Optimized conditions for cobalt diffusion in Sri Lankan colorless topaz and coloration mechanism elucidation through spectro-chemical investigation

Chandana. P.  UDAWATTE; Sunil  ABEYWEERA; L. R. K.  PERERA; Sandun  ILLANGASINGHE; Chirath  WEERASOORIYA; Chakkaphan  SUTTHIRAT; Naleen  JAYASINGHE; Tilak  DHARMARATNE; Saranga  DIYABALANAGE

doi:10.55713/jmmm.v33i1.1596

Authors

Chandana. P. UDAWATTE Department of Physical Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, 70140, Sri Lanka.
Sunil ABEYWEERA Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya,20400, Sri Lanka.
L. R. K. PERERA Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya,20400, Sri Lanka.
Sandun ILLANGASINGHE Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute, Regional Centre, Hidellana, Ratnapura, 70012, Sri Lanka.
Chirath WEERASOORIYA Department of Physical Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, 70140, Sri Lanka.
Chakkaphan SUTTHIRAT Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
Naleen JAYASINGHE Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute, Regional Centre, Hidellana, Ratnapura, 70012, Sri Lanka.
Tilak DHARMARATNE Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute, Regional Centre, Hidellana, Ratnapura, 70012, Sri Lanka.
Saranga DIYABALANAGE Instrument Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka.; Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55713/jmmm.v33i1.1596

Keywords:

Co diffusion, Blue Topaz, Heat Treatment, Coloration of blue topaz

Abstract

Most of natural topaz is colorless; thus, methods of color enhancement are widely used for coloring this mineral. Currently, blue color is obtained by cobalt diffusion due to drawbacks in existing coloration methods. In this study, optimum conditions suitable for Cobalt diffusion in Sri Lankan colorless topaz were investigated and coloration mechanism was elucidated. The diffusion agent was prepared by mixing CoCO₃ with Na₂CO₃, CaCO₃ and carbon powder and diffusion was carried-out by varying the temperature and soaking time. Chemical analysis, UV-Vis absorption spectrum, infrared absorption spectra, and Raman peaks of diffused and non-diffused topaz were tested. The results clearly indicated that the optimum condition for Co diffusion in Sri Lankan topaz is 950℃ for 11 h. The EPMA analysis showed that the Co concentration in the diffused sample varied from 0.001 wt% to 0.027 wt% while colorless topaz showed <0.001 wt%. The UV-Vis spectrum of Co diffused blue topaz gave three absorption peaks at 556, 588, and 627 nm corresponding to three spin-allowed electronic transitions of Co²⁺ ion in teterahedaral coordination. In case of Co diffused topaz, one additional new broader IR absorption peak was noticed around 6640 cm^-1 presumably arising by optical transitions of ⁴A₂ → ⁴T₁ in Co²⁺ (⁴F). Our results lead to the conclusion that, blue color of the Co diffused topaz is arising by spin-allowed electronic transitions of Co²⁺ ions in tetrahedral site of topaz matrix through substitution of Si⁴⁺ ions.

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