Report Verification
Hyperion • Inclusion Search Engine • Lotus Gemology
A “ghost” fissure in a Sri Lankan sapphire treated with high-temperature heating plus pressure (HT+P). In crossed polars, the fissure shows transparent doubly refractive crystals. These have previously been identified as corundum by Lotus gemologists using microRaman. These tiny synthetic corundum crystals form during the treatment. Nathan Renfro of the GIA was the first to notice these ghost crystals. E. Billie Hughes of Lotus Gemology was the first to identify them. FoV=4 mm.
A “ghost” fissure in a Sri Lankan sapphire treated with high-temperature heating plus pressure (HT+P). In parallel polars, the fissure shows transparent doubly refractive crystals. These have previously been identified as corundum by Lotus gemologists using microRaman. These tiny synthetic corundum crystals form during the treatment. FoV=4 mm.
This 27+ carat sapphire came in for testing. Microscopic examination quickly revealed that it was titanium diffused, with unusual patches of blue color bleeding from inclusions. Of course a natural 27-ct sapphire of good clarity would never be used for such treatment, because the natural untreated sapphire would be worth far more. The reality was that synthetic sapphire was used for the treatment. This image shows two circular gas bubbles that were found inside the stone.
This 27+ carat sapphire came in for testing. Microscopic examination quickly revealed that it was titanium diffused, with unusual patches of blue color bleeding from inclusions. Of course a natural 27-ct sapphire of good clarity would never be used for such treatment, because the natural untreated sapphire would be worth far more. The reality was that synthetic sapphire was used for the treatment. This image shows surface pits, along with unusual metallic inclusions cut through on the surface.
This 27+ carat sapphire came in for testing. Microscopic examination quickly revealed that it was titanium diffused, with unusual patches of blue color bleeding from inclusions. Of course a natural 27-ct sapphire of good clarity would never be used for such treatment, because the natural untreated sapphire would be worth far more. The reality was that synthetic sapphire was used for the treatment.
During flux healing, as the process continues, contraction bubbles form and then become larger as the void becomes more spherical. The degree of healing in flux-healed Mong Hsu rubies is so great that the flux remnants are often quite rounded, complete with contraction bubbles. Imagine a synthetic corundum crystal that has a long, thin hot-dog shaped gas bubble in it. If we heat that crystal to a high temperature, the hot dog will break up into a row of spherical bubbles, a process known as “necking down.” This image vividly illustrates the necking down of a void in a flux-healed Mong Hsu ruby.
A crystal (probably a carbonate), along with fingerprints and polysynthetic twinning in Jegdalek ruby
A synthetic yellow sapphire displays strong chalky green fluorescence in shortwave illumination, helping to separate it from natural sapphire.
Verneuil synthetic color change sapphire showing curved chalky fluorescent growth structure in a powerful shortwave ultraviolet light.
Polysynthetic twinning in a yellow sapphire creates a fanciful pattern due to the round shape of the gem.
A transparent crystal glows with a clear polysynthetic twinning pattern inside its spinel host.
Note: Lotus Gemology Co. Ltd. makes these images available to the public for educational puposes only. Each of these images is copyright Lotus Gemology and reproduction without the express written permission of Lotus Gemology is strictly prohibited. This includes posting to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Blab, Splat, Slob, Glob or any other social media or website. If you would like to reuse an image, contact us.
Back to top