How Oiling Works in Rubies

Oiling is a gemstone enhancement technique used to improve the clarity and appearance of rubies. While more commonly associated with emeralds, understanding how oiling works in rubies is important, as it is sometimes performed to reduce the visibility of fractures and inclusions. This treatment enhances the gemstone’s overall appeal, making lower-quality rubies more visually attractive. However, it is essential for buyers to understand how oiling works and its impact on the value and durability of a ruby.

1. What Is Oiling in Rubies?

Oiling is a clarity enhancement process where a ruby’s surface-reaching fractures or inclusions are filled with a colorless oil, resin, or other substances to reduce their visibility. This treatment makes the ruby appear more transparent and lustrous by minimizing the effect of internal flaws.

2. How the Oiling Process Works

The oiling process typically involves the following steps:

1. Cleaning the Ruby: The gemstone is thoroughly cleaned to remove any dust or impurities.
2. Heating the Oil: A natural or synthetic oil is gently heated to a low temperature.
3. Submerging the Ruby: The ruby is placed in the oil, allowing the substance to seep into surface-reaching fractures.
4. Absorption and Sealing: The oil fills the fractures, improving clarity. Some treatments may also use resins or polymers to provide longer-lasting results.
5. Final Polishing: Excess oil is wiped off, and the ruby is polished to enhance its shine.

3. Types of Oils and Fillers Used in Rubies

• Natural Oils: Cedarwood oil or other organic oils are sometimes used for subtle enhancement.
• Synthetic Oils: Silicon-based or polymer oils provide a more durable solution.
• Resins and Epoxy Fillers: These are more permanent treatments used to stabilize fractures.

4. Benefits of Oiling in Rubies

• Improves Clarity: Reduces the visibility of surface-reaching fractures.
• Enhances Appearance: Increases the gemstone’s transparency and shine.
• Affordable Alternative: Makes lower-quality rubies more visually appealing at a lower cost.

5. Limitations and Concerns

• Temporary Treatment: Oiling is not a permanent solution, as the oil can fade or evaporate over time.
• Heat Sensitivity: Exposure to high heat can remove the oil, reducing the ruby’s clarity.
• Lower Market Value: Oiled rubies are less valuable than untreated or even heat-treated rubies.
• Requires Reapplication: Over time, the oil may need to be reapplied to maintain the enhanced appearance.

6. How to Identify an Oiled Ruby

• Under Magnification: Oiled rubies may display a slightly glossy or greasy appearance inside fractures.
• Cleaning Reaction: If the clarity changes significantly after cleaning, the ruby may have been oiled.
• Certification: A professional gemological lab (such as GIA or AGL) can determine if a ruby has been oiled.

7. Should You Buy an Oiled Ruby?

Oiled rubies can be a budget-friendly option for those looking for a visually appealing gemstone at a lower price. However, buyers should always ask for disclosure of treatments and be aware that oiling is not permanent. If long-term durability and value are priorities, opting for untreated or heat-treated rubies may be a better choice.

Conclusion

How oiling works in rubies is an important aspect of gemstone enhancement that affects clarity and value. While it offers a temporary improvement in appearance, it does not increase the ruby’s intrinsic quality. Buyers should ensure they purchase from reputable sellers and request certification to verify if a ruby has undergone oil treatment.

For more details, visit Natural and Treated Ruby to understand the differences and how each impacts value and appearance!