Luminescence behavior and Raman characterization of jade from Turkey

Results are presented for the cathodoluminescence (CL), radioluminescence (RL) and thermoluminescence (TL) of jade from Turkey. Jade samples show broad band luminescence from green to red, which, using lifetime-resolved CL, reveals seven overlapping emissions, of which two are dominant. Green emission obtained using spatially resolved CL was associated with Mn2+ and emission bands centered near at 480 and 530 nm were attributed to 3P0–3H4 and 1D2–3H4 transitions of Pr3+, respectively. Different shifts of the peak-wavelengths for 326 and 565 nm were observed with varying jade compositions. The incorporation of the larger K ion causes non-linear variations of the cell dimensions and therefore changes in the FeO band distance. We suggest that stress of the jade structure can be linked to the luminescence emission at 326 nm. Raman spectra have also been recorded in order to provide an unequivocal identification of the type of jade. The mechanism for the luminescence of the jade is considered.

► Jade spectrum displays numerous broad bands at room and low temperatures.
► Different luminescence centers contribute to the overall signal.
► The Raman spectra and associated vibrational assignments are reported for jadeite.
► The TL sensitivity varies depending on the treatment of the samples.