![]() It features dendritic gold, named in allusion to the branch-like structures, as well as platy gold veinlets, in a matrix of white calcite. ![]() On long-term loan from Barrick Gold Corporation, this specimen was mined from Pioneer gold mine, near Lillooet, British Columbia. In the gallery, an entire display is devoted to corundum and its wide array of colours. ![]() What may not also be well known is that sapphire comes in a large range of colours including pink, orange, yellow, brown, green, blue, purple, violet, black and colourless. Although the mineral corundum may not be a household name, its varieties include such well-known gems as sapphire and ruby. The blue stone is cut in a round domed style known as a “cabochon” by an experienced jeweler in such a way as to reveal the star. The resulting effect appears as a 3-, 4- or 6-rayed star reflected off the surface of the jewel that seems to follow the beholder’s eye across the gem. This is a visual effect caused by light refracting off hair-like fibrous inclusions of another mineral present in the stone. The 193-carat Star of Lanka sapphire, named for Sri Lanka, the gem’s country of origin, provides a stunning example of “asterism”. There is a devoted video screen located to the left of the entrance to the Gallery of Gems and Gold that provides more information about this truly unique gem. Due to this cerussite specimen’s incredible rarity and delicacy, it has been listed among the ROM’s 15 Iconic Objects. This mineral is extremely sensitive to heat and vibration-even warmth from the palm of a hand can damage it-so great care was taken that the inevitable heat generated during polishing and grinding didn’t shatter the gemstone. Until this specimen was found in the 1960s no cerussite of over 200 carats was ever faceted. Cerussite’s dispersion, which is caused by the splitting of white light into its spectral colours, is even greater than that of a diamond. This gem was so named for its intense dispersion (also known as fire) and for the deserts from where it was found and faceted, the desert of Namibia and the desert of Arizona respectively. Today, Canada is among the top 10 gold producers in the world, yielding several million ounces per year.Īt just under 900 carats, the Light of the Desert is the largest faceted cerussite in the world. In fact, just about every province and territory in Canada has had a find in gold. In the display dedicated to gold, visitors learn that half the world’s known gold reserves are in South Africa, with other large deposits in Russia, Brazil, the U.S.A., Australia and Canada. Very rare “collector gemstones”, gems not typically used in jewellery because they may be too soft, brittle, light or heat sensitive, are also displayed in their dazzling range of colour. Cases are devoted to the stunning variety of familiar precious stones, such as diamond, garnet, opal and jade, as well as less commonly known tanzanite, spodumene and tourmaline. The display consists of 25 separate cases, illuminating and exploring each mineral according to common chemical make-up. The 660-square-foot Gallery of Gems and Gold examines the enduring appeal of gold and precious stones. The Gallery of Gems and Gold is definitely one not to miss this December!” The ROM’s collection contains examples of Canada’s most superb gems as well as gems and jewellery from around the world, which are even better appreciated through thoughtful and interesting descriptions. “Visitors will gain a deeper appreciation of the gems they know and love, while being introduced to impressive, exotic stones and a dazzling array of colours. ![]() Kim Tait, Associate Curator of Mineralogy. “The Gallery of Gems and Gold highlights nature’s finest treasures,” said Dr. Highlighted in the gallery is the famed 900-carat Light of the Desert, the largest faceted cerussite gem in the world. Nearly 600 beautiful and rare gems, gem crystals, jewellery and gold specimens will be on display representing the wide diversity and colour of precious stones, and some of the finest gems and jewellery in Canada. On Decemthe Museum proudly opens the Gallery of Gems and Gold, the final stage of the Teck Suite of Galleries: Earth’s Treasures, on Level 2 of the Weston Family Wing. Newly re-installed gallery features nearly 600 of the most exquisite gems and jewels from the ROM’s vaultsĪll that glitters is gold this holiday season at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).
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