Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Liddicoatite is more than a beautiful mineral—it’s a tribute to a visionary who transformed gemology 💎
Named after Richard T. Liddicoat, a former GIA president often called the "Father of Modern Gemology," the gem honors a legacy of innovation. Liddicoat developed the 4Cs and the GIA Diamond Grading System, which helped launch the first GIA Diamond Grading Reports, leaving a lasting impact on gem education and industry standards.
Liddicoatite was first discovered in Madagascar in 1977 and is a rare and colorful variety of tourmaline, named after Richard. It is prized for its dramatic color zoning, often forming triangular, concentric patterns. Its elongated crystals are typically sliced horizontally to showcase these striking natural designs.
Have you ever seen liddicoatite in person? Learn more about this fascinating gem on our website: https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research-liddicoatite-tourmaline-father-modern-gemology
Video courtesy @rocksforthespirit
Liddicoatite is more than a beautiful mineral—it’s a tribute to a visionary who transformed gemology 💎
Named after Richard T. Liddicoat, a former GIA president often called the "Father of Modern Gemology," the gem honors a legacy of innovation. Liddicoat developed the 4Cs and the GIA Diamond Grading System, which helped launch the first GIA Diamond Grading Reports, leaving a lasting impact on gem education and industry standards.
Liddicoatite was first discovered in Madagascar in 1977 and is a rare and colorful variety of tourmaline, named after Richard. It is prized for its dramatic color zoning, often forming triangular, concentric patterns. Its elongated crystals are typically sliced horizontally to showcase these striking natural designs.
Have you ever seen liddicoatite in person? Learn more about this fascinating gem on our website: https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research-liddicoatite-tourmaline-father-modern-gemology
Video courtesy @rocksforthespirit
