During routine gemological testing, samples were checked for fluorescence and subjected to a color-stability test procedure. The samples included sapphires of different colors, origin and treatment (N, E, T, H(Be) and synthetic samples)(See Table A1). Of particular interest are the samples for which the trace element concentration, Beryllium in particular, has been analyzed (See Table A6).The samples were first graded for color and saturation according to the GRS Master, and then half-covered with Aluminium Foil. They were than exposed to UV light (Eickhorst lamp, Type Mulitspec UV-AC) for two days at a distance of 1cm. Two wavelength were used: 366 and 254nm. After both the covered and uncovered parts were subjected to UV radiation, the samples were subjected to a 100 Watt halogen lamp for two days and, in a repeating experiment, warmed for 30 seconds in a gas flame.

Results UV Fluorescence

Exposed to UV light, the H(Be)-samples showed a particular reaction (Fig. A6) The H(Be)-samples from Madagascar exhibited intense yellowish-orange fluorescence in long wavelength UV (Fig. A6a.) and medium yellowish-orange fluorescence in short wavelength UV. This reaction was not found in the other tested groups (N, E, T and synthetic). This particular reaction to UV light was observed in all samples of the H(Be)-groups, and absent in the reference samples (E,N). Another group of samples thoroughly examined for Beryllium (Sample 1999, Table A6), revealed a very particular reaction to UV light - an intense outer rim with whitish-blue (milky) fluorescence was present. This phenomenon was not observed in the unheated half piece from the same sample.