Gems Under the Microscope: New Insights into Mineral Structures and Properties
A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Crystallography and Physical Chemistry of Minerals & Nanominerals".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 October 2025 | Viewed by 1284
Special Issue Editors
Interests: gemmology; mineral microstructure; TEM analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: gemmology; mineralogy
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Gems are not only prized for their aesthetic appeal but also hold immense scientific significance due to their complex mineral structures and properties. As advanced microscopy techniques evolve, from traditional optical microscopy to advanced electron microscopy, we gain unprecedented insights into the microcosm of gemstones, revealing intricate details that can enhance our understanding of their mineral structures and properties.
This Special Issue, “Gems Under the Microscope: New Insights into Mineral Structures and Properties”, aims to explore the relationship between gemstone characteristics and their underlying mineralogy through the application of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and so on. Research in this issue will provide valuable insights into the mineral structures and mineralogical properties of gemstones, enhancing our understanding of both natural and synthetic gems.
We invite contributions that offer new perspectives on the following topics: (1) detailed mineralogical and gemological analyses using advanced microscopy techniques, i.e., optical microscopy, SEM, EPMA, and TEM; (2) investigations of the mineral structures and properties of gemstones and their implications for gem quality and usage; (3) exploring the relationship between gemstone microstructures and their genesis, as well as implications for authenticity, enhancement, and treatment; (4) significant findings regarding inclusions, their origins, and implications for gemological practices; (5) research on synthetic gem production and comparative studies with natural counterparts by using a microscope; (6) technical exploration and critical summary on the material types and origin tracing of antique jewelry; (7) scientific discrimination of antique jewelry and its imitations using microscopy and spectroscopic analysis techniques; and (8) critical reviews that summarize advancements in the study of gemology and mineralogy through microscopy.
This Special Issue encourages a multidisciplinary approach, combining insights from mineralogy, gemology, geology, and materials science to foster a comprehensive understanding of gemstone research. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and short communications from researchers across the globe.
Prof. Dr. Tao Chen
Dr. Zhengyu Zhou
Prof. Dr. Yuzhi Zhang
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- mineral structures and microstructure of gemstones
- mineral properties of gemstones
- nano-inclusions in gemstones
- geochemistry characterization
- geological process
- mineralogical and gemological research in ancient geomaterials
- multi-mineral aggregate jade
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