Tag Archives: mineral specimens

Madagascar A Gemologist’s Journey (Ambatonapetraka Tourmaline Locality)

Posted on October 15, 2014 by mrahm

Ambatonapetraka is a recently discovered weathered pegmatite zone with a very high concentration of tourmalines. Because it is such a recent discovery, the locals still have “tourmaline fever.” We are there on a Sunday, so fewer miners are busy working. … Continue reading →

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Madagascar: A Gemologist’s Journey (Antsirabe)

Posted on October 3, 2014 by mrahm

Antsirabe, called the city of water for its thermal activity, is also the gem and mineral trading center of Madagascar. Upon our arrival we met local gem and mineral dealers having their usual street show. There were mineral specimens, cut … Continue reading →

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GIA Visits our National Gem & Mineral Collection

Posted on November 26, 2013 by mrahm

Many of you followed my posts a couple years ago after I was blessed with a private tour of our National Gem & Mineral Collection. Now you can have the next best thing to a private tour…GIA has recently published … Continue reading →

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Botryoidal Rhodochrosite

Posted on February 12, 2013 by mrahm

You’ve seen how rhodochrosite can grow in bright red transparent crystal clusters. This photo shows the botryoidal form of rhodochrosite. It looks like bubbles of lava coming to the surface. In actuality, the word botryoidal comes from the Greek word … Continue reading →

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Colorado Prospectors On TV

Posted on December 14, 2012 by mrahm

I was forwarded this article today from a friend in the trade. He obviously remembered our discussions regarding my excitement about staking a claim in the Colorado back country. There’s a new show making its debut next spring featuring Colorado … Continue reading →

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