Ruby & Sapphire Bibliography
Explore books, articles and historical sources on ruby, sapphire and corundum in Four Treasures, the Lotus Gemology reference database. This bibliography brings together matching records from the collection, with publication details, abstracts and cover images where available.
Ruby & Sapphire References
The list below matches the terms ruby, rubies, sapphire or corundum in the database's searchable fields. Some references discuss these gems as part of a broader subject. Linked titles take you to external links where you may find the full reference.
The Big Picture: Sapphire miners at Ilakaka, Madagascar
Journal Article
Hughes, R.W. (2017) The Big Picture: Sapphire miners at Ilakaka, Madagascar. Gems&Jewellery, Vol. 26, No. 2, Summer, pp. 8–9.
Record No. 4095 | RWHL
We drove south from Ilakaka for about an hour on the tarmac road that led to a major mining village next to a river. Crossing the river, we again continued on a dirt track that led through the spectacular scenery that makes up southern Madagascar, with wide vistas punctuated by mesas and buttes against blue skies that seem to be unique to this land. Occasionally we would see people walking with bundles on their heads, supplies and mining implements, but just where they were going we had no clue. Finally, after some two hours of travel, we saw a series of pickup trucks parked on the horizon. As we approached, we heard the distant sounds of Malagasy music. Arriving at the line of trucks, we looked down and found thousands of people in a river washing for sapphire, while large speakers set up on trucks next to the river provided a surreal soundtrack to a scene that was one of the most incredible I’ve ever witnessed. Magic, pure magic. Madagascar is uncanny in the way she offers up these moments.
G&G Micro-World: Oiled ruby: A remarkable visual
Journal Article
Hughes, E.B. (2017) G&G Micro-World: Oiled ruby: A remarkable visual. Gems & Gemology, Vol. 53, No. 2, Summer, p. 244.
Record No. 3901 | ISBN/ISSN: 0016626X | RWHL
As laboratory gemologists working in Bangkok, we often encounter gems that have been treated with oil to minimize the appearance of fissures. Most of these stones come from Myanmar, where many vendors consider oiling an accepted standard procedure to enhance their goods, particularly ruby and spinel (http://www.lotusgemology.com/index.php/library/articles/315-lotus-gemology-lab-alertfor-oiled-gems). Furthermore, red oil is commonly used not only to improve clarity, but also to enhance the color of the stone (in Chanthaburi, Thailand, it is sold under the brand name “King Ruby Red Oil”). Often this treatment can be identified by flattened gas bubbles in the fissures or by droplets of oil seeping out of the fissures on the surface when the stone is gently warmed by microscope light or hot point. The image above shows a small surface-reaching cavity filled with oil in an unheated 1.75 ct ruby from Myanmar. Unlike other examples we have seen, this remarkable gem contained enough of the filler to easily photograph the striking red color of the oil itself within the cavity. With oblique fiber-optic lighting, a stunning image of this enhancement in situ was made possible, turning even an otherwise commonplace forensic determination into an aesthetic exploration of the micro-world.
Alla scoperta della temperatura perduta, la fluorescenza UV, uno strumento gemmologico
Discovering the lost temperature, UV fluorescence, a gemmological tool.
Journal Article
Hughes, R.W. and Emmett, J.L. (2016) Alla scoperta della temperatura perduta, la fluorescenza UV, uno strumento gemmologico. [Discovering the lost temperature, UV fluorescence, a gemmological tool.] Traspare: Periodico Tecnico Scientifico, No. 0, pp. 28–33.
Record No. 5972 | Sinkankas/Born No.: NIS/NIB | Language: in Italian | RWHL
Hughes and Emmett examine ultraviolet fluorescence as a practical gemological tool for investigating the heat treatment of ruby and sapphire, particularly the relationship between fluorescence and the temperatures experienced by corundum. Heating can alter or destroy mineral inclusions and other microscopic evidence traditionally used to recognize treatment, but it can also produce systematic changes in fluorescence related to the behavior of trace elements and defects within the crystal. The authors discuss how fluorescence reactions under ultraviolet illumination can provide clues to treatment history and help distinguish corundum subjected to different thermal conditions. Particular attention is given to the scientific basis of these reactions and their practical observation, demonstrating how a simple and long-established gemological technique can yield valuable information when interpreted in conjunction with other evidence. Italian translation of the article “Heat Seeker: UV fluorescence as a gemological tool”
Padparadscha or pretender: Examination of an unusual pink-orange sapphire
Journal Article
Hughes, E.B., Chankhanatha, C., Burkhardt, A., Manorotkul, W. and Hughes, R.W. (2016) Padparadscha or pretender: Examination of an unusual pink-orange sapphire. Australian Gemmologist, Vol. 25, No. 11–12, July–December, pp. 389–392.
