Now, blue sapphires from Sri Lanka are raising more concerns about corundum identification. A statement from the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) says, "During recent months, we at the AGTA Gemological Testing Center have observed that some blue sapphires reaching the U.S. market show indications that they are being treated by a new technique. Most of the gemstones observed range in size from 2 to 17 cts. Since these gemstones appear to be coming from Sri Lanka, the AGTA and Sri Lanka dealers and associations are working willingly and cooperatively together to determine the exact nature of the treatment." Sapphire producers in Sri Lanka have been trying to keep their market isolated from the problems that non-disclosure of beryllium treatments has caused the Thai sapphire industry. These new blues, however, are challenging the capabilities of the professional laboratories and are