Red gemstone characterization by micro-Raman spectroscopy: the case of rubies and their imitations

In the framework of a wide project aimed to study the potential of Raman spectroscopy in characterizing gems, jewels and jewellers’ collections, in this work the results of a micro‐Raman investigation on red gemstones are proposed. In detail, a set of red gems supplied by a jeweller as representativ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Raman spectroscopy 2016-12, Vol.47 (12), p.1534-1539
Main Authors: Barone, G., Bersani, D., Lottici, P. P., Mazzoleni, P., Raneri, S., Longobardo, U.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Collection
Gems
Inclusions
Instrumentation
jewellery
jewels
Lasers
Raman spectroscopy
red gemstones
rubies
Ruby
Spectroscopy
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Summary:In the framework of a wide project aimed to study the potential of Raman spectroscopy in characterizing gems, jewels and jewellers’ collections, in this work the results of a micro‐Raman investigation on red gemstones are proposed. In detail, a set of red gems supplied by a jeweller as representative of the current red gems in the trade were analyzed by using micro‐Raman instrumentations equipped with different laser excitation sources. The obtained results allow not only discriminating rubies from simulant and fakes but also achieving useful information on inclusions and treatments, obtaining a complete characterization of the studied red gems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The main goal of this work was the evaluation of Raman micro‐spectroscopy as a tool for the non‐destructive characterization of red gems. Fifteen red gems with the aspect of ruby were analyzed with the aim of identifying their composition and recognize imitations. Besides mineralogical identity, information on inclusions and treatments were obtained. The results allow validation of the micro‐Raman approach for the analysis of red gems, creating the basis for the identification of rubies with portable Raman equipment on mounted gems.
ISSN:0377-0486
1097-4555
DOI:10.1002/jrs.4919