NS-88 Pomegranate is the lightest shade of the self striking ruby family Northstar currently offers. It is designed specifically for sculptural work and thick blown work, allowing for a clear unlivered ruby to be achieved. The self striking rubies are the next generation of colors offering the user cleaner purer colors with less air and difficulty in working. When working NS-88 Pomegranate use a neutral to slightly oxidizing flame. Once hot NS-88 Pomegranate will turn transparent just as the standard Northstar rubies, but as it cools (depending on the thickness will strike back to red.) Because this color is so unsaturated, the final strike must take place to in a kiln. The strike is easily repeatable and the final color is not affected by soaking in the kiln for long periods of time. Even after numerous reheats no liviering will occur. In addition, NS-88 Pomegranate will not develop any brown hues as with the case of the other two members of the self striking ruby family. Note the final shade of red is slightly darker than the initial color of the rod. Once heated and allowed to strike, the final color can be viewed. For additional information about self striking rubies refer to Newsletter issue 26.
