Getting the most out of gemstones
"We were astounded when our customer, Markus Wild, approached us and we were not at all certain whether mathematics could offer a solution for the very complex problem of volume optimization of gemstones," says Dr. Anton Winterfeld from the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM. view more (2009-06-26)
Magellanic gemstones in the southern sky
Hubble has captured the most detailed images to date of the open star clusters NGC 265 and NGC 290 in the Small Magellanic Cloud-two sparkling sets of gemstones in the southern sky. view more (2006-04-18)
Smithsonian researcher probes Hope Diamond's fiery red glow
A study released in the January 2008 edition of the journal Geology proves that a blue diamond's rare appeal goes far beyond its beauty. The study was conducted by Jeffrey Post, curator of the National Gem Collection and mineralogist, at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. view more (2008-01-09)
Colour effects inspired by instant soup
The shimmering colors of beetle and butterfly wings are not usually due to pigments. Instead, these and rainbow effects are produced by interference - as in opal gemstones, or an oil slick on a wet road. Layers of colorless substances, of a thickness that lies within the wavelength of visible light, cancel out certain parts of the spectrum. The... view more... (2002-09-20)
Precise cut for sparkling jewels
Rubies, emeralds and tourmalines can only sparkle with the right cut. Since early this year, a fully automatic machine has undertaken this grinding process for Paul Wild GmbH. It saves up to 30 percent of the precious material and grinds the gems with greater precision. view more (2008-04-09)
Diamond conference at the Goethe University
From the 10 to 15 August, the casino on the Westend Campus will become the worldwide centre for diamond researchers from industry and academia. During this time, the mineralogists from the GeoZentrum of the Goethe University will host the 9th International Kimberlite Conference, which is the most important meeting related to this unique gemstone. view more (2008-08-12)
Scientists are first to 'unlock' the mystery of creating cultured pearls from the queen conch
For more than 25 years, all attempts at culturing pearls from the queen conch (Strombus gigas) have been unsuccessful-until now. view more (2009-11-04)
Hope Diamond's phosphorescence key to fingerprinting
Shine a white light on the Hope Diamond and it will dazzle you with the brilliance of an amazing blue diamond. Shine an ultraviolet light on the Hope Diamond and the gem will glow red-orange for about five minutes. view more (2008-01-08)
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