Refractometer with Inbuilt Light Source

Our standard gemstone refractometer provides a sharp image and good readability and has inbuilt LED illumination.

Gemstone refractometers are used for the classification and quality control of gemstones. The gemstone is simply placed on the prism with a drop of contact fluid (RI Fluid). The refractive index of the gemstone is read through the ocular of the refractometer. The refractive index is an important parameter in classifying a mineral or gemstone, however it is only one of a suite of tests that gemmologists use to accurately identify the gemstone type.

Each mineral has its typical refractive index, due to its chemical composition and crystalline structure. Gemstones with a high RI are generally more brilliant, ie a diamond has a RI of around 2.4, whereas quartz approximately 1.55. Our gemstone refractometers are characterised by their particularly sharp image and good readability. The refractometer can be used as a mobile unit with an ordinary light source or with sufficient ambient lighting. LED illumination is also available with a wavelength of 589 nm.

The gem refractometers are constructed of cast aluminium, and are supplied complete with a manual.