UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy measures how gemstones absorb and interact with light across the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared ranges, revealing crucial information about their composition, origin, and potential treatments.

Infrared spectroscopy, specifically FTIR analysis, measures atomic vibrations to determine identity, cause of color, and potential treatments by analyzing how a gemstone absorbs infrared light.

Raman spectroscopy and XRD techniques are used to identify gemstone species through their atomic-scale structures, with Raman spectroscopy analyzing inelastic light scattering from crystal lattice vibrations and XRD examining X-ray interference patterns from atomic layers.

The primary chemical analysis methods applied in gemology are XRF, which uses X-ray emissions for nondestructive testing, and LA-ICP-MS, which provides detailed analysis and greater sensitivity. LA-ICP-MS has become essential for origin determination and treatment detection.

Photoluminescence spectroscopy examines how gemstones absorb and emit light, uncovering crucial details about their identity and color origin through the detection of microscopic defects and impurities.

Photoluminescence spectroscopy examines how gemstones absorb and emit light, uncovering crucial details about their identity and color origin through the detection of microscopic defects and impurities.

GIA’s laboratories use advanced instrumentation and research to deliver accurate grading, identification, and origin determination for natural and laboratory-grown diamonds, colored stones, and pearls.