The following lists some of the Equipment Available for Diamond Studies at UBC

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Fluorescence Stereomicroscope

Some diamonds fluorescence under UV light. Observation of diamond fluorescence helps diamond fingerprinting and reveals stones with different nitrogen aggregation states.

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Fourier-Transform Infrared-Raman (FTIR) Spectrometer

Infrared spectrosopy is used for quantitative analysis of impurity concentrations within diamond, typically nitrogen, hydrogen and boron. An aggregation state of N, the most common impurity of diamond, can also be measured. FTIR studies help diamond fingerprinting and assessment of a residence time of diamond in the mantle.

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Cathodoluminescence: Optical microscope and SEM Spectrometer

Cathodoluminescence studies map the interior of diamond and reveal details about a diamond growth history. Cathodoluminescence colours can be observed under optical CL microscope and further quantified using SEM CL spectrometer. Recording frequencies of CL emittance peaks help to characterize diamonds.

Images are from P. Hayman's Master's Thesis and from De Stefano et al. (2006)

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Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is a tool that can be used for obtaining images of surface features on diamonds and for a search and identification of small mineral inclusions in diamonds.

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Electron Microprobe

The Electron Microprobe is used for chemical analysis of small mineral grains in thin sections or mounts. In order for inclusions to be examined they must be polished together with the diamond host or removed from the diamonds and mounted for probing. Detailed examination of mineral inclusion chemistry provides insight into diamond paragenesis and enables constraints on the environment where diamonds crystallized.

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Diamond Polishing Wheel

Diamond could be polished, although it is not easy. We grind off parts of diamond to expose mineral inclusions inside.