Latest Research

In Review: Gem cordierite from Thor-Odin dome, BC, Canada

Belley (Submitted) Gem-quality cordierite (iolite) from the Thor-Odin dome, British Columbia, Canada: Geology, chemical composition, inclusions, and cause of chatoyancy.

In Review: Feasibility of detrital ruby as an indicator for Ni-Cu-PGE Deposits

Onodenalore & Belley (Submitted) Assessment of corundum as a potential indicator mineral for magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE massive sulfide deposits using an example from Thompson mine, Manitoba, Canada. 

In Review: End-member oxy-dravite from Beluga sapphire deposit

Skřápková, Cempírek, Belley, Groat & Škoda (Submitted) Physical properties and structure of near end-member oxy-dravite from the Beluga occurrence (Nunavut territory, Canada). Mineralogical Magazine,  MINMAG-D-23-00024

Corundum characterization in Gem Placers & Other Sediments

Belley (2023) A method for detrital corundum characterization in sediments: Case study of the Gem Mountain Mine placer sapphire deposit (Rock Creek, Montana, USA). The Canadian Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology 61, 61-85.

corundum Genesis at the Blue Jay Occurrence, BC, Canada

Abdale, Belley, Groat, Cempirek, Skoda & Wall (2023) Corundum genesis at the Blue Jay Sapphire occurrence (British Columbia, Canada) as a record of metamorphism and partial melting in the Monashee Complex. Lithos - Link to Article

New variety of purple gem spinel

Belley & Palke (2021) Purple gem spinel from Vietnam and Afghanistan: Comparison of trace element chemistry, cause of color, and inclusions. Gems & Gemology 57, 228-238. - Link to Article

UAV exploration for peridot

Belley, Shang & Lake (2020) Gem exploration using a camera drone and geospatial analysis: A case study of peridot exploration in British Columbia, Canada. Journal of Gemmology - Link to Article

gem genesis in metacarbonates (Nunavut)

Belley & Groat (2020) Metamorphosed carbonate platforms and controls on the genesis of sapphire, gem spinel, and lapis lazuli: Insight from the Lake Harbour Group, Nunavut, Canada and implications for gem exploration. Ore Geology Reviews - Link to Article

Gem Spinel genesis (Nunavut)

Belley & Groat (2019) Metacarbonate-hosted spinel on Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada: Insights into the origin of gem spinel deposits and cobalt-blue spinel. Canadian Mineralogist - Link to Article

New sapphire deposit model (Nunavut)

Belley, Dzikowski, Fagan, Cempirek, Groat, Mortensen, Fayek, Giuliani, Fallick & Gertzbein (2017) Origin of scapolite-hosted sapphire (corundum) near Kimmirut, Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada. Canadian Mineralogist -  Link to Article