Johnkoivulaite: A New Gem Mineral

Abstract

A new mineral, johnkoivulaite, has been named in honor of John Koivula, a renowned microscopist and preeminent researcher at GIA for more than 40 years. In collaboration with scientists from the California Institute of Technology, Dr. Kyaw Thu of Macle Gem Trade Laboratory, and Nay Myo, a gem dealer from Mogok, GIA researchers described johnkoivulaite, which the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) formally accepted as a new mineral species on September 6, 2019. The world’s first specimen of johnkoivulaite was reportedly uncovered from the Pein Pyit mining area of Mogok in Myanmar. It subsequently passed through the hands of Nay Myo, a local gem dealer. When the 1.16 ct stone (figure 1) could not be identified, Nay Myo suspected he had encountered a new mineral and had the sample sent to GIA for identification. When the researchers first examined the sample and realized its unique gemological properties, GIA made arrangements to purchase the unusual stone from Nay Myo so that additional advanced testing could be performed and the sample could be deposited in the GIA museum. Once the type specimen was housed in the museum (one of IMA’s requirements for describing a new mineral), the team was able to submit a new mineral proposal. According to IMA guidelines, a new mineral can be named in recognition of a person’s significant scientific contributions to the field of mineralogy. This one was named in honor of John Koivula’s lifelong efforts to advance the sciences of mineralogy and gemology.