Gemological Science International (GSI) conducted an international field visit to the Luc Yen Ruby Mine in Vietnam for students of its Color Stone Professional (CSP) programme. The visit took place from January 18 to 22, 2026, for the ninth batch.
The initiative was designed to connect classroom-based learning with on-ground gemological practices. Students were given exposure to ruby geology, mining techniques, gemstone sorting, valuation processes, and primary market interactions.
Luc Yen, located in Vietnam’s Yen Bai Province, is known for ruby and spinel deposits occurring in metamorphic marble and gneiss formations. During the visit, students observed manual and alluvial mining methods, including gravel washing and sorting of rough stones at the source.
Participants interacted with local miners to understand operational conditions, yield variations, and seasonal factors affecting small-scale mining. These interactions provided insight into the supply chain dynamics of coloured gemstones.
The programme also included a visit to the Luc Yen gemstone market, where students observed real-time transactions between miners, traders, and buyers. The exercise highlighted pricing parameters such as colour, clarity, size, and cutting potential, along with negotiation practices and buyer behaviour.
Additional activities in Hanoi were included to support group engagement and cultural exposure.
“The future of gemology lies in education that goes beyond textbooks. Exposure to mines, markets, and global trade ecosystems equips students with confidence, context, and credibility,” said Meenu Vyas of GSI.
The field visit forms part of GSI’s approach to integrating practical exposure within gemological education programmes.
