jade, jadeite, fei cui, Burma, maw-sit-sit, gems

This article examines both the principles behind the functioning of the scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectrometer system and its application to the chemical and structural analyses of gems. The examples presented describe the distinction of natural from treated opals, the relationships observed between a diamond and its kimberlite matrix, the identification of inclusions in ruby and taaffeite, the elemental mapping and chemical analysis of maw-sit-sit,and the study of chemical interrelationships between various types of garnets.