Learn More About The Features Of A Quality Gemological Microscope
Gemological microscopes are complex microscopes used in the inspection of precious gemstones and jewelry. There are a lot of gemological microscopes being sold in the market today. Know more about the features of quality gemological microscopes in the article below.
If you are shopping for gemological microscopes, it is important that you learn about their different features so that you can properly choose the best one available in the market. Gemological microscopes are specifically used to inspect gems with the sole purpose of testing it for authenticity. It is also used to create, manufacture, and even repair jewelry with gemstones. Regardless of how these microscopes are used, it is very important that their features are rightly considered.
Here are the different features of a quality gemological microscope:
1. Wide magnification range
Gemological microscopes are low power microscopes. Usually, its total magnification range is only 0.75x to 40x. This is achieved with the use of both the eyepiece and the objective lens. A quality gemological microscope is equipped with auxiliary objectives and eyepieces to enhance the device’s magnification ability. Ideally there should be two or more separate eyepieces and objective lenses that came with the microscope’s package.
2. Capable of zooming through the sample.
Quality gemological microscopes should be stereomicroscopes. This means it is possible to continuously zoom in and out of the sample under observation. The ideal zoom ratio of these devices would be 1:6. But of course, the higher the value is, the more beneficial it is for users. But then again, the microscope should be able to retain the level of resolution even after zooming in. Otherwise, the presence of this feature will not be very useful.
3. Tilting head
There are times that a gemstone has to be observed from all sides and angles. And the body or the head of the gemological microscope can be tilted, and then it is going to be very simple for the user to change his view field from one area of the gemstone to another. This is especially useful when crafting gemstones. While it is equally easy to manipulate the gemstone itself, doing it from the eyepiece is way more convenient.
4. Good working distance.
Ideally, the working distance of a gemological microscope should be more than 100 mm. With this much of a distance, it becomes possible for the users to repair or polish the gemstone placed on the stage of the microscope. The working distances of microscopes are affected when higher objectives are used. But with a quality gemological microscope, the long working distance is left unaffected even if the objectives and eyepieces are changed.
5. Multiple illumination system
Ideally, gemological microscopes should be equipped with three different light systems to illuminate the specimen. It should be capable of viewing the sample under the regular bright field microscopy mode. And with a mere click of a switch, the bright field illumination system should be changed to the dark field illumination type. But what really makes these microscopes useable to check a diamond’s clarity and color would be the incident fluorescent illumination system. This lighting system produced white light on the sample. It reduces the instances of stains and yellowish effects that bright field light source produces.
6. Comes with variable stage holders
With gemological microscopes, it is important that users be able to mount their samples on the stage properly. These samples that are used with gemological microscopes are precious stones. Therefore, damaging or worse, losing them is not an option. A quality gemological microscope should be built with different types of holders so that it can accommodate all types of gemstones regardless of their cut and sizes.
7. Movable base and head
To add more to the functionality of the microscope, gemological microscopes should be pretty movable. The tilting head would provide users with optimum comfort while viewing. And much of it is because they would be able to move the height of the microscope at par with their own. A rotating base is also useful, especially in stores and retail shops. It would be easy for the microscope user to rotate the base of the microscope and show the customer the integrity of the gem, convincing him to buy.
These are the seven good features of a quality gemological microscope. So if you need to buy one either for personal or business use, consider these features and you would never go wrong. You surely would be able to find the best one available in the market today.
