Sapphire Technology Appraisal Method [Sapphire Introduction Course 10]

The scientific identification of sapphires was mainly carried out using a series of different analytical techniques, combined with observation under a microscope. This kind of test was to determine whether the sapphires had been treated and to determine their geological and geographical origin.

Determination of Origin by Ultraviolet-Visible Light Absorption Spectrometry

UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometry is a commonly used method to analyze the color of sapphires using absorption spectroscopy, from which information about their chemical composition can be obtained and It has a certain indication of the place of origin.

By observing the absorption bands and peaks on the UV-Vis spectrum, the absorption and transmission patterns of sapphire to white light can be measured, and it can intuitively show whether specific chromogenic elements (such as Fe2 or Fe3 of iron; Ti4 of titanium) may exist in gems and the relative proportion of these chromogenic elements. This identification of sapphire characteristics will bring very useful clues to the possible geological origin of sapphire. As shown in the figure below, you can see the characteristic spectrum of sapphire from basalt deposits compared with sapphire from metamorphic rock deposits.

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Trace Element Analysis for Determination of Sapphire Origin

The chemical composition of sapphires can provide important information for the identification of their origin. At SSEF, we use energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and GemTOF mass spectrometry technology to conduct industry-leading precision chemical analysis tests (see the video below for more information).

The results of trace element chemistry tests can be further compared with known reliable databases to determine the origin of the sapphire under test. The following video shows the atlas of three different chemical elements, which can be used to characterize the four sapphires in the database (four samples marked as triangles) compared with other reference data points (marked as points).

When conditions permit, trace chemical element determination can even date the inclusion in the sapphire radioactively. The specific age data not only enriches the evidence of origin identification, but also shows the amazing geological history of the sapphire in its original rock for millions of years.