Gems have been used in the manufacture of jewellery and as ornaments since antiquity. Considering gems, recent statistics have shown that about 15 billion Euros are annually at stake. Nowadays, gemmology, i.e., the study of gem materials, is one of the most expanding fields in the earth sciences, positioned between academia and industry. As an applied science, in gemmology, the instruments used should be non- or microdestructive, and their cost should be reasonable both in terms of equipment and time consumption. Gemmology can also be used contribute to the development of pure science and in some cases, destructive techniques may have to be used. Taking into account the fact that gems are albeit rarely available for scientific research, this compilation of 20 articles by around 100 researchers from over 30 different institutions situated in 20 countries from around the globe, presented in the Special Issue entitled “Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Gems”, offers very good examples on the application of various methods for their study which will hopefully contribute to our better understanding of gem formation in general and will enhance scientific debates attracting more scientists from various disciplines to get involved in this field.

Understanding gemstones in a geological context Gemstones are colorful treasures of the Earth that have captivated humans for thousands of years. The physical and chemical characteristics of each type of gem provide insights into the geological processes that created them. Geology and Mineralogy of Gemstones is a textbook aimed at upper-level undergraduate and graduate students. It presents the basic mineralogical and geological knowledge needed to understand gemstones and examines the characteristics and geological origins of different types of gemstone. Volume highlights include: Concepts in mineralogy Structure and chemical composition of minerals Geological processes that lead to the formation and movement of gemstones Equipment and tools used to examine gemstones and their physical properties The American Geophysical Union promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. Its publications disseminate scientific knowledge and provide resources for researchers, students, and professionals.

Ruby, red corundum, is a gem mineral with mineral properties, gem characteristics and chemistry that are reliant on critical trace element substitutions in its aluminum oxide crystal structure. Ruby has attracted scientific and economic interest. It has already been studied extensively regarding its widespread global distribution and the diversity of its geological associations, as revealed by exploration and exploitation. Researchers are becoming increasingly aware that geographic typing of ruby characteristics and its host assemblages may guide further exploration and provide checks on reputed sources of both rough and cut stones. Genetic pointers, based on fluid and solid mineral inclusions, oxygen and other isotope values and pressure and temperature estimates, have already yielded much genetic information. Rare ruby in mantle xenoliths, TP ~1100o C, 2GPa, epitaxial diamond in ruby and ruby in diamond have special interest. Amid the present extensive documentation on this singular gem mineral, new insights and co-existing associations remain to be discovered. Although ruby largely appears in metamorphic and metasomatic source rocks, newer studies suggest it may also arise from magmatic sources. Age-dating of a range of mineral inclusions in ruby now allows more precise modelling of ruby genesis. Tectonic aspects of ruby genesis related to early collisional plate events on Earth are also a frontier for further understanding. In addition, ruby growth remains an important phase in metamorphic studies of events in some young collisional zones. This Special Issue planned for Minerals aims to attract further studies on this multi-origin gem mineral. Investigations at the ‘economic border’ of ruby and sapphire nomenclature and relevant treatments affecting ruby color will be considered.

Understanding gemstones in a geological context Gemstones are colorful treasures of the Earth that have captivated humans for thousands of years. The physical and chemical characteristics of each type of gem provide insights into the geological processes that created them. Geology and Mineralogy of Gemstones is a textbook aimed at upper-level undergraduate and graduate students. It presents the basic mineralogical and geological knowledge needed to understand gemstones and examines the characteristics and geological origins of different types of gemstone. Volume highlights include: Concepts in mineralogy Structure and chemical composition of minerals Geological processes that lead to the formation and movement of gemstones Equipment and tools used to examine gemstones and their physical properties The American Geophysical Union promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. Its publications disseminate scientific knowledge and provide resources for researchers, students, and professionals.

Minerals existed long before any forms of life, playing a key role in the origin and evolution of life; an interaction with biological systems that we are only now beginning to understand. Exploring the traditional strand of mineralogy, which emphasises the important mineral families, the well-established analytical methods (optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction) and the dramatic developments made in techniques over recent decades, David Vaughan also introduces the modern strand of mineralogy, which explores the role minerals play in the plate tectonic cycle and how they interact with the living world. Demonstrating how minerals can be critical for human health and illness by providing essential nutrients and releasing poisons, Vaughan explores the multitude of ways in which minerals have aided our understanding of the world. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Minerals: Their Constitution and Origin is an introduction to mineralogy for undergraduate and graduate students in the fields of geology and materials science. It has been designed for a one-semester course and covers all aspects of mineralogy in an up-to-date and integrated style. The book is divided into five parts that discuss structure and bonding within minerals; mineral physics and optical properties; modes of mineral formation and thermodynamics; mineral groups within the context of mineral-forming environments; and the application of mineralogy for the exploitation of metal deposits, gems, and cement. Identification of minerals in hand specimen and under the microscope are also covered. Throughout the text emphasis is placed on linking mineral properties with broader geological processes, and on conveying their economic value. Containing beautiful colour photographs, handy reference tables and a glossary of terms, this textbook will be an indispensable guide for the next generation of mineralogy students.

This book presents a translation and update of the classic German textbook of Mineralogy and Petrology that has been published for decades. It provides an introduction to mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry, discussing the principles of mineralogy, including crystallography, chemical bonding, and physical properties, and the genesis of minerals in a didactic and understandable way. Illustrated with numerous figures and tables, it also features several sections dedicated to the genesis of mineral resources. The textbook reflects the authors’ many years of experience and is ideal for use in lectures on mineralogy and petrology.