When admiring the fiery allure of a ruby, a question often arises: Are All Rubies Filled? The answer is nuanced and requires understanding common enhancement practices used in the gem trade. While not *all* rubies are filled, it’s a widespread practice to improve their appearance and marketability. This article explores the intricacies of ruby filling, helping you understand what it means and how it affects a ruby’s value.
Understanding Ruby Filling: The Process and Prevalence
Ruby filling, also known as fissure filling or clarity enhancement, is a treatment process used to improve the apparent clarity and overall appearance of rubies. Many rubies naturally contain surface-reaching fissures or fractures that can detract from their beauty and brilliance. Filling these imperfections with a transparent substance makes them less visible, resulting in a ruby that appears clearer and more vibrant. This enhancement significantly impacts the perceived quality and market value of the gemstone.
The process typically involves cleaning the ruby thoroughly and then immersing it in a molten substance, often lead glass, borax, or other suitable materials. This substance penetrates the fissures under heat and pressure. Once cooled, the filling solidifies, effectively “gluing” the fractures together and reducing their visibility. The choice of filler material varies, with lead glass being a common but controversial option due to its potential impact on the ruby’s durability and long-term stability. Here’s a quick overview of common filling materials:
- Lead Glass: Common, but can lower durability.
- Borax: A less common, more stable alternative.
- Other Polymers: Used in some modern treatments.
The prevalence of ruby filling is substantial. Untreated rubies of high clarity and color are exceptionally rare and command premium prices. Due to the scarcity of these natural, untreated gems, the vast majority of rubies available in the market today have undergone some form of enhancement, with filling being among the most common. To summarize the prevalence of filled rubies versus non-filled:
- Most rubies are filled.
- The filling improves clarity and color.
- Untreated rubies are rare and expensive.
To gain a deeper understanding of ruby treatments and their effects, refer to reputable gemological resources like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gem Society (IGS). Their detailed guides can provide further insights into identifying treated and untreated gemstones, empowering you to make informed purchasing decisions.