X-ray computed microtomography: distinguishing natural pearls from beaded and non-beaded cultured pearls
Abstract: The distinction of natural from cultured pearls traditionally has been based on X-radiography. X-ray computed microtomography (μ-CT) has recently been applied to gain more insight into pearl structures. Using this technique, this article presents features observed in a selection of natural pearls and beaded and non-beaded cultured pearls. Based on these observations, μ-CT is shown to be a powerful tool for pearl identification.
Gems & Gemology (2010)
Author(s): H.A. Haenni, M.S. Krzemnicki, P. Chalus, S. Karampelas, S.D. Friess
