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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

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EDXRF quantitative analysis of chromophore chemical elements in corundum samples
L Bonizzoni1, A Galli, G Spinolo
1Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 16, 20133 Milan, Italy.
This study refines the analysis of gemstone color by precisely measuring trace elements in corundum (aluminum oxide). It offers a new interpretation of spectral absorption bands, avoiding common intervalence charge transfer explanations.
Area of Science:
- Mineralogy
- Materials Science
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Corundum (aluminum oxide) is a rock-forming mineral whose color arises from trace chromophore elements like iron, titanium, and chromium.
- Gemstone varieties exhibit diverse colors due to variations in these trace elements within the crystal lattice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively evaluate chromophore element concentrations in corundum with high precision.
- To interpret near-infrared (NIR) and visible absorption bands without invoking intervalence charge transfer (ICT) transitions.
- To develop a method for accurate analysis of autoabsorption and secondary excitation effects in quantitative energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative evaluation of chromophore chemical element concentrations.
- Spectroscopic analysis of NIR and visible absorption bands.
- Development of a method to assess autoabsorption and secondary excitation effects in EDXRF analysis.
Main Results:
- Achieved high precision in quantitative evaluation of trace element concentrations.
- Provided an alternative interpretation for absorption bands in corundum spectra.
- Minimized errors associated with autoabsorption and secondary excitation in EDXRF analysis.
Conclusions:
- The developed method enhances the accuracy of trace element analysis in gemstones.
- The study offers new insights into the color origins of corundum varieties.
- Accurate EDXRF analysis is crucial for understanding gemstone spectral properties.
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