Didy Rubies
by Dr. M.S. Krzemnicki, first published in Facette 21 (February 2014) Since 2012, a new gem find near Didy (Madagscar) has produced some sapphires and rubies of outstanding size and quality (Pardieu et al. 2012, Peretti and Hahn 2012). This material originates from a remote area in the jungle south of the
The Challenge: Identification of a Ramaura Synthetic Ruby
by Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki, first published in Facette 22 (February 2016) Similar to fashion trends, gemmological issues challenging gem-testing laboratories have changed over time. In the 1980s, synthetic coloured stones threatened the trade. But since the early 1990s, the challenge has switched to trea
Rubies with Oil in Fissures
Over the past few years, the SSEF has repeatedly seen gemstones (apart from emeralds) which contained fissures filled with oil or other fillers. These include rubies, sapphires, spinels, tourmalines, garnets and even rarities such as pezzottaite.
U–Pb Dating of Zircon and Zirconolite Inclusions in Marble-Hosted Gem-Quality Ruby and Spinel from Mogok, Myanmar
U–Pb Dating of Zircon and Zirconolite Inclusions in Marble-Hosted Gem-Quality Ruby and Spinel from Mogok, Myanmar. Published in Minerals, 2020, 10, 195. Link to article
A Gemmological Approach to Distinguishing Natural from Synthetic Rubies: LA-ICP-TOF mass spectrometry provides new insights (2019)
Presentation at ECMS 2019 in Prague (Czech Republic) by Dr. Tashia J. Dzikowski-Hutter.
Pigeon Blood Red & Royal Blue (2017)
GAHK seminar March 2017 on SSEF criteria for Pigeon blood red & Royal blue by Dr. Michael Krzemnicki (SSEF)
Marble-hosted ruby deposits of the Morogoro Region, Tanzania
Marble-hosted ruby deposits of the Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Published in Journal of African Earth Sciences, 2017, 134, 626-643. Link to article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2017.07.026 Author(s): W.A. Balmer, C.A. Hauzenberger, H. Fritz, C. Sutthirat
Ruby heat treatment and fracture repair
Ruby heat treatment and fracture repair. Published in Jewellery News Asia, 2001. Author(s): H.A. Haenni
Origin of gem corundum in calcite marble: The Revelstoke occurrence in the Canadian Cordillera of British Columbia
Origin of gem corundum in calcite marble: The Revelstoke occurrence in the Canadian Cordillera of British Columbia. Published in 2015 Swiss Geoscience Meeting Proceedings, 126. Author(s) :T. DzikowskiJ. CempirekL.A. GroatG.M. DippleG. Giuliani
Corundum Treatment (2013)
Presentation on developments in treatments of ruby, sapphire and corundum. Focus on characteristics, detection and declaration. Talk given at 2013 Swiss Gemmological Society conference by Dr. Michael Krzemnicki.