Ahmadjan Abduriyim Receives JAMS Award for Applied Mineralogy
The Japan Association of Mineralogical Sciences (JAMS) has named Dr. Ahmadjan Abduriyim as the recipient of its 2021 award for applied mineralogy (figure 1). As president of Tokyo Gem Science and director of GSTV Gemological Laboratory in Tokyo, Abduriyim was recognized for his contributions to applied mineralogy.
Abduriyim holds a PhD in mineralogy and geology from Kyoto University and is a former senior manager and senior scientist at GIA’s Tokyo laboratory. A longtime G&G contributor and editorial review board member, Abduriyim has published numerous articles on topics related to diamonds, colored stones, and organic gem materials in various journals, including G&G, Journal of Gemmology, and Australian Gemmologist.
Abduriyim’s research has covered geographic origin determination of major gemstones, advanced testing of colored stones, and the application of laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) in the gemological field. Most recently, Abduriyim has worked to integrate information obtained from the following three areas of research: the collection of geological data and gem samples from field surveys of mines worldwide, the application of high-precision analytical methods, and the construction of a database for the latest geographic origin determination and individual identification. He and his team are currently researching the usefulness of LA-ICP-MS in measuring trace elements and U-Pb isotope dating for geographic origin determination.
Meanwhile, Abduriyim recently honored Akira Chikayama, Japan’s “Father of Gemology,” by opening a museum featuring Chikayama’s collection of rocks, minerals, and gemstones at GSTV Gemological Laboratory (figure 2). Chikayama, an esteemed gemology instructor, collected rock, mineral, and gemstone samples from international mines and trade shows for use in his courses, eventually amassing a collection of more than 30,000 specimens. After his passing in 2007, the collection went unused until Abduriyim had the opportunity to view it in 2016 and envisioned creating a museum to share the collection with the world. In May 2022, the GSTV Gem Museum opened, displaying Chikayama’s vast collection as well as several hundred books and magazines. On display are more than 600 rock specimens, 2,000 mineral specimens, 25,000 rough gemstones/gemstones in matrix (figure 3), 500 transparent crystals, 2,500 faceted stones, and 300 synthetic and imitation stones. The museum is not only an exhibition of Chikayama’s collection, but also a place for visitors to learn about the fascinating world of gemology.
