For more than six decades, gemologist John Koivula has been searching for the extraordinary secrets hidden inside gemstones. That lifelong passion has resulted in a remarkable collection of 2,665 crystals, gems and minerals, now acquired by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to preserve and share with future generations.
The collection features an astonishing range of inclusions — tiny foreign minerals, trapped fluids and unusual internal structures preserved within crystals. Among its remarkable specimens are a fan-shaped arrangement of tourmaline crystals in mica and an almost otherworldly pocket of fluorescent petroleum fluid trapped inside quartz.
GIA describes the assemblage as unsurpassed in both breadth and quality, noting that a collection of comparable specimens would be extraordinarily difficult, if not impossible, to recreate today. Many of the pieces are unique, and Koivula's ability to recognize exceptional specimens was a major part of what made the collection so special.
“He possesses an extraordinary eye for rarity, often examining hundreds of specimens before selecting a single piece,” said Terri Ottaway, curator of the GIA Museum in Carlsbad, Calif.
The acquisition represents far more than an impressive addition to the museum's holdings. Carefully documented in a custom database, the collection will expand GIA's reference resources and provide valuable material for gemological research, gemstone identification and origin services, and the education of future generations of gemologists. Students will have an opportunity to study unusual inclusions firsthand, gaining a deeper understanding of how gemstones form and the clues their internal features can reveal.
Koivula, who joined GIA in 1976, is widely regarded as the world's foremost authority on gemstone inclusions. His pioneering work in photomicrography transformed the way gemologists examine and document the microscopic worlds inside gemstones. Among his most influential technical contributions was introducing fiber-optic illumination into gem research, a technique that became standard practice in gem laboratories worldwide.
His accomplishments also include groundbreaking research with GIA colleague Robert C. Kammerling during the late 1980s and early 1990s that helped the diamond industry understand glass-filled diamonds, an unstable clarity enhancement. Koivula is also co-author, with legendary Swiss gemologist Dr. Edward J. Gübelin, of the three-volume Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones, an essential reference work for the field. His own book, The MicroWorld of Diamonds, explores natural and synthetic diamonds, simulants and treatments.
A prolific contributor to gemological literature, Koivula has written or co-written more than 800 articles. Sixty-four appeared in GIA's Gems & Gemology journal, with 16 earning its Most Valuable Article award. His photomicrographs have also earned recognition in the prestigious Nikon Small World competition, including first place in 1984.
Among his many industry honors are GIA's Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement, the American Gem Society's Robert M. Shipley Award and the Accredited Gemologists Association's Antonio C. Bonanno Award. In another lasting tribute, a rare mineral discovered in Myanmar was named johnkoivulaite in his honor.
“Preserving the collection at GIA perpetuates the legacy of John Koivula's skill, expertise and artistry,” said Cathryn Ramirez, GIA senior vice president and chief learning officer.
GIA and Koivula are also preparing a large-format book featuring photomicrographs of the specimens, ensuring that these extraordinary miniature worlds can be appreciated by an even wider audience.
Credits: Tourmaline inclusion in muscovite mica seen in polarized light. ©GIA, photomicrograph by Nathan Renfro; Negative crystal in quartz containing a methane bubble, dark spots of a solid hydrocarbon, water and fluorescent petroleum. ©GIA, photomicrograph by Nathan Renfro; John Koivula in his photomicrography lab. ©GIA.