GIA Thailand to pay recognition to Colombian green emeralds

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Thailand plans to pay a recognition to the history, mining and production of Colombia’s legendary bright green emeralds at its 40th Gemstone Gathering on November 24, 2010 in Bangkok. To describe its intent the event has been entitled “Green Fever - A Colombian Adventure,” and will feature guest speaker Flavie Isatelle, an accredited gemologist and expert in the management of natural and mineral resources.

Isatelle will present a virtual journey through the Colombian mines of Muzo, La Pita, Coscuez and Peñas Blancas, with discussions on Colombian emerald formations and regional geology, along with mining, recovery and production techniques. Isatelle will also review recent studies on material gathered from Colombia’s Muzo, Chivor and Coscuez mines using UV-VIS spectrophotometry and LA-ICP-MS chemical analysis systems.

“Kenneth Scarratt, managing director of GIA Southeast Asia and director of the GIA Laboratory in Bangkok said, “Isatelle’s global gem expertise, combined with her specific knowledge of Colombian emerald operations, is sure to produce an event our local gem community won’t want to miss.”