Ruby Treatments - Flux Fracture Treated Ruby
.
In a general alert to the gemological community, Stone Group Labs, LLC and Deljanin & Simic Gemological Service Inc. have submitted a "Gem Watch" alert for Ruby treatments. Please note that this is not the same treatment as that of the lead glass type filling. This process is a progression on earlier heat treatment chemical formulas typically used on Mong Hsu Ruby but is a multi-step cleaning and fracture filling process involving extensive flux healing. Any buyers of this material will want to ask the right questions, and wholesalers should be expected to have the right answers.
In a general alert to the gemological community, Stone Group Labs, LLC and Deljanin & Simic Gemological Service Inc. have submitted a "Gem Watch" alert for Ruby treatments. Please note that this is not the same treatment as that of the lead glass type filling. This process is a progression on earlier heat treatment chemical formulas typically used on Mong Hsu Ruby but is a multi-step cleaning and fracture filling process involving extensive flux healing. Any buyers of this material will want to ask the right questions, and wholesalers should be expected to have the right answers.
.
This treatment is typically being performed on Mozambique and Madagascar Ruby mined in certain locales, but rough sources could vary. The picture shows a before and after of such treatment. The starting material is often that of a marble like host where the rough is first acid bathed to clean and remove the typical various inclusions and intergrowth. There is usually enough of the lamellar twinning and basal parting planes that require the acid cleaning, and at the same time facilitate the massive introduction of the fluxes, with some additional elements. 
.
.Left: rough before treatment -- Right: after treatment but before cutting and polishing
.
While the two laboratories are still investigating the full nature of the chemistry of the treatments, with the assistance of the AGTA, they all see the current need to issue this notice in time for the upcoming 2010 Tucson Gem Show. This material is already being sent to the various labs for identification. It is a lot more difficult to detect than the lead glass filled rubies. It is suggested that jewelers and gemologists examine very closely any Ruby over 3 ct, especially any with surface reaching fractures. More studies are being conducted with additional samples to completely characterise these stones, and come up with proper identification codes and nomenclature for use during the 2010 Tucson show so that this new product will be properly disclosed.
.
.
While the two laboratories are still investigating the full nature of the chemistry of the treatments, with the assistance of the AGTA, they all see the current need to issue this notice in time for the upcoming 2010 Tucson Gem Show. This material is already being sent to the various labs for identification. It is a lot more difficult to detect than the lead glass filled rubies. It is suggested that jewelers and gemologists examine very closely any Ruby over 3 ct, especially any with surface reaching fractures. More studies are being conducted with additional samples to completely characterise these stones, and come up with proper identification codes and nomenclature for use during the 2010 Tucson show so that this new product will be properly disclosed.
.
