Gem-A Launches Autumn 2026 Issue Of The Journal Of Gemmology Focusing On New Cu-Bearing Tourmaline From Ethiopia 

(GEM-A, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM) – The Gemmological Association of Great Britain has launched the latest issue of its flagship scientific publication, The Journal of Gemmology. 

Released digitally on September 23, this issue contains news and research from the international gemological community. Highlights include a feature article examining Cu-bearing tourmaline from Ethiopia, which has been much discussed in the field since a new deposit was discovered in Abulo Rukessa, or Abuloo, in mid-2026.

Five Faceted Cu-Bearing Tourmalines: These five faceted Cu-bearing tourmalines (1.22–3.70 ct) from the new Ethiopian occurrence were examined for this study. The stones range from blue to greenish blue, locally with near-colourless zones. Sample numbers correspond to those in Table I. Individual images were resized and digitally arranged for comparison, so they are not shown to scale. Composite photo by SSEF.

The Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF characterized fourteen stones reportedly from the area, including five faceted and nine rough samples, using a variety of techniques. SSEF then compared chemical data from these stones with Cu-bearing tourmalines from Brazil, Mozambique and Nigeria in its database, and used statistical data processing to differentiate the new Cu-bearing tourmalines from those of other localities. 

Additional feature articles cover gems of the sodalite group (part 1, on their main gemological characteristics and internal features); a new gem opal reportedly from Yemen; and gem-quality labradorite feldspar from the Haute-Loire region of France. A short article, or Gemmological Brief, also describes a notable Roman-era sapphire necklace from the Treasure of the Lazarists found in Lyon, France.

Ethiopian Cu-Bearing Tourmalines: An Ethiopian Cu-bearing tourmaline with an attractive blue to greenish blue colouration. Rough material weighing 3.76 g. Photo courtesy of Paul Wild GmbH & Co. KG, Kirschweiler, Germany.

In addition to these articles, the Gem Notes section provides numerous brief reports on diverse items of gemological interest from around the world. This issue covers green grossular from Niger, a Pinctada persica Pearl from Kuwait, an imitation Melo pearl, and an additional chemical study of Ethiopian Paraíba-type tourmaline.

Editor-in-Chief Brendan Laurs FGA comments: “The exciting discovery of Cu-bearing tourmaline in Ethiopia has created great interest in the trade. In addition to documenting the locality and geological setting of this find, the article in this issue of The Journal provides a detailed gemological characterization of this material and demonstrates that the studied samples could be confidently separated from Paraíba-type tourmaline from other localities worldwide.”

This particular article is freely accessible on The Journal’s Sample Articles web page at https://gem-a.com/jog-sample-articles.

Sodalite Group: Rough and cut gems from the sodalite group illustrate the group’s range of colour. The stones on the left are haüyne, those on the right are sodalite, and the four cabochons and bi disc in the centre are lapis lazuli. All except the disc were part of the study collection. The diameter of the lapis lazuli disc is about 24.3 mm. Photo by F. Blumentritt.

Laurs continues: “Of additional note, a presentation on Ethiopian Cu-bearing tourmaline by Dr. Klaus Schollenbruch (Gübelin Gem Lab, Switzerland) will be included in the upcoming Gem-A Conference (November 7–8, 2026), which will feature several enlightening speakers in a broad-reaching two-day program.”

Additional sections in this issue of The Journal include the practical and useful What’s New column, which highlights recent publications and online resources of interest to gemologists, while the Learning Opportunities section lists upcoming conferences and educational events to support readers’ professional development. The New Media section compiles information on new gem- and jewelry-related books, with full reviews of five titles in this issue.

Gem-A CEO Cath Hill adds: “The Journal of Gemmology is a vital resource for our national and international members who want to stay up to date with the latest research and scientific developments. The significance of this edition’s lead feature – an assessment of Cu-bearing tourmaline from Ethiopia – is not to be underestimated, and I hope it sparks plenty of further discussion in the wider gemological community. Thank you to all of our contributing authors and, of course, The Journal of Gemmology editorial staff, for bringing this issue to life.”

A leader in its field, The Journal publishes original research articles on all aspects of gemology, including natural stones and their treatments, synthetics and simulated gem materials. Gem-A publishes it quarterly in collaboration with the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF.

Issues published in the past two years are accessible to Gem-A Members nationally and internationally. Previous issues are freely available to anyone via The Journal’s online archive. A cumulative index covering all issues from 1947 through 2024, as well as numerous bibliographies covering specific subjects, can also be freely downloaded from The Journal’s website.

Start receiving The Journal of Gemmology today.

Anyone can become an Associate Member of Gem-A and receive access to both Gem-A publications: The Journal of Gemmology (print and online) and Gems&Jewellery (online). Visit the Gem-A website to find out more.

The Gem-A Conference will take place at The Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s on November 7–8, 2026. More information can be found here: gem-a.com/conference-2026.

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