Non-Destructive Study of Egyptian Emeralds Preserved in the Collection of the Museum of the Ecole des Mines

In the present study, rough emerald single crystals and emeralds in host rock from ruins of Alexandria Mount Zabargad Egypt, preserved collection museum Ecole des Mines (Mines Paris—PSL) since late 19th or early 20th century, are investigated. All samples were characterized by non-destructive spectroscopic chemical methods during a week-long loan to LFG. Raman, FTIR UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy revealed that Egyptian contain H2O molecules accompanied relatively high concentrations alkali ions colored chromium iron. Additionally, EDXRF showed Egypt up 84 ppm Rb low amounts (below 200 ppm) Cs. Inclusions parts also observed under optical microscope analyzed with Raman spectroscopy. Tube-like structures, quartz, calcite, dolomite, albite phlogopite associated minerals, inclusions identified these historic Egypt. This work will hopefully further contribute characterization archaeological significance.