Heat Seeker — UV Fluorescence as a Gemological Tool
One of the greatest gemological challenges is determining if a ruby or sapphire has been heat treated. UV fluorescence can assist in that identification, as well as detecting fillers in emerald.
Articles
Fiber-Optic Light in Gemology — Living in the Dark Ages
The role of fiber-optic lighting in gemological microscopy.
Inside Out — Gem Inclusions & the Symmetry of Crystals
A discussion of how inclusion patterns mimic crystallographic symmetry in ruby and sapphire.
Padparadscha Sapphire & the Ownership of Words
A discussion of the definition of padparadscha sapphire, from early to modern times, along with the difficulty in standardizing such definitions.
Rutile in Corundum — Following the Silk Road
A discussion of rutile silk in corundum and its use in detecting artificial heat treatment. Careful examination of these "silk" inclusions can provide vital clues to unmask heated gems.
Fluxed Up — The Fracture Healing of Ruby
A discussion of the flux-healing treatment of rubies. This article was given the Richard T. Liddicoat Journalism Award by the American Gem Society in 2005.
Ruby, Pink Sapphire & Padparadscha — Walking the Line
An examination of the problem of separating pink sapphire and padparadscha from ruby.
Ruby Connoisseurship — Seeing Red
A loving look at ruby – the gem of passion – from the standpoint of the connoisseur.
Sapphire Connoisseurship — Judging Sapphire — Passion Fruit
Sapphire is one of the classic gems. In this article, Lotus Gemology's resident connoisseur casts a discerning eye at the factors that contribute to quality in this legendary precious stone.
From Russia with Jade — Russian Fei Cui Deposits
Jadeite jade is a stone intimately associated with Burma (Myanmar). But there are deposits in other countries. This article details Russia's jadeite deposits in the Polar Urals and Khakassia.