How Emeralds Are Oiled

[@1bwana120]

Nice video Justin, interesting machine. I have built my own machine for fracture filling stones such as Emerald. In my process the steps are as follows. The process is performed after cutting. The first step is to get the surface reaching fractures clean. Most times this involves soaking in Acetone, or high purity Alcohol. However some locations produce Emeralds with calcium based deposits in the fractures. In this cases it is best to soak the stones in an acid such as HCL to remove those white deposits. The oiling cannot mask those, so it is better to remove those deposits. After cleaning, the fracture filling can begin. As in the machine you showed, it is important to subject the stones to deep vacuum. This removes other residues, and air. The absence of air insures that back pressure doesn't keep the filling material for deep penetration. many fractures don't reach the surface themselves. but they do intersect deep in the stone with fractures that do reach the surface. It is important to fill these deep, and tiny fractures as well for best results. Another important aspect to ensuring deep filing is heat. The filling materials both oils and polymers are chosen for a variety of reason. They must have an R.I. close to the material being filled. They must be stable and not quickly turn yellow or brown and end up discoloring the stone. Finally, the must be viscous at room temperatures so they don't easily leak out of the stone. However, when doing the clarity enhancement the viscosity must be as low as possible to enhance penetration and capillary action. This is accomplished through heating. Somewhere between 190-200 degrees F works well for this. Most processes heat the oil and the stone (this must be done in the pressure/vacuum vessel together to avoid thermal shock). The stone must be held out of the oil while the vacuum and the heating takes place. Various schemes have been developed to then immersion the stone in the oil without breaking the vacuum. The machine you showed does this by opening a passage to the oil chamber, then the vacuum sucks in the oil. This is not ideal because it breaks the vacuum when the oil is applied. Better machines have ways of emerging the stone in the oil while maintaining vacuum. My machine uses a magnet releasing system for doing this. After maintaining temperature in vacuum for a period of time the environment in the chamber is changed to high pressure. This helps to mdrive the oil deeper. Sometimes alternating cycles of vacuum and pressure are used. The vessel is then allowed to cool slowly to room temperature, the stones removed, and oil is hand cleaned from the surface. If a polymer is used, it is at this point that the catalyst (hardener) is spread on the stone, allowed to set for 10 to 15 minutes, and is wiped off before it sets up. This forms a hard polymer barrier near the stone surface. This keeps the interior filling liquid because most substances shrink when hardening and this lowers the efficacy of the treatment. As your interview pointed out, in many markets oiling is considered standard procedure with emeralds because it is traditional. While polymers, although producing a superior and more stable result, have a negative perceptions in some markets. Therefore very high end stones are almost always only done with natural oils. This is slowly changing. Here is a link to a long term test of different filling materials by G.I.A.. You will se how superior the polymers actually are. Most notably the surface hardened polymers such as Opticon. www.gia.edu/doc/Durability-Testing-of-Filled-Emeralds.pdf Steve

[@JustinKPrim]

Thanks for the in depth response. When I spoke to Nikita before the interview he told me that this machine can also be used in conjunction with a heater but that they choose not to do it that way. I don’t think they oil as many stones as a dealer who does all emeralds every day and would need a lot of different methods at their disposal. It sounds like your machine and method is more sophisticated. Thanks for explaining it for me and my viewers!

[@seangsn973]

Very interesting Video Justin, @1bwana1, i am interested in your set-up, please contact me [e-mail] Thanks,

[@sonuverma2796]

Sir in glass jar how much time soak in hcl acid for romove white inclusions in emerald,

[@everdost89]

Can you. Contact me plz .

[@sonuverma2796]

Sir how much temperature HCL heated for removing white inclusions in emerald, and how how much time it's soaked in HCL, and how much temperature heated please guide me. 🙏

[@kenwilliams3546]

I placed my emerald stone in warm baby oil overnight and the results were pleasing

[@napalmholocaust9093]

You can get lots of vacuum in a big syringe if you think it is just the surface and no penatration into fissures.

[@khalidnawaz6536]

Nice demonstration. So Justin, the best recommendation si for the dr emerald. But because the people would like to take in a shiny condition so that's why jewelry people do the oil treatment.

