ABSTRACT
A sample of a blue-violet sapphire variety coming from Tibet was investigated by photoluminescence spectroscopy and electron microprobe. The results are discussed here in comparison with those of different natural and synthetic sapphire materials. This report gives a contribution to the open discussion about the luminescent behaviour of iron in different oxidation states and it represent a further example of the ability of PL spectroscopy, in connection with conventional mineralogical techniques, at distinguishing between natural and synthetic materials, as well as between different minerals and varieties.