Record No. 5608 | Sinkankas/Born No.: NIS/NIB | RWHL
Abstract: An orangish pink “padparadscha” sapphire was submitted for testing at Lotus Gemology’s Bangkok laboratory. Testing showed a number of con icting features that suggested the gem was a cleverly treated synthetic pink sapphire designed to imitate natural padparadscha.
Pretty padparadscha
Journal Article
Hughes, R.W. (2016) Pretty padparadscha. InColor, Winter, No. 30, pp. 30–40.
Record No. 3308 | RWHL*
Padparadscha sapphire is a special variety of gem corundum, featuring an often delicate color that is a mixture of red and yellow – a marriage between ruby and yellow sapphire. The question of just what qualifies for the princely kiss of “padparadscha” is a matter of hot debate, even among experts.
Inclusion Identification of Burmese Ruby Using Raman Spectroscopy
Report
Vertriest, W., Manorotkul, W. and Hughes, E.B. (2015) Inclusion Identification of Burmese Ruby Using Raman Spectroscopy. GIA/Lotus Gemology, November, 59 pp.
Record No. 7802 | RWHL
Project to identify inclusions in ruby from Mogok, Myanmar
Let it bleed: New rubies from Madagascar
Web Page
Hughes, R.W., Manorotkul, W. and Hughes, E.B. (2015) Let it bleed: New rubies from Madagascar. Lotus Gemology Co. Ltd., <https://www.lotusgemology.com/resources/articles/322-ruby-from-madagascar-let-it-bleed-lotus-gemology>
Record No. 5556 | RWHL*
2 Sept. 2015 (updated 28 Sept. 2015) – Recently, a close friend of ours gave us a heads-up about a new ruby mine in Madagascar, sending a photo that showed several pieces of gemmy blood-red ruby rough sitting atop a small scale. Word had it that the Madagascar bush had yielded up yet another piece of crystallized treasure, this twist on terra firma in the form of blood-red ruby. Today rumor became reality. A client walked in with a few dozen faceted rubies. As always, we asked for the source. Mozambique" was the reply. Ho hum. Until I scoped the first piece.Have you ever met someone briefly, and then, after a long period, you glance at a face and think to yourself: "Something's familiar. I think I know you from somewhere." Gazing into the microscope brought back vivid memories of an epic 2005 visit to Moramanga, aka "Sierra Leone," a mine deep in the Madagascar bush. Yes, we had met before."
Red Rain: Mozambique ruby pours into the market
Journal Article
Hughes, R.W. (2015) Red Rain: Mozambique ruby pours into the market. Journal of the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong, Vol. 36, pp. 39–43.
Record No. 3215 | RWHL
23 March 2015—In the autumn of 2007, I spent a month in East Africa, visiting gem dealers and mines in Kenya and Tanzania. The principle aim was to explore the sapphire mines of southern Tanzania at Songea and Tunduru and the spinel mines of Mahenge (described in Downtown) for an updated edition of my book, Ruby & Sapphire, but my team also visited the tanzanite mines at Merelani (detailed in Working the Blueseam). While in southern Tanzania's Tunduru district, we witnessed a number of miners crossing the Muhuwesi river that separates Tanzania from Mozambique. Just a few short months later, it became clear why. Ruby had been discovered in Mozambique. Flash forward to 2009. My close friend, Vincent Pardieu, who I had asked to join me on the 2007 journey, was now working as the GIA's first field gemologist. His job? Hunt down ruby and sapphire, wherever it might be found.
Ruby & Sapphire: A Collector's Guide
Book
Hughes, R.W., Manorotkul, W. and Hughes, E.B. (2014) Ruby & Sapphire: A Collector's Guide. Bangkok, Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand, 384 pp.
Record No. 5494 | ISBN/ISSN: 9786170000000 | Sinkankas/Born No.: NIS/NIB | RWHL*
This impressive coffee-table style volume takes readers into the secret world of ruby and sapphire, through the pen and lens of international expert, Richard Hughes. The author guides readers with the steady eye of a connoisseur, explaining what collectors should look for in ruby and sapphire. Many pictured pieces feature actual auction prices, aiding collectors in their buying decisions. Illustrated with more than 400 magnificent color photographs, for anyone with an interest in precious stones, this is a visual and intellectual feast of the most delicious order.
