Discussion on Identification Method of Faceted Ruby from Mozambique under Non-Laboratory Condition

The locality of ruby has a great influence on the price in the market. In this paper, authors summed up several methods for identifying ruby from Mozambique with portable instrument under non-laboratory conditions: (1) The colour of ruby from Mozambique has a wide range, mostly with high saturation and low brightness; (2) The star varieties with commercial quality has not been reported so far; (3) The fluorescence varies; (4) Typical inclusions are point-like and needle-like solid inclusions, visible strong reflection of inclusion under 10 magnifier. The authors verified the validity of the methods through the study of optical characteristics, absorption spectrum, inclusions and chemical composition and the results showed that Cr and Fe contents in ruby from Mozambique change greatly and influence ruby’s colour and fluorescence. Dust-like inclusions along the growth zone, needle-like or wedge-like rutile and tube-like exsolved hydrargillite commonly are always seen in the ruby. The randomly distribution of inclusions and the lack of needle-like rutile lead to the lack of star species for commercial request. To sum up, the identification method of facet ruby from Mozambique under non-laboratory condition has a certain degree of feasibility, however inclusion variety and exact identification need in-depth study.