[@bradfortune1100]

I spent over 30k in emeralds this year the inclusions are beautiful the color is trance inducing I love them

[@vincesimmons621]

Justin , your videos are a great source of great information on gems and stone cutting. I appreciate you very much. Thanks

[@JustinKPrim]

Thanks I appreciate the support and kind words

[@EmeraldsForSale]

VERY GOOD VIDEO - THANKS FOR THE EFFORTS!

[@sanjayjain3495]

Hi, Can I know where can I source / buy this oiling apparatus from ?

[@SnowTiger45]

Very Interesting. Thanks Jason and Nikita.

[@KP-ty9yl]

For anyone who wants to re-oil their own emerald (just remember that treatment must always be disclosed if you ever sell it) cedar wood oil in a glass jar works well. You can speed it up and make the oil penetrate into the fissures a little better by placing it in a warm place like a heating mat. After you take the stone out let it sit with the excess oil for a few hours to let some extra oil seep in, then clean it off. Also clean out the jar immediately because the oil becomes like a resin that is very difficult to clean once it hardens. I think that's why oiling lasts longer than you would expect - it almost dries and hardens a bit.

[@shubhammishra1760]

Can we use any cedar essential oil or specific scientific grade one..

[@KP-ty9yl]

@@shubhammishra1760 usually I use Virginia Cedarwood oil, I don’t think you need a scientific grade one

[@shubhammishra1760]

@@KP-ty9yl and do I need to take out emerald from the ring because it is a gold ring or should I leave it along with it it's a concern as you mentioned it becomes a resin I need to clean it also that's what I'm worried for..

[@KP-ty9yl]

@@shubhammishra1760 it would be better to take it out I think. but it should clean off of the ring pretty easily with alcohol if you clean it right when you take it out and place it stone down so it doesn’t drip onto the band

[@shubhammishra1760]

@@KP-ty9yl thank you soo much brother for the suggestions.

[@simonphoenix3789]

its strange that emeralds are still highly valued despite the fact that they have so many flaws.

[@JustinKPrim]

The color has put a spell on us.

[@Noneofyourbusiness.-iw6zb]

@@JustinKPrim It has a biological explanation, Human retinas has a peak sensibility in the green light spectre, its basically the color we see better and more intense.

[@JustinKPrim]

@@Noneofyourbusiness.-iw6zb sounds like good magic to me 🧙🏻‍♂️

[@SpeedRacer-pz9jn]

my question is - do I clean and oil before or after I cut my little green beryls ? We all appreciate what you do and share, Mr. Prim. Keep the vids coming. They are awesome !

[@JustinKPrim]

After! You want to be able to see any surface reaching crack or inclusion while cutting otherwise you won’t be able to avoid them and plan your shape properly. Then after you cut, you clean with alcohol/acetone and THEN you can oil. Same goes for recutting. Clean first then Recut and then re-oil.

[@minchov]

Hi Justin, can you re oil with the ring i mean is it possible to leave the emerald in the oil for 3 days ?

[@philipp9016]

Super episode! Thanks! Is there a simple test to find out if my rough emerald is oiled? What is the best way to inspect it? I didn't get any information about my rough stone...

[@JustinKPrim]

A microscope is the best way… look for bubbles or a rainbow shimmer. It’s very difficult to see without experience though.

[@philipp9016]

@@JustinKPrim Thank you! I will look if i see anything like this...

[@AnonymousRaimon]

Great content! Always wondered what type of machine they used to oil emeralds. This actually looks simpler than what i had in my mind all this time hahaha! Thanks for the vid!

[@immortalgrandmaster9724]

Very informative video, thank you 🙏

[@NabilMansour-k2i]

Hello Justin. I admire your passionate commitment to gemstones and the valuable advices you offer to public. I am visiting Bangkok and would like to buy rough Emeralds from the popular markets over there. Most of Emeralds are originated from Pakistan. Any advice that you can give in how to identify the quality, decide on value, etc… knowing that there is no one answer, but your advice will be apprrciated. Thank you

[@JustinKPrim]

Unless you already know somebody who has Rough emeralds for sale, it’s probably unlikely that you will find them. Most of the Rough it’s probably for sale and Bangkok is low quality and not very good. I have seen Rough Emerald in parcels for sale from Afghanistan. However, I don’t think I would’ve ever seen those stones if I didn’t personally know the guy. Good luck.

