January 24 Through February 4—TUCSON, ARIZONA: Annual show
Welcome to the GemologyOnline.com Forum
A non-profit Forum for the exchange of gemological ideas
It is currently Fri Mar 29, 2024 1:29 am

All times are UTC - 4 hours




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 10 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Heat treating Amethyst and Citrine at home
PostPosted: Thu May 17, 2007 10:34 pm 
Offline
Gemology Online Übergod
User avatar

Joined: Tue Aug 01, 2006 3:24 am
Posts: 4997
Location: McDonough GA
When I was a kid I had several large citrines that I "tested" by heating them in the kitchen oven. As I recall they all lightened up in color. However, I also seem to remember that they eventually cracked when left in too long. But then, being a kid and not knowing any better, I had simply put them on a cookie sheet and cranked up the heat.

Now I'm looking at some fairly dark Ametrine I have and think a tat lighter shade would do the stone wonders. Is there a safe way to pack the stone so I can heat it up in the oven or do I even dare try?

Jason


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Fri May 18, 2007 5:30 pm 
Go ahead and try! I don't.


Top
  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Fri May 18, 2007 6:40 pm 
Offline
Platinum Member

Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2005 2:02 pm
Posts: 2646
Quote:
Now I'm looking at some fairly dark Ametrine I have and think a tat lighter shade would do the stone wonders. Is there a safe way to pack the stone so I can heat it up in the oven or do I even dare try?


I recommend packing them in some Brownie batter. If the stones don't lighten, at least it won't be a total loss. If they do, you can market a new gem name, "Betty Crocker Ametrine."


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Fri May 18, 2007 6:46 pm 
Offline
Platinum Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 24, 2006 1:20 am
Posts: 2756
Location: Southern California, U.S.A.
JB wrote:
Quote:
I recommend packing them in some Brownie batter. If the stones don't lighten, at least it won't be a total loss. If they do, you can market a new gem name, "Betty Crocker Ametrine."

And if you happen to have the Alice B. Toklas recipe you'll be happy with the results whatever they are.

_________________
Rick Martin

www.artcutgems.com


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Fri May 18, 2007 7:00 pm 
Offline
Platinum Member

Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2005 2:02 pm
Posts: 2646
Just don't overindulge.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat May 19, 2007 12:16 am 
Offline
Valued Contributor
User avatar

Joined: Thu Apr 19, 2007 6:03 pm
Posts: 403
Location: Conyers, GA
I am not sure if this would apply, but enamel and glass bead makers use perlite to retain the heat after making them. By allowing them to cool slowly they are less likely to crackle.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat May 19, 2007 1:56 am 
Offline
Gemology Online Übergod
User avatar

Joined: Tue Aug 01, 2006 3:24 am
Posts: 4997
Location: McDonough GA
Y'all have to forgive me but sometimes I'm as dense as lead. Is the brownie suggestion for real or a joke? It actually sounds plausible to me.

Hmmm perlite. How does one use it?

Jason


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat May 19, 2007 4:17 pm 
Offline
Valued Contributor
User avatar

Joined: Sun Nov 19, 2006 5:51 pm
Posts: 481
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Jason,

The information I have here indicates that amethysts treat at temperatures of about 390 C to 450 C. If your oven gets that hot, I want one just like it. :lol: I couldn't find anything on citrine at first glance, so don't know about that part.

The perlite (or pumice, or clean sand can be used...) is used to insulate the stones while heating and cooling. Pack it around the stones in some sort of container so it hold the heat and creates more thermal mass. More mass means slower temperature changes, which is good. The other part of the equation is to bring the stones up to heat gradually, but especially cool them gradually. Some sources I've read call for 5*/hour, if I recall correctly. Sharp temperature drops will very likely cause them to shatter.

If you decide to give it a try, please keep us posted. I'm very curious about whether or not it would work.

_________________
Kevin
Handmade Enterprises LLC


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat May 19, 2007 5:37 pm 
Offline
Gemology Online Royal Princess

Joined: Mon Oct 17, 2005 10:56 am
Posts: 6461
Location: The frozen north prairie :-/
Hey Jason ... throw those gems in your oven and put it on "self-clean" mode! That ought to get them mighty hot :D :P .

_________________
IIJA Registered Gemologist
GIA Graduate Gemologist


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat May 19, 2007 9:29 pm 
Offline
Gold Member
User avatar

Joined: Mon Oct 17, 2005 2:14 pm
Posts: 1185
Location: Ozark Mountains, Arkansas
That's our MoDo - always the scientist. :smt112 :smt017

_________________
Crystal :smt086

Quantum Mechanics...the dreams stuff is made of. :smt047


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 10 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 4 hours


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 19 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group
Gemology Style ported to phpBB3 by Christian Bullock