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Year 2023, Volume: 5 Issue: 2, 208 - 2016, 30.08.2023

Abstract

References

  • Bačík, P., Ozdín, D., Miglierini, M., Kardošová, P., Pentrák, M. and Haloda, J., 2011. Crystallochemical effects of heat treatment on Fe-dominant tourmalines from Dolní Bory (Czech Republic) and Vlachovo (Slovakia). Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 38 (8), 599-611.
  • Clarke, D.B., Reardon, N.C., Chatterjee, A.K., Gregoire, D.C., 1989. Tourmaline composition as a guide to mineral exploration: a reconnaissance study from Nova Scotia using discriminant function analysis. Economic Geology 84 (7), 1921-1935.
  • Collins, A.C., 2010. Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Tourmaline in Contrasting Hydrothermal Systems: Copiapó Area, Northern Chile. Degree of Master of Science in the Graduate College the University of Arizona.
  • Feral, K., 2014. Magnetism in Gemstones. Available: https://www.gemstonemagnetism.com/index.html.2017-02-16.
  • Filip, J., Bosi, F., Novak, M., Skogby, H., Tucek, J., Cuda, J., Wilder, M., 2012. Redox process of ion in the tourmaline structure: example of the high - temperature treatment of Fe3+ rich schorl. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 86, 239-256.
  • Gonzalez-Carreño, T., Fernández, M., Sanz, J., 1988. Infrared and electron microprobe analysis of tourmalines. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 15, 452-460.
  • Gubelin, E., Graziani, G., Kazmi, A.H., 1983. Pink Topaz from Pakistan. Gems & Gemology 22 (3),140-151.
  • Henry, D.J., Novak, M., Hawthorne, F.C., Ertl, A., Dutrow, B.L., Uher, P., Pezzotta, F., 2011. Nomenclature of the tourmaline-supergroup minerals. American Mineralogist 96, 895-913.
  • Laurs, B.M., Zwaan, J.C., Breeding, C.M., Simmons, W.B., Beaton, D., Rijsdijk, K.F., Befi, R., Falster, A.U., 2008. Copper-bearing (Paraíba-type) Tourmaline from Mozambique. Gems and Gemology 44 (1), 4-30.
  • Learned, L., Faceter, B.Y.A., 2011. Heat-treating tourmaline. pp. 78-84.
  • Robert, J.L., Fuchs, Y., Gourdant, J.P., 1996. Characterization of tourmalines by FTIR absorption spectrometry. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 23, 309. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00207782.
  • Shen, L., Hu, J., Zhu, X.Q., Zhang, W.J., 2010. Identification of Natural Tourmaline and Similar Gems by Diffuse Reflection Fourier Transform Middle Infrared Spectrum. Advanced Materials Research 177, 610-612.
  • Yingmo, H., Yunhua, L., Mengcan, L., Guocheng, L., Quan, L., Chunyan, H., 2018. The Preparation and Characterization of Tourmaline-Containing Functional Copolymer p (VST/MMA/BA). Journal of Spectroscopy Article ID 5031205. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/5031205.

Discovering Colour Alteration Conditions and Inclusion Changes of Sri Lankan Black/Brown (Penithora/Maangu) Tourmaline

Year 2023, Volume: 5 Issue: 2, 208 - 2016, 30.08.2023

Abstract

Black or brown tourmalines, commonly referred to as "Penithoora" or "Maangu" in Sinhalese, are predominantly found in Sri Lanka and are primarily used in the production of decorative items due to their limited market demand and lower value as gemstones. This study aims to investigate the conditions under which the color of black/brown tourmaline can be altered through heat treatment, with the objective of maximizing profitability from gem pits. A total of sixty samples of black/brown tourmaline were subjected to heat treatment using a "Lakmini" gas-fired furnace, employing five different temperatures (700 °C, 750 °C, 800 °C, 850 °C, and 900 °C) and varying soaking times of two, three, and four hours under oxidizing conditions within the gas furnace. The samples were subsequently analyzed using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectroscopy and a gemological microscope to assess changes in chemical and optical properties. The results obtained from ED-XRF spectrometry indicated that silicon, aluminium, and magnesium were the major elements, while titanium, iron, and manganese were significant trace elements present in black/brown tourmaline. Minor color reduction was observed at 700 °C, with slight brown color reduction occurring at 750 °C and 800 °C. Significant color reduction coupled with clarity enhancement was achieved at temperatures of 850 °C and 900 °C. By elucidating the color alteration conditions and associated changes in inclusions, this study contributes to the understanding of heat treatment effects on black/brown tourmaline, enabling enhanced identification and potential value optimization of these gemstones. Following the heat treatment, crystal inclusions exhibited a cloudy or partially melted appearance, resembling sugar crystals. Trichites, which exhibited a continuous flow in natural stones, appeared discontinuous after heat treatment. Therefore, heating at 850 °C for a maximum of three hours resulted in a more reduced brown/black translucent appearance with improved clarity.

