Dubai: Dubai Municipality’s Central Laboratory launched a range of new services in the field of pearl testing, which use X-rays to determine whether the pearl is natural or artificial without damaging it.

The new technique is called Real-Time X-ray, and allows glimpsing the internal structure of the pearl without causing any damage and it is faster than previous techniques.

Ameen Ahmad, Head of Consumer Materials Laboratory Section, said, “Using this technique has significantly reduced the time required for examination. In fact, this technique is 30 times faster than the old way, which depends on preparing and processing films,” he said.

He added that the laboratory always seeks to enhance its testing process and increase the accuracy of the results issued by them in line with government’s goals and expectations.

“The technique is characterised by very high accuracy and produces two- and three-dimensional images of the pearl. Moreover, using this technique has been a shift from the traditional methods, that rely on the use of chemicals, to environment-friendly ways that do not result in any chemical waste,” Ahmad explained.

The use of modern technology, he said, is necessary in light of the developments happening in the field of pearl manufacturing.

He said there is a need for accurate testing techniques to ensure accurate results and to protect consumers and ensure their happiness.