Ratnapura corundum testing: identifying flux-grown hydrothermal synthetic rubies on street tables?
3 Answers from travellers
Hydrothermal synthetic rubies exhibit distinctive chevron-like growth zoning, phantom seed plates, and nail-head spicule inclusions under 50x magnification. Flux-grown synthetics reveal residual orange-brown flux droplets and coarse platinum platelets from crucible linings. Natural Ratnapura rubies characteristically feature intersectional boehmite needles, rounded apatite crystals, intact zircon halos with tension fractures, and intersecting twin lamellae with liquid fingerprint feathers.
Short-wave ultraviolet lamps cause hydrothermals to fluoresce dull brick-red, whereas natural untreated stones show chalky violet-blue hues under cross-filtered light setups.
Never finalize cash trades without an immediate written testing warranty permitting stone return if NGJA or GGTL lab spectrographs detect chromium-doped lab synthesis.
You must be logged in to post an answer.
Log In to AnswerRelated questions
- Wildlife parks in Sri Lanka beyond Yala - Wilpattu, Minneriya, Udawalawe - which is worth visiting?2 answers
- Kandy Esala Perahera - when does it happen, where are the best viewing spots, and how do I get seats?2 answers
- Arugam Bay vs Weligama for intermediate surfing - which should I choose and why?2 answers
- Best local food to eat in Colombo - where do locals actually eat and what should I try?2 answers
- How cheap can you realistically travel Sri Lanka on a shoestring - $25-30 USD per day?2 answers
- Ayurveda retreat in Sri Lanka - what to expect and how to find genuine treatment vs tourist trap?2 answers
Join a Crew
Kandy Perahera Live Tonight
Perahera Seats, Hotels & Roads
Dalada & Perahera Culture