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 D e f i n i n g Q ua l i ty fo r O v e r 30 Years
T h e K n o w l e d g e - Q u e s t
American Gemological Laboratories
Identifies -‘New Coating Treatment’ on Tanzanite
NEW YORK, NY / 29 May 2008
Recently the American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) was sent a
number of faceted tanzanites that were discovered to have their color
augmented with a topical coating (figure 1). Although a number of
standard observations may reveal the presence of the coating,
advanced analytical testing provides proof.
Tanzanite has remained a very popular colored stone for retailers and
consumers. However, production for finely colored samples is not very
high, especially in smaller sizes. “Our client first became suspicious of
these stones when he performed light repolishing and the color signifi
A e r i c a n G e m o l o g i c a l
Vo l u m e 1 / J u n e 2 0 0 8
R e p o r t o f C o l o r e d G e m s ™
Figure 1:
These tanzanites were part of a group of stones
recently submitted to the American Gemological
Laboratory (AGL). It was discovered that their color
had been augmented by adding a very thin cobalt-
colored coating.
Stone sizes ranged from 0.29 to 4.22 ct.
Photograph by Fred Kahn & Sun Joo Chung
cantly decreased.” indicated Christopher P. Smith, Vice President and
Chief Gemologist of AGL.
“Although the face-up color of this coated tanzanite does not immedi-
ately make one suspicious,” stated C.R. “Cap” Beesley, President of
AGL, “careful examination of the stones with magnification revealed
tell-tale signs of a color coating treatment.”
When viewed in the microscope over a diffused light source, particu-
larly in immersion, several of the samples revealed areas where the
(Continued next page)
L a b o r a t o r i e s • G e m R e p o r t
American Gemological Laboratories Indentifies...
‘New Coating (Continued from cover)
coating was incomplete. These areas occurred occa-
Treatment’ sionally on the flats of certain pavilion facets, but were
even more noticeable along facet junctions and at the
on Tanzanite culet where the stone had become abraded
(figure.2a & b). In addition, with light reflecting off the
coated surfaces, a subtle iridescence was noted
(figure.3a & b).
Utilizing advanced analytical instrumentation, AGL was
able to determine that the color of the coating was due
to cobalt. “Cobalt is an element that is commonly used
to add a blue color to a variety of materials.” according
to Beesley. “Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spec-
troscopy clearly revealed the presence of cobalt and
provides definitive proof of the treatment.”
combination of careful observation, magnification,
immersion and a chemical analysis, one larger tanzanite
represented more of a challenge. “All of the samples
were coated on the pavilion. However one sample
proved to be coated on only one side of the pavilion.”
Smith stated (figure.4).“This simply reinforces the need
to fully examine any gemstone over its entire surface.”
Furthermore, a majority of the stones sent to AGL were
in calibrated sizes. “The availability of smaller goods
with strong color is limited.” indicated Beesley. “So it is
not too surprising that such stones were selected for
this treatment. However, as they are small it is less like-
ly that they will be sent to a lab for testing and so the
topic of proper identification and disclosure becomes an
issue.”

In the past, a Chelsea filter has proven useful to identify
cobalt coatings on other gem materials, such as sap-
phire. However, it does not provide a useful means of
identification in this instance due to the fact that vana-
dium is the natural cause of color in tanzanite and it
also gives a red/pink Chelsea filter reaction.
Although all samples were positively identified with a
Although topical coatings are one of the oldest known
treatment methods, recent developments in coating
technology have provided a resurgence in its applica-
tion. “We have seen a sharp increase in the types and
number of gemstones that are coated in the past sever-
al years.” stated Smith. “The quality of the coatings has
improved tremendously and it is now possible to mimic
virtually any color of gemstone.” he concluded ■

Figure 2a & 2b:

Topical coatings are
frequently identified when
the coatings are inhomo-
geneous, revealing spots
where the color is dimin-
ished, as well as along
areas where the coating
has been scratched or
abraded off. This was most
readily observed when the
stones were immersed
in a liquid, such as alcohol,
over a diffused light
source.
Figure 2a Figure 2b

Figure 3a & 3b:

Although subtle,
another indication of the
coating could be seen in
reflected light.
Under this condition,
the coating produced a
subtle iridescence.
The left image also
highlights tiny particles
of the coating seen
on the surface
of the pavilion.
Photomicrographs by
Christopher P. Smith
Figure 3a Figure 3b
 Figure 4
Energy-dispersive X-ray
fluorescence spectroscopy
(ED-XRF) clearly identifies
the presence of cobalt in
the coating.

One larger stone however

presented a more challeng-
ing identification, as only
one side of the pavilion had
been coated. The red trace
was taken on the side of
the pavilion with no cobalt
identified, whereas the light
blue spectrum was taken
on the opposite side and
revealed clear evidence of
cobalt (Co).

The other elements of

calcium (Ca), vanadium (V),
zinc (Zn) and gallium (Ga)
are related to the host
tanzanite. This reinforces
the importance of testing
tanzanites in several
directions.

About American Gemological Laboratories About Collectors Universe

Founded in 1977 by C. R. “Cap” Beesley, American Collectors Universe, Inc. is a leading provider of value
Gemological Laboratories (AGL), a subsidiary of the added services to the high-value collectibles, diamond
publicly traded Collector’s Universe (NASDAQ: CLCT), and colored gemstone markets, with the Company’s
pioneered the development of the world’s first compre- common stock traded on the NASDAQ Global Market
hensive Colored Stone Grading System (www.aglgem- under the symbol CLCT. For the most recent fiscal year,
lab.com). CLCT authenticated and graded over 3 million items
valued at over $2 billion.
AGL has also provided detailed country of origin and
enhancement reports for some of the most prestigious
retailers and auction houses in the world for the past Contacts:
three decades. In 2007, AGL was the designated official
North American laboratory of the International Colored Cap Beesley Christopher P. Smith
Gemstone Association (ICA). In addition, the laboratory cbeesley@aglgemlab.com chsmith@aglgemlab.com
is the official colored gemstone laboratory of the 2007
Fine Jewelry CEO Summit and the JCK Las Vegas
Shows, as well as the 2007 Platinum Sponsor of the
ICA World Congress in Dubai.

A m e r i c a n G e m o l o g i c a l L a b o r a t o r i e s • G e m R e p o r t