commencing dates Please note there has been a price increase in some courses. 1. Gemmology Diploma Gem1 February - $2950 M, $3450 NM 2. Gemmology Diploma Gem2- February - $2750 M, 3250 NM 3. Intro to Gemmology 13 th & 20 th Apr, Aug, Nov- $295 This basic course is designed for jewellers, hobbyists or for people traveling overseas. Gems and Gemmology provides students with an opportunity to assess whether they wish to proceed with a range of more advanced short courses or the intensive two year Diploma in Gemmology. 4. Diamond Grading TBA-$1750 M, $2250 NM Learn the intricacies of diamond grading and be able to explain differences in a diamonds colour, clarity or cut and be confident in your ability to point out the advantages or disadvantages of each. Maximise your diamond knowledge for profit and pleasure. In this course the emphasis is on practical work, so most of your time is spent with handling diamonds and the various instruments used to grade them. At the end of this course you will be able to grade any diamond to certificate standard on the international scale. 5. Advanced Diamond Grading TBA-$750 M $950 NM 6. Intro to Antique Jewellery- TBA-$275 7. Gemmology Update- $2750* 8. Retail Diamond Consultancy- TBA- $295 9. Pearl & Bead threading- TBA- $245 M $265 NM *Course offered depending on numbers enrolling Note :- Prices given are members prices- Non-members please contact Secretary for prices ROOMS ATTENDANCE AND VOLUNTEERS The GAA lab will be open to the public again on the 25 th Jan, 2013 between 10am-2pm. Membership Fees for 2013 are due. The price for 2013 is $185. Can you please forward this to our treasurer, Don Bennet. It would be greatly appreciated if they can be paid as soon as possible. 5
Find A Word- Words can be forwards, backwards, up, down, diagonal. D E R T V L H Q J U C V F M E N G I N E T U R N I N G O U H B F J W U A D A H F H B G W M O Z E A R D I P G M E A K O U R J B T S E R Y I N T W P H D F C Z B N O I S I O E M A C N E T X B M K P T A M F V R I U H U L A P E O T E Y J I A L R F D T X C I H R G R Y P I O O N E Z T T Q A D T H I K B O C M P R E P L U H V T Q E A D G J A M R D T U G T U P I T E C D B O T Y I M U I D A N A V J T 1, A gem/mineral which has a distinctive bullseye effect on the polariscope. 2, The name of a type of tourmaline named after the state it is found in Brazil 3, The range of colours observed when white light was dispersed through a prism 4, A transition element, commonly found in Synthetic Corundum imitating Alexandrite and Tanzanite 5, A blue coloured gem, Barium Titanium Silicate. The official State Gem of California. 6, Aluminium Oxide, in it's purest form. A group, which commonly used gemstones belong to. 7, A cut and polished precious gemstone, often referred to as when set in jewellery 8, Distinctive feature in elephant ivory (two words) 9, The Beryl, which is coloured by chromium and /or vanadium 10, Sometimes referred to as reindeer stone. Has a tendency to fade in darkness, but regain colour under UV light. 11, A geologic process where existing rocks undergo heat and/or pressure 12, A technique to carve a stone, in such a way that the colour of the underlying stone is exposed as a background relief for a low-relief design of another colour Bicolored Spinel GIA s Bangkok laboratory occasionally sees bicolored stones submitted for identification, but a blue and red sample weighing 14.60 ct and measuring 22.06 x 12.39 x 6.29 mm recently caught our attention. Standard gemological testing gave an RI of 1.718 and a hydrostatic SG of 3.60, confirming the stone was a spinel. The red portion fluoresced a medium red in long-wave ultraviolet light and was inert in short-wave UV, whereas the blue region was inert in both long- and short-wave. Microscopic examination of the inclusions revealed small octahedral crystals and growth tubes. Investigation of the photoluminescence using Raman spectroscopy at liquid-nitrogen temperature indicated that the stone had not been heated to alter its color. Because of the unusual color zoning, we took advantage of the opportunity to collect the UV-visible spectrum on both the blue and red areas of the stone. As expected, the blue area exhibited a prominent feature at 458 nm and a broad absorption in the 550 680 nm region, caused by the presence of iron. The red area had strong absorption bands at 387 and 540 nm, indicating chromium. While spinels are routinely submitted to the Bangkok laboratory for identification, a search of our databases found this was the first bicolored spinel. Photo by Nuttapol Kitdee. GIA, Bangkok http://e2.ma/webview/2s3nd/792d9533a89ef5204369dd7e4ad98ae2#gg 6
