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J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 1 8 www.resourceworld.com 61 P R O F E S S I O N A L D I R E C T O R Y WE PROMISE AND WE DELIVER QUALIFIED PROJECTS FOR INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING Fayz Yacoub Professional Geologist Tel: (604) 831-0424 Email: fayz@ontrackexploration.com www.ontrackexploration.com FOR SALE Small past-producing gold mine East Thurlow Island, British Columbia Down-dip of vein never drilled. $10,000 Call Ellsworth Dickson 604-484-3800 continued from page 49 with chromium enriched schist. Unlike many other gemstones, six-sided emerald crystals are distinct and easy to recognize in the field. Geologist, Bill Wengzynowski, stated that when he discovered emerald crystals in the Yukon in 1998 while explor- ing for copper, his initial thought was that the green stain on the rock was malachite. Many other types of coloured gemstones are found in BC. Opal showing splendid arrays of color is found associated with Tertiary volcanic rocks near Vernon in southeast BC. Peridot, the gem variety of the mineral olivine, is also found associated with olivine-rich basalts in several localities. What is the best method for finding coloured gemstones? Prospectors and geologists in BC apply both traditional and innovative techniques to explore for gem - stone deposits. Soil and rock sampling led to the discovery of many precious and base metal mines, so it makes sense to apply that knowledge in exploring for gemstones. Key to interpreting geochemical results is an understanding of how gem minerals form and the relationship between path- finder elements. Geochemical orientation surveys can help define the correlation between beryllium and other elements in areas of aquamarine or emerald potential. Geophysical surveys can outline buried paleo-channels that could contain sapphire or other gemstones. Examining the con - centrate from heavy mineral sampling is an excellent technique for identifying gemstones. Many prospectors and geologists use ultraviolet light to explore for tungsten min - eralization; ultraviolet light is also useful for gem identification. As an example, rubies glow bright red under ultraviolet light, whereas garnets do not react. Sensitive rare earth magnets are useful tools for identify - ing gemstones because of the varying iron content of all minerals. Portable beryllium detectors called berylometers are used by mining companies to assess beryllium content of drill core. The practicality of using these instruments for aquamarine or emerald prospecting is untested. Lastly, hand-held XRF analyzers may be of use to identify gem minerals in the field. Instruments normally used to iden - tify faceted and polished gemstones can be easily adapted and used in the field. A dichroscope is a small tube which con- tains two polaroid plates at right angles and provides a visualization of how light passes through transparent minerals. Blue sapphires split light into two rays that will manifest as two shades of blue and blu - ish green when viewed through the little device. Singly refractive gems such as spi- nel and garnet will show just one color. A thermal conductivity testing probe, which is often used in jewelry stores to identify diamonds, can be modified and used in the field as another tool to identify potential gem minerals. Diligent geological mapping, pros - pecting and an understanding how gem deposits form provide the foundation for new discoveries. In any case, most coloured gemstone discoveries in the world are found totally by chance; often by observant prospectors, geologists and members of the public – even children. n