GEM KNOWLEDGE · LABORATORY NOTES
Dravite Tourmaline
The prismatic bracelet crystals are dravite tourmaline with a small uvite component. The round beads were identified as obsidian.
Collection background: Nepal. This sourcing information is supplied by Soul Body Gems.
What the testing found
- The prismatic bracelet crystals are dravite tourmaline with a small uvite component. The round beads were identified as obsidian.
- Report sample 1141, completed March 22, 2025.
View the original test results
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These results are the property of Soul Body Gems, Alexander Falster, and the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum. Any mention requires full acknowledgment.
Understanding the report figures
Use this guide alongside the written findings and the original report transcript. It explains the purpose of each analytical figure and preserves the laboratory’s own figure labels. The interpretations apply to the tested specimen; signals alone do not establish the identity of every similar-looking stone.
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Electron microscope image: This view shows small-scale regions selected for analysis. Its brightness contrast helps distinguish regions with different compositions; it is not a photograph of their natural colors. Numbered spots connect this view to the analyses listed in the report.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig.2: Backscattered electron image of an area of the specimen.
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Elemental spectrum: The peaks record characteristic X-ray signals from elements in the analyzed spot or area. This is an analysis of that location, not automatically of the entire specimen. Any mineral identification or uncertainty named in the laboratory caption is retained below.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 1 in Fig. 2. (dravite, a tourmaline species)
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Elemental spectrum: The peaks record characteristic X-ray signals from elements in the analyzed spot or area. This is an analysis of that location, not automatically of the entire specimen. Any mineral identification or uncertainty named in the laboratory caption is retained below.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 4: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 2 in Fig. 2. (obsidian)
Read the complete report as text
Analytical Result Report
Sample id: 1141 (#5 bracelet)
Submitted by: Soul Body Gems
Date completed: 3-22-2025
Operating conditions: An AMRAY 1830 SEM operated at 25 kV acceleration potential, 24 mm working distance, 0 degrees sample tilt, coated with 250 Å carbon, and also using the attached XRF unit operated at 30 kV.
Photograph of the specimen. Approximately 1.3 cm maximum dimension on the large beads, 0.4 cm diameter of the round beads.
Fig.2: Backscattered electron image of an area of the specimen.
Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 1 in Fig. 2. (dravite, a tourmaline species)
Fig. 4: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 2 in Fig. 2. (obsidian)
Summary of findings: This specimen (Fig. 1) is pretty. The prismatic crystals are dravite, a tourmaline group species. There is a small uvite component, a calcium-dominant tourmaline species, present, recognizable from the calcium content. Dravite is sodium dominant.
The round beads are obsidian! (Figs. 2 and 4)
Date: 3-22-2025 Signature
Read the original laboratory report as text
The following text and tables are transcribed from the original laboratory document. Figure captions identify the report images; the laboratory interpretations and limitations are preserved.
Laboratory report 1
Analytical Result Report
Sample id: 1141 (#5 bracelet)
Submitted by: Soul Body Gems
Date completed: 3-22-2025
Operating conditions: An AMRAY 1830 SEM operated at 25 kV acceleration potential, 24 mm working distance, 0 degrees sample tilt, coated with 250 Å carbon, and also using the attached XRF unit operated at 30 kV.
Photograph of the specimen. Approximately 1.3 cm maximum dimension on the large beads, 0.4 cm diameter of the round beads.
Fig.2: Backscattered electron image of an area of the specimen.
Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 1 in Fig. 2. (dravite, a tourmaline species)
Fig. 4: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 2 in Fig. 2. (obsidian)
Summary of findings: This specimen (Fig. 1) is pretty. The prismatic crystals are dravite, a tourmaline group species. There is a small uvite component, a calcium-dominant tourmaline species, present, recognizable from the calcium content. Dravite is sodium dominant.
The round beads are obsidian! (Figs. 2 and 4)
Date: 3-22-2025 Signature