Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

14th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Rutile In Sapphire Galaxy

Here we have intersecting Rutile needles in a Star Sapphire. These intact Rutile needles prove that there has been no heat treatment, which, is commonly used to improve the color of Sapphires.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2016
Date Uploaded: 10.2016
Photo Location: Costa Mesa, California, United States of America
Copyright: © Lucas Fassari