Study on the Influence of Porosity of the Nacre Layer on the Luster and Surface Roughness of Chinese Large Freshwater Nucleated Pearl

Abstract

The Chinese large freshwater nucleated pearl has become popular for its unique appearance throughout the international jewelry market in recent years. However, its quality evaluation mostly depends on appearance observations, and the influence of the nacre layer’s internal microstructure on the gemstone’s appearance needs further investigation. In this study, light reflectivity, surface height unevenness parameters and porosity of the nacre layer were measured by chroma meter, laser scanning confocal microscope and X-ray computed tomography (μ-CT), which quantitatively described the characteristics of luster, surface roughness and structure compactness of the nacre layer. It was found that the porosity of the nacre layer had a significant influence on appearance features, with an increase of porosity showing more surface blemishes (higher surface roughness parameters) and weaker luster (lower reflectivity). Related results can provide reference for the scientific and quantitative evaluation of pearl quality.

Keywords

• pearl
• freshwater
• nucleated
• porosity
• nacre layer
• luster