Jammu, Feb 19: Over 50 eminent gemmologists, geologists, practitioners and experts would deliberate at a two-day workshop “Gemstones: Their Gemmology and Geology” to be organised by the department of Geology, Jammu University on February 21 and 22.
 The workshop will be organized in collaboration with the Directorate of Geology and Mining, J&K. Dr Pankaj K Srivastava, Convener of the workshop informed that the participants will be trained in the Science of Gemstones right from the state of art techniques for identification, treatment and grading of gemstones to origin and exploration of gemstone deposits by the well known gemmologists and geologists of the country.  Apart from the workshop lectures by the eminent gemmologists and geologists, the practical hands-on training on identification of gemstones will also be given during the two days of the Workshop.
  “Jammu and Kashmir having world famous ‘Kashmir Sapphire’ deposit at Padder is an ideal place to host such workshop,” said Professor G M Bhat, the Head of Department, Geology Department, JU adding that though the state of Jammu and Kashmir has a unique place in the gem world, this kind of workshop is being organized for the first time in any University of the state.
 As the sapphire resource of the state seems to be depleting and intense exploration of the new sapphire deposit in the state is required, modern exploration techniques have to be employed for the development of the primary deposit of these gem-minerals, to enrich the state’s mineral resource base, said Dr Pankaj Srivastava adding keeping this in view, a special session on the gemstone deposit with special reference to Jammu and Kashmir is also been organized.
 The organizers believe that the workshop will be immensely beneficial to the development of gemstone industry in the state.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 19 Feb 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 19 Feb 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:00:00 IST