Our Distinguished Lecturers & Faculty

The ICIA Crystal ACADEMY (CAI) is powered by a global faculty of preeminent gemologists, master mineralogists, and international supply chain legacy experts. Our lecturers bridge the gap between rigorous laboratory science and macroeconomic gemstone trading dynamics.

Thomas Johnsen, GG

Thomas Johnsen, GG

Lead Instructor, Crystal Grading Methodologies

A veteran Graduate Gemologist with over 20 years of field experience in international rough mineral evaluation, supply chain ethics auditing, and macro carat pricing models.

Dr. Elena Rostova

Dr. Elena Rostova

Director of Sustainable Mineralogy Programs

Pioneers global research in ethical mining provenance tracking, gemstone ESG compliance, and the development of blockchain-encrypted digital twin identification frameworks.

Daniel Taylor

Prof. Dr. Rafael Peña

Prof. Dr. Rafael Peña

Senior Mineralogist & Academic Chair, CAI

Specializes in advanced Raman spectroscopy, non-destructive crystal inclusions analysis, and the chemical calibration of synthetic crystal matrix structures.