STUDIES ON ORISSA GEMSTONES-SILLIMANITE AND FELDSPAR (MOONSTONE)

The X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopic (AFM) and X-ray photoe lectron spectroscopic (XPS) measurements are reported for the Orissa g emstone confirming it to be sillimanite. A comparison beween sillimani te and the so-called moonstone from Orissa (K-feldspar) has also been made. Our X-ray diffraction and XPS measurements resolve the question of identification of the two gemstones beyond any doubt.