Gemology / Geology / Mineralogy

Some gems, rocks and minerals are very rare. Thus, a non-destructive method is desired for their identification or authentication, as well as for studying them, such is the case for geochemists. Raman Spectroscopy is a great tool for these applications, since it is a non-destructive analytical method. Information about a sample's composition may be measured in a relatively short amount of time.

This once-esoteric technology has progressively become easier and more intuitive to use. Thus, more and more researchers and gemologists are incorporating Raman spectroscopy for routine measurements.

Example: Detection of imitation jade

Photo of nephrite jade

Raman spectrum of greenish-blue jade sample excited with 532 nm laser, plotted with actinolite spectrum from RRUFF database.

Raman spectrum of white jade sample excited with 532 nm laser, plotted with tremolite spectrum from RRUFF database

Publications by Enwave Customers with Gemology/Geology/Mineralolgy Applications:
  • BML, "Instruments and Techniques". Gem News International, Spring 2007: 64.
  • "Raman Analysis of Low Concentration Ions in Water," Spectroscopy Magazine, Sept. 2009; 17.
  • Kelloway, S.J., Kononenko, N., Torrence, R., and Carter, E.A. Assessing the viability of portable Raman spectroscopy for determining the geological source of obsidian. Article in Press, 2010. Vib. Spectrosc.