Characterizing pearls structures using X-ray phase-contrast and neutron imaging: a pilot study

Some cultured and natural pearls can be reliably distinguished by visual inspection and by the use of lens and microscope. However, assessing the origin of the pearls could be not straightforward since many different production techniques can now be found in the pearl market, for example in salt or freshwater environments, with or without a rigid nucleus. This wide range of products requires the use of new effective scientific techniques. Indeed, X-ray radiography has been used by gemologists since last century as the only safe and non-destructive way to visually inspect the interior of a pearl, and recently, also X-ray computed micro-tomography was used to better visualize the inner parts of the gems. In this study we analyzed samples of natural and cultured pearls by means of two non-destructive techniques: the X-ray Phase-Contrast Imaging (PCI) and the Neutron Imaging (NI). PCI and NI results will be combined for the first time, to better visualize the pearls internal morphology, thus giving relevant indications on the pearl formation process.