Welcome to The Learning Lab at the London Gem & Mineral Show - where science and education come to life! Our hands-on workshops are perfect for enthusiasts eager to dive deep into the fascinating world of geology, gemology, and mineral exploration. The Learning Lab offers an immersive experience for both beginners and experts.
Saturday 23rd November
10:30 - 11:30
Emily Coulter
Crystal Geology 101 Amethyst, Rose Quartz & Selenite
Venture into the formation of three popular crystals from famous regions - Rose Quartz from Madagascar, Amethyst from Uruguay, and Selenite from Morocco - each formed through a distinct and unique crystallisation mechanism over different continents. Drawing from a 7 year academic foundation in Geology and a freelance profession within the crystal wholesale industry, Emily Coulter will guide you through the intricate geological stories of these three crystals, providing expert insight into their formation, mining, identification, colouring, associated folklore, and holistic significance. This informative and comprehensive workshop will provide you with a deeper understanding of your favourite crystals and stones, deepening your appreciation of the natural world and Mother Earth.
12:00 - 13:00
Justin Prim
Science of Gem Cutting Pt 1: Optics and Colour
The Science of Gemcutting combines traditional gemological knowledge with an advanced understanding of optics to help you understand WHY different cuts help or hurt the color and brightness of a stone as well as WHAT each of the traditional cutting styles does for light and dark toned stones. This two part workshop will tackle the fuzzy intersection where gemcutting and gemology overlaps, looking thoroughly at design aesthetics, as well as an extensive exploration of color and how the cutter can manipulate and master it through cut design. This workshop is for anyone in the gem and gemcutting trade who wants to dive deeper into the physical world of gemcutting. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to understand how science comes into play during the gem cutting process and wants a better understanding of what to look for when buying cut stones and what to ask for when commissioning a lapidary to cut or recut a stone for maximum beauty.
13:30 - 14:30
Justin Prim
Science of Gem Cutting Pt 2: Design and Cut Styles Analysis
The Science of Gemcutting combines traditional gemological knowledge with an advanced understanding of optics to help you understand WHY different cuts help or hurt the color and brightness of a stone as well as WHAT each of the traditional cutting styles does for light and dark toned stones. This two part workshop will tackle the fuzzy intersection where gemcutting and gemology overlaps, looking thoroughly at design aesthetics, as well as an extensive exploration of color and how the cutter can manipulate and master it through cut design. This workshop is for anyone in the gem and gemcutting trade who wants to dive deeper into the physical world of gemcutting. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to understand how science comes into play during the gem cutting process and wants a better understanding of what to look for when buying cut stones and what to ask for when commissioning a lapidary to cut or recut a stone for maximum beauty.
15:00 - 16:30
Adrian Rose & Kim Rix
Spotting Lab-Grown, Treated & Fake Gemstones
Join industry experts Adrian Rose and Kim Rix at the London Gem & Mineral Show for an essential workshop on identifying fake and misrepresented gemstones. Drawing on years of experience, Adrian and Kim will teach practical techniques to help you spot imitations, lab-grown, and man-made minerals, gems, and crystals, as well as treatments commonly used to enhance or alter their appearance. Whether you’re an experienced collector or just starting out, this hands-on session will equip you with the skills and knowledge to confidently assess the authenticity of gems and minerals.
17:00 - 18:00
Luisa Hendry - Scottish Geologist
Introduction to Rocks and Minerals
Unlock the Secrets of the Earth with @scottishgeologist: Join Our Identification of Rocks and Minerals Workshop! Are you curious about the rocks and minerals beneath your feet? Ever wonder how to tell the difference between granite, schist and sandstone are? Well @scottishgeologist is gonna tell you… Whether you’re a nature lover, a budding geologist, or just someone who wants to explore the world of geology, this hands-on workshop is for you! Workshop Highlights: • Learn the Basics: Get a solid understanding of how rocks and minerals are formed and classified. • Hands-On Identification: check out real rock and mineral samples and learn how to identify them. • Explore the Rock Cycle: Discover the processes that turn molten magma into igneous rock, sand into sedimentary layers, and pressure into metamorphic transformations. • Identify Common Minerals: Learn key mineral properties like hardness, luster, streak, and cleavage with easy-to-follow guides. • Fun Interactive Activities: Test your knowledge with practical, hands-on exercises that will leave you confident in identifying samples.
