What is a Gem Reflectometer?

What’s the difference between a reflectometer and a refractometer? If you’re interested in studying or buying gems, learn the facts here.

Home Learning Center Gemology Questions About Gems and JewelryWhat is a Gem Reflectometer?

By International Gem Society

Question:In my quest for a refractometer, someone suggested that I purchase a reflectometer as a more affordable alternative. However, I'm having difficulty getting much information on this tool as it relates to gemstones. Do you know anything about reflectometers?

diamond table facet - reflectometer — The table is the large, horizontal facet on top of a gem that acts as a window to its interior. Viewing an expertly cut and well-polished facet is essential for getting an accurate reading of a gem's luster with a reflectometer. Faceted diamond, photo by James St. John. Licensed under CC By 2.0.

Answer: A refractometer measures a gemstone's refractive index. A reflectometer, sometimes called a jeweler's eye, measures luster, how a gem's surface appears.

What a Reflectometer Can (and Can't) Do

A reflectometer is usually calibrated to tell you what a stone "most likely" is. For example, if you're looking at a ruby, a reflectometer will quickly tell you if the gem is not corundum. However, that is far from what you need for positive gem identification.

Beware of Inaccurate Results

Reflectometers are also notoriously inaccurate. Their accuracy is based on the quality of the facet you are reading. I have had two and they both gave me birefringence readings on the table of a one-carat diamond. You won't find a flatter or better polished table than that. And diamonds have no birefringence!

Donald Clark, CSM IMG

Photo courtesy of <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/what-is-a-reflectometer/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/">liveauctioneers.com and <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/what-is-a-reflectometer/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/auctioneer/2182/ark-auction/">Ark Auction</a>." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

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