[Jewelry making - Article 00215] - Re: [Orchid] Times and temps for heat treating gems?

[Ed Cleveland]

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    I hadn't seen this discussion before, but am familiar with heating. 

    To begin I'd say we treated tanzanite in the kiln about six months
    ago. It is simple if you have the material to start with. 

    Corundum, or ruby and sapphire, require higher temperatures/pressure
    and yes different gases which create the reducing or oxygen
    atmosphere. You can do a simple experiment with the correct materials
    which again are hard to purchase because why sell them if you can
    heat them and get twice the price. Anyhow, the experiment begins with
    a reducing atmosphere, block of coal maybe, and a jewelers torch.
    Torch the stone, while submerged in coal, glowing red for several
    minutes and let cool. The result is crude un-controlled method of
    heating in a reducing atmosphere. However take caution because
    cooling at this rapid decrease in temperature will cause fracturing. 

    Controlled ovens cost $20,000 or more and exact conditions will
    remain a secret. Does Coca-cola give away it's recipe? Of course not,
    or it would not remain Coca-cola! 

Happy New Year,

Ed Cleveland
www.kashmirblue.com
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