A New Gemstone

(via The Journal of Gemmology/2008/vol.31/no.1/2) R Chapman, I F Mercer, A H Rankin and J Spratt writes:

Thortveitite
Relevant factors in considering the origin of the studied stone may be summarized as thus:
- This gemstone was originally purchased as a waterworn pebble in Bangkok 2004. Of course, this could be simulated in a tumbler but given the lack of a developed gemstone market for this material, could this be a chance appearance?
- If material of this size, color and clarity is indeed synthetic, then more may have entered the market. If it has in fact been manufactured specifically for the gem market, it could be expected that further synthetic specimens are likely to have come to light during the past four years or more.
- The chemistry reveals a fairly pure scandium end-member material, which suggests possible synthesis.
- The inclusions are not particularly characteristic of synthetic material but thtey do indicate a likely hydrothermal origin. Published information on synthesis of thortveitite is currently confined to non-hydrothermal methods.
- Recent geological fieldwork results suggests that scandium minerals are more widespread than has hitherto been inferred.

My view is Bangkok is still perceived as an important gemstone refinery of the world. Gemstones species, both known and less known arrive in Bangkok one way or another from all corners of the world for processing. Top/commercial quality natural stones may be sold as natural or synthetic, synthetics as natural or synthetic, treated stones as treated, natural or synthetic. When colored stones are purchased in a mixed parcel of rough, anything is possible. But the discovery of thortveitite in a mixed lot in Bangkok is an interesting story. The stone could be a simulant for many purplish blue colored stones.

One-Of-A-Kind Art Work

Here is what Visionaire 54 Sport's website says about their first wearable publication:

Using the most advanced printing technologies, Visionaire produces full-coverage, full-color, photographically-printed Lacoste polo shirts featuring artwork by photographers Nick Knight, Peter Lindbergh, Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin with M/M (Paris), Phil Poynter; artists Thomas Demand, Thomas Ruff, T.J. Wilcox; designer Karl Lagerfeld; filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar; musicians David Byrne, Michael Stipe; and painter Richard Phillips. This issue is a collaboration with Lacoste, currently celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Go to www.visionaireworld.com for further information.

Brilliant concept. I liked it.

Venice Film Festival 2008

The 65th Venice International Film Festival, organised by the Venice Biennale, will take place at Venice Lido from August 27 - September 6, 2008. Go to www.labiennale.org for further information.

Finding The Van Goghs Under The Van Goghs

Sharon Begley's article on finding the van Goghs under the Van Goghs via sophisticated technology + other viewpoints @ http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/labnotes/archive/2008/07/30/there-s-a-peasant-under-my-van-gogh.aspx was insightful. A real spinoff!

Useful links:
www.hasylab.de
www.desy.de
http://home.tudelft.nl
http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/ancham/asap/abs/ac800965g.html
http://pubs.acs.org/isubscribe/journals/ancham/asap/figures/ac-2008-00965g_0001.html

The Treacherous World Of Film Distribution

John Anderson's article on the business of film distribution @ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/30/movies/30self.html?_r=1&oref=slogin was brilliant and insightful.

Useful links:
www.picturehouse.com
www.bottleshockthemovie.com

Ask An Astrobiologist

Ask an Astrobiologist is a service to answer astrobiology questions from the public, both about the origin and evolution of life on Earth and looking forward to the search for life on other worlds. Go to http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/ask-an-astrobiologist for further information.

Once In A Lifetime Holiday

Here is what Leading Hotels of the World's website says about the incredible journey:

In celebration of our 80th anniversary and the 80th Academy Awards, The Leading Hotels of the World brings you an epic voyage in homage to one of Hollywood’s greatest spectacles, the Oscar®-winning sensation 'Around the World in 80 Days.' True, we have taken a bit of creative license, but how else could we wrap such an amazing journey in such absolute glamour? Traveling in a private jet all the way, you and a companion will see everything in the world worth seeing and do everything in the world worth doing. Best of all, 10% of the USD 1 million price will be donated to the Elton John AIDS Foundation for the global fight against AIDS. So, with that in mind, we invite you to open your hearts and wallets and get ready to set off on the adventure of a lifetime.

Useful link:
www.lhw.com

With a price tag of US$1 million, it must a be once-in-a-lifetime holiday. But if it's partly for a good cause + if you have US$1 million to spare, why not!

An Interesting Diamond Story

According to German scientists Andrei Sommer, Dan Zhu, and Hans-Joerg Fecht at the University of Ulm, diamonds could have played an important role in the origin of life on Earth. Go to http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20080730/982/tsc-diamonds-not-only-for-ever-they-led_1.html for further information. Interesting theory.

Useful link:
http://pubs.acs.org