Micro-Splinters of Semi-Precious Stones on the Turin Shroud: Optical Microscopy Studies and SEM-EDX Analyses

We have explored, by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray, sixteen particles of semi-precious stones (peridot, chrysolite, chlorite, citrine, cornelian, garnet and jet) located in a sample of the Face area of the Turin Shroud. These particles, of different colours, are microsplinters of their semi-precious stone counterparts. They were intentionally deposited on the Turin Shroud at different times of its story, for decorative and sacralised reasons. Some of them (peridot, chrysolite, citrine, cornelian and jet) are related to the Bible or to Christianity.

Keywords: Turin Shroud, Face Area, Semi-Precious Stones, Optical Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-Ray.