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Eleventh Annual Sinkankas Symposium - Ruby

On April 6, 2013, an at times poetic interlude of authors, geologists, gemologists, hobbyists, and lovers of that rare and beautiful mineral corundum (Al2O3), met to celebrate the late author and collector of gemological literature, John Sinkankas. It was a wide spectrum of gem enthusiasts that attended the Eleventh Annual Sinkankas Symposium - Ruby. The event is co-hosted by the San Diego Mineral & Gem Society and the Gemologicial Institute of America (GIA). This one-day only event took place at GIA world headquarters in Carlsbad, California. The conference organizer and master of ceremonies was Roger Merk, who serves on the board of directors for the San Diego Mineral & Gem Society.

This celebrated day was devoted to sharing the collective knowledge of rubies, and presentation titles included; Mineralogy and Geochemistry, Geology and Ruby localities, the Implications of Optical Orientation, the Ruby Mines of Nepal, Rubies of Afghanistan, Photographing Rubies for Their Best Color, Ruby Treatments and Identification, and a Photo-Journalistic Adventure to the Prolific Source of the Historically Finest Ruby, Mogok Burma (Myanmar).

Arriving guests were greeted by the early morning glow of sunrise in Southern California, and the splendor of the Carlsbad Flower Fields, (Ranunculus) in full bloom. Visitors were welcomed to GIA Campus by the congenial staff from the San Diego Mineral & Gem Society. The social hour, prior to the sessions, provided attendees with an eye-opener of coffee, breakfast, juice, and camaraderie.

Invited speakers were; (complete bios at http://www.sinkankassymposium.net/)

Gary Bowersox - Author of Gemstones of Afghanistan, and avid explorer of Afghanistan and Pakistan’s gems since 1972.

Dr. George E. Harlow - Curator of Minerals and Gems in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences of the American Museum of Natural History, New York City.

Richard W. Hughes, F.G.A. -  Author of Ruby and Sapphire, a career in laboratory services, wholesale, retail, and gem mining.

Bill Larson - President of Pala International, Inc. Travels extensively in search of fine mineral specimens and gems including; Europe, South America, Africa, the Orient, with more than 30 trips to Myanmar (Burma). 

Shane F. McClure G.G. - Director of the West Coast Identification Services at the GIA Laboratory in Carlsbad. Author of numerous articles in Gems and Gemology 
on the detection of diffusion treated sapphires and identification of filled diamonds and gemstone enhancements.

Nathan Renfro G.G. - The Lead Analytic Specialist for Colored Stones Identification Services GIA’s Carlsbad Laboratory.

Dr. James E. Shigley - Distinguished Research Fellow, served over 30 years as the Director of Research for GIA. Shigley has authored many articles in the study of gem deposits, synthetic diamonds, including, major gem ruby deposits.

Elise A. Skalwold, BSc, FGA, G.G. - Gemologist, author, curator, and independent research associate at Cornell University in Ithaca. Ms. Skalwold is a guest writer for Pala International's monthly newsletter, has served on the abstract review board of Gems and Gemology, and Journal of Gemmology. 

Robert Weldon, G.G. - Manger of Photography and Visual Communication at GIA. Weldon has traveled extensively to gem producing countries; Brazil, South Africa, Botswana, and Myanmar (Burma) to photograph and report on gem occurrences.

But this was much more than a discussion of technology and treatments. Indeed, it was civil discourse, the collective experience of patrons and students of the gem business coming together to engage their common love of natures precious gift, rubies.

What appeared to bond this diverse group of gem aficionados was best summarized in the enlightening presentation by Richard Hughes, the renowned author and expert on rubies and sapphires. A seasoned traveler to Burma (Myanmar) since 1972, he noted that the very finest rubies come from Burma.

His presentation on Mogok addressed many burning questions posed by the audience. According to Hughes more than 50 percent of the countries income is from the ruby trade, most of it smuggled from the country. “Smuggling is so prevalent dealers call it the brown market instead of the black market. Without proper papers to get into the country the moment you get out of the trunk of the vehicle designed to smuggle you into the country you will be arrested,” said Hughes.

A quote from Hughes that enlightened the audience was, “Gemology is love and emotion for beauty and asking why." Many had made the journey to ask that very question: Why?

Another presentation that drew much attention was Shane McClure’s focus on ruby enhancements seen in laboratories today. Shane identified nine such treatments; 

  1. Heat treatment, first seen in the 1970s
  2. Fracture healing, makes the natural stones appear synthetic under magnification
  3. Diffusion treatment beryllium as recent as 2002
  4. Lithium diffusion below the detection limit of the LA-ICP-MS device
  5. Synthetic overgrowth, cavity filled with silica glass
  6. Filling ruby with lead glass, detectable with a flash effect
  7. Clarity enhancement
  8. Induced fingerprints
  9. And dye.

According to McClure, ruby is the stone that probably receives the most treatments of all gems.

Many more questions would be debated and answered. Attendees soon realized there is no one simple answer. Curious minds can contact The Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center for all publications referenced throughout the conference.

In addition to the presentations, you could find attendees examining a wide selection of books, catching up with old friends, and pawing delicately through boxes of hexagonal ruby crystals looking for that treasured memento.

It was a glorious tribute to John Sinkankas and the devoted followers who explore the fascinating world of gems through books, international travel, exhibits, geology, photography, and the timeless world of the imagination.

. . . “A tradition of this conference is a poem by GIA’s poet laureate, Robert Weldon,” said Roger Merk. We close therefore, with my friend and colleague, the poet, see you next year . . .

The Conundrum
By: Robert Weldon

The species of which this gem is part,
Had, one day, a nasty start.
To its blues, and pinks, and yellows,
(A gang of mostly pleasant fellows),

A flaming red corundum came
Proclaiming herself to be the same!
One and all, they quick declared,
With hackles raised and fangs (now bared)

“Ruby’s Red. We’re mostly blue . . . 
Makes it any sense to you?”
The sapphire clan stared long and hard
at this rosy, rubicund, canard.

Back at them the ruby stared,
leaving the sapphires . . . cold and scared.
The ruby raised a deep red chalice
And said, with not a little malice,
“Sip this pigeon’s blood and change,
Into something red and strange.”

Thereupon the sapphires scattered,
Alarmed and worn, and slightly tattered.
The queen whose victory now was certain,
Drew across the stage a curtain.

Moral:
When doubts linger in your head,
Choose red.

(This post appeared in Spring 2013 edition, WJA News San Diego)
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