A variety of crystals were present in this Madagascar ruby, which we tested with micro Raman. Analysis revealed that the rounded crystal on the left is apatite, the large block crystal in the center is amphibole, and the small rounded crystals are zircon.
Natural Ruby • Madagascar • Enhancements: None Detected (None) • Lighting Conditions: Dark Field + Diffuse Fiber Optic
Photographer: E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number: A-003-8316-1 • Field of View = 3 mm • Date Posted: 19 January 2021
Hughes, R.W., Manorotkul, W. and Hughes, E.B. (2017) Ruby & Sapphire: A Gemologist's Guide. Bangkok, Lotus Publishing, 816 pp.; RWHL*.
Hughes, R.W., Manorotkul, W. et al. (2015) Let it bleed: New rubies from Madagascar. Bangkok, Lotus Gemology Co. Ltd., RWHL*.