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GIA Polariscope
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GIA Polariscope
General Information
The polariscope is used primarily to determine the optic character of transparent to
translucent gem materials; in other words, it determines whether a stone is singly
refractive (SR), doubly refractive (DR), or is an aggregate (AGG). The polariscope is
not used with opaque materials. Doubly refractive stones may be divided further as
to whether they are uniaxial or biaxial. Pleochroism may also be detected in stones
that possess this characteristic to a fairly marked degree. Diamond cutters use the
polariscope to determine the strain characteristics of diamonds.
Getting Started
Read this section thoroughly before you begin using the GIA Polariscope.
The GIA Polariscope has two polarizing filters: the polarizer at the bottom and
the analyzer at the top. The polariscope also includes a removable sample plate to
hold the gem material, a removable 4X magnifier, an optic figure sphere, a power
cord and a universal plug adapter. The device includes an LED light source that
provides the main illumination and an LED white light source and port for use with
the GIA Refractometer.
To get started:
1. Unpack the device and confirm all parts are included. See parts list below.
2. Place the polariscope on a stable surface.
3. Select the appropriate universal plug adapter and plug the device into a
working electrical outlet.
4. Place the sample plate on top of the polarizer.
5. Place the optic figure sphere in its holder.
6. To turn on the polariscope, flip the rocker switch at the back of the device to the
ON position. The polariscope can be turned off at any time by flipping the rocker
switch to the OFF position.
White Light Port
Sample Plate
(Removable/
Rotatable)
Polarizer
Analyzer (Rotatable)
Removable Magnifier
Optic
Figure Sphere
Power Supply and
ON/OFF switch on
back of unit
