Zultpedia’s editorial methodology requires every factual claim to be cited from a primary source, classified by source-priority tier, and dated with a fact-check timestamp. Where mineralogical sources disagree (e.g., the precise specific-gravity value for diaspore), we present both ranges with attribution than picking one. We do not invent data, do not paraphrase commercial sources as facts, and do not publish anything without a verifiable source.
The three source tiers
Tier I — Primary mineralogy and major gemological authorities. Mindat.org, Wikipedia (peer-reviewed mineral pages), the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Gem Encyclopedia, the International Gem Society, the Mineralogical Society of America. These are the foundation of every Zultpedia entry.
Tier II — Peer-reviewed papers and recognized gem-trade publications. The Hatipoğlu, Babalık & Chamberlain 2010 study of the İlbir Mountains locality is our principal Tier II source for diaspore. Mineralogical Magazine, Gems & Gemology, and similar journals fall in this tier.
Tier III — Trademark-holder and commercial claims. Statements made by Zultanite Gems LLC, gem retailers, or auction houses are cited as Tier III with attribution. They are never presented as independently verified.
What we will not publish
- Superlatives of taste (“the most beautiful color-change gem”)
- Investment claims (“Zultanite is appreciating at X% per year”)
- Health, spiritual, or metaphysical claims
- Specific mine ownership/operations claims without primary source
- Dating claims (“discovered in YYYY by X”) that lack primary documentation
How conflicts are resolved
When two reputable sources disagree on a value, we publish both with attribution. Example: Wikipedia gives diaspore’s specific gravity as 3.1–3.4; the trademark-holder Zultanite Gems LLC publishes 3.39 for their material. Both appear on the property guide, with sources cited.
Trademark stance
Zultanite® is a registered trademark of Zultanite Gems LLC. The underlying gemstone — gem-quality color-change diaspore — is the mineral species described by René Just Haüy in 1801 and documented in primary mineralogy literature. We use the generic term “color-change diaspore” or “gem-quality diaspore” in primary copy. We reference “Zultanite®” with proper attribution where the trade name is the topic. We are not affiliated with the trademark holder.
Fact-check cadence
Every entry is reviewed at minimum annually. Property values and citations are spot-checked quarterly against the original sources. Date stamps on each entry reflect the most recent fact-check.
Corrections
Errors are corrected publicly with a dated note at the top of the affected entry. We do not silently rewrite history. If you have spotted an error, see the contact page.