[@UmairKhan-ci8zz]

Hello Justin. I am From Pakistan.Doing Emerald business for sometime but was not sure how people manage to clean with machine. Thanks for sharing the video. This really helps. I am also coming to Bangkok in few days for Gemshow with the lots n lots of Swat (Pakistan) Emeralds with different qualities in rough. It would be nice if we could just meet. You are an inspiration.

[@khalidnawaz6536]

Justin, I have a quick question that how much amount of oil we can use to treat the Emerald to reduce the inclusions and cracks?

[@JustinKPrim]

Hello. I don’t think it matters. You can fill the chamber up if you want. It will only fill the stone with as much oil as the cracks can hold. Some people they do the filling 2-3 times to make sure it’s as full of oil as possible

[@TheSaidShow_]

Can emerald stones be heated to improve the look?

[@Gizmo46953]

Similar to 'stabilizing' porous stone like turquoise. Thought about modifying a stove top pressure cooker for turquoise. Can't be much worse than some of the other stuff I've built. :-)

[@satinfin]

Could you please mention the oil name and where can I buy it

[@coreymerrill3257]

What sort of oils are used and how do we Know they are not pigmented? Isn't 10% a normal if not high percentage for gems mined, that are nice enough to use? Tanzanite is like a 1% rate of success for mining gem quality material.

[@shubhammishra1760]

Can you suggest a good scientific grade cedar oil for emerald oiling

[@JustinKPrim]

Sorry I don’t know.

[@hybridgoth]

Any colourless cedarwood oil should be sufficient, however, Canada balsam would also do the job.

[@ahmedilyas1675]

Justin and Nikita you guys cracked it , nice informative one

[@shiv8246]

How to undo the oiling? Same as for sapphires and rubies (soak overnight in 90% + alcohol)?

[@anthonychan3483]

Does cedar oil evaporate over a period of time? How long oil (cedar) will stay inside the emerald? Will it leave residue once evaporated?

[@ravener96]

Its a drying oil, it will harden and become a natural polymer, like linseed oil in oil paint.

[@buddikakumara1910]

Dear sir.which kind of oil we can use ...how we buy this machine

[@LostWithoutHer]

Hi Nikita and Justin. 3 quick questions for you both, please. Does Cedar oil discolor/oxidize over time? Is the oil-slick/rainbow appearance seen between 8:23 and 8:30 in the video due to the oil? Finally, can the pressurization/vacuum effect be achieved with a turkey baster or other syringe-like suction set up? Thanks in advance! (Would also really appreciate a product recommendation for the Cedar oil.)

[@michaelc3977]

Video starts @3:40. You're welcome.

[@luissamouco2518]

Hi Justin. Where could I find a synthetic gemstone manufacturer? Thank you!

[@JustinKPrim]

store.rgcrystals.com/

[@connyforsberg1561]

I wish you had mentioned different grades of oiling and their impact on price. Otherwise very informative.

[@CatalorianAI]

For how long do you soak an emerald in acetone or alcohol to clean it? Can you also use a ultrasonic device on emeralds?

[@JustinKPrim]

Ultrasonic is not safe on emeralds. You can soak emeralds as long as you want. Overnight at least. Be careful though if your stone has colored oil inside. That will remove it.

[@CatalorianAI]

​@KPrim thank you very much! Does this also apply if the emerald is in a ring surrounded with diamonds? If not, what would a good method?

[@JustinKPrim]

@@CatalorianAI acetone and alcohol won’t affect diamonds but I’m not sure what acetone does to gold. Google says don’t clean gold with acetone because it has bad effects so I wouldn’t do that. If you’re just trying to clean a dirty ring, use a soft toothbrush and dish soap/ warm water or get jewelry cleaning solution from a jewelry shop or internet.

[@argentik82]

Any idea of how many Hgmm are needed?

