Stories beyond the gemstone

Gem Education

Kunzite color, treatment, and the question of staying power

By Dr. Kasia Bitner, Co-owner Soul Body Gems

Kunzite can show beautiful pink to violet color. Its appearance alone cannot tell us whether that color was treated or how it will hold up...

Read the story →: Kunzite color, treatment, and the question of staying power

Photo: J. C. Zwaan; courtesy Barker & Co. and Pala International. Figure 23, Gems & Gemology, Spring 2008.

Gem Education

Beyond the Surface: Six Papers on Gemstone Science

By Dr. Kasia Bitner, Co-owner Soul Body Gems

A short introduction to six research papers shared by Alexander Falster, exploring tourmaline, emeralds, Erongo, londonite and pezzottaite—with links to read the papers.

Read the story →: Beyond the Surface: Six Papers on Gemstone Science

Testing & Authenticity

Andara “Crystals”: What Is Really Being Sold?

By Dr. Kasia Bitner, Co-owner Soul Body Gems

Is Andara a rare crystal or colorful manufactured glass? We examine laboratory results, natural obsidian, misleading claims, and the questions to ask before buying.

Read the story →: Andara “Crystals”: What Is Really Being Sold?

Testing & Authenticity

Malachite: Real vs. Imitation

By Dr. Kasia Bitner, Co-owner Soul Body Gems

A closer look at patterns, composition, and the clues that help distinguish natural malachite from imitations.

Coming soon

Gem Education

The Beauty of Unheated Spinel

By Dr. Kasia Bitner, Co-owner Soul Body Gems

Exploring spinel’s natural colors and what “unheated” means when choosing a gemstone.

Coming soon