• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.95-101
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• 2009

The surface characteristics of Zachery-treated turquoise stones have been studied in detail with a comparison of natural and plastic-impregnated turquoise. The SEM-EDS analysis exhibited that Zachery-treated turquoise was characterized by the uniform distribution of potassium element through the specimen and did not show the sharp crystalline $SiO_2$ facet and boundary phase which are common in natural ore. The potassium element shown in the Zachery-treated turquoise seemed to be occurred during the treatment process for the improvement of durability. The bar-shaped crystals observed in the pore was found to be a feature of Zachery treated turquoise and are expected to influence on their stability and durability, while the pore sizes in turquoise stones depends on the parameter of the treatment procedure.