[Jewelry making - Article 00314] - Re: [Orchid] Red topaz?

[Craig]

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>     Unfortunately, I don't have a microscope, but maybe I could borrow
>     one. Could you explain what you mean a little more? Where am I
>     looking, and for what? 

    If the stone was diffusion treated look for concentrations of color
    when turning the stone in the light.  Meaning, some facets or parts
    of facets will seem darker.  Also, under a 20x loupe (even 10x
    sometimes) you may see small fractures which is an indication of high
    temp's.  Also, look at the meets on the girdle to see if the color is
    even and consistant.  You are looking for areas near the corners and
    edges that don't have as much color, or the color looks like it
    rubbed off. 

    A sure test is to scratch a facet and see if the color comes off. 
    Diffusion only touches a thin outer layer.  Most teal, blue/green,
    red, yellow, and 'mystic' topaz's have this thin outer layer. 

    I hate to be negative but it would be highly unlikely that it is
    natural, especially if it's a ruby type red or 'deep' red.  Almost
    all topaz starts as white and is either heated, irradiated, or
    diffusion treated (or all of the above). 

Good luck,

Craig
www.creativecutgems.com

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