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 Post subject: Re: garnet vs ruby
PostPosted: Sat Jan 11, 2014 3:29 pm 
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barbra, would a hardness test be a good way to confirm my findings?


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 Post subject: Re: garnet vs ruby
PostPosted: Sat Jan 11, 2014 6:31 pm 
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Barbra Voltaire wrote:
I wouldn't reach for a filter either.

Refractive index (to identify the mineral) and microscopic observation (to separate natural from synthetic) is how you need to proceed. :D

All the above is true. But you have a simple problem. Use a filter. Send a SASE to 264 Soledad Dr., Monterey CA. 93940 and I'll give you one.


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 Post subject: Re: garnet vs ruby
PostPosted: Sat Jan 11, 2014 8:55 pm 
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i have a filter i just don't have a confirmed ruby to match against :( and i've read so many different desc. of what they "look" like but i have trouble just trusting that my version of bright red is the same as anyone elses... i'm going to sell some of them and make some rings and earrings from the ones i want to keep but i don't want to misrepresent them when i sell especially bc they are very expensive and there are some really nice stones amongst them. what do they look like to you under a filter bill? just red right? i think i'm going to take a couple to the local jeweler tom. and see if they will help at all. btw thanks for the offer bill! i just need more practice...


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 Post subject: Re: garnet vs ruby
PostPosted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 1:56 am 
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i have a filter i just don't have a confirmed ruby to match against and i've read so many different desc. of what they "look" like but i have trouble just trusting that my version of bright red is the same as anyone elses...what do they look like to you under a filter bill? just red right?

No. Blue.


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 Post subject: Re: garnet vs ruby
PostPosted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 1:03 pm 
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#-o Do you believe all the mystery stones have the same identity, or is it a mixture?
You are welcome to send me a few of them and I'll ID them for you no charge....a few like 3 or 4.

I'll just have you pay for return shipping.

PM me if you want my address.


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 Post subject: Re: garnet vs ruby
PostPosted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 1:42 pm 
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yeah i have a jadeite filter... that's where I went wrong ](*,) lol but i'm going to take barbra up on her offer. you are both very generous! thanks! and i read somewhere that for the larger stones if you hold them up to a light look through and see doubling its a quick way to check for rubies? i tried it last night, compared what i thought were the rubies to the garnets i know are garnets, and for the clean stones it seems to work very well. obvious doubling, or fuzzy doubling. i know it's not scientific but have either of you ever tried that?


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 Post subject: Re: garnet vs ruby
PostPosted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 2:15 pm 
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We'll get to the bottom of this.


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 Post subject: Re: garnet vs ruby
PostPosted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 7:57 pm 
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j.mcgee_1985 wrote:
… would a hardness test be a good way to confirm my findings?

Yes


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 Post subject: Re: garnet vs ruby
PostPosted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 9:19 pm 
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thanks, i'm sending some off to barbra to have them confirmed. but i think i'm going to get a secondary form of testing so i don't run into this problem again. any suggestions?


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 Post subject: Re: garnet vs ruby
PostPosted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 10:00 pm 
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Yes. :)

1. Only buy from a trusted source with gemological expertise and instrumentation.

2. Only buy stones accompanied with identification reports from internationally respected gem labs.

3. Buy a quality polariscope, refractometer, spectroscope, dark field loupe or microscope and enroll in a course to learn how to use them properly. There are no shortcuts to gem identification.


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 Post subject: Re: garnet vs ruby
PostPosted: Mon Jan 13, 2014 6:00 pm 
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I'll start looking for some more equipment and a class to take.


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 Post subject: Re: garnet vs ruby
PostPosted: Fri Jan 24, 2014 11:39 pm 
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Mystery Stones have arrived:
Image
Polariscope The emerald cut, oval and square display ADR the 1/2 moon is singly refractive.
Refractive Index:: all 1.780
OPL Spectrum:
Image
Above spectrum drawing courtesy of http://www.geminterest.com

ID: Garnet, Pyrope-Almandine, variety Rhodolite

I'll send the stones back to you on Monday.


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 Post subject: Re: garnet vs ruby
PostPosted: Sat Jan 25, 2014 7:57 am 
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Location: Sweden
=D> =D> =D>

Everyone should have a refractometer! :wink:

_________________
~~~Lennie~~~


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 Post subject: Re: garnet vs ruby
PostPosted: Sat Jan 25, 2014 8:34 pm 
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Lennie wrote:
Everyone should have a refractometer! :wink:

Certainly you jest, unless you mean one can be a great time saver in certain cases, if you know its imitations.

Consider composits, faceting rough and OTL stones. Specific Gravity is easier, cheaper, faster, and more useful. :D :D


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 Post subject: Re: garnet vs ruby
PostPosted: Sat Jan 25, 2014 11:24 pm 
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Everything has limitations. :wink: SG isn't too helpful with mounted stones.


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