Heated Sapphire Inclusions
Explore inclusions in heat-treated sapphire in Hyperion, the Lotus Gemology inclusion database. Hyperion contains photomicrographs of inclusions and internal features in natural sapphires that have been subjected to heat treatment, documented with information on geographic origin, lighting conditions, field of view, photographer and published references.
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Heat treatment can alter inclusions and other internal features in sapphire. Changes may include modification or dissolution of rutile silk, alteration of mineral crystals, decrepitation of fluid inclusions, changes to healed fissures and the formation of heat-related features. Such evidence can be important in determining whether a sapphire has been heated.
Heated Sapphire Inclusion Photomicrographs
The Hyperion heated sapphire gallery includes microscopic features documented in heat-treated natural sapphires. Each entry is accompanied by descriptive information and, where available, references to the gemological literature.
What Inclusions Can Reveal About Heat Treatment
Microscopic examination is an important part of detecting heat treatment in sapphire. The condition of mineral inclusions, rutile silk, fissures and other internal features can provide evidence of exposure to elevated temperatures. These features are evaluated together with other gemological observations when determining treatment status.
Hyperion combines inclusion photomicrography with supporting gemological information so that heat-related features can be compared with documented examples in treated sapphires.
About Hyperion
Hyperion is the Lotus Gemology searchable inclusion database. It allows users to browse gemstone inclusions by gem type, geographic origin, treatment and keyword.