Post subject: Internal diffusion in heated Yellow Sapphire
Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2016 1:11 am
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Since sophisticated equipments are needed to detect Beryllium trace in Be-Treatead Yellow Sapphire, most middle-class labs try to determine such treatment by evidences found visually under microscope. I found a Yellow Sapphire that has a sugary-crystal with blueish halo around it and also trace of healed fractures around them (see picture).
Is that a highly evidence of Beryllium treatment or just as a result of high-temperature heating in Yellow Sapphire?
No, it is a proof of heat treatment. Many times it is possible by experience to get a "feel" for if there is a possible Be treatment but as said, the diffusion of titanium from included Ti minerals, producing blue halos are just proof of heat treatment. At best indicatve of beryllium treatment but has to be viewed in context with other signs.
How common is it to heat sapphires hard and long enough to get visible blue polka dots if Be treatment isn't being performed? I feel safe assuming Be treatment in such stones but of course if I'm selling overdisclosure isn't something that will keep me up at night.
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