TWENTIETH SINKANKAS SYMPOSIUM
– GEMS & MINERALS of BURMA (MYANMAR)
A tabular peridot crystal with perfect termination (18.2 x 26.4 x 8.6mm) from Burma. Crystals of large size with deeply etched surfaces are characteristic of Burmese peridots. William Larson coll. Photo by L. Thoresen
Named for one of the most distinguished and influential figures in gemology and mineralogy, the Sinkankas Symposium is a one-day event featuring presentations by noted specialists working in diverse gem-related disciplines or occupations. The theme of the Twentieth Sinkankas Symposium is the gems and minerals of Burma, home to a region with some of the most storied and significant gem-producing deposits in the world.
The Sinkankas Symposium has been described as the most important gemological conference in North America by respected authorities on gemstones. Originally oganized by Roger Merk, the event is co-sponsored by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and Geo-Literary Society. GIA's worldwide headquarters at its Carlsbad campus has provided the event's venue since 2003. Bill Larson has been a generous supporter and lively speaker at the event since its inception.
TWENTIETH SINKANKAS SYMPOSIUM – DATE and VENUE
Saturday, April 25, 2026
GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
World Headquarters and The Robert Mouawad Campus
5345 Armada Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Registration for the one-day event will open in mid-January. The link to online registration will be posted on this page.
TWENTIETH SINKANKAS SYMPOSIUM – SPEAKERS *
Recognized specialists in fields ranging from geology and mineralogy to history, nomenclature, collecting and selling will make presentations on gems and minerals of Burma.
Dr. Rachelle Turnier – Geology of Burmese Corundum
Dr. Aaron Palke – Geology of Burmese Non-Corundum Gems, Including Peridot
Wim Vertriest – Field Gemology in Burma
Roland Schluessel – Mogok Gems
Nathan Renfro – Inclusions in Burmese Gems
Richard Hughes – Broken Bangle | The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature
Dr. Laichen Sun – Background, Context, and Artifacts: Burmese Jadeite Pieces in China (circa 1580s – 1911)
Dr. Tao Tsu – Burmese Pearls
Stuart Robertson – Market Report of Burmese Gems
William Larson – Commercial Aspects and Travels in Burma
* Speakers and topics are subject to change without notice.
Mogok: The Valley of Precious Stones
(2018)Kennedy Ho, Ed. Contributing Authors: Emmanuel Fritsch, Franck Notari, Candice Caplan and Thomas Hainschwang
A Franco-Swiss team of gemologists guided by gem expert Kennedy Ho explore the Mogok Valley and its gem resources, with support from the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences. 192 pages, beautiful color photographs by Jean-Baptiste Rabouan. Publisher: Grenat.
Euro 39.50