New Delhi: The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is all set to establish a cutting-edge Gem Testing and Research Laboratory at the Central Discovery Centre.
The Gem testing facility will be set up under the second phase of grants received through the SATHI (Sophisticated Analytical and Technical Help Institute) scheme authorised by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), BHU.
According to the BHU official, the general public uses gemstones and other precious and semi-precious stones frequently in jewellery and ornaments, they have astrological importance in addition to commercial value.
The trading and business of the gemstones are also conducted by a number of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). However, the majority of the nation's gem testing facilities are found in western cities like Mumbai, Surat, and Ahmedabad.
There are only a few dependable testing facilities in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The Scientific approaches for gemstone authentication aids in identifying real and fake gemstones and also to boost public confidence. It has been recognised that this region of the country needs a cutting-edge testing centre, the BHU official said.
The lab will come up with advanced and "sophisticated" instruments like FTIR (Fourier transformation infra-red spectroscopy), Laser Raman spectroscopy, ED-XRF (Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer), Tabletop XRD (X-ray diffractometer), UV-VIS-NIR (Ultra violet, visible and near infra-red)-Spectrometer, binocular and polarising microscope and also a laser cutter with an investment of INR 3.75 crores under the project.
Each of these aforementioned tools has a specific function for recognising different characteristics of gemstones, such as their structure, chemistry, colour, and inclusions.
According to Prof Anil Kumar Tripathi, coordinator of BHU-SATHI and director of the Institute of Science, this region of the country is getting a new laboratory for the first time.
He stated that a team would be assembled to oversee and guarantee the proper operation of the Gem testing laboratory, it will consist of professors with expertise in the relevant fields of Mineralogy, X-ray spectroscopy, Chemistry and Physics from the Departments of Geology, Chemistry, and Physics of the Institute of Science and MMV, BHU along with an external expert who was Head of the Gem testing laboratory of the Geological Survey of India. Further, Professor Tripathi disclosed that on April 27, a meeting will be held between industry officials involved in quality control and the sale of gemstones and BHU geology experts in order to understand the demands of the sector.
The meeting will start from 3.30 PM at the BHU CDC building. Interested and experienced candidates in testing the quality of gemstones are advised to inform the Chief Operating Officer, SATHI-BHU
Professor Tripathi claimed that this facility in BHU is yet another illustration of business and academic cooperation and is consistent with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal that science and technology should reach out and meet the needs of the general public and regular people.
When it comes to assisting the local industry with its technological experience and expertise, BHU has been setting the bar high, he concluded.
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