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Gemstone Treatments: Stabilization and ImpregnationWhen it comes to the treatment of gemstones, the very first documentation was presented thousands of years ago by Pliny the Elder, commander of the early Roman Empire, renowned author, naturalist and philosopher. The process of treating and enhancing precious gems is an ancient tradition that dates back thousands of years and is still practiced today. Amazingly, many of the most popular gemstone types available today would not even exist if it was not for gemstone enhancements, including Swiss and London blue topaz. In addition, some gemstones would be so rare that only a handful of faceted specimens would exist without enhancements, this includes sapphire, ruby and emerald. 
Natural Stabilized Turquoise
Gemstone enhancements allow gems like tanzanite, sapphire, ruby, blue topaz and emerald to be more readily available. Without gem treatments, there would not be nearly as much ruby and sapphire available on the market as there is today. Blue topaz would be virtually non-existent, and most emeralds would have been discarded at the mines. Simple heat treatment is the most routine gemstone enhancement used today. Other common gem treatments include oiling, irradiation, dyeing, coating and fracture-filling. These are accepted in the trade as long as they are openly disclosed. Some types of gemstone are often too soft or fragile when found in their purest, natural state. Without some type of enhancement, they would not be durable enough to be shaped or worked into gemstones. This includes some of today's most popular jewelry gemstones, such as turquoise and opal. Two of the most common types of treatments and enhancements for such gemstones are referred to as stabilization and impregnation. 
Stabilized Ammolite Doublet Gem
Stabilization and impregnation are less common and therefore lesser-known than other types of gem treatment, and they are often lumped together. However, these two processes are actually two completely different types of treatment. Impregnation is the infusion of a foreign material such as wax, resin or polymer into a porous material, whereas stabilization is performed by introducing an adhesive bonding agent, usually a type of plastic, into a porous aggregate material. Of these two enhancements, stabilization is considered to be the most permanent. This is because impregnated gemstones must be kept away from heat, which can cause the wax to melt or leak. Stabilization results in enhanced hardness, density and color, and reduces the level of porosity. Without stabilization, gemstones such as turquoise and ammolite would be far too fragile for jewelry use. Stabilization is used to enhance a number of different gemstone types, but turquoise is the most commonly stabilized material. This treatment is beneficial; untreated turquoise is known to absorb oils and discolor over time, but stabilized turquoise should not. Detecting stabilization treatment in turquoise can be difficult and many labs do not have the equipment. There are ways to test for treatment, but most require destructive methods. Detecting stabilized treatment on rough material is easier than on worked material, since the adhesive resin remains evident in surface cavities. Once cut and polished, detecting stabilization in turquoise is very hard without destructive testing. Since over 90% of the turquoise on the market today is stabilized, it is best to assume that all turquoise is stabilized. It is important to note that stabilization is not the same thing as dyeing. The colors in stabilized turquoise are permanent, but the color of dyed turquoise is not stable, which means it can fade. When buying turquoise, it is best to buy natural colored turquoise rather than dyed.
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Overall Rating -> 9 I got my order early and was happy with the stones, Just wish they were a little bigger, very nice quality Posted By Wolf in January, 2023 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 9 Luke got some gems for some jewelry prices i plane to make, I loved the quality the blue Laramar did look a little different in the lighting but overall good Posted By Nick in July, 2022 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 Bought my first set of gemstones of gemselect to start off my collection. Everything is what it says it is, 100% legit. They even send u a pamphlet for every gem you order even the $1 ones lol. Good store. Posted By SuperBee in March, 2023 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 Another great purchase. I just received my 3rd order and have another coming soon. Won't buy anywhere else! Posted By Beth P. in June, 2022 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 Selection ability was straightforward and easy. Posted By Dave in May, 2023 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 great products - found just some trying time to narrow in on the exact size - price combination. Also wasnt real clear wher they were shipping from until they got here..and then just breathtaking stones, well documented stats, in ,my hand...thank you! Diane Davis Posted By Ddavis2 in March, 2023 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 Absolutely love GemSelect. Always a good experience and quality products, when I am looking for gemstones, this is my first stop. Posted By Erik in March, 2023 Source: Bizrate Related Articles Turquoise Info Turquoise Gemstone Information - GemSelect ... Caring for Gemstones Gemstone Care - Gemstone Information - GemSelect ... Gemstone Cleaning Gemstone Cleaning Instruction - Gemstone Information - GemSelect ... Gem Cutting Cutting Gemstones - Gemstone Information - GemSelect ... Diffusion Treatment Diffusion Treatment for Gemstones - GemSelect ... Irradiation Treatment Irradiation Treatment - Gemstone Information - GemSelect ... Gemstone Hardness Explained Gemstone Hardness - How durable is your gemstone? ... Gemstone Treatments All About Gemstone Treatments - Information - GemSelect ... Fracture Filled Fracture Filled Treatment - Gemstone Information - GemSelect ... Heat Treatment Heat Treatment - Gemstone Information - GemSelect ... |
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Gems are always measured in Millimeter (mm) Dimensions are given as; Select gems by size, not by weight! Note: 1ct = 0.2g  |
