The Geochemistry of Gems and
its Relevance to Gemology: Different Traces, Different Prices
George R. Rossman
Division of Geological and Planetary Science
California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125-2500, USA
Abstract
In colored gems, minor and trace chemical components commonly determine
the difference between a common mineral specimen and a gemstone. Also,
these components are often responsible for the color, and may provide a
“fingerprint” for determining the provenance of the
gemstone. The minor elements that are incorporated will depend on local
geologic conditions such as temperature, redox conditions, and,
particularly, chemistry.
