Unveiled Wonders: Spottings from Gem-A's Collection of Precious Gems and Minerals
In the heart of London, Gem-A's Headquarters houses an extraordinary collection of gemstones and minerals, including red beryl, citrine, peridot, and tanzanite. This collection, a treasure trove for gem enthusiasts, has been curated over decades through collecting, bequests, and acquisitions.
Red beryl, known for its vibrant red colour, is one of the rarest and most valuable types of beryl. Often found in Utah, USA, this gemstone is a sight to behold. Citrine, a variety of quartz, is another gemstone in the collection, known for its bright yellow to orange hues. Peridot, a green gemstone, adds a touch of vibrancy with its stunning green colour. Tanzanite, a blue-violet gemstone found only in Tanzania, rounds off the collection with its unique colour and high collector value.
One of the most intriguing pieces in the collection is a rough tanzanite crystal, which showcases the raw beauty of this gemstone. Another fascinating specimen is rough jadeite, with its pleasing variation of white, green, and lavender colours and a granular structure.
The collection also includes a specimen box from the Anderson Collection, historically significant and once owned by Gem-A's founding father, Basil Anderson. This box contains 17 gemstones, including a 30.82 carat beryl. Another box from the Anderson Collection houses nine gems, with a 39 carat aquamarine as its centrepiece.
The connection between these gemstones is not just their rarity and beauty but also their historical uses in jewelry and decoration. For instance, tanzanite, discovered in a two-kilometer wide belt in Tanzania in 1967, has quickly become a favourite among collectors due to its unique colour.
Interestingly, the specimen showcased features well-formed crystals of emerald from Muzo, Colombia, in pyrite. Both emerald and pyrite are formed from hot aqueous fluids circulating at high levels and under great tectonic pressure in the earth's crust. This structure gives jadeite great strength and resistance to breakage, making it suitable for delicate carvings.
For those passionate about gemstones but new to the science of gemmology, Gem-A offers Introduction workshops. Those interested in taking their gemmological education further can opt for the Gemmology Foundation course. The Gem-A also boasts a collection of cut and faceted tanzanites with deeper purple tones, further enhancing the educational experience.
This article was published in the Autumn 2018 issue of Gems&Jewellery, offering a glimpse into the world of rare and beautiful gemstones housed within Gem-A's collection. For more detailed information about the collection, it might be necessary to contact Gem-A directly or check their official publications.
The Gem-A Headquarters in London houses a rare collection of gemstones, including red beryl, citrine, peridot, and tanzanite. One of the most intriguing pieces is a rough tanzanite crystal, displaying the gemstone's raw beauty. For those new to gemmology, Gem-A offers Introduction workshops, and for those seeking further education, the Gemmology Foundation course is available.
Gem-A also has a collection of cut and faceted tanzanites with deeper purple tones, which adds to the educational experience. To delve deeper into the collection, one may need to contact Gem-A directly or check their official publications.
The rarity and beauty of these gemstones are not confined to their appearances but also extend to their historical uses in jewelry and decoration. Tanzanite, for example, has quickly become a collector's favourite since its discovery in Tanzania in 1967.
Lifestyle enthusiasts, particularly fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, travel, and education-and-self-development, may find an interest in learning about these rare gemstones and their associated stories. The Autumn 2018 issue of Gems&Jewellery offers a glimpse into this world.
