About
My name is Nikoleta Tzankova, and I am a qualified gemologist and mineralogist. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in gemology, a Master’s degree in applied mineralogy, and a Doctorate (PhD) in mineralogy and crystallography. Furthermore, I have received specialized training as a Diamond Appraiser and Colored Precious Stone Appraiser at the International Gemological Institute in Antwerp, Belgium. With extensive experience as a university lecturer in Mineralogy and Gemology, my passion lies in imparting knowledge and motivating aspiring scholars.
My scholarly endeavors and research projects predominantly revolve around Gemology, Mineralogy, Crystallography, and Archaeomineralogy. I am particularly engrossed in the identification and grading of raw and faceted precious stones, synthetic analogs, imitations, treated stones, and deposits in jewelry. Concerning archaeomineralogy, my expertise encompasses the examination of mineral artifacts and jewelry, mineral and glass beads, ancient slags, and tools. I am a member of the Bulgarian Geological Society and the Union of Scientists in Bulgaria.
Working language – English, and Russian, native – Bulgarian.
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Ph.D. Thesis:
Tzankova N. 2007. Morphology and crystal-chemistry of garnets from the metamorphic rocks in the frame of the Sakar pluton, SE Bulgaria. – Ph.D. in Mineralogy and Crystallography University of Mining and Geology “St. Ivan Rilski”, Sofia, 211.
A brief overview of the main results (in Bulgarian) HERE
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Useful links and blog
Research and projects
Professional and research interests: Mineralogy, Crystallography, Gemology, Archaeometry, Ecology, etc.
