Multi-methodological investigation of kunzite, hiddenite, alexandrite, elbaite and topaz, based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and conventional analytical techniques for supporting mineralogical characterization

Abstract

Gem-quality alexandrite, hiddenite and kunzite, elbaite and topaz minerals were characterized through a multi-methodological investigation based on EMPA-WDS,\ud LA-ICP-MS, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). With respect to the others, the latter technique enables a simultaneous multi-elemental composition\ud without any sample preparation and the detection of light elements, such as Li, Be and B. The criteria for the choice of minerals were: (a) the presence of chromophore elements in minor contents and/or as traces; (b) the presence of light lithophile elements (Li, Be and B); (c) different crystal chemistry complexity. The results show that LIBS can be employed in mineralogical studies for the identification and characterization of minerals, and as a fast screening method to determine the chemical composition, including the chromophore and light lithophile elements

Geochemical Fingerprinting by Handheld Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

“…, Rossi et al . ), to the determination of the geomaterial provenance (Remus et al . , , Harmon et al .…”

Application of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy to the identification of emeralds from different synthetic processes

“…However, the analytical methods generally used in mineralogy such as Electron Micro Probe Analysis (EPMA) and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) for the light elements, require a detructive sample preparation and consequently they result not particularly suitable for gemstones, that obviously must be studied in non-destructive way. A feasibility study of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) without standards was previously carried out on other gemstones (in particular to other silicates very similar to Beryl) in order to obtain quantitative chemical data and comparisons with the results obtained with other techniques were made [7,8].…”

Comparison of univariate and multivariate models for prediction of major and minor elements from laser-induced breakdown spectra with and without masking

“…Applications can be grouped into those focusing on elements that constitute a significant proportion of the materials (major elements) and on elements with low concentrations but high interpretive relevance (minor or trace elements). For example, light elements such as Li have been quantified in various types of geological materials including spodumene, tourmaline, and topaz [11][12][13]. These minor elements are generally quantified using univariate analyses, in which the area or intensity of a single emission peak is related directly to concentration.…”