Analysis of Precious Stones by EDX-8100

Introduction

Various instruments are used in appraisals of precious stones, including not only general gemstone appraisal tools such as the stereoscopic microscope, but also various analytical instruments (1). For example, the Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR) is used to determine whether heat treatment/resin impregnated treatment have been applied or not, and the UV-Vis spectrophotometer (UV-Vis) is used to judge the presence or absence of coloring treatment. The energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscope (EDXRF) is also a necessary and indispensable instrument that enables quick, nondestructive composition analysis. For example, EDXRF can clearly detect the lead used in lead glass-filling treatment of gemstones. Here, a Shimadzu EDX-8100 was used in a composition analysis of rubies, emeralds, and Paraiba tourmalines, which are commonly seen gemstones and strongly loved by many people, and effective results for distinguishing natural stones and synthetic stones and identifying the geographic origin of natural stones were obtained.

September 1, 2020 GMT