33rd International Gemmological Conference IGC October 2013 Hanoi, Vietnam 33rd IGC 2013 - Hanoi, Vietnam Introduction 33rd International Gemmological Conference IGC October, 2013 Hanoi, Vietnam Distinguished Participants of the 33rd IGC Conference in Hanoi, Vietnam On behalf of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), I am pleased to extend my warmest welcome to all of you to the 33rd International Gemmological Conference (IGC). Following the great success of the 32nd IGC which was co-organized by Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) in 2011, VNU is honored to cooperate with DOJI Gold & Gems Group to host this year’s conference in the thousand-year-old capital city of Hanoi in its most beautiful season. As you may know, Vietnam is endowed with a diversity of gem minerals thanks to its geologic position along the mar- gins of two cratons. However, Vietnam’s mining and pearl farming sectors are still relatively small and undeveloped, leaving many potential resources unexploited. While being the leading university in Vietnam with an important role in scientific development, VNU finds this both an opportunity and responsibility in promoting the studies on gemmolo- gy, contributing to develop this potential industry of the country. Besides, we also need the practical experiences and support from other countries around the world, especially those with developed gemstone industries and research. For those reasons, we find the great necessity to hold this important event in Vietnam. Aiming at going to the heart of all matters relating to gemstones and endeavoring to exchange every knowledge and experience in gemmology, this year’s conference will bring together the leading scientists, researchers, practitioners, managers and elite businessmen from around the world. I expect that you can gain lots of gemological inputs for your own gemological research and work as well as unforgettable experiences during your time in Vietnam. On behalf of my co-chairman, Dr. Do Minh Phu – President of DOJI Gold & Gems Group, I wish you a memorable and enriching conference. August 2013 Phung Xuan Nha, Prof. Dr President of Vietnam National University, Hanoi 2 33rd IGC 2013 - Hanoi, Vietnam Introduction About the organising Committee for the 33rd IGC Conference: International Organisers Phung Xuan Nha, Vietnam National University, Hanoi: Chairman Do Minh Phu, DOJI Gold & Gems Group: Co-chairman Nguyen Ngoc Khoi, Vietnam National University, Hanoi; and DOJI Gold & Gems Group Le Thi Thu Huong, Vietnam National University, Hanoi Michael S. Krzemnicki, Swiss Gemmological Insitute SSEF Laurent E. Cartier, Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF Jayshree Panjikar, Panjikar Gem Research & Tech Institute IGC Executive Committee Local Organisers Nguyen Huu Duc, Vietnam National University, Hanoi: Chairman Do Vu Phuong Anh, DOJI Gold & Gems Group: Co-chairlady Le Thi Thu Huong, Vietnam National University, Hanoi Nguyen Ngoc Khoi, Vietnam National University, Hanoi; and DOJI Gold & Gems Group Duong Anh Tuan, DOJI Gold & Gems Group Bui Duy Cam, Vietnam National University, Hanoi Nguyen Anh Thu, Vietnam National University, Hanoi Dinh Van Huong, Vietnam National University, Hanoi Nguyen Van Vuong, Vietnam National University, Hanoi Nguyen Thanh Quang, DOJI Gold & Gems Group Local planning & Social programme Le Thi Thu Huong, Vietnam National University, Hanoi Do Vu Phuong Anh, DOJI Gold & Gems Group Abstract Review Board Urich Henn, German Gemmological Institute Hanco Zwaan, Netherland Gemmological Institute Emmanuel Fritsch, University of Nantes Layout & Editing & Website Laurent Cartier, Swiss Gemmological Insitute SSEF Special thanks to - IGC Excutive Boards for giving us the opportunity to hold the conference - Abstract review board for their tremendous work finalizing and reviewing the abstracts. - Michael Krzemnicki, SSEF for his advices and Laurent Cartier, SSEF, Le Thi Thu Huong, VNU for layout and editing the website and Conference proceedings. August 2013, Phung Xuan Nha 3 33rd IGC 2013 - Hanoi, Vietnam Introduction About the IGC Executive Board Photo of the IGC Executive Board, taken in July 2011 in Interlaken (Switzerland): (From left to right) John Koivula, Hanco Zwaan, Emmanuel Fritsch, Gamini Zoysa, Henry A. Hänni, Jayshree Panjikar, Tay Thye Sun, John Saul, George Bosshart (†), Michael S. Krzemnicki. Long-standing Board members Dr. Jan Kanis, Mr. Alan Jobbins are also on this picture. Pre-conference excursion: 10-12 October 2013. Hanoi – Halong Bay – Catba arquipelago – Hanoi Conference: 12-16 October 2013. Hanoi, Vietnam. Post-conference excursion: 17-19 October 2013. Gem Mining Areas in Yen Bai Province Guest programme: 12-16 October 2013. Hanoi, Vietnam 4 33rd IGC 2013 - Hanoi, Vietnam Introduction About the venue Hanoi Hanoi is the crowded