Solid inclusions are a relatively rare sight in rubies from Myanmar’s Mong Hsu area. This perfectly formed hexagonal prism cut through on the surface, not unexpectedly, turned out to be fluorapatite, as proven by micro Raman.
Natural Ruby • Myanmar (Burma); Mong Hsu • Enhancements: None Detected (None) • Lighting Conditions: Dark Field + Diffuse Overhead Fiber Optic
Photographer: Richard W. Hughes •
Image Number: A-003-7046-2 • Field of View = 3 mm • Date Posted: 14 August 2020
Smith, C.P. and Surdez, N. (1994) The Mong Hsu ruby: A new type of Burmese ruby. JewelSiam, Vol. 4, No. 6, Dec–Jan, pp. 82–98; RWHL.
Peretti, A., Schmetzer, K. et al. (1995) Rubies from Mong Hsu. Gems & Gemology, Vol. 31, No. 1, Spring, pp. 2–26; RWHL*.
Hughes, R.W., Manorotkul, W. and Hughes, E.B. (2017) Ruby & Sapphire: A Gemologist's Guide. Bangkok, Lotus Publishing, 816 pp.; RWHL*.