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Recorded localities

Where gem materials come from according to GIA, CIBJO, mineral handbooks and geological literature: a land-only sketch map and the localities by continent, each with its materials.

On this page

How to read this list

Each place below is recorded by GIA, CIBJO, gemmological journals, mineral handbooks and databases or geological literature as a commercial source, an organic harvest or culture area, or a historical source of the listed materials; every entry page gives the exact sources. Type localities and mineral specimen localities are listed on each entry page only. Places are grouped by continent, without country boundaries.

A recorded locality is not an origin finding for any one piece. Origin determination and its limits explains how a laboratory reaches an origin conclusion. The test methods and report wording are in Laboratory testing and report wording, and trade names that carry a mis-selling risk are in Misleading and prohibited trade names.

Localities and their materials

Locality sketch mapLand outlines only; the map does not depict any national or regional boundary. Dots mark approximate positions. Base map: Natural Earth (public domain).

Africa

Asia

Europe

North America

South America

Oceania

Seas and coasts

These are localities recorded by authoritative sources, not an origin finding for any individual piece. The CIBJO Gemstone Book (2022, §4.2.3) says a place of origin names where a gem was mined or harvested, is a matter of opinion, does not imply a level of quality, and that cutting, processing or exporting centres must not be used to imply origin.