New Treatment of rubies with solid substance containing lead (Pb) are significantly appearing on the market. The filling in the rubies can be easily detected by searching for fissures partially filled (Pb-Al-bearing solid substance) and containing gas bubbles and using fibre optic illumination and/or dark field and/or white field illumination, prominent interference colours can be found (see photo album below) in the stones.


Lead-Aluminium solid substance fillings found in a Ruby from Madagascar. The filling can be recognized in the microscope by interference patterns (rainbow colors).


Lead-Aluminium solid substance fillings found in a Ruby from Madagascar. The filling can be recognized in the microscope by interference patterns (rainbow colors).


Lead-Aluminium solid substance fillings found in a Ruby from Madagascar. The filling can be recognized in the microscope by interference patterns (rainbow colors).

Lead-Aluminium solid substance fillings found in a Ruby from Madagascar. Partially filled areas contain bubbles or larger areas of "flat bubbles" which contrast to the surrounding filling material.


Lead-Aluminium solid substance fillings found in a Ruby from Madagascar. Partially filled areas contain bubbles or larger areas of "flat bubbles" which contrast to the surrounding filling material.

An example GRS Report:

GEMSTONE REPORT EDELSTEINBERICHT RAPPORT DE PIERRE PRÉCIEUSE No eGRS2011-Sample Date 10th November 2011 Object One faceted gemstone Identification Synthetic Glass/Treated Ruby GRS-type "Hybrid"- Ruby
Warning
Weight 6.66 ct Dimension 12.12 x 8.88 x 6.66 (mm) Cut brilliant/step (4) Shape cushion Color pinkish-red Comment Heat-treated and filled with a foreign solid substance (including lead). Special care required when handling. Also known as Composite Ruby		® GRS Gemresearch Swisslab AG, P.O. Box 4028, Hirschmattstr. 6, 6002 Lucerne, SWITZERLAND

Dieser Edelsteinbericht wird nur unter der Vorraussetzung abgegeben, dass die wichtigen Information auf der Rückseite als vertragsbestandteil mit der GRS Gemresearch Swissleb AG akzeptiert worden sind. Spezielle Beachtung ist der Handhabung mit der Deklaration von Behandlungen zu schenken.

GRS Gemresearch Swisslab Gemstone Reports are issued under condition that the information and limitation on reverse side form an integral part of the relevant contract with GRS Gemresearch Swisslab AG. Please note the regulations governing the declaration of gemstone treatment.