161.

New Research at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History Reveals Insight into Hope Diamo
A study released in the January 2008 edition of the journal Geology proves that a blue diamond’s rare appeal goes far beyond its beauty. The study was conducted by Jeffrey Post, curator of the National Gem Collection and mineralogist, at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. Post and six other researchers probed the mysterious phosphorescence of the Hope Diamond and other natural blue diamonds and discovered a way to “fingerprint” individual blue diamonds.
08-Jan-2008 - Details

162.

China now the biggest gold producer
CHINA became the world's largest gold producer last year, helped by Australian and Canadian projects in the country that aim to add millions in ounces to the world gold supply.
China produced 276 tonnes of gold last year, equal to about 9.7 million ounces, said London precious metals consultancy GFMS in a report. That's up 12 per cent from the year-ago and represented just over one-tenth of the world's supply.
21-Jan-2008 - Details