The analysis of natural gemstones and their synthetic counterparts using analytical spectroscopy methods

Prompted by the increasing number, sophistication and quality of laboratory-grown gemstones; gemology has evolved into an individual science, incorporating the likes of biology and chemistry into its discipline. Synthetic gem materials are commonly encountered today in the jewellery industry and are becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from their natural counterparts. A new approach is needed towards identification as traditional methods have shown to produce inconclusive results. The focus of this research is directed to some of the major commercial gemstones; ruby, sapphire, emerald and spinel to ensure the integrity of the international gemstone market. Raman spectroscopy makes for a useful…