Sixty Fifth Annual General Meeting Agenda for Friday the 15 th of February 2013, at the AGMC Rooms, 19 4 th Ave St Peters. 7pm Meeting Preliminaries including payment of subscriptions and finalising of nominations and proxies for AGM. 8.00pm Annual General Meeting- Business Agenda 1. Confirmation of minutes of the Sixty Third Annual General Meeting 2. To receive the Annual Report and Balance sheet for the period ending 31 st December 2012 3. Elect a President. 4. Elect a Vice President. 5. Elect an Honorary Secretary 6. Elect an Honorary Treasurer. 7. Elect an Honorary Minutes Secretary. 8. Elect an Honorary State Branch Editor. 9. Elect Honorary Education Officers. 10. Elect an Honorary Federal & Constitutional Officer & State Division Representative to the GAA. 11. Elect an Honorary Social Secretary 12. Elect an Honorary Librarian. 13. Elect an Honorary Program Officer 14. Elect an Honorary Membership Officer 15. Elect such number of councillors to bring the number of elected to Council to a maximum of 17. 16. Elect an Honorary South Australian Agent for Auditor. 17. Elect two delegates to the Federal Council and Conference 18. To transact any other business of which due notice has been given 19. Reminder: In order to vote or nominate at the AGM, members must be financial. Proxy and Nomination Forms are on Page 8. 7
Proxy Voting Form FOR THE AGM OF THE GEMMOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA SOUTH AUSTRALIAN DIVISION INC. I hereby appoint... to be my Proxy at the Annual General Meeting of the Gemmological Association of Australian Division on Friday 15 th February 2013 at 7.00pm Signed... [Please hand proxy votes to the Honorary Secretary at least one Hour before the start of the AGM] NOMINATION FORM FOR OFFICE BEARERS 2013 NAME POSITION PROPOSER SECONDER SIGNATURE OF NOMINEE Nomination forms are to be posted or handed to the President to reach her one hour before the start of the Annual General Meeting. Members wishing to stand for office must be financial Members of the Association. Subscriptions for 2013 is $185. Please ensure this is paid before voting. 8
From your President and Secretary. We would like to wish everyone a prosperous and healthy 2013, and we wish to thank all members who have contributed to the running of the Association over the years. We would not be where we are without you! The number of active members who are helping to run the Association by teaching, or participating at a Committee level has always been small and is dwindling even more so. If you want to continue to have an active SA Division operating in this State, we need your active contribution to the GAA. The AGM is scheduled to be held at the AGM Club Rooms, Friday 15th February. 19 Fourth Ave, St Peters. The meeting starts at 7.00 pm with the AGM commencing at 8.00pm. [Please note, the time in the Dec Crystal Gazette was incorrect] Nomination forms were in the Dec Crystal Gazette. Nominations are invited for all positions. There are many changes taking place at a Federal level which will be implemented over the coming years, possibly as early as 2014. Now is the time to step up and take an interest in the direction that the GAA is going, as a recognised RTO body and its association with the Gem-A in UK. We wish to appeal to all, especially those in the jewellery industry. [ We note that unlike other states there are no jewellers active in the SA Division ] YOUR ASSOCIATION NEEDS YOU!!! If you are at all concerned about what will be taught to future gemmology students we suggest an active participation should be considered. Under the umbrella of Gem-Ed there are significant changes proposed to the courses and the Board of Studies and Examinations,these are anticipated to commence from 2014. THE FUTURE OF THE SA DIVISION OF THE GAA IS IN YOUR HANDS Thanking you. Susan Arthur President Sandra Pimlott Secretary 9
2013 GAA Calender Month General Meeting Other Events January No General Meeting February AGM, Fri 15th Gem 1 and Gem 2 lessons begin March Fri 22nd Gemboree April Fri 26th Intro to Gems May No General Meeting GAA Annual Conference in Melbourne, Skillex Careers Expo June No General Meeting Class of 2012 Graduation Dinner July Fri 26th August Fri 23rd Intro to Gems September Fri 27th October No General Meeting EOY Exams November No General Meeting Intro to Gems December No General Meeting Please note these dates may change. Watch this space for upcoming events and date changes. 10
Find A Word Clues 1 Quartz 2 Paraiba 3 Spectra 4 Vanadium 5 Benitoite 6 Corundum 7 Jewel 8 Engine Turning 9 Emerald 10 Tugtupite 11 Metamorphic 12 Cameo