Treatments & Synthetics
Synthetic
Star Rubies
Synthetic (i.e. Lab-made / Man-made) star rubies jump out as way too perfect looking, i.e. a perfect star, a super clean stone, and great color. If you run into any such stone, be sure to ask for a Reputed Gem Laboratory certificate. Synthetic Star Rubies are sometimes also referred to as "Lindy Star Rubies". Lindy Star Rubies were manufactured en masse by the Lindy division of Union Carbide from the 1950s to the 1970s. Since then artificial star rubies have been made in Southeast Asia. A Lindy (sometimes spelled Linde) has an ‘L’ stamped on the bottom of the stone, though other synthetics do not.
Synthetic Star Rubies
Star Ruby Treatments
Heat Treatment is the most commonly used treatment for rubies. Stones, generally before they are cut, are heated to between 1700 to 1800 degrees Celsius (3100-3300 degrees F) for several hours. That is just a continuation of how nature made the gemstone itself, by massive amounts of high heat. Heating improves tone and saturation of the color.
A Star ruby receives a Diffusion Treatment that exposes the surface of the stone to certain chemicals combined with heat. The diffusion is done on the surface of the ruby and could extend to around a millimeter into the stone. . The treatment creates a thin layer over the gemstone which strengthens the intensity of the star and improves the beauty of the gemstone. This is a stable treatment which should last a lifetime. However it must be noted that this treatment creates a layer over the surface of the stone, so a small nick or scratch could make a drastic effect on the appearance of the gemstone.
Recently, some star rubies are also treated by filling their fractures with glass. When buying a star ruby, make sure you ask the seller about treatment disclosures, or if you are unsure, ask for a reputed Gem-Laboratory certificate.
Diffused Indian Star Ruby
Next: The Delong Star Ruby |
Buy
Star Rubies