AGTA American Gem Trade Asc and gem trade approved standard real gem stone treatments:
While technology changes daily and new discoveries and new methods are constantly pending AGTA etc approval, we will update list accordingly when applicable. Some standard trade procedures are centuries old, while others are relatively new. You can always contact AGTA today and receive many useful brochures regarding gem trade and todays natural real gems approved trade methods.
Radiation: Gamma rays (cobalt 60 radiation). Gamma rays release electrons from their normal location in the gem.
Oiling: Emerald organic gem materials are placed into a barrel of oil, when it is cut, oil is used as a lubricant on the cutter's lap.
Dyeing: Mainly Onyx. Without dyeing, there would be no black onyx and not a natural color of chalcedony. Color enhancement method of dyeing organic gem materials to disguise poor quality goods
Impregnation and stabilization: Turquoise impregnation - infusion of wax or paraffin into a porous material. Stabilization - introduction of a bonding agent into a porous material. It can bring an improvement in clarity and brightness.
Heat: The most common technique to reduce surface fossils, carbon and other impurities with high degree temperature. "Dirt is burned away" from organic gem material and will improve clarity, color and appearance of natural organic gem material.
Bleaching: Ivory, coral, pearls. Bleaching process of organic gem materials to jewelry use.