[@JustinKPrim]

Unfortunately not sure.

[@sonuverma2796]

How much temperature required for cedar wood oil for oiling with machine, and how much time required for filling oiling after heat oil . Please tell me 🙏

[@manoelleo9590]

hello, where do I find this treatment chamber?

[@JustinKPrim]

Sorry I don’t know.

[@perrperr]

Great video, where do I buy this machine? Greetings S

[@JustinKPrim]

I think KMT sells one.

[@perrperr]

Thanks for answering, your channel is motivating. Greetings Sem@@JustinKPrim

[@malik-gs9of]

Wow 👌 ❤🎉❤❤

[@sophiekrabill6134]

Helpful

[@アナアナリスト]

Can we oil crystal Opals and black Opals? Thanks in advance.

[@sowhat3714]

What kind of oils do u use please

[@thiennguyen9747]

Can this apply to aquamarine?!?

[@JustinKPrim]

Aquamarine doesn't usually have surface reaching inclusions. If you have a stone with surface reaching inclusions, any stone can be oiled.

[@sonuverma2796]

Where to purchase that machine

[@JustinKPrim]

Sorry I’m not sure

[@sonuverma2796]

@@JustinKPrim how much temperature did he use and how much time stay , particular temperature degree,

[@RajuKumar-mk4jp]

@@JustinKPrim is this machine your custom made

[@sanjaykoolwal4815]

How much cost of this machine

[@networknote1216]

Thanks ,

[@napalmholocaust9093]

That oil used does not have the same refractive index or you need pressure after vacuum. That's only a marginal improvement.

[@smilebird5418]

Are you in Thailand? Why are emeralds rarely sold in Thailand compared to other gems? Someone told me that because emeralds did not come to cut in Thailand. There are many other types of gemstones that are sent to cut / heat in Thailand.

[@JustinKPrim]

Good question. You definitely can find nice emeralds in Bangkok but it’s true that they are less common than rubies and sapphires. I think it partly has to do with the fact that Thailand has historically been a trading hub for ruby and sapphire since Thailand is a corundum mining locality and also not too far from the most famous ruby mines in Myanmar. But also I think even more it has to do with who specializes in cutting emeralds. Most emeralds are cut in South America and they use completely different cutting tools than thai cutters. Thai machines are fast and strong. Great for hard stones like corundum and they also work great on most other stones. However for more delicate stones like emeralds, kunzite, etc, the machines can break stones if the cutter isn’t super careful. Some factories I know don’t accept emeralds here and some can do a great job. I think that’s most of the reason why. Also since emeralds are from other parts of the world the treatments that the Thais developed are for rubies and sapphire whereas the treatments that have developed in South America are for emeralds. People become experts on what’s around them and what they work with and Thailand has not typically been part of the emeralds journey to market except in rare cases.

[@smilebird5418]

@@JustinKPrim I want an expert Knowledgeable people like you to come to work here, any nationality. Welcome to Thailand. kob kun ka.

[@JustinKPrim]

@@smilebird5418 are you in Thailand? I’ve been here for a while now :)

[@smilebird5418]

@@JustinKPrim I am Thai. Thai people are willing to accept all nations. (^^)/. Last month I bought a Columbia emerald 0.5 ct , 18k ring. It' s too small square ha ha 55 17,800 baht (included vat 7%) from TV show.

[@RajuKumar-mk4jp]

@@JustinKPrim how can i get this machine...and give me the address of your shop

[@JJ-zw3sm]

Can we just do at home

[@JustinKPrim]

yes

[@jeffhays1968]

boil your stone in acetone to see the real story in the stone.

[@never2late454]

My late wife and I took a trip to Thailand years ago and we brought back a lot of loose stones. One that I really like is a large emerald that has a lot of tiny fractures in it. We were told that it was untreated at the time of purchase. In this something I can do myself? It's just been been certified authentic, untreated and not Lab created.

[@MrJackhammer51]

When you just use a little sewing machine oil it will enhance the stone. However it might not get into the deep fractures withouth a vacuum chamber as the trapped air wont find a way out.

[@asifkhan-tg3kl]

Su su sweet g