The characterization of natural gemstones using non-invasive FT-IR spectroscopy: New data on tourmalines

Publication date: 1 February 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 178
Author(s): Mariano Mercurio, Manuela Rossi, Francesco Izzo, Piergiulio Cappelletti, Chiara Germinario, Celestino Grifa, Maurizio Petrelli, Alessandro Vergara, Alessio Langella
Fourteen samples of tourmaline from the Real Museo Mineralogico of Federico II University (Naples) have been characterized through multi-methodological investigations (EMPA-WDS, SEM-EDS, LA-ICP-MS, and FT-IR spectroscopy). The samples show different size, morphology and color, and are often associated with other minerals. Data on major and minor elements allowed to identify and classify tourmalines as follows: elbaites, tsilaisite, schorl, dravites, uvites and rossmanite. Non-invasive, non-destructive FT-IR and in-situ analyses were carried out on the same samples to validate this chemically-based identification and classification. The results of this research show that a complete characterization of this mineral species, usually time-consuming and expensive, can be successfully achieved through non-destructive FT-IR technique, thus representing a reliable tool for a fast classification extremely useful to plan further analytical strategies, as well as to support gemological appraisals.

Graphical abstract

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