Developments in Gemstone Analysis Techniques and Instrumentation During the 2000s

The first decade of the 2000s continued the trend of using more powerful analytical instruments solve gem identification problems. Advances in gem treatment and synthesis technology, and discovery of new gem sources, led to urgent needs in gem identification. These, in turn, led to adaptation of newer scientific instruments to gemology. The past decade witnessed the use of chemical microanalysis techniques such as LA-ICP-MS and LIBS, luminescence (particularly photoluminescence), real-time fluorescence and X-ray imaging, portable spectrometers, as well as the introduction of nanoscale analysis. Innovations in laser and computer modeling of diamond rough and faceted stone appearance changed the gemstones are cut and the manner in which they are graded by gem laboratories.