While "composite stones" have been around for hundreds of years, these are produced in a different manner than old-fashioned composite stones, and as a result, went undetected until recently. ![]() Some labs are now describing such stones as "composite ruby" and many have been found to contain more glass than anything else. In the composites now being seen by gemologists and laboratories, the glass component typically comprises 30-40% of the stone, or more! They are created from opaque to semi-opaque rocks containing corundum and other minerals in which the extraneous minerals are leeched out by a chemical process, leaving numerous voids that are then infused with glass. In fact, they are nothing more than a mixture of very poor quality corundum (the mineral known as "ruby" only when it occurs in a red color) held together by tinted lead-glass. Today, however, an increasing number of people-both in America and abroad-are finding that the "ruby" they have purchased is not what they thought it was. Such stones command high prices, and the finest and rarest rubies cost more than sapphires, emeralds, or the finest colorless diamonds in comparable sizes. A fine ruby (i) has everything a precious stone should have: magnificent color, excellent hardness and overall durability, outstanding brilliance, and extreme rarity. All research described below was done by Lynch Matlins was active in determining the extent of the problem among retailers and other vendors.įor thousands of years, the ruby has been considered one of the most valuable gemstones on Earth. This article has been submitted to the AGA courtesy of Craig Lynch, AGA Board Member ( Ouellet & Lynch), with an introduction by Board Member Antoinette Matlins. Treated Rubies & Misrepresenting What You’re Selling? Put lipstick on a rock & call it ruby! ![]() Composite "Rubies" Pose Serious Problem for Consumers Are YOU One of the Increasing Number
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |