Raman spectroscopy is a laboratory method that identifies a material from how it scatters laser light. Diamond shows a peak at 1332 cm⁻¹.
In more detail
Moissanite's Raman spectrum lacks that peak. With infrared spectra and X-ray fluorescence, which finds silicon, it identifies moissanite submitted as diamond.
Related terms
- Screening device: A screening device separates natural diamonds from laboratory-grown diamonds and simulants. Most answer Pass (natural) or Refer (send to a laboratory).
- Absorption spectrum: An absorption spectrum shows which wavelengths of light a stone absorbs. In a spectroscope, the absorbed parts of the spectrum look dark.