1.800 Refractive Index Fluid – GEM Gemstone Refractometer – 1.8 mL / 12 Gram Vial – USA Made

Professional 1.800 nD refractive index fluid for gemstone identification and gemological testing. American-made, arsenic-free formulation supplied in a new amber glass vial with applicator rod.

Product Description

The quality and accuracy of the refractive index fluid are critical when using a gem refractometer for gemstone identification.

This 1.800 nD Gem Refractive Index Fluid is designed specifically for use with gemological refractometers and provides a measured refractive index of:

nD = 1.800 ± 0.005 @ 25°C

The fluid is an excellent, economical choice for routine gemstone testing and is suitable for the vast majority of stones encountered during normal gemological identification.

IMPORTANT: PRODUCT SAFETY & HANDLING

This product is described as non-poisonous and does not contain arsenic. However, “non-poisonous” does not mean that the fluid is harmless or that normal chemical-handling precautions are unnecessary.

This is a chemical reagent intended for testing purposes only. Do not ingest. Avoid unnecessary or prolonged contact with skin and avoid contact with the eyes.

When handling the fluid, NI Supply recommends:

• Wear appropriate protective gloves.
• Wear appropriate eye protection when there is a possibility of splashing.
• Avoid ingestion.
• Avoid unnecessary skin contact.
• Avoid contact with the eyes.
• Use in a well-ventilated area.
• Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
• Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use and follow its handling, storage, spill-response and first-aid recommendations.
• Keep out of reach of children and individuals who are not familiar with laboratory chemical handling.

For testing use only. Not for consumption or any application involving food, beverages, animals or humans.

The SDS should always be considered the authoritative source for detailed chemical safety, hazard, first-aid and disposal information.

Arsenic-Free, American-Made Gem Refractive Index Fluid

This is an American-made 1.800 RI gemstone testing fluid supplied to NI Supply by a U.S. laboratory supplier.

Unlike some inexpensive imported RI fluids where detailed formulation or safety documentation may not be readily available, this product is supplied with product documentation and an identifiable source.

This product does not contain arsenic and is described as non-poisonous.

For clarity, however, arsenic-free and non-poisonous should not be interpreted as “non-hazardous” or “safe to handle without precautions.” Appropriate chemical-handling practices should always be followed.

1.800 RI – An Economical Choice for Gemstone Testing

This 1.800 RI fluid is an excellent economical alternative to the more expensive 1.81 RI fluid for routine gemstone identification.

A standard gem refractometer cannot provide useful readings above the refractive index of the contact liquid. Consequently, a 1.800 RI fluid has a practical limitation when testing stones whose refractive indices fall above approximately 1.800.

This fluid will not allow your refractometer to accurately read the range between approximately 1.801 and 1.810 RI.

For most routine gemstone identification, however, this limitation affects relatively few stones. The principal examples include Spessartite Garnet and Gahnite (Blue/Green Spinel).

For users who routinely encounter high-RI gemstones, we also offer 1.81 RI refractive index fluid, which extends the usable range of a standard gem refractometer.

Why Refractive Index Fluid Is Used

A gem refractometer measures the refractive index of a gemstone by observing how light passes through the stone and refracts at its surface.

The refractive-index fluid serves as a contact medium between the gemstone and the refractometer prism. It helps eliminate the air gap between the stone and prism, allowing the instrument to produce a usable shadow-edge reading.

The fluid can also help reduce surface glare and improve visibility when examining a gemstone for internal characteristics, inclusions and other defects.

For accurate gemstone testing, it is important that the refractive index of the contact fluid be known and consistent.

Product Specifications

Additional Physical Properties

• Boiling Point: 181°C / 358°F
• Vapor Pressure: Approximately 1.5 @ 23°C / 73°F
• Specific Gravity: Approximately 3.08–3.10 @ 23°C / 73°F
• Water Solubility: Slight
• Flash Point: >230°F / 110°C
• Evaporation Rate: 1 (mineral oil = 1)
• pH: Not applicable
• Viscosity: Not applicable; approximately comparable to ISO 5

Refer to the current SDS for complete safety and physical/chemical information.

1.8 mL / 12 Gram Vial

Our 4.0 mL amber glass vial contains approximately 1.8 mL of refractive index fluid and weighs approximately 12 grams.

The vial is filled a little less than HALF WAY full.

The applicator rod incorporated into the cap allows you to apply a small amount of fluid directly to the refractometer prism or gemstone.

Because only a very small amount of fluid is normally required for each test, a single vial can provide a substantial number of gemstone tests when properly handled.

New Amber Glass Vial

This product is supplied in a new amber glass vial with applicator rod.

The amber glass helps protect the fluid from direct light during storage, while the applicator makes it possible to dispense small quantities without pouring the fluid directly from the bottle.

Storage & Shelf Life

To maximