GIA to Determine Origin of Opal, Peridot, and Demantoid Garnet

(IDEX Online) - The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is expanding its origin-determination services to include opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet from January.

The origin of these gemstones can drastically affect their value. Black opal from Australia is more valuable than opals from other regions, for example.

Certain peridot sources - Myanmar and Pakistan - are prized. And demantoids from Russia are historically significant and more valuable than those from other sources.

GIA's expansion into origin-determination for these stones addresses a market gap where scientific verification of origin was previously limited, enhancing transparency, trust, and value.

The new reports will feature an updated design aimed at enhancing storytelling, making it easier for consumers and trade professionals.

GIA already provides country-of-origin services for alexandrite, emerald, Paraiba tourmaline, red spinel, ruby, sapphire, and, more recently, untreated jadeite jade and omphacite jade from Myanmar (Burma) or Guatemala.

"Our expanded services are based on GIA's extensive research and collection of 32,000 samples collected by GIA field gemologists," said Shane McClure, global director of colored stone services.

"The Institute started colored stone reporting more than 75 years ago, and, since then, researchers and gemologists across our laboratories have developed an industry-leading knowledge."

Pic shows peridot.