Pleochroism in faceted gems: An introduction
Journal Article
Hughes, R.W. (2014) Pleochroism in faceted gems: An introduction. Gems & Gemology, Vol. 50, No. 3, Fall, pp. 216–226.
Record No. 3214 | ISBN/ISSN: 0016626X | RWHL*
While virtually all gemological texts cover pleochroism, it is almost always related to viewing with a dichroscope; exactly how pleochroism manifests itself in faceted gems is largely ignored. This article discusses this phenomenon in doubly refractive gemstones, specifically as it relates to overall color appearance in faceted gems. Contrary to popular belief, pleochroism can be visible in faceted gems even when they are cut with an optic axis parallel to the direction of view.
Presidium synthetic ruby identifier
Journal Article
Hughes, E.B. (2014) Presidium synthetic ruby identifier. InColor, No. 26, Summer, pp. 18–23.
Record No. 3202 | RWHL*
In the lab and marketplace alike, gemologists and gem traders seek to separate natural ruby from synthetic with training and gemological equipment. But what if there was an easier, faster method? Presidium, in collaboration with the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT), recently released a Synthetic Ruby Identifier (SRI) designed to separate natural ruby from synthetic flame fusion ruby. Bangkok’s Lotus Gemology laboratory was given the opportunity to try out this new instrument to evaluate its utility and accuracy.
The Book of Ruby and Sapphire
Book
Halford-Watkins, J.F. and Hughes, R.W. (2014) The Book of Ruby and Sapphire. Bangkok, RWH Publishing, 434 pp.
Record No. 917 | ISBN/ISSN: 964509702 | Sinkankas/Born No.: NIS/NIB | RWHL*
Prior to the 1930s, ruby and sapphire were mysteries, arcane gems oft-confused with spinel and other look-alikes. Enter Col. J.F. Halford-Watkins. Living in Mogok for more than two decades, he penned several articles and an entire monograph on the subject of these rare gems. Sadly he passed away before it could be published. In 1994, Richard Hughes came across a reference to the manuscript. Patrick Streeter, grandson of G. Skelton Streeter, and great grandson of the famed London jeweler, Edwin Streeter, had mentioned the Halford-Watkins manuscript while writing his book, Streeter of Bond Street. Following up on that obscure reference Richard Hughes stumbled upon something truly fantastic, an undiscovered treasure of the gemological literature. Over ten years in the making, The Book of Ruby and Sapphire is the realization of Halford-Watkins’ vision. Professionally edited and illustrated, it represents a gemological tour de force.
Rock talk – A Mogok geology primer
Journal Article
Atichat, W. and Hughes, R.W. (2013) Rock talk – A Mogok geology primer. InColor, Fall/Winter, Issue 24, pp. 46–50.
Record No. 5495 | RWHL*
The Mogok Stone Tract is situated in Myanmar’s Mandalay province, some 200 km northeast of Mandalay. Home to the world’s premier ruby mines, it is also one of the richest mineral concentrations on Earth. Aside from ruby, Mogok produces a potpourri of gems, including sapphire, spinel, peridot, topaz and moonstone, to name but a few. One of Mogok’s gems, painite, is found nowhere else on the planet. With over fifty different gem species mined at Mogok, in terms of gemological diversity, perhaps only Sri Lanka can compare.
Cobalt-doped glass-filled sapphires: An update
Journal Article
Leelawatanasuk, T., Atichat, W., Pisutha-Arnond, V., Wattanakul, P., Ounorn, P., Manorotkul, W. and Hughes, R.W. (2013) Cobalt-doped glass-filled sapphires: An update. Australian Gemmologist, Vol. 25, No. 1, Jan.–Mar., pp. 14–20.
Record No. 5472 | RWHL*
The history of glass-infilling in blue sapphire is reviewed, along with a detailed description of the latest generation of this treatment, which was developed by Tanusorn Lethaisong in Chanthaburi, Thailand. Stones may be identified by reference to their inclusions, lack of pleochroism and red reaction in the Chelsea filter. Spectra and other advanced tests further characterize and separate these stones from natural and synthetic sapphire, as well as heated and bulk diffused sapphire.
Pigeon’s blood • A pilgrimage to Mogok • Valley of rubies
Conference Paper
Hughes, R.W. (2013) Pigeon’s blood • A pilgrimage to Mogok • Valley of rubies. Eleventh Annual Sinkankas Symposium • Ruby, 6 April, Carlsbad, CA: Pala International, pp. 32–41.
Record No. 4278 | RWHL*
Story of the author’s first journey to Mogok, Myanmar in 1996.
