Development and Evaluation of Analytical Methods for the Detection of Irradiation Treatment in Gemstones
Gemstones are often irradiated to enhance or alter their color, a process that can pose challenges to gemological identification and authentication. Currently, there is a significant need for reliable, accurate, and non-destructive methods to detect irradiation treatments. This project aims to explore, develop, and evaluate a range of analytical methods to detect irradiation treatments in gemstones, focusing on techniques such as spectroscopy (UV-Vis, FTIR, Raman, and EPR), X-ray diffraction, and trace element analysis. The goal is to establish a robust framework for identifying irradiation-induced changes in gemstones, which will help improve authenticity and ensure transparency in the gemstone market.
Objectives
Primary Objective:
Develop and evaluate various analytical methods for identifying irradiation treatments in gemstones.
Secondary Objectives:
- Compare the effectiveness of spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, FTIR, Raman, and EPR) in detecting irradiation-induced color and structural changes in gemstones.
- Investigate the use of trace element analysis and X-ray diffraction for identifying radiation-induced defects in gemstone structures.
- Assess the non-destructive nature of these techniques, focusing on their potential for commercial gemological applications.
- Create guidelines for the gemological community to reliably identify irradiated gemstones using these analytical methods.
