Since their discovery in early 2009, the ruby deposits near Montepuez in Mozambique have produced an impressive number of exceptional-quality stones.(
Image: Shutterstock.)
Since their discovery in early 2009, the ruby deposits near Montepuez in Mozambique have produced an impressive number of exceptional-quality stones, including iconic gems such as the Rhino Ruby (22.04 cts), the Scarlet Drop (15.95 cts) and the Eyes of the Dragon (a pair of rubies pair weighing 11.23 cts and 10.70 cts), all of which were analysed by the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF. But from the very beginning, there has been evidence in the market of lower-quality rubies from Mozambique that have been heated with or without a flux (borax), resulting in healed fissures with residue, and in some cases heavily-fractured material that has been lead-glass filled.
In more recent years, an increasing number of fine quality rubies from Mozambique have come onto the market, after having undergone so-called “low-temperature heating” (below 1000 °C). Presumably, the aim of this treatment is to enhance the colour slightly, by reducing subtle purplish zones which are sometimes be present in rubies from this location (Figure 1).
Only a portion of the rubies that have been subject to this relatively low-temperature heating procedure show the microscopic features that commonly characterise heat treatments (Figures 2a and 2b), which would be easily recognisable by an experienced gemmologist (Gübelin & Koivula 2008, Pardieu 2013, Krzemnicki 2015). Others show no or nearly no heat-related transformations of inclusions (see also Pardieu et al. 2013, Saesseaw et al. 2018). It is a situation that challenges gemmologists and gemmological laboratories, and also, ultimately, the trade.
To meet the challenge, the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF has conducted an extensive research project to establish more specific criteria to detect low-temperature heat treatment, studying more than 200 unheated and heated rubies (rough and faceted stones) from Mozambique. In combination with close microscopic examination of the samples, specific infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) peak features were analysed in order to determine additional distinguishing criteria. For decades, FTIR has been considered a useful tool to assist in the detection of heated rubies and sapphires, because of the presence of absorption peaks related to structural hydroxide (OH–) in heated stones (Moon & Philips 1991, Smith 1995, Beran & Rossman 2006, Saesseaw et al. 2018).
SSEF’s FTIR study showed that, rather than using individual peaks to determine if a ruby has been heat-treated or not, the focus should be on peak patterns (Figure 3). The results of this study will be published in the coming months.
“Due to the challenges associated with detection of low-temperature heat treatment of rubies from Mozambique, we felt that more scientific research was necessary to shed light on more specific detection criteria using FTIR” said Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki, Director of SSEF. “We are confident that this and other research will contribute to consumer confidence in the beautiful ruby material coming from Mozambique.”
