The gemological properties of Chatham flux-grown synthetic orange sapphire and synthetic blue sapphire.

Abstract

Although not yet available as faceted gems, both blue and orange flux-grown synthetic sapphires are now being marketed as rough crystal groups and single crystals. Difficulties of synthesis, gemological characteristics (visual appearance), properties (refr. ind., pleochroism, luminescence, absorption spectra and sp. gr.), and inclusions (flux, platinum, dense cloud-like zones, transparent crystals, fractures, colour zoning and white-appearing needles) are described. The inclusions afford a means for distinguishing these synthetics from their natural counterparts. -R.V.D.