Sunday 24th November
10:30 - 11:30
Luisa Hendry - Scottish Geologist
Introduction to Rocks and Minerals
Unlock the Secrets of the Earth with @scottishgeologist: Join Our Identification of Rocks and Minerals Workshop! Are you curious about the rocks and minerals beneath your feet? Ever wonder how to tell the difference between granite, schist and sandstone are? Well @scottishgeologist is gonna tell you… Whether you’re a nature lover, a budding geologist, or just someone who wants to explore the world of geology, this hands-on workshop is for you! Workshop Highlights: • Learn the Basics: Get a solid understanding of how rocks and minerals are formed and classified. • Hands-On Identification: check out real rock and mineral samples and learn how to identify them. • Explore the Rock Cycle: Discover the processes that turn molten magma into igneous rock, sand into sedimentary layers, and pressure into metamorphic transformations. • Identify Common Minerals: Learn key mineral properties like hardness, luster, streak, and cleavage with easy-to-follow guides. • Fun Interactive Activities: Test your knowledge with practical, hands-on exercises that will leave you confident in identifying samples.
12:00 - 13:00
Justin Prim
Science of Gem Cutting Pt 1: Optics and Colour
The Science of Gemcutting combines traditional gemological knowledge with an advanced understanding of optics to help you understand WHY different cuts help or hurt the color and brightness of a stone as well as WHAT each of the traditional cutting styles does for light and dark toned stones. This two part workshop will tackle the fuzzy intersection where gemcutting and gemology overlaps, looking thoroughly at design aesthetics, as well as an extensive exploration of color and how the cutter can manipulate and master it through cut design. This workshop is for anyone in the gem and gemcutting trade who wants to dive deeper into the physical world of gemcutting. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to understand how science comes into play during the gem cutting process and wants a better understanding of what to look for when buying cut stones and what to ask for when commissioning a lapidary to cut or recut a stone for maximum beauty.
13:30 - 14:30
Luisa Hendry - Scottish Geologist
Introduction to Rocks and Minerals
Unlock the Secrets of the Earth with @scottishgeologist: Join Our Identification of Rocks and Minerals Workshop! Are you curious about the rocks and minerals beneath your feet? Ever wonder how to tell the difference between granite, schist and sandstone are? Well @scottishgeologist is gonna tell you… Whether you’re a nature lover, a budding geologist, or just someone who wants to explore the world of geology, this hands-on workshop is for you! Workshop Highlights: • Learn the Basics: Get a solid understanding of how rocks and minerals are formed and classified. • Hands-On Identification: check out real rock and mineral samples and learn how to identify them. • Explore the Rock Cycle: Discover the processes that turn molten magma into igneous rock, sand into sedimentary layers, and pressure into metamorphic transformations. • Identify Common Minerals: Learn key mineral properties like hardness, luster, streak, and cleavage with easy-to-follow guides. • Fun Interactive Activities: Test your knowledge with practical, hands-on exercises that will leave you confident in identifying samples.
15:00 - 16:30
Adrian Rose & Kim Rix
Spotting Lab-Grown, Treated & Fake Gemstones
Join industry experts Adrian Rose and Kim Rix at the London Gem & Mineral Show for an essential workshop on identifying fake and misrepresented gemstones. Drawing on years of experience, Adrian and Kim will teach practical techniques to help you spot imitations, lab-grown, and man-made minerals, gems, and crystals, as well as treatments commonly used to enhance or alter their appearance. Whether you’re an experienced collector or just starting out, this hands-on session will equip you with the skills and knowledge to confidently assess the authenticity of gems and minerals.