Announcing the 2011 PrettyRock.com Faceting Competition! Click here for details. |
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| What the heck is this smelly stuff and why do we need it?
RI liquid is a special liquid created to have a higher refractive index then the majority of gemstones.
It is used with a refractometer to create a seal between the stone and the hemicylinder.
(You can
learn more about gem refractometers here.) We sell both the 1.80 and the 1.81 refractive index liquids, this page will help you determine which is the right RI liquid for you. In a nut shell, the 1.81 is lighter in color and some gemologists insist it makes getting a reading easier. The 1.80 is cheaper, and callibration is higher (.0005 vs .005 for 1.81) Here at PrettyRock we use the 1.80. We don't see enough difference in the reading to make the extra expense worth it. However, some of our customers have requested the 1.81, and we so offer it. We can't have you craving 1.81 RI liquid and not getting it! |
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Photo of refractometer reading using 1.80 for a 1.516 calibration stone |
Photo of refractometer reading using 1.81 for a 1.516 calibration stone |
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