New Cutting Edge Gem Testing Technologies To Be Presented at Pittcon Analytical Symposium Organized by Cap Beesley of AGL, American Gemological Laboratories

For the first time in the history of the nation’s largest analytical conference, a comprehensive program addressing emerging technologies for gemstone analysis will be on the symposia agenda. According to C.R. Beesley, president of American Gemological Laboratories, Inc. and the organizer of this first time event, “This brain trust of outstanding researchers will gather in Orlando on March 12, 2006 to address the complex technological challenges facing the diamond and colored stone world in the next decade.” Beesley continued, “This stellar group of individuals represents some of the nation’s top universities, organizations and instrument manufacturers, who have applied their analytical talents and emerging technologies to the mounting challenges of gem and mineral analysis”.

The opening segment will be conducted by Dr. Russell Hemley, the group leader of the Carnegie Institution’s CVD Rapid Diamond Growth Project. Beesley continued, “Dr. Hemley will address the latest developments in chemical vapor deposition diamonds that can potentially break the 100 carat, mega, gem quality diamond mark at growth rates of one millimeter per hour. They have already achieved a 10 carat crystal at rates in excess of all other techniques.”

In addition, seven other researchers will present their individual research activity ranging from beryllium / light element detection and quantification to the latest Raman applications for advanced diamond examination. Dr. Bonner Denton of the University of Arizona, the Raman guru, will present the latest developments in Raman applications and miniaturization.

Dr. Robert Downs, also of the University of Arizona and coordinator of the massive RRUFF project sponsored by gemstone connoisseur and technical visionary Mike Scott, will present the details of the most significant database project undertaken in the history of gem and mineral characterization.

Dr. Daniel Armstrong of The University of Texas will present his published research efforts to develop high speed analytical techniques for basic identification and enhancement assessment for organic fillers using DRIFTS, an infra-red method and near infra-red techniques.

Dr. Steven Novak of Evans Analytical Group, the prime source of SIMS analysis for all the major gemological labs in the country will present an in-depth look at beryllium and light element detection in gemstones.

Dr. Alan Koenig of the US Geological Survey will address his organizations growing interest in developing standards for emerging laser ablation techniques, like ICP-MS, LIBS and related technologies for the gem and mineral industries.

Dr. George Gavin of Spectral Analytical Instruments will present his work on elemental identification using ICP-AES for a broad range of gem materials, as well as, applications of x-ray fluorescence to gem and mineral analysis.

The program will culminate with a live demonstration of Thermo Nicolet’s latest Raman hardware by Dr. Stephen Lowry, chief scientist for molecular spectroscopy. Thermo is one of the most prominent manufacturers of analytical hardware in the world.

C.R. Beesley, AGL’s president will present the opening summary of testing challenges and a closing review of potential solutions. Beesley summarized the importance of this event, “Participation in this unique event is essential for anyone that wants to expand their knowledge of key analytical technologies that will impact on the diamond and colored stone business over the next decade. We encourage everyone that is concerned about the future of our industry to attend this special event. www.pittcongems.com