References

  • Bačík, P., Ozdín, D., Miglierini, M., Kardošová, P., Pentrák, M. and Haloda, J., 2011. Crystallochemical effects of heat treatment on Fe-dominant tourmalines from Dolní Bory (Czech Republic) and Vlachovo (Slovakia). Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 38 (8), 599-611.
  • Clarke, D.B., Reardon, N.C., Chatterjee, A.K., Gregoire, D.C., 1989. Tourmaline composition as a guide to mineral exploration: a reconnaissance study from Nova Scotia using discriminant function analysis. Economic Geology 84 (7), 1921-1935.
  • Collins, A.C., 2010. Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Tourmaline in Contrasting Hydrothermal Systems: Copiapó Area, Northern Chile. Degree of Master of Science in the Graduate College the University of Arizona.
  • Feral, K., 2014. Magnetism in Gemstones. Available: https://www.gemstonemagnetism.com/index.html.2017-02-16.
  • Filip, J., Bosi, F., Novak, M., Skogby, H., Tucek, J., Cuda, J., Wilder, M., 2012. Redox process of ion in the tourmaline structure: example of the high - temperature treatment of Fe3+ rich schorl. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 86, 239-256.
  • Gonzalez-Carreño, T., Fernández, M., Sanz, J., 1988. Infrared and electron microprobe analysis of tourmalines. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 15, 452-460.
  • Gubelin, E., Graziani, G., Kazmi, A.H., 1983. Pink Topaz from Pakistan. Gems & Gemology 22 (3),140-151.
  • Henry, D.J., Novak, M., Hawthorne, F.C., Ertl, A., Dutrow, B.L., Uher, P., Pezzotta, F., 2011. Nomenclature of the tourmaline-supergroup minerals. American Mineralogist 96, 895-913.
  • Laurs, B.M., Zwaan, J.C., Breeding, C.M., Simmons, W.B., Beaton, D., Rijsdijk, K.F., Befi, R., Falster, A.U., 2008. Copper-bearing (Paraíba-type) Tourmaline from Mozambique. Gems and Gemology 44 (1), 4-30.
  • Learned, L., Faceter, B.Y.A., 2011. Heat-treating tourmaline. pp. 78-84.
  • Robert, J.L., Fuchs, Y., Gourdant, J.P., 1996. Characterization of tourmalines by FTIR absorption spectrometry. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 23, 309. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00207782.
  • Shen, L., Hu, J., Zhu, X.Q., Zhang, W.J., 2010. Identification of Natural Tourmaline and Similar Gems by Diffuse Reflection Fourier Transform Middle Infrared Spectrum. Advanced Materials Research 177, 610-612.
  • Yingmo, H., Yunhua, L., Mengcan, L., Guocheng, L., Quan, L., Chunyan, H., 2018. The Preparation and Characterization of Tourmaline-Containing Functional Copolymer p (VST/MMA/BA). Journal of Spectroscopy Article ID 5031205. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/5031205.
There are 13 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Marine Geology and Geophysics
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Igala L. C. Sammani Wıckramarathna This is me

Ramawıckrama G. Chamal Jalıya This is me

Kalukumara M. S. C. Kumara Illangasınghe This is me

Publication Date August 30, 2023
Published in Issue Year 2023 Volume: 5 Issue: 2

Cite

AMA Wıckramarathna ILCS, Jalıya RGC, Illangasınghe KMSCK. Discovering Colour Alteration Conditions and Inclusion Changes of Sri Lankan Black/Brown (Penithora/Maangu) Tourmaline. IJESKA. August 2023;5(2):208-2016.