A lot has been stated and talked about using different treatments & enhancement techniques to amplify gemstones’ appearance. Almost every major gemstone, be it Neelam stones, emeralds, or ruby stones, encloses multiple inclusions and fractures that could plummet their value. Therefore, common treatment & enhancement practices are used widely to accentuate the value of gemstones by leaps and bounds.
When it comes to gem treatments, natural rubies are no exception. Many renowned gem dealers and manufacturers have been using commercial treatment practices to render original manik stones desired alluring look and make them market-ready. But the ways rubies are treated & enhanced are way different from other gemstones. The prime purpose of treating the original Chuni stones is to minify inclusions and fractures on the surface of gems. Eager to know about the types of treatments & enhancements a ruby stone undergoes? If yes, you have bumped on the right platform.
This blog post comprises the most common ruby treatments & enhancements methodologies that will enlighten you about how ruby stones’ color and appearance are amplified!
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Different Types of Treatments on Ruby
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is a widely accepted practice in the gemstone industry, particularly for rubies, to enhance their clarity and color. This process significantly improves the visual appeal of rubies from different origins by addressing specific color and clarity issues.
How Heat Treatment Affects Different Rubies
Sri Lankan Rubies: The heat treatment intensifies the red hue, making these rubies more vibrant and desirable.
Thai Rubies: These rubies often have a brownish tint that detracts from their beauty. Heat treatment removes this brownish tone, resulting in a purer and more attractive red color.
Möng Hsu Rubies (Myanmar): Not to be confused with the famed Mogok rubies, Möng Hsu rubies typically have dark, unattractive cores. Heat treatment lightens these cores, enhancing the overall appearance of the stone.
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The Stability of Heat Treatment
One of the key benefits of heat treatment is its stability and permanence. The improvements made through this process are long-lasting; the enhanced color and clarity do not diminish with regular wear or occasional cleaning. This makes heat-treated rubies a reliable choice for those seeking beautiful gemstones with enduring qualities and boast higher manik stone price.
Silk Inclusions and Their Behavior Under Heat
Silk, composed of rutile needles, is a common inclusion in rubies. When exposed to heat treatment, silk does not recrystallize until the temperature reaches around 1,200 to 1,600 degrees Celsius. At the microscopic level, heat can alter the appearance of silk inclusions:
Rainbow Colors: Silk inclusions can display rainbow-like colors, which may fade when exposed to heat treatment.
Dissolution at Higher Temperatures: At higher temperatures, silk, along with other inclusions, can dissolve. However, due to its high melting point, silk often leaves behind traces that are usually easy to identify because of their specific orientation within the stone.
Additional Effects of Heat Treatment
In some cases, Mozambique rubies are heated in the presence of flux, a substance that helps heal severe fractures within the stone. This process can cause various inclusions to rupture at different temperatures, which sometimes results in a white, fuzzy appearance inside the ruby. If a ruby has not been recut after heat treatment, it may also display a fuzzy, recrystallized surface.
Fracture Filling
Fractures are common in rubies, often resulting from their natural formation process or from post-extraction handling. While these fractures can detract from a ruby’s appearance, fracture-filling techniques have been developed to enhance their clarity and beauty.
What is Fracture Filling?
Fracture filling is a process where a clear, synthetic material, typically glass or epoxy, is applied to the interior of a ruby fracture to improve its clarity and appearance. This treatment can make the fracture less noticeable or even invisible to the naked eye.
Common Fracture Filling Materials:
Glass: Glass is a popular choice for fracture filling due to its high refractive index, which helps it blend seamlessly with the ruby’s natural color.
Epoxy: Epoxy resins are another common option for fracture filling. They are often used in combination with glass to provide added strength and durability.
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The Fracture Filling Process:
Examination: The ruby is carefully examined to identify the location and extent of the fractures.
Preparation: The ruby is cleaned and prepared to receive the filling material. This may involve removing any loose debris or contaminants from the fractures.
Application: The filling material is applied to the fractures using specialized techniques, such as capillary action or injection.
Curing: The filling material is allowed to cure or harden, ensuring that it is securely bonded to the ruby.
Polishing: The ruby may be polished to remove any excess material or to restore its original luster.
Benefits of Fracture Filling:
Improved Clarity: Fracture filling can significantly enhance the clarity of a ruby by reducing the visibility of fractures.
Enhanced Beauty: By making the ruby appear more flawless, fracture filling can increase its overall beauty and value.
Durability: When done correctly, fracture filling can be a durable treatment that can withstand normal wear and tear.
Beryllium Diffusion
Beryllium diffusion is a treatment process used to enhance the color of rubies. It was first discovered in the early 2000s and has since become a significant concern in the gem trade due to its ability to dramatically alter ruby appearance.
The Process:
Rubies are heated to very high temperatures (around 1800°C) in the presence of beryllium. Beryllium atoms diffuse into the crystal structure of the ruby. This process can take several days to weeks, depending on the desired results.
Effects on Ruby:
Color enhancement: Beryllium diffusion can turn pale pink sapphires into vibrant red rubies. It can also improve the color of existing rubies, making them appear more saturated and valuable. The treatment affects the entire stone, not just the surface.
Mechanism:
Beryllium acts as a color modifier in corundum (the mineral family of rubies and sapphires).It interacts with other trace elements in the stone, particularly chromium, which is responsible for ruby’s red color. Beryllium can also reduce the concentration of color-causing iron in certain areas of the stone.
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Market Impact:
The discovery of beryllium diffusion significantly impacted the ruby market. It led to increased scrutiny of rubies and the need for more sophisticated gem testing. Prices for untreated rubies have increased due to their rarity and the difficulty in definitively identifying treated stones.
Ethical Considerations:
There’s ongoing debate in the gem trade about the ethics of beryllium diffusion. Some argue it’s a legitimate enhancement technique, while others view it as deceptive. Proper disclosure of treatment is crucial for maintaining consumer trust.
Comparison to Other Treatments:
Unlike surface diffusion or coating, beryllium diffusion alters the entire stone. It’s more permanent than heat treatment alone.
The results can be more dramatic than traditional enhancement methods.
Stability and Durability:
Beryllium-diffused rubies are generally stable and don’t require special care. The treatment doesn’t affect the hardness or durability of the stone.
However, extreme re-heating may alter the color achieved through diffusion.
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