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 Post subject: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2010 1:43 pm 
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I was told that they did not have the ability to test for diffusion, such as be-heated corundum. Is this true?


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 Post subject: Re: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2010 2:57 pm 
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That does not sound correct to me.

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 Post subject: Re: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2010 3:48 pm 
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I guess they can...
Ask Dr. Massi:
info@aigslaboratory.com


The AIGS Gemological Laboratory was the first professional gemological laboratory to be established in Asia (1978).

The AIGS Gemological Laboratory is a private, independant gemological laboratory. We are a member of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA), and The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA).

Being located in the heart of Thailand’s gem district, gives us the perfect opportunity to see new gemstones or gem treatment coming into the market. The AIGS Gem Laboraotry is very well known for its expertise in colored gemstones, especially Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Jade and rare stones but it also provides identification and grading services for diamonds and jewelry.

The AIGS Laboratory's primary objectives are to provide to customers with accurate and world-wide recognized gemstone identification and diamond grading reports in a minimum possible time at the best price.

The AIGS Gem Laboratory is commited to continue to invest in the latest technology and is already equiped with advanced laboratory instruments such as FTIR, EDXRF, UV-Vis etc...


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 Post subject: Re: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2010 4:24 pm 
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The instrument most often used for beryllium detection in corundum is LA‐ICP‐MS.
I think AIGS has one in their arsenal.


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 Post subject: Re: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2010 4:45 pm 
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For the one who do not know what LA‐ICP‐MS means.
Laser Ablation–Inductively Coupled Plasma– Mass Spectrometry

Oli.


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 Post subject: Re: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2010 5:06 pm 
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Does anyone know without a doubt if they have this machine? I assume they do because they have various HT codes that indicate the presence of foreign elements. I don't understand why they would have these codes if they did not have the ability to test for the presense of foreign elements.

http://www.aigslaboratory.com/AIGSPage.aspx?mID=3&sID=66&type=NewDisclosureCommentsforHeatProcess

The reason I ask is that I get the memo quite often with many gems I purchase overseas in Thailand, and I want to make sure they have this ability to test for diffusion. It is very important to me. I emailed them, but I have not had a response.

Thank you in advance


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 Post subject: Re: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2010 10:19 pm 
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read the link you sent.

"HT (LE) This stone has been enhanced by heat process with light element(s) (including Be*)."
Be is Beryllium element.

Best regards


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 Post subject: Re: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2010 10:46 pm 
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The person that is from Thailand that told me the following about those HT comments.

"AIGS has a treatment classification for beryllium treated stones, but as of yet no equipment such as LIBS for testing for beryllium."

which I find odd.


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 Post subject: Re: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2010 10:59 pm 
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I can't help anymore, sorry.

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 Post subject: Re: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2010 11:24 pm 
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I've asked Dr Massi to reply to this thread.

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 Post subject: Re: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2010 11:35 pm 
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Thanks Jason. I appreciate it. I hope he replies.


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 Post subject: Re: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
PostPosted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 6:20 am 
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Here is my experience (from one month ago). I took blue and yellow sapphires to the AIGS lab and asked them to check them for lattice diffusion (beryllium). I requested the Brief Report for each of my gems. When the reports came back they said "HT" (heated) and "Not LIBS tested". The lab informed me that they do not yet have the special machine for testing for beryllium. They say they are planning to purchase one.


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 Post subject: Re: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
PostPosted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 7:32 am 
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Thank you Wiseguy for sharing your experience and WELCOME to the forum.
ciao
alberto

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 Post subject: Re: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
PostPosted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 7:44 am 
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I just got this email from AIGS. I feel their HT designations on the webpage I linked to are very misleading because from them, one assumes they can test for diffusion. This is very disappointing. They should indicate on their webpage that you need to specifically request this service if you require it. They do not that I have found. I'm obviously very upset about this since I have a sapphire with the HT designation on their memo, and now I think it could be diffused. I specifically requested this memo because I thought they could test for diffusion based on the HT designations they have on their website. My report does not say "Not LIBS tested" however. It only states HT.

Quote from AIGS:
Thank you for your email. We are in the process of acquiring the machine that is able to test for beryllium treated sapphires. Having said that, please also note that natural sapphires may contain beryllium naturally. The test performed can only indicate the presence of beryllium (on locations tested) and cannot conclusively determine if a stone has been beryllium treated.

The HT designation on our reports means the stone is heated, but we do not test for beryllium treatment. However, we are in contact with a few different labs, and if needed can provide you the service required.


Best Regards,
Lindsay
Customer Service
AIGS Lab


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 Post subject: Re: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
PostPosted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 8:08 am 
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Just a sidenote, LIBS is not considered the best device for be-diffusion detection, an LA-ICP-MS must be used in order to have more accuracy. That Puppy is a VERY expensive gear compared to LIBS, some LABS simply doesn't have the resources to purchase & manage one and tend to etabilish connections with local University.
ciao
alberto

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