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Geoscience

Origin of gemstones in basaltic volcanic terrains

Gemstones are an important feature of Australian geology and provide a valuable commercial resource in several states. This project particularly investigates the origins of diamond, ruby and sapphire deposits to assist exploration for development of new prospects. These studies include the interplay of trace elements in providing colour and chemical fingerprinting of gemstone origins.

Principal Investigators: Dr Lin Sutherland, Gayle Webb, Dr Ian Graham

Corundum and concentrate. Ruby-sapphire-sapphirine. Locality, A Chubb. Gloucester Tops, New South Wales. Photo: G Webb © Australian Museum.
Ferrocolumbite inclusion in sapphire. Tumbarumba, New South Wales. Photo: G Webb © Australian Museum.
Pyrope inclusion in ruby. Gulgong, New South Wales. Photo: G Webb © Australian Museum.
Gem concentrate (ruby and sapphire). Pailin, Cambodia. Photo: G Webb © Australian Museum.
Trigons (Etch pits) on diamond. Bingara, New South Wales. Photo: G Webb © Australian Museum.
Diamonds (Cluff specimens). Copeton, New South Wales. Photo: C Bento © Australian Museum.
Diamond crystals. Bingara, New South Wales. Photo: G Webb © Australian Museum.
Diamond crystal 0.65cts. Bricklay Creek, Walcha, New South Wales. Photo: G Webb © Australian Museum.