Abstract: A gas seal assembly which in one embodiment comprises a seal ring having a plurality of annularly spaced-apart geometric impressions which cooperate with another seal ring having an annular groove into which opens a plurality of fluid pathways, the pathways placing the space between the sealing faces in fluid communication with an annular space defined by, inter alia, the sealing rings and a seal housing which contains the seal rings. The assembly enables a gas in the annular space to be recirculated between the annular space and the space between the seal faces to facilitate separation of the seal faces when sufficiently rotated relative to one another. In another embodiment, the gas seal assembly comprises a rotary seal ring disposed between two stationary seal rings. Methods of sealing the opening between a rotary shaft and an object through which the shaft extends are also disclosed.