THE SOUL BODY GEMS JOURNAL

Stories beyond the gemstone

Exploring the science, artistry, and stories behind the pieces we love.

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

Biologist, trained opera singer & co-founder of Soul Body Gems

With a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and a background in opera, Dr. Kasia Bitner brings scientific curiosity and an artist’s sensibility to the world of gems, jewelry and crystals. Through this journal, she explores the materials we treasure, the evidence behind their identification, and the stories behind their discovery and design—connecting science, artistry, and the beauty of the natural world.

Read Dr. Kasia’s biography

Close-up of purple faceted kunzite gemstones on a pale surface

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...

Twelve faceted copper-bearing tourmalines from Mozambique in blue, green and violet.

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.

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

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