Infrared Spectroscopy in Gem Identification

Abstract

Infrared spectroscopy is a powerful tool for gein identification and research. Absorptions of a gem material i n the infrared region o f the electromagnetic spectrum are due to vibrations in the crystal structure; they can be used t o help separate one gem material from another or t o detect certain types of treatments. T h e arrthors describe the n e w Nicolet 60SX Fourier transform infrared spectrometer recently acquired b y CIA'S Research Department, and outline the detection of polymer-impregnation of opal as an example o f the use of infrared spectroscopy i n gemology