Visualization of the internal structure of freshwater cultured pearls by computerized x-ray microtomography

U. Wehrmeister, H. Goetz, D. E. Jacob, A. Soldati, W. Xu, H. Duschner, W Hofmeister

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Computerized three-dimensional X-ray microtomography is capable of revealing the internal structure and some of the material properties of pearls at high resolution, and is thus a more useful tool in pearl testing than conventional X-ray radiography. Differences in transparency to X-rays (radiodensities) can be detected and speed up the process of locating different CaC0₃-polymorphs in the pearl. When combined with micro-Raman spectroscopy, vaterite-containing areas can be identified.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)15-21
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Gemmology
Volume31
Issue number1/2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • aragonite
  • cultured pearls
  • microtomography
  • pearl testing
  • Raman spectroscopy
  • vaterite

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