Gemology Hub | Gemstone & Mineral Identification Guides

A man brought a lot of the ruby from Afghanistan for certification. Synthetic ruby in the mother rock   Most of the host rock (mother rock or parent rock) of nature, ruby, is marble or calcite. Marble and calcite are abundant and easily available. So the scammer takes a piece of marble and cleverly embeds the synthetic flame fusion ruby in it.  Identifying Synthetic Ruby Embedded in Marble/Calcite Host Rock If you suspect that a ruby embedded in marble or calcite may be synthetic, there are a few things to look out for to help you identify it. 1. Pits and Bubbles One of the most common signs that a ruby embedded in marble or calcite is synthetic is the presence of pits and bubbles. These can often be seen with the naked eye and are evidence that the ruby was embedded in the host rock using a clever technique. Pits/bubbles seen  Pits/bubbles seen  Pits/bubbles seen  2. Curved Striations and Bubbles in Ruby Synthetic ruby in the mother rock Another thing to ...

The picture below displays baotite minerals , in particular the faceted stone , which weighs 8.73 carats, and the crystal weight , which is 57 carats. The origin of this mineral is from the Zagi Mountains in the Khyber District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , Pakistan. Baotite is a rare mineral composed of barium, titanium, niobium, and silicate. It was initially discovered in 1959 at the Bayan Obo deposit in the Baotou League , located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. The mineral was named after the locality where it was found.

This article introduces a simple and non-destructive method to identify impregnated treatments in aquamarine. Basically, what happens is that fractures in the aquamarine are filled with a polymer mixed with dyeing material . This not only enhances the color of the aquamarine but also hides the fractures. The result is a beautiful, polymer-filled aquamarine that is often sold under the name of Santa Maria Aquamarine . Most of these treated aquamarines come from China (in bead shapes, making bracelets or other jewelers items) and Thailand (in faceted and cabochon shapes ). Gemstone traders purchase them at wholesale prices and then sell them at retail prices on social media platforms, eBay, or other e-commerce networks. To identify a specific type of treatment in aquamarine, here's what you need to do: Grab the stone with a stone tweezer or simply use your fingers. Then, position a source of white light (fluorescent light / LED light preferable) behind the stone, just like...

Hackmanite is a mineral that is a member of the sodalite group of minerals . It is typically pink or purple in color and is often used as a gemstone. Here is some information about Hackmanite: Types & Varieties Elementary Chemical Analysis Physical Properties Optical Properties Uses Hackmanite from Afghanistan   Effect Before and after expose ultra violet  light  Types & Varieties Hackmanite is typically classified as a tectosilicate mineral . It is a member of the Sodalite group of minerals, which includes other minerals like sodalite, hauyne, and lazurite. Elementary Chemical Analysis Hackmanite is composed of sodium, calcium, aluminum, silicon, sulfur, and oxygen. Its chemical formula is Na 8 Ca 2 Al 6 Si 6 O 24 S 3 . Physical Properties Hardness: 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale Specific gravity: 2.3-2.4 Luster: vitreous to greasy Transparency: translucent to opaque Crystal system: isometric Optical Properties Color: typically pink or purple, but can also be gray, ...

Decoding Coral Imitations: A Closer Look Initial Impression vs. Detailed Analysis While initially resembling natural red coral with growth lines, a thorough examination under a microscope reveals the true nature of this material as a coral imitation. Identifying Features of Imitation 1.  Fiber-like Inclusions:  White fiber-like inclusions, elongated in shape, are present in the material, giving it a deceptive resemblance to coral at a glance. 2.  Surface Treatment:  The material has been merely sanded with #600 grit or fine grain sandpaper, lacking the deliberate polish characteristic of genuine coral. Feel free to share this insightful post with your friends to help them distinguish between genuine coral and its imitations! Red coral imitation bead under microscope   Red coral imitation bead close up view Red coral imitation bead close up view Red coral imitation bead close up view swirls and pits in Red coral imitation bead   swirls in Red coral imi...

ZarShah Baba "A man who kills a lion using an Almandine Garnet." Once upon a time, in the village of Tanta District Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, there lived a brave man named Zarshah Baba. During the reign of Wali Swat, when Zarshah Baba was just a young lad, a ferocious man-eating lion terrorized the area, preying on both humans and livestock. Determined to protect the lives of his fellow villagers and their animals, Zarshah Baba and his father made a bold decision to eliminate the lion, no matter the cost. Zarshah Baba recounted the tale of how, armed with an old gun that required gunpowder and lead pellets, he discovered that he had run out of pellets just when he needed them the most. Undeterred, he used small garnet crystals in place of the pellets, patiently waiting for the lion to appear. When the lion finally arrived, Zarshah Baba took aim at its forehead and pulled the trigger.As the shot rang out, the lion let out a deafening cry, causing Zarshah Baba and hi...