In-Situ Micro-Analysis and Application in Gemmology Based on LA-(MC)-ICP-MS

Laser ablation with single- or multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry LA-(MC)-ICP-MS is an important quantitative chemical analysis technique. It has been widely used in gemmology in recent years owing to its advantages of high spatial resolution, in situ, real-time, rapid, macroscopic non-destructive, and accurate measurement of trace elements and isotopes. The LA-(MC)-ICP-MS provides new tools to distinguish natural from synthetic and enhancing or treating gemstones, trace the geographic origin of gemstones, and reveal the genesis of gemstone deposits. In this paper, we introduce the principle of LA-(MC)-ICP-MS and present several research cases, including investigating the formation of colour zonation of sapphires, tracing the emerald geographic origin, and revealing emerald deposit genesis. The LA-(MC)-ICP-MS provides reliable chemical and compositional information of gemstones and offers a broad scope for gemmological research.