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Raman microspectroscopy of gemstones from a chalice made in 1732
Author(s) -
Jeršek Miha,
Kramar Sabina
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of raman spectroscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.748
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1097-4555
pISSN - 0377-0486
DOI - 10.1002/jrs.4560
Subject(s) - almandine , mineralogy , geology , grossular , geochemistry , chemistry , raman spectroscopy , optics , physics , metamorphic rock
The baroque chalice made in 1732 contains 456 embedded gemstones and is one the most richly decorated chalices in Slovenia. With the aid of Raman microspectroscopy, in combination with gemology microscopy and ultraviolet fluorescence, individual types of gemstones and certain inclusions were analysed and determined. The chalice was adorned with 24 diamonds, 93 rubies, 4 sapphires, 152 emeralds, 101 almandine garnets, 6 grossular garnets, 68 amethysts, 6 citrines, one specimen of glass and one of agate. In combination with macroscopic observations and literature data, the origins of the diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds were assessed. At the same time, we were able to determine which gemstones in the chalice had actually been substituted. The diamonds most probably originate from India, the rubies from Myanmar, the three sapphires from Sri Lanka and the emeralds from Colombia, whereas for the other gemstones, some detailed analyses still need to be performed. At a later date, sapphire, glass, synthetic ruby and green agate were embedded into the chalice as substitutes for lost stones. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.