New test at Dubai Central Laboratory to detect counterfeit precious stones and metals
Consumers can now know if amber stones were heat treated or doctored with plastic
Dubai: Consumers can now know the authenticity of gemstones, precious metals and amber stones that they purchase in Dubai — thanks to a detection test developed by Dubai Central Laboratory (DCL) of Dubai Municipality, to assess if those stones might have been treated with plastic.
Laboratory specialists have developed different tests that use laser technology to distinguish between treated and untreated amber stones, keeping consumers informed about the quality and genuineness of the gemstones they purchase, the municipality announced here today.
Consumers can now know the types of treatment a particular amber stone has gone through — whether it had been heat treated or if the cavities were doctored with plastic.
“DCL has played a major role in developing various tests that are beneficial for customers in different sectors — including consumables and commodities, food, efficiency and safety of electronics and construction material. With innovation as one of its core values, Dubai Municipality has always emphasised the importance of research and studies to develop innovative and advanced examination methods to increase efficiency of these tests. It is worth noting that the Gemological Institute of America recently published a white paper on DCL’s Gemstones and Precious Metals Testing Lab,” the civic body added.