Natural vs Treated Sapphires and Rubies

O NATURAL vs. TREATED SAPPHIRES & RUBIES WHAT ARE SAPPHIRES & RUBIES? Sapphires and rubies are members of the corundum mineral species. The color of a sapphire will depend on the trace elements within the stone. 20 22 Fe Ti Blue sapphires are colored by traces of iron and titanium. AL AI Sapphire's main chemical composition is aluminum oxide (Al,0,). 24 Rubies rely on traces of Cr chromium for their red color. DETERMINING VALUE Sapphires and rubies top the list of gemstones that are often chemically altered or The value of a gemstone depends on its rarity and quality. heat treated. 99% The value of a sapphire can be determined by its color, cut, clarity,. carat weight, and if it has been subjected to any enhancements or treatments. of sapphire jewelry on the market Color Cut Clarity Carat Weight Treatments today is not completely natural and untreated! SAPPHIRE & RUBY TREATMENTS Always look for the term "untreated" when shopping for a sapphire or ruby. This means that the gemstone is not only natural (not synthetic), but also has not been subjected to any heat or chemical treatments which could alter its appearance and value. Heat Treatment Diffusion Flux Healing & Fracture Filling Heat treatments are Diffusion a color enhancing Fracture filling and flux healing are treatments designed to improve a gemstone's clarity and durability by fixing fractures and cavities within the stone. used to improve the treatment where light colored sapphires are exposed beryllium or titanium and heated to very high temperatures. Sapphires color and clarity of lower quality sapphires. They are usually subjected to about 400°C, but high heat treatments use temperatures over 1700°C! that have been diffused have These treatments can make very little intrinsic value. low value, poor quality stones 400°C more marketable. BUYING TIPS Trained gemologists can check for treatments with a microscope. Tiny changes within the sapphire are usually telltale signs of heat or chemical enhancements. Always choose a gemstone that has been assessed by a trained gemologist or has been graded by a respected gemological laboratory such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Altered silk and the appearance of "halo" inclusions are both signs of treatments. THE NATURAL SAPPHIRE COMPANY Visit us online at www.TheNaturalSapphireCompany.com %24