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This synthetic pink sapphire was fractured and then appeared to have been soaked in an iron-rich solution to created orange stains in the fissures, thus simulating padparadscha. The stains developed unusual dendritic patterns, as seen here. Chemical analysis also reveal traces of lead in the fissures.
This synthetic pink sapphire was fractured and then appeared to have been soaked in an iron-rich solution to created orange stains in the fissures, thus simulating padparadscha. The stains developed unusual dendritic patterns, as seen here. Chemical analysis also reveal traces of lead in the fissures. In this image we can also see fine growth needles in parallel lines.
Twin plane at one end of an unusual synthetic pink sapphire with artificial orange stains and dendrite patterned in induced fissures. Fine needles were seen along this twin plane and could easily cause a gemologist to reach the conclusion that the stone was natural.
This synthetic pink sapphire was fractured and then appeared to have been soaked in an iron-rich solution to created orange stains in the fissures, thus simulating padparadscha. The stains developed unusual dendritic patterns, as seen here. Chemical analysis also reveal traces of lead in the fissures.
With magnification, curved straie can be seen in this piece of Verneuil flame-fusion synthetic sapphire that was masquerading as a piece of natural rough.
This piece of Verneuil flame fusion synthetic sapphire was treated to make it look like a natural stone. However, the charade is over when the stone is viewed under shortwave ultraviolet light: it displays a chalky fluorescence that is seen in many Verneuil synthetics. (Note that natural stones may also display a chalky fluorescence, but it is usually in a zoned pattern.)
At first glance this Verneuil flame fusion synthetic pink sapphire makes for a convincing piece of natural sapphire rough. The stone has been treated to have a rough surface, complete with naturals with residues inside them meant to look like dirt or matrix. Substances such as shoe polish may be used on the outside of synthetic “rough” to make it look like natural material.
With magnification, curved straie can be seen in this piece of Verneuil flame-fusion synthetic sapphire that was masquerading as a piece of natural rough.
Sharp angular growth zoning, which is typical in Madagascar sapphire. This can help separate natural stones from Verneuil flame fusion synthetics, which have curved color banding.
The small dots are gas bubbles showing blue color concentrations. Gas bubbles are a common feature in Verneuil synthetic corundum.
Curved growth lines and small gas bubbles are visible in this Verneuil synthetic sapphire. The curved lines are a diagnostic feature of Verneuil synthetic corundum. Note that the facets have some rough areas, an indicator that a stone was hastily polished.
Curved growth lines are visible in this Verneuil synthetic sapphire when immersed in methylene iodide. These curved lines are a diagnostic feature of Verneuil synthetic corundum.
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