What are Dyeing, Bleaching and Staining a Gemstone?
It is common practice to dye and stain gems. Agate slices are frequently dyed with vibrant hues like red or blue, frequently using common fabric dyes, though there are also dyes made specifically for stones. A dye that rubs off and gets on the hands is of poor quality.
What is Surface Coating of a Gemstone?
To change the color or reflectivity of gems, very thin coatings of gold, silver, and other metals can be used. Varieties like "mystic" topaz and "aqua aura" quartz exhibit this. These coatings quickly lose their attractiveness.
What is Irradiation?
Irradiation, which involves bombarding a gemstone with neutrons, gamma rays, ultraviolet light, or electrons, can change a gemstone's color. This is frequently followed by heat treatment. The majority of blue topaz sold today has undergone heat and radiation treatment.
What is Oiling Gemstones?
Simply soaking a shattered emerald in oil is an antiquated method of treatment. This plugs the crevices and gives the stone a higher-quality appearance. The gem might, however, feel oily as a result. Turquoise can be soaked in polymer to enhance color.
What is Heat Treatment?
Since at least a millennium, zircons have been heated to change their hue, making this one of the earliest methods of enhancing gemstones. The method is being used today to hide inclusions or alter color.
What is Laser Drilling?
Diamond is flammable, which enables infrared lasers to create minute holes in the substance to access faults and impurities. When this point is attained, inclusions can be removed and faults can be repaired with epoxy resin.
