Titanite (Sphene) Inclusions in Ruby Identified by Infrared Spectroscopy
This ruby contains an unusually high concentration of titanite (sphene) inclusions. Photomicrograph by C.P. Smith, magnified 42x.
A 7.79 ct ruby was submitted to the AGL for analysis. In addition to concentrations of rutile silk and a few partially healed fissures, this unheated natural ruby also possessed a large number of small, transparent, light yellow crystals. Raman analysis of several crystals identified them as titantie (sphene).
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