Gem Identification (Part 6) Spectroscopy

Spectroscopes are used to seperate white light into its component colors. (Remember Sir Isaac Newton and his invention of the prism?) Various chemical elements or CHROMOPHORES are coloring agents in gemstones. The absorbtion lines or bands in the spectroscope indicates the elemental coloring agent in many circumstances. This instrument is often needed to distinguish dyed from natural colored Jadeite jade. Also, color treated diamonds can be detected. The unknown red cabochon shows absorbtion in the red portion of the spectrum indicating Chromium as the chromophore. I think I have enough information to make a definitive identification at this point as Chromium is the key to this stone.