Explore inclusions and internal features in Verneuil (flame-fusion) synthetic sapphire in Hyperion, the Lotus Gemology inclusion database. Photomicrographs are accompanied by descriptive information and published references where available.
Verneuil (Flame Fusion) Synthetic Sapphire Inclusions
Explore inclusions and internal features in Verneuil (flame-fusion) synthetic sapphire in Hyperion, the Lotus Gemology inclusion database. Photomicrographs are accompanied by descriptive information and published references where available.
This synthetic pink sapphire was fractured and then appeared to have been soaked in an iron-rich solution to created orange stains in the fissures, thus simulating padparadscha. The stains developed unusual dendritic patterns, as seen here. This fissure also shows an unusual glossy appearance. Chemical analysis also reveal traces of lead in the fissures.
Synthetic Sapphire •
Verneuil •
Enhancements:
() •
Lighting Conditions:
Dark Field + Oblique Fiber Optic
Photographer:
E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number:
A-001-3404-5
This synthetic pink sapphire was fractured and then appeared to have been soaked in an iron-rich solution to created orange stains in the fissures, thus simulating padparadscha. The stains developed unusual dendritic patterns, as seen here. Chemical analysis also reveal traces of lead in the fissures.
Synthetic Sapphire •
Verneuil •
Enhancements:
() •
Lighting Conditions:
Dark Field + Oblique Fiber Optic
Photographer:
E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number:
A-001-3404-4
This synthetic pink sapphire was fractured and then appeared to have been soaked in an iron-rich solution to created orange stains in the fissures, thus simulating padparadscha. The stains developed unusual dendritic patterns, as seen here. Chemical analysis also reveal traces of lead in the fissures. In this image we can also see fine growth needles in parallel lines.
Synthetic Sapphire •
Verneuil •
Enhancements:
() •
Lighting Conditions:
Dark Field + Oblique Fiber Optic
Photographer:
E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number:
A-001-3404-3
Twin plane at one end of an unusual synthetic pink sapphire with artificial orange stains and dendrite patterned in induced fissures. Fine needles were seen along this twin plane and could easily cause a gemologist to reach the conclusion that the stone was natural.
Synthetic Sapphire •
Verneuil •
Enhancements:
() •
Lighting Conditions:
Diffuse Light Field + Immersion + Crossed Polars
Photographer:
Richard W. Hughes •
Image Number:
A-001-3404-2
Eppler, W.F. (1964) Polysynthetic twinning in synthetic corundum. Gems & Gemology, Vol. 11, No. 6, Summer, pp. 169–175; RWHL*.
Hughes, R.W. (1997) Ruby & Sapphire. Boulder, CO, RWH Publishing, 512 pp.; RWHL*.
This synthetic pink sapphire was fractured and then appeared to have been soaked in an iron-rich solution to created orange stains in the fissures, thus simulating padparadscha. The stains developed unusual dendritic patterns, as seen here. Chemical analysis also reveal traces of lead in the fissures.
Synthetic Sapphire •
Verneuil •
Enhancements:
() •
Lighting Conditions:
Dark Field
Photographer:
Richard W. Hughes •
Image Number:
A-001-3404-1
The small dots are gas bubbles showing blue color concentrations. Gas bubbles are a common feature in Verneuil synthetic corundum.
Synthetic Sapphire •
Verneuil •
Enhancements:
None Detected (None) •
Lighting Conditions:
Dark Field
Photographer:
E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number:
A-001-3112-1
Curved growth lines and small gas bubbles are visible in this Verneuil synthetic sapphire. The curved lines are a diagnostic feature of Verneuil synthetic corundum. Note that the facets have some rough areas, an indicator that a stone was hastily polished.
Synthetic Sapphire •
Verneuil •
Enhancements:
None Detected (None) •
Lighting Conditions:
Diffuse Light Field (Transmitted Light)
Photographer:
E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number:
A-001-3111-2
Curved growth lines are visible in this Verneuil synthetic sapphire when immersed in methylene iodide. These curved lines are a diagnostic feature of Verneuil synthetic corundum.
Synthetic Sapphire •
Verneuil •
Enhancements:
None Detected (None) •
Lighting Conditions:
Diffuse Light Field + Immersion
Photographer:
E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number:
A-001-3111-1
Color concentrations around facet edges in this lattice-diffusion treated synthetic sapphire.
Synthetic Sapphire •
Not Determinable •
Enhancements:
Heat + Diffusion of external coloring agents (H-D) •
Lighting Conditions:
Diffuse Light Field (Transmitted Light)
Photographer:
E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number:
A-001-2389-3
Color concentrations around facet edges in this lattice-diffusion treated synthetic sapphire.
Synthetic Sapphire •
Not Determinable •
Enhancements:
Heat + Diffusion of external coloring agents (H-D) •
Lighting Conditions:
Diffuse Light Field (Transmitted Light)
Photographer:
E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number:
A-001-2389-2
Diffusion around small gas bubbles in this lattice-diffusion treated synthetic sapphire.
Synthetic Sapphire •
Not Determinable •
Enhancements:
Heat + Diffusion of external coloring agents (H-D) •
Lighting Conditions:
Fiber Optic: Transmitted
Photographer:
E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number:
A-001-2389-1
With magnification, curved straie can be seen in this piece of Verneuil flame-fusion synthetic sapphire that was masquerading as a piece of natural rough.
Synthetic Sapphire •
Verneuil •
Enhancements:
None Detected (None) •
Lighting Conditions:
Fiber Optic: Oblique
Photographer:
E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number:
A-001-2108-4
Search the Complete Hyperion Database
Inclusions and growth features in Verneuil (flame-fusion) synthetic sapphire can provide evidence of laboratory growth. Their appearance and associations should be evaluated together with other gemological observations when identifying the material.
Verneuil (Flame Fusion) Synthetic Sapphire Inclusion Photomicrographs
The Hyperion gallery presents microscopic features documented in Verneuil (flame-fusion) synthetic sapphire. Each entry includes descriptive information and references to the gemological literature where available.
What Inclusions Can Reveal About Verneuil (Flame Fusion) Synthetic Sapphire
Microscopic examination helps distinguish Verneuil (flame-fusion) synthetic sapphire from natural material. Inclusions and growth structures are considered alongside other gemological properties when assessing evidence of synthetic origin.
Hyperion combines inclusion photomicrography with supporting gemological information, allowing features in Verneuil (flame-fusion) synthetic sapphire to be compared with documented examples.
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.
