Synthetic Ruby Inclusions
Explore Ruby inclusions in Hyperion, the Lotus Gemology inclusion database. Hyperion contains photomicrographs of inclusions and internal features in natural Ruby, documented with information on geographic origin, treatment, lighting conditions, field of view, photographer and published references.
A small twin crystal attached to a larger Knischka ruby crystal.
Synthetic Ruby •
Flux •
Enhancements:
None Detected (None) •
Lighting Conditions:
Dark Field + Diffuse Fiber Optic
Photographer:
E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number:
R-001-5779-3
The surface of a Knischka synthetic ruby, showing the complex growth structure. Note the highly reflective platinum plates.
Synthetic Ruby •
Flux •
Enhancements:
None Detected (None) •
Lighting Conditions:
Dark Field + Diffuse Fiber Optic
Photographer:
E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number:
R-001-5779-2
Primary flux in Ramaura stones often displays a distinctive yellow-orange color. Note the obvious “crazed” appearance and zoned structure of this large flux inclusion.
Synthetic Ruby •
Flux •
Enhancements:
None Detected (None) •
Lighting Conditions:
Dark Field
Photographer:
E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number:
R-001-5731-1
A natural on the surface of a cut Ramaura flux ruby.
Synthetic Ruby •
Flux •
Enhancements:
None Detected (None) •
Lighting Conditions:
Dark Field + Overhead Fiber Optic
Photographer:
E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number:
R-001-5730-1
Two-phase primary flux-filled cavities in a Douros synthetic flux ruby.
Synthetic Ruby •
Flux •
Enhancements:
None Detected (None) •
Lighting Conditions:
Dark Field + Diffuse Fiber Optic
Photographer:
E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number:
R-001-4951-1
Hänni, H.A., Schmetzer et al. (1994) Synthetic rubies by Douros: A new challenge for gemologists. Gems & Gemology, Vol. 30, No. 2, Summer, pp. 72–86; RWHL*.
This Verneuil ruby synthetic was quench crackled and then flux heated to heal the fissures. Note the “honeycomb” pattern of the fissures, which is a telltale sign of quench crackling, which is when a stone is put under thermal shock to induce fissures.
Synthetic Ruby •
Verneuil •
Enhancements:
Heat + Fissure Healing (H-FH) •
Lighting Conditions:
White and blue filters + shadowing
Photographer:
E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number:
A-001-8123-1
The engraved “L” on the back of a genuine Linde synthetic star ruby. All of the Linde production featured this branding.
Synthetic Star Ruby •
Verneuil •
Enhancements:
None Detected (None) •
Lighting Conditions:
Fiber Optic: Diffuse Overhead
Photographer:
E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number:
R-001-4643-1
Hughes, R.W. (1997) Ruby & Sapphire. Boulder, CO, RWH Publishing, 512 pp.; RWHL*.
Primary flux filled cavity in a Ramaura flux synthetic ruby, with sharp angular growth zoning visible in the bottom right corner.
Synthetic Ruby •
Flux •
Enhancements:
None Detected (None) •
Lighting Conditions:
Fiber Optic: Oblique
Photographer:
E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number:
R-001-3184-1
Kane, R.E. (1983) The Ramaura synthetic ruby. Gems & Gemology, Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 130–148; RWHL*.
Douros synthetic flux ruby overgrowth on a natural seed. The overgrowth is quite thin and the interface shows tiny spots in lines.
Synthetic Ruby •
Flux •
Enhancements:
None Detected (None) •
Lighting Conditions:
Dark Field
Photographer:
Richard W. Hughes •
Image Number:
R-001-3156-3
Douros synthetic flux ruby overgrowth on a natural seed. The overgrowth is quite thin and the interface shows tiny spots in lines.
Synthetic Ruby •
Flux •
Enhancements:
None Detected (None) •
Lighting Conditions:
Dark Field
Photographer:
Richard W. Hughes •
Image Number:
R-001-3156-2
Douros synthetic flux ruby overgrowth on a natural seed. The overgrowth is quite thin and the interface shows tiny spots in lines.
Synthetic Ruby •
Flux •
Enhancements:
None Detected (None) •
Lighting Conditions:
Dark Field
Photographer:
Richard W. Hughes •
Image Number:
R-001-3156-1
Synthetic Ruby inclusions may include curved striae, curved color banding, gas bubbles, healed fissures, Plato lines, twinning, platinum plates, rain-like flux, primary flux and other features formed during or after crystal growth. Such features are important to gemologists because they can provide evidence useful in identifying Ruby, understanding its geological history, recognizing treatment and, in some cases, determining geographic origin.
Synthetic Ruby Inclusion Photomicrographs
The Hyperion natural Ruby gallery includes microscopic features found in rubies from major deposits around the world. Each entry is accompanied by descriptive information and, where available, references to the gemological literature.
What Inclusions Can Reveal About Synthetic Ruby
Inclusions are an important part of Ruby identification. Their form, composition, orientation and alteration can help gemologists distinguish natural Ruby from synthetic material, recognize evidence of heat treatment, and study the geological environment in which the Ruby formed.
Hyperion combines inclusion photomicrography with supporting gemological information so that individual features can be compared with documented examples from known Ruby deposits.
About Hyperion
Hyperion is the Lotus Gemology searchable inclusion database. It allows users to browse gemstone inclusions by gem type, geographic origin, treatment and keyword.
