Will heat treated &/or fluxed ruby show visible inclusion?

[Icy Melona]

Can someone advise if treated rubies will still have alot of visible inclusions to the naked eye? Or would treatments such as heat or flux make the ruby eye clean? Can treatments be picked up with a loupe or is it only lab test that can determine whether rubies have undergone treatments. I did a search on the forum and while it's been very educational, I haven't come across posts or articles that answers my question.

Thank you!!

 

[Edward Bristol]

Re: Will heat treated &/or fluxed ruby show visible inclusio

No, treatments do not generally make rubies eye-clean.

Experienced ruby dealers can make an educated guess with a loupe only, but a full lab report is certainly better.

 

[chrono]

Re: Will heat treated &/or fluxed ruby show visible inclusio

Yes, it is possible for treated rubies to still show eye visible inclusions ranging from minor to a significant amount. The treatment will not always make them eye clean, more often, it merely lessens the appearance of the inclusions. An experienced gemologist might be able to pick up some tell tale signs with a loupe (better with a microscope), but a lab is more likely to be better equipped to tell for sure.

 

[Lee Little]

Re: Will heat treated &/or fluxed ruby show visible inclusio

Of course it depends on how included it was before treatment as the treatment will usually lessen the amount of inclusions. Usually if it is noticed that some ruby rough is nearly eye clean it will be pulled before treatment and they will sell as is even though treatment may produce eye clean ruby, an untreated ruby that is only slightly included will be worth more. I can't remember ever seeing any eye clean ruby of any substantial size. Ruby will almost always be included. Best regards, Lee

 

[Edward Bristol]

Re: Will heat treated &/or fluxed ruby show visible inclusio

Uh, Lee, eye-clean rubies are rare but not impossible! Even loupe-clean rubies can be found with time and budget.

 

[Lee Little]

Re: Will heat treated &/or fluxed ruby show visible inclusio

Hi Ed,
I am sure that is right, I have just never seen any of a substantial size on my path. Certainly there are plenty on the planet, I have just never had anybody with such a budget ask for one so have had no reason to look. They are not on display so one would need to ask, right? Best regards, Lee