The allure of rubies has captivated humans for centuries, with their vibrant red color symbolizing passion, wealth, and power. Natural rubies, formed deep within the Earth under intense heat and pressure, are rare and often come with a hefty price tag. As a result, synthetic rubies, created in laboratories, have gained popularity as a more affordable alternative. However, one common question among consumers and gem enthusiasts alike is whether bubbles in synthetic rubies indicate poor quality. This article delves into the nature of these bubbles, their impact on the quality of synthetic rubies, and how they compare to natural inclusions.
Understanding Synthetic Rubies
Before diving into the specifics of bubbles in synthetic rubies, it’s essential to understand what synthetic rubies are and how they differ from their natural counterparts.
What Are Synthetic Rubies?
Synthetic rubies are gemstones created in a laboratory setting that mimic the chemical and physical properties of natural rubies. These lab-created gems have the same corundum base (aluminum oxide) and get their red hue from the presence of chromium, just like natural rubies. The key difference lies in their origin—natural rubies are mined from the earth, while synthetic rubies are the product of controlled, high-temperature processes designed to replicate nature’s work.
Types of Synthetic Rubies
There are several methods for creating synthetic rubies, but the two most common are the flame fusion method (also known as Verneuil process) and the flux growth method.
Flame Fusion Method: The flame fusion method, developed by Auguste Verneuil in 1902, is the most common and cost-effective technique for producing synthetic rubies. In this process, powdered aluminum oxide and chromium are melted together using an oxyhydrogen flame, and the molten material crystallizes as it cools, forming a ruby. This method is quick, allowing for mass production, but often results in stones with characteristic inclusions, such as bubbles.
Flux Growth Method: The flux growth method is more complex and slower than flame fusion, but it produces higher-quality synthetic rubies. In this method, a flux (a chemical that lowers the melting point of the material) is used to dissolve aluminum oxide and chromium, allowing them to crystallize slowly over time. Flux-grown rubies generally have fewer and smaller inclusions compared to flame fusion rubies.
The Formation of Bubbles in Synthetic Rubies
What Causes Bubbles in Synthetic Rubies?
Bubbles in synthetic rubies are primarily a byproduct of the manufacturing process. During the flame fusion method, the rapid melting and crystallization of the material can trap tiny gas pockets within the stone. These gas pockets, or bubbles, are often visible under magnification and are a common inclusion in flame fusion rubies.
In the flux growth method, bubbles are less common but can still occur if the process is not carefully controlled. These bubbles are generally smaller and less frequent than those found in flame fusion rubies.
Are Bubbles Unique to Synthetic Rubies?
It’s important to note that inclusions, including bubbles, are not unique to synthetic rubies. Natural rubies also contain inclusions, which are typically formed as the gemstone crystallizes under the earth’s surface. These natural inclusions can take various forms, such as mineral crystals, needles, or even gas bubbles. However, the nature and appearance of inclusions in natural rubies differ from those in synthetic rubies, making it possible for a trained gemologist to distinguish between the two.
Do Bubbles Indicate Low Quality in Synthetic Rubies?
Now that we understand how bubbles form in synthetic rubies, the critical question remains: do these bubbles signify poor quality?
The Role of Inclusions in Gemstone Quality
Inclusions are often viewed as imperfections, but their impact on a gemstone’s quality can vary widely depending on several factors, including their size, location, and visibility. In synthetic rubies, as in natural ones, inclusions can affect the gemstone’s clarity and overall appearance.
Clarity: Clarity refers to the absence of internal or external features in a gemstone. The fewer inclusions a ruby has, the higher its clarity and, generally, its value. Large or numerous bubbles in a synthetic ruby can reduce its clarity, making the stone appear less transparent or clouded.
Durability: Inclusions, including bubbles, can also impact the durability of a gemstone. While bubbles themselves may not necessarily weaken a synthetic ruby, large or numerous inclusions can create points of weakness where the stone is more susceptible to breaking or chipping.
Aesthetics: From an aesthetic standpoint, bubbles in synthetic rubies can be distracting, especially if they are visible to the naked eye. Gemstones are often prized for their brilliance and transparency, and visible inclusions can detract from these qualities.
Comparison to Natural Inclusions
While bubbles in synthetic rubies are often considered less desirable, it’s essential to compare them to inclusions found in natural rubies. Natural rubies almost always contain inclusions, but these are often viewed as part of the gemstone’s character and proof of its natural origin. In fact, some inclusions, like rutile needles, can create a desirable effect known as asterism, which is prized in star rubies.
In contrast, bubbles in synthetic rubies are more likely to be seen as a sign of lower quality, especially in the context of flame fusion rubies. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule. A synthetic ruby with small, well-dispersed bubbles may still be visually appealing and suitable for various jewelry applications.
See Also: The Unique Appeal of Ruby Rings in Modern Engagements
Evaluating the Quality of Synthetic Rubies
What to Look for When Buying Synthetic Rubies
When purchasing a synthetic ruby, it’s crucial to consider several factors beyond the presence of bubbles to assess the gemstone’s overall quality.
Color: The most critical factor in evaluating a ruby, synthetic or natural, is its color. The ideal ruby is a vibrant, deep red with a slight bluish undertone, often referred to as “pigeon’s blood” red. A synthetic ruby with excellent color may still be highly desirable, even if it contains some bubbles.
Cut: The cut of a ruby affects how light interacts with the stone, influencing its brilliance and overall appearance. A well-cut synthetic ruby can enhance its color and minimize the visibility of inclusions, including bubbles.
Clarity: As discussed, clarity is important, but it should be considered alongside other factors. A synthetic ruby with minor inclusions, including small bubbles, can still be of high quality if it has excellent color and a good cut.
Origin and Method of Production: Understanding how the synthetic ruby was created can provide insight into its potential quality. Rubies produced using the flux growth method tend to have fewer inclusions and may be of higher quality than those produced using the flame fusion method.
Conclusion
In the world of gemstones, inclusions are a natural part of the story, whether the stone is natural or synthetic. Bubbles in synthetic rubies, particularly those created using the flame fusion method, are a common inclusion that can affect the stone’s clarity and overall appearance. While bubbles can be considered a sign of lower quality, especially when they are large or numerous, they do not automatically render a synthetic ruby undesirable. The overall quality of a synthetic ruby should be evaluated based on a combination of factors, including color, cut, and clarity.
For consumers, understanding the nature of these inclusions and what they signify can help make informed decisions when purchasing synthetic rubies. Whether you’re drawn to the affordability and beauty of synthetic rubies or prefer the natural charm of mined stones, knowing what to look for ensures you’ll choose a gemstone that meets your expectations in both quality and value.
In the end, the presence of bubbles in synthetic rubies does not have to be a deal-breaker. Instead, it’s one piece of the puzzle in assessing the overall quality of the gemstone, allowing you to appreciate the intricate processes—both natural and human-made—that create these captivating gems.