A collector’s guide to the literature on ruby and sapphire
Conference Paper
Hughes, R.W. (2013) A collector’s guide to the literature on ruby and sapphire. John Sinkankas Symposium • Ruby, 6 April, Carlsbad, CA: Pala International, pp. 72–101.
Record No. 4277 | RWHL*
Full description of the most collectable books and papers on ruby and sapphire.
The Ownership of Words: An essay on the meaning of padparadscha
Journal Article
Hughes, R.W. (2013) The Ownership of Words: An essay on the meaning of padparadscha. Journal of the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong, Vol. 34, pp. 50–58.
Record No. 3133 | RWHL*
This article examines the definition of padparadscha sapphire, from early times to that developed by the Laboratory Manual Harmonisation Committee (LMHC) in 2005. It includes data from a survey undertaken by the author in Sri Lanka and Hong Kong in August and September 2012.
A brief stay in heaven
Journal Article
Hughes, E.B. (2013) A brief stay in heaven. InColor, Fall/Winter, Issue 24, pp. 40–45.
Record No. 3121 | RWHL*
After the Rains early each morning, Saw Sanda Soe, a young girl from a small village in Myanmar (formerly Burma), would begin the long walk to school. If it had rained the night before, others would join her. Not all were students, but each shared the same quest. Eyes were cast not towards heaven, but below, scanning the ground ahead. Occasionally one would stoop down for a closer look, before continuing. Rarely something would be slipped into a mouth or bag. As they made their way along the muddy road, each secretly hoped that the previous night's rain had washed a bit of treasure across their path. For their village was special. It lay at the entrance Myanmar's Mogok Stone Tract, home to the world's finest rubies.
The Book of Ruby and Sapphire
Book
Halford-Watkins, J.F. and Hughes, R.W. (2012) The Book of Ruby and Sapphire. Hong Kong, RWH Publishing, 434 pp.
Record No. 9079 | ISBN/ISSN: 964509702 | Sinkankas/Born No.: NIS/NIB | RWHL*
Prior to the 1930s, ruby and sapphire were mysteries, arcane gems oft-confused with spinel and other look-alikes. Enter Col. J.F. Halford-Watkins. Living in Mogok for more than two decades, he penned several articles and an entire monograph on the subject of these rare gems. Sadly he passed away before it could be published. In 1994, Richard Hughes came across a reference to the manuscript. Patrick Streeter, grandson of G. Skelton Streeter, and great grandson of the famed London jeweler, Edwin Streeter, had mentioned the Halford-Watkins manuscript while writing his book, Streeter of Bond Street. Following up on that obscure reference Richard Hughes stumbled upon something truly fantastic, an undiscovered treasure of the gemological literature. Over ten years in the making, The Book of Ruby and Sapphire is the realization of Halford-Watkins’ vision. Professionally edited and illustrated, it represents a gemological tour de force.
Andesine & labradorite from Tibet, Inner Mongolia, Mexico & Oregon: A panel discussion
Report
Schorr, D., Hughes, R.W., Abduriyim, A., Rossman, G., Peretti, A., McClure, D.S. and Emmett, J.L. (2012) Andesine & labradorite from Tibet, Inner Mongolia, Mexico & Oregon: A panel discussion. no city: www.ruby-sapphire.com, 8 pp.
Record No. 6334 | RWHL*
The mining of natural red and green andesine in Tibet and near-colorless andesine in Inner Mongolia has been a subject of controversy. Large quantities of diffusion-treated andesine from Inner Mongolia entered the world markets without proper disclosure starting about 2000; however the idea that there might also be a source of natural red andesine in Tibet has been met with extreme skepticism from some quarters. This has not only polarized the gemological community, but has also created a lack of confidence in natural Oregon sunstone. This program will present the latest results from field visits to both Tibet and Inner Mongolia, along with advanced testing of stones from each of those deposits. Simple tests will be described to separate both Tibetan and Inner Mongolian andesines from Oregon sunstones. The purpose is to finally put to rest the controversy surrounding these stones.
Exploring the Literature of Corundum
Ruby and sapphire research spans mineralogy, gem deposits, identification, treatments, synthesis and the history of the gem trade. Older publications can also be useful for tracing terminology, early observations and accounts of mining localities. Publication dates and the original source should be considered when using historical descriptions.
For an introduction to collecting books on this subject, read Ruby & Sapphire Books: Collecting the Literature of Corundum.
About Four Treasures
Four Treasures is Lotus Gemology's freely accessible gemological reference database. Use the full database to search by author, title or keyword and explore literature on gemology, mineralogy, jewelry and related fields. Where available, hyperlinks on titles may lead directly to the full publication.