A Gemstone's Journey: 2. Mining

Introduction

When it comes to gemstones, the journey from the earth's crust to a piece of jewelry is a long and complex one. After millions of years of formation, gemstones must be mined from the earth and then sorted, cut, and polished to reveal their true beauty. In this article, we will focus on the journey of sapphires, rubies, spinels, tsavorites, and chrysoberyls from the moment they are mined. We will explore the different mining methods used to extract these precious gemstones, and we will also delve into how geologists identify the ideal locations for gemstone mining.

Geological Identification of Gemstone Deposits

Before mining can begin, geologists must first identify the ideal locations for gemstone mining. This involves studying the geological features of an area to determine whether it has the right conditions for gemstone formation. Geologists look for areas with a high concentration of the minerals and elements that are known to be associated with the formation of gemstones. They also look for areas with geological structures that are conducive to the formation of gemstone deposits, such as fault zones and volcanic activity.

Mining Methods

There are many different methods used to mine gemstones, each with its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common methods used for mining sapphires, rubies, spinels, tsavorites, and chrysoberyls.

1. Open-pit Mining:

Open-pit mining is one of the most common methods used to extract gemstones. This method involves creating a large open pit in the ground, which is excavated using heavy machinery. The rocks and earth are then removed to expose the gemstone deposits.

2. Underground Mining:

Underground mining involves excavating tunnels and shafts into the ground to reach the gemstone deposits. Once the deposit is reached, miners extract the gemstones using various methods, such as blasting or drilling. Underground mining is often used when the gemstone deposit is too deep to be accessed using open-pit mining.

3. Alluvial Mining:

Alluvial mining involves extracting gemstones from sediments and soils that have been deposited by rivers or other water bodies. This method is often used for gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. Alluvial mining is typically done using traditional methods, such as panning or sluicing.

4. Placer Mining:

Placer mining is a type of alluvial mining that involves extracting gemstones from gravel deposits that have been left behind by ancient rivers. Miners use various methods, such as digging or dredging, to remove the gravel and extract the gemstones.

5. Garimpo Mining:

Garimpo mining is a traditional form of small-scale mining that is common in Brazil and other South American countries. It involves digging small pits in the ground by hand to access gemstone deposits. This method is often used for gemstones such as chrysoberyls and emeralds.

6. Marine Mining:

Marine mining involves extracting gemstones from the ocean floor. This method is typically used for gemstones such as diamonds and sapphires, which can be found in underwater deposits. Marine mining is a complex and expensive process, and is typically done using specialized equipment such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).

Each mining method has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type of gemstone being mined and the geological characteristics of the deposit. Geologists use a variety of methods to identify ideal locations for gemstone mining, including studying the geological history of an area, analyzing mineral samples, and using advanced imaging technologies such as satellite imagery and airborne geophysics.

By understanding the journey of a gemstone from the moment it is mined by humans, we can better appreciate the rarity and beauty of these precious stones.

Up Next: A Gemstone's Journey: Heating of Sapphires