capital city of Vietnam. The site where Hanoi stands today has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. Emperior Ly Thai To moved his capital here in AD1010 naming it Thang Long meaning Soaring Dragon. Specta- cular celebrations in honour of the 1000th birthday of the city had taken place 2010. The elegant heart of Hanoi is centred on the Hoan Kiem lake. Just north to this lake is the Old Quarter which is charac- terised by narrow streets. Participants visiting Hanoi may discover Vietnam not only in its modern life but also its past. Hoan Kiem lake is the most centred and one of the major sce- nic spots of Hanoi and serves as a focal point for its public life. The Conference Venue The Conference is held at the Lake Side hotel. We choose Lake Side hotel to host the conference because it is a beau- tiful and peaceful hotel beside the romantic sight of Giang Vo lake. The location is convenient not only for visitor but also for transportation. With 02 high standard restaurant system (Royal Vietnamese restaurant & Azuma Japanese restaurant), peaceful space, beside serving coffee during coffee breaks the hotel will offer lunch during lunch breaks. 5 33rd IGC 2013 - Hanoi, Vietnam Introduction About the Sponsors Vietnam National University, Hanoi Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) is the first modern university ever establish in the country and one of the two national universities in Vietnam. VNU has undergone various stage of development: the University of Indochina established on 16 May 1906; Vietnam National University (November, 1945); the University of Hanoi (June, 1956). In December 1993, VNU was reorganized on the basis of amalgamating the University of Hanoi and other leading univer- sities in Hanoi. VNU holds a special position in Vietnam’s higher education system, operating according to special regulation promul- gated by the Prime Minister. VNU has its Headquarter at Xuan Thuy street, 3 old campuses inside Hanoi centre and a new one which is 30 km far from the centre of Hanoi. Hoa Lac – the new campus with an area of 1000 hectares in Thach That district which is 40 km far from the centre of Hanoi One of old campuses of VNU inside Hanoi old town – Le Thanh Tong campus DOJI Gold and Gems Group Originally known as TTD Technology and Trading Development Company, DOJI Gold & Gems Group has spectacularly expanded its business not only in Gold & Gems mining, Gems cutting & processing, Jewelry manufacturing, Gold bar trade, Gold import & export and Jewelry boutiques & shops nationwide network, Invest in service industry, real estate, banking and finance. Up to now, DOJI Gold & Gems Group has owned six member subsidies, five association com- panies and twelve branches. DOJI Group established its own DOJI Institute & Laboratory For Gemology And Jewelry (DOJILAB) reputing in Vietnam. DOJILAB has been equipped with the latest advanced analytical and testing instru- ments. Besides its qualified gemologists, DOJILAB is also collaborated with the top grading labs and scientists from national and international universities and institutes. As the only Vietnamese representative of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) and being honored as “the King of Star Ruby” for its Vietnam Star Ruby (VSR), DOJI Gold & Gems Group has launched its distinguished products to international markets such as Japan, Thailand, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan. DOJI Gold & Gems Group has remarkably contributed to pinpoint Vietnam on the gemstone world map. The Group is proud to be the owner of the most precious stones exploited in Vietnamese mines, namely Dai Lam Ngoc – a 15-ton giant blue sapphire, Bao Hong Ngoc – the most precious natural rough Star Ruby of 18.88 kg and notably the Emperor Star Ruby well known in Vietnam and the world. DOJI Gold & Gems Group has been strongly developed to reach the goal of becoming a leading Group in Vietnam and further, a prestigious brand in the world. 6 33rd IGC 2013 - Hanoi, Vietnam Conference Programme IGC 2013 Programme Interlaken, Switzerland 12-16 October 2013 Saturday 12 October 18.00-20.30 IGC Welcome reception in Hanoi at the Lake Side Hotel 20.30-22.00 Executive Committee (EXCO) reunion Sunday 13 October 9.00-9.15 Opening Ceremony and Announcements 9.15-9.30 Greeting speech by VNU president 9.30-9.45 Greeting speech by DOJI president 9.45-10.00 Speech from IGC EXCO 10.00-10.15 Conference photo 10.15-10.30 Coffee Break Corundums (Chairman Emmanuel Fritsch) 10.30-10.50 J.C. (Hanco) Zwaan, Eric Buter, Robert E. Kane: Mineral inclusions in alluvial sapphires from Montana - an update 10.50-11.10 M.A. Viktorov, A. D. Semina, M. I. Pshenichny: Sapphires from Koltashi deposits (Ural Mountains, Russia) 11.10-11.30 Dietmar Schwarz, Stefanos Karampelas, Lu Taijin, Claudio C. Milisenda: Kenya,