Application de l'analyse isotopique par spectrométrie de masse et sonde ionique de l'oxygène des émeraudes naturelles

International audienceSimple and non-destructible methodologies for the authentication of gems like emeralds are generally not efficient enough for confirming geographical and geological origins [1]. This paper deals with the use of isotopic methodologies for emeralds authentication. An isotope ratio mass spectrometer coupled with an ionic probe allows to measure 18O/16O ratios from oxygen which is the main constitutive element of these gems [2,3]. The isotopic study of 62 different 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 the world