Consumer alert and information concerning "Red Andesine", also known as "Red

Labrodorite".

Recently the International School of Gemology (ISG) released a Consumer Alert

regarding a popular gemstone called "Red Andesine", which is being widely sold,

particularly on the television jewelry shopping channels. Their alert is included at the

bottom of this article.

What is "Red Andesine", also known as "Red Labradorite"?

"Red Andesine" aka "Red Labradorite" is a variety of feldspar similar in composition to

both Labradorite and Sunstone, but with different color and appearance, and, as recently

revealed, appears to have been color-enhanced by heat or other treatments not usually

applied to either labradorite or sunstone.

The name itself can be confusing -- traditionally, "Labradorite" is the name for a

phenomenal variety of feldspar originally found in Labrador. It exhibits an iridescent,

multi-colored sheen called "labradorescense", and can sometimes also be found as cats-

eye or star stones. Generally, labradorite is not treated with heat or other enhancements.

Labradorite is one of a number of closely-related feldspars collectively known as

"andesine".

Other types of andesine feldspar can be found in several colors, including the other main

gem variety, "Sunstone", which is mined primarily in Oregon and has a red-orange to red

color. The best sunstones have intense, striking color and show fine needles or rays of

copper called "schiller".

Within the past several years, large quantities of so-called "Red Andesine" have appeared

in the gem markets and particularly on television shopping channels. While originally

promoted as a "natural" untreated gem of mysterious origin, recent gemological analysis

shows that both the red and green andesine varieties that are widely sold show evidence

of artificial color enhancement. The exact form of treatment is not yet known, but may

involve heat, diffusion of chemicals into the surface of the stones, or other forms of

treatment that are sometimes used to change or enhance the color and value of gemstones

and gemstone rough.

Red andesine and red labradorite often show beautiful, bright colors -- but it now appears

that those colors are due to enhancement, rather than being inherent to the stones

themselves.

From the International School of Gemology – Consumer Alert

June 4, 2008

The International School of Gemology (ISG) releases a consumer alert on "red andisine"

also known as "Andesine Labradorite"

Press Release

Contact: Robert James FGA, GG

Phone: (210) 877.5816

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

10 A.M. CDT, June 4, 2008

The International School of Gemology has issued a consumer alert regarding the so-

called "andesine labradorite" being sold by many jewelry shopping channels and internet

websites. In a collaborative effort with several important industry experts, the ISG has

found both the red and green variety of this material to exhibit diagnostic evidence of

artificial color enhancement. At issue is the proper disclosure of gemstone treatments as

required by the United Stated Federal Trade Commission under CFR Title 16, Section

23.22.

We urge consumers to be aware that these "andesine-labradorite" gemstones have

exhibited diagnostic evidence of artificial color enhancement as presented in our weekly

newsletters. Without proper disclosure, this treatment could have a significantly negative

impact on the actual values of the stones as compared to the values being claimed by the

sellers. The origin of the gemstones in question includes, but is not limited to, Mongolia,

Tibet, Mexico, and the Congo.

In their offering of this "andesine labradorite", one major television shopping channel

made claims that their gemstones had been verified by up to nine major laboratories and

universities as being totally natural and untreated. However, in a written statement to the

ISG, the co-founder of this shopping channel admitted knowledge of "bulk treatments" of

the "yellow rough" being done to the material, and admitted that he does not know the

actual type of treatment being done.

This consumer alert does not extend to the natural Oregon Labradorite Sunstone from the

various mines in Oregon. The ISG has tested both rough and faceted gemstones from the

various Oregon mines.

The research on this consumer alert has been a collaborative effort by the ISG,

StoneGroup Labs(Raman Spectroscopy), Enwave Optronics(Raman Spectroscopy),

JewelCutter.com, GemArtGallery.com, and Gemn'I.com, along with collaborating

materials provided through JewelCutter.com by the Japan Germany Gemological Lab and

the German Gemological Association and scores of concerned consumers including a

consumer group known as the JTV Junkies.

For further information please contact that International School of Gemology at

www.SchoolofGemology.com.