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Non-invasive three-dimensional reconstruction of ancient opalised pearls reveals structure

ANSTO’s versatile neutron instrument Dingo was used to analyse opalised pearls more than 65 million years old that were found in Coober Pedy, South Australia.

In addition to confirming that the samples were ancient pearls, Dingo produced three-dimensional computerised tomographic (CT) scans of the objects for the South Australian Museum.

Instrument scientist Floriana Salvemini said the neutron tomography allowed the reconstruction of the internal structure of these rare objects without damaging them.

Neutron tomography opalised pearls