Four Treasures Reference Database
Record No. 4851
The microscopic determination of structural properties for the characterization of optical uniaxial natural and synthetic gemstones. Part 3: Examples for the applicability of structural features for the distinction of natural and synthetic sapphire, ruby, amethyst and citrine
Journal Article
Kiefert, L. and Schmetzer, K. (1991) The microscopic determination of structural properties for the characterization of optical uniaxial natural and synthetic gemstones. Part 3: Examples for the applicability of structural features for the distinction of natural and synthetic sapphire, ruby, amethyst and citrine. Journal of Gemmology, Vol. 22, No. 8, October, pp. 471–482.
ISBN/ISSN: 221252 | RWHL*
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corundum, synthetic corundum.7, ruby, sapphire, Nigeria.12, Australia.12, inclusions.5, gems
The application of diagnostic growth structures for the distinction of natural and synthetic optically uniaxial gem minerals such as corundum and quartz is discussed. Typical examples for the characterization of natural gem varieties of corundum and quartz are quoted, e.g. sapphires and rubies, amethysts and citrines from distinct sources are described by means of growth structures. In addition, their synthetic counterparts of some producers are compared using structural features of diagnostic value. Criteria, which are useful for the recognition of faceted gemstones as natural or synthetic, are underlined. Gem materials described in detail are natural sapphires from alkaline host rocks (Australian, Nigerian, Cambodian and Thai sapphires), Chatham synthetic sapphires, natural rubies from Malawi, Knischka synthetic rubies, natural amethysts and citrines from different sources as well as synthetic amethysts and citrines from different producers.