Scientists at the University of Barcelona have developed a fast and reliable way to identify natural, treated, and synthetic rubies and sapphires using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Their study reveals unique spectral fingerprints for different gemstone types, offering a powerful tool in the fight against gem fraud.

Spectroscopy sat down with James Harrington of Research Triangle Institute (RTI International) in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, who was the lead author of this study, as well as coauthor Donna Seibert of Kalamazoo, Michigan. In Part I of our conversation with Harrington and Seibert, they discuss the impact of ICH Q3D and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) <232>/<233> guidelines on elemental impurity analysis and how they designed their study.

Our “Chemometrics in Spectroscopy” column highlights the methodology that is used in order to apply chemometric methods to data. Integrating chemometrics with spectroscopy allows scientists to understand solutions to their problems when they encounter surprising results. Recently, columnists Howard Mark and Jerome Workman, Jr., wrote a series of articles about data transforms in chemometric calibrations. In this listicle, we profile all pieces in this series and invite you to learn more about applying chemometric models to continuous spectral data.

A recent astronomical study saw a research team from Argentina study an open star cluster using spectroscopy instrumentation.

A historical and technical overview from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) explores how advanced scientific instruments—particularly spectroscopic methods—have transformed gem identification. From refractometers to modern spectrophotometers, this deep dive highlights the evolving challenges and solutions in gem testing.

A new study in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis showcases high-performance detection using artificial intelligence and spectroscopy.

Researchers at Harbin Medical University recently developed a SERS-based diagnostic platform that uses DNA-driven “molecular hooks” and AI analysis to enable real-time detection of cardiovascular drugs in blood while eliminating interference from larger biomolecules.

New research from the Gemological Institute of America highlights the essential role of infrared spectroscopy in identifying gemstones, detecting treatments, and distinguishing natural from synthetic gems. The technique’s precision and non-destructive nature have made it an indispensable tool in modern gemology.

Researchers in South Korea demonstrate a fast and reliable method for measuring lithium isotope abundance using dual-laser plasma technology.

Researchers from Kannur University and Anand Niketan College have developed Dy³⁺-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles with unique luminescent properties using a novel solvothermal method.

Top articles published this week include an announcement from Waters Corporation, a news story about the hidden geology of the Big Island of Hawaii, the latest “IR Spectral Interpretation” column, which focuses on analyzing carbonyl compounds, and wearable spectroscopy sensors.

New predictive models promise to revolutionize livestock feeding strategies in one of China’s most important pastoral regions.

A new study published in Chemosphere by researchers at Bharathidasan University reveals alarming seasonal microplastic (MP) contamination in fish and shellfish from India's Pichavaram Mangroves.

Researchers from the University of Nevada, Reno, have conducted the most comprehensive subsurface analysis of Hawaiian shield basalts to date, using advanced spectroscopic and geochemical techniques to reveal short-lived hydrothermal alteration processes and establish a new foundation for future volcanic and geothermal studies.