Application of isotope ratio mass spectrometry and ion probe analysis of oxygen from natural emeralds

Simple and non-destructible methodologies for the authentication of gems li ke emeralds are generally not efficient enough for confirming geographical and geological origins [1]. This paper deals with the use of isotopic metho dologles for emeralds authentication. An isotope mass spectrometer coupled with an ionic allows to measure O-18/O-16 ratios from oxygen which is the m ain constitutive element of these gems [2,3]. The isotopic study of 62 diff erent deposits allowed to draw up the map of oxygen isotopic ratios and to identify the origin of most of the high-grade emeralds marketed all over th e the world.