Observing a water drop’s interaction with opal, as well as refractive index, can confirm a specimen’s hydrophane nature with less risk of breakage than total immersion.

A reported new source of blue zircon in Malawi yields rough material for beautiful finished stones in the gem trade.

An apatite crystal cluster, notable for its morphology and size, is found in a feldspar specimen.

Well-formed crystals of green tourmaline from northwestern Zambia show a growth pattern reminiscent of trapiche emerald/ruby when sliced perpendicular to the c-axis.

A light gray spinel features a striking vibrant blue lazurite inclusion.