Four Treasures Reference Database
Record No. 27088
PIXE/PIGE characterization of emeralds using an external micro-beam
Journal Article
Calligaro, T., Dran, J.C., Poirot, J.-P., Querré, G., Salomon, J. and Zwaan, J.C. (2000) PIXE/PIGE characterization of emeralds using an external micro-beam. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research B, Vol. B161–163, March, pp. 769–774.
gems, beryl, emerald, analytical, PIXE
A large collection of emeralds of various occurrences has been analysed by PIXE/PIGE in view to establish a compositional database. Major elements (Be, Si, Al) and trace elements (Li, F, Na, Mg, Ca, Rb, Cs and transition metals) are determined using an external 3 MeV proton micro-beam. Elemental micro-mapping permits to select the useful provenance tracers. This database was applied to infer the origin of several ancient emeralds set on historical jewels.
