GemResearch Swisslab (GRS) Specializing in Origin Determination of Fine Rubies and Sapphires

LA-ICP-MS Chemical Analysis Profiles of Paraiba Tourmaline, Batalha Mine
Sample No. GRS-Ref2976.2

Fig. Par55 Variations in Cu-, Mn- and Bi-concentrations

Lowest Cu- and Bi-concentrations are found in the purple core and highest concentrations of these elements are found in the outer rim of the “neon”-blue colored growth zone. The highest Mn-concentrations are found in the rim.


Fig. Par55b Variation in Mn/Cu-, Pb/Be-and Bi/Cu-ratios Pb/Be ratios are approximately 1 in the neon-blue growth phase of the Paraiba tourmaline and decrease towards the inner rim. It finally increases in the outer rim. The highest Bi/Cu-ratio is found at the transition of the neon-blue to the green rim. Higher Mn/Cu ratios are present at the end of the crystal growth. This confirms earlier findings in another sample of the same lot (Compare Fig. Par36b).		Fig. Par56 Variations in As- and Cd-concentrations The highest Cd-concentrations and lowest As-concentrations are found at the same position as the maximum of the Cu- and Bi-concentrations (See Fig. Par55).
Fig. Par57 Ternary Cu-Mn-Bi diagram The same trends were found in another sample from the same lot. See Fig. Par37 for explanations.