GEM KNOWLEDGE · LABORATORY NOTES
Orange Dogtooth Calcite (China)
Orange Dogtooth Calcite (China) from our collection, with scalenohedral crystals and visible internal growth phantoms. Soul Body Gems records the supplied locality as Li Gian Mine, Wenshan, Yunnan, China.
The collection locality is supplied provenance, rather than a locality established by the laboratory. Analysis identified calcite and low trace-element contents, with locally stronger iron-bearing surface staining. The dogtooth form describes crystal habit. The crystals’ translucency and growth zoning reveal aspects of their geology; condition and mine-production claims should be assessed piece by piece.
Report: Sample 10484, completed January 27, 2024. Findings apply to the specimen examined.
Report images © Soul Body Gems, Alexander Falster and the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum. Please acknowledge all three when referring to these results.
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 (calcite)
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: 10484 calcite crystals)
Submitted by: Soul Body Gems
Date completed: 1-27-2024
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.
A BRUKER Titan X-ray fluorescence spectrometer was also used and operated for 30 seconds at 50, 25, and 10 kV.
Fig. 1: Photograph of the specimen. Approximately 5 mm maximum dimension of the beads.
Fig.2: Backscattered electron image of an area of the specimen.
Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 1 in Fig. 2 (calcite)
Table 1: minor and trace elements in the calcite. (in wt. %)
| Element | Reported value |
|---|---|
| Iron | 0.06 |
| Magnesium | 0.26 |
| Manganese | 0.02 |
| Zinc | 0.04 |
Summary of findings: This specimen (Fig. 1) is very interesting! It is calcite (Figs. 2 and 3). The tare element content is low (Table 1) but surface staining does bring up to iron content to 0.7 wt. %.
Date: January 27. 2024 Signature