The Truth About Gemstone Treatments: Your Guide to Natural vs. Enhanced Stones

Did you know most gemstones are treated? Learn about heating, oiling, dyeing, and fracture filling. Discover why treatment disclosure matters and how to ensure you're buying a 100% natural stone for astrology and investment.

When you admire the deep blue of a sapphire or the rich green of an emerald, you're witnessing nature's artistry—but sometimes, with a little help from human hands. Most gemstones on the market undergo some form of treatment to enhance their color or clarity. While some treatments are accepted, others can drastically reduce a stone's value and astrological efficacy.

Why Are Gemstones Treated?

Simply put, treatments make less-perfect stones more marketable. A pale, included ruby can be heated to achieve a vibrant red. A fractured emerald can be filled with oil to improve its clarity. These processes allow sellers to offer attractive stones at lower price points. However, for the discerning buyer—especially one seeking a gem for astrological benefits—knowing the treatment is crucial.

The US FTC Guidelines: Why Disclosure Matters

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has clear rules to protect consumers. Sellers must disclose treatments if:

• The treatment is not permanent (it could fade or change over time).

• The treatment requires special care (the stone can't withstand heat or ultrasonic cleaners).

• The treatment significantly affects the stone's value.

Unfortunately, many sellers skip this vital step. That’s why buying from a certified gemologist, not just a jeweler, is essential.

A Closer Look at Common Gemstone Treatments

We classify treatments by degree, from mild (first-degree) to extreme (third-degree).

1. Heating (First-Degree Treatment)

• What it is: Exposing gems to high temperatures to improve color and clarity.

• Commonly Used On: Sapphires, Rubies, Tanzanite, some Quartz.

• Is it Acceptable? Heating is widely accepted in the trade as a stable and permanent treatment for certain stones. However, for astrological purposes, many purists prefer completely natural, unheated stones.

2. Oiling (First & Second-Degree Treatment)

• What it is: Filling surface-reaching fractures with colorless oil (like cedarwood oil) or colored oil.

• Commonly Used On: Emeralds.

• The Key Difference:

  • Colorless Oiling: This is a common and often-expected practice for emeralds to enhance stability and appearance. It's considered a mild, first-degree treatment.

  • Colored Oiling: This is used to deceive by altering the stone's color. It is a second-degree treatment and is not acceptable.

3. Dyeing (Second-Degree Treatment)

• What it is: Injecting colored dyes into porous or fractured gemstones.

• Commonly Used On: Turquoise, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, and sometimes fractured pearls.

• Is it Acceptable? No. Dyeing is deceptive and unstable. The color can fade easily. Dyed stones are considered ineffective for astrological use.

4. Fracture or Glass Filling (Third-Degree Treatment)

• What it is: Filling cracks with molten glass or lead-based substances. This dramatically improves the apparent clarity of heavily fractured stones.

• Commonly Used On: Rubies, often sold as "composite rubies."

• Is it Acceptable? No. These treatments are not permanent, are heat-sensitive, and significantly lower the gem's value and durability. They should be strictly avoided.

5. Waxing (Second-Degree Treatment)

• What it is: Coating a gemstone with wax to improve its luster and hide surface imperfections.

• Commonly Used On: Opaque stones like Turquoise and Coral.

• Is it Acceptable? For astrological stones, waxing is not acceptable as it alters the natural state of the organic material.

6. Re-construction (Third-Degree Treatment)

• What it is: Grinding low-quality material into powder and bonding it with resin to create a "new" stone.

• Commonly Used On: Turquoise and Coral.

• Is it Acceptable? These are not considered natural gemstones and are only suitable for costume jewelry. They hold no astrological value.

How Can You Be Sure? 2 Essential Steps for Buyers

1. Buy from a Specialist, Not Just a Jeweler: A certified gemologist has the training to identify treatments. A general jeweler may not have this specialized knowledge. At Shubh Gems, our team consists of certified professionals dedicated to gemology.

2. Always Demand a Reputable Lab Report: The single most important step is to get an independent certificate from a lab like IGI, GIA, or GRS. The report will explicitly state if a stone is natural and detail any detected treatments.

We understand that when you choose a gemstone for its planetary benefits, its purity is paramount. That’s our commitment to you:

• 100% Natural: Every gemstone we sell is completely untreated, with no enhancements.

• Pre-Certified by Experts: Our in-house gemologists examine every stone, which is then certified by reputed laboratories.

• Astrological Assurance: We guarantee the natural origin of our stones, ensuring they are fit for astrological wear.

• Fully Activated: Each stone is energized according to Vedic rituals before it reaches you.

Your trust is our most valuable gem. Explore our collection with the confidence that you are investing in purity and authenticity.