Elemental analysis and characterization of vermilion and lipstick sample using SEM-EDS

Abstract

Though many offenders are aware of the trail evidence typically used in forensic settings, there is a low possibility of translocation developing during a crime. Conventional evidence is rarely left at a crime scene, thus unconventional potential evidence must be taken into consideration. Lipstick and vermilion stains from cosmetics could be transferred from a criminal, crime scene, or victim. Perpetrators frequently aren't aware that such evidence could be utilized to trace a suspect to a crime scene because it's common for these cosmetic particles to be conveyed during a near-range individual assault and left out undetected. In this study, ten lipstick and ten vermilion color samples which are prominently found in crime scenes were analyzed by (SEM-EDS) scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to identify particles that might have been transferred during the close-quarters fight. EDS data shows constituents of the samples taken which can be further used as a data set to match such colored cosmetics samples in crime scenes. Mass percentage of C, O, Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Fe, Mg, Si, and Co shows variation in all the samples which provide uniqueness and served as a key factor in identification.