Microscopy & Inclusions

Because of the complex growth sequence crystals and crystal fragments of Mong Hsu rubies reveal distinctive color zoning. The most common pattern consists of a dark, nontransparent core and a red outer zone. An extraordinary sample with two dark violet "cores" separated by an intense red zone best reveals this general scheme for color zoning related to growth history.

This 10.5-mm-long untreated crystal, with two violet cores surrounded by red areas, illustrates the relationship between growth conditions and habit change typical of Mong Hsu rubies. Red growth zones consist of red (ruby) layers parallel to the basal pinacoid "c", to the positive rhombohedron "r", and to two hexagonal dipyramids, "n" and "omega". Violet growth zones consist of violet (sapphire) layers parallel to c, r, and n.

Solid and Fluid Inclusions