Identifying and Enhancing Rough Rubies & Sapphires: Tips for Color and Clarity

Question

Rubies and Sapphires I recently collected some stones in a NC tourist gem mine and was told they are rubies and sapphires. They look like rocks without color but have a definites sheen to them as well as a geometric shape and extrodinary weight for their size. The owner said it was covered in matrix. I tried boiling them and soaking in cola and they came a little cleaner, but still don't show color. What can I do to make them clean enough to show color? The owner weighed one stone and said it was a 405 karat ruby. I also have some others that range from 100 to 20 karats. I would like to find out if they have any significant value and perhaps have them cut into gems, but I don't know where I can take them and I worry about someone taking advantage. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answer
The stones you have are genuine and natural but are not of sufficient quality grade for what you want to do with them.
What you see can not be improved by cleaning.

Arthur DeMello GG (GIA)

http://www.nationalgemologicallaboratory.com

Thanks for writing!!

Jewelry, Gems, Minerals