TYPE OF TREATMENTS USED ON RUBIES & SAPPHIRES

When it comes to precious stones, rubies and sapphires are two of the most sought-after gems from the same mineral corundum. Both are highly valued for their beauty, rarity, and durability. However, in some cases, rubies and sapphires need to be treated with certain methods in order to improve their clarity, color, and/or shape. In this blog post, we will explore the various treatments used to enhance rubies and sapphires and the effects these treatments can have on natural gemstones.

WHAT ARE TREATMENTS?

Treatments are a type of modification applied to gemstones to enhance their beauty and durability. It is done in a variety of ways, such as heat treatment, fracture filling, dyeing, and diffusion. All of these treatments can be used on many stones including rubies and sapphires to make them more attractive and bring out their unique color or clarity.

Treatments can improve the look of gems in many different ways. For example, heat treatment can reduce inclusions or create a brighter color. Fracture filling can improve the clarity and luster of the gemstone by filling in natural fractures with the material. Dyeing can create beautiful hues and tints, while diffusion can add a vivid splash of color.

HEAT TREATMENT 

Heat treatment is an important process used to improve the color and clarity of rubies and sapphires. It can also help remove certain impurities from the stone and make them more durable. However, it should be noted that heat treatment can cause stones to become more fragile and should only be done by experienced artisans with quality equipment.  There are several ways to identify if ruby or sapphire has been through heat treatment, including checking its refractive index, specific gravity, and spectroscopy readings.

FRACTURE FILLING

When done properly, fracture filling does not affect the color or clarity of the stone. The filler should be chosen based on the type of stone being treated and the desired outcome. It is important to note that fracture filling treatments are permanent, meaning that the stones cannot be restored to their original state. For this reason, some people avoid treating rubies and sapphires with this method. However, this technique can be used to improve the overall appearance of a stone. Fracture filling can be used to make an included gem appear cleaner or to fill in cracks and chips in order to restore the beauty of the stone. When done properly, fracture filling does not alter the stone's properties, so it is often used in combination with other treatments such as heating or oiling.

DYEING

The dyes used in this process are often organic, such as organic blue dye or organic pink dye. The use of these dyes has become increasingly popular in the jewelry industry as it allows for greater creativity when creating unique pieces. While this process does give the gemstone a more vivid color, it also can make it more susceptible to fading over time.

The advantage of dyeing these two gemstones is that they can increase their marketability and make them more desirable. However, because it is not permanent and fades with time, many buyers are wary of purchasing dyed gemstones, especially for investment purposes. It is important to be aware that this process exists and understand its implications before making any buying decisions.

DIFFUSION

Diffusion is a process used to enhance the color of natural rubies and sapphires. This treatment involves introducing trace elements into the stone’s surface. The treated stone will have a much deeper, vibrant hue as a result. Diffusion treatment is considered to be a permanent and stable change to the stone, meaning it will not fade or change over time. The process of diffusion is carried out in a furnace at very high temperatures and requires very specialized knowledge and skill. The temperature and duration of the process are extremely important in order to achieve the desired result. Because this process requires so much attention to detail, it can be expensive and is often done on higher-end gemstones.

At GemsBiz, we have a wide selection of ruby and sapphire gemstones & gemstone beads.  All of our stones are carefully inspected for quality, clarity, and color before they are sold.

Whether you are looking for stones with Heat Treatment, Fracture Filling, Dyeing, or Diffusion treatments, we have what you need. We make sure that each stone is properly identified so you know exactly what you are getting.

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