NANOSCALE TECHNIQUES FOR CHARACTERIZING GEMSTONE COATINGS: A CASE STUDY ON SYNTHETIC MOISSANITE

This study investigated the application of colored coatings on synthetic moissanite, a process aimed at simulating the appearance of rare blue and pink diamonds. The analysis focused on characterizing colored coatings on commercial synthetic moissanite and uncovering the possible techniques used. By employing a range of nanoscale analytical methods (including Auger electron spectroscopy combined with argon ion beam sputtering, spherical aberration–corrected transmission electron microscopy with electron energy loss spectroscopy, and electron probe microanalysis), the compositions and thicknesses of the coatings were determined, revealing their nanoscale thin-film properties. These films varied in composition, leading to the distinct blue and pink hues observed for the synthetic moissanite samples. The suite of analytical techniques presented in this study offers a robust basis for characterizing colored coatings on a variety of polished gemstones, providing compelling evidence of the fabrication principles and mechanisms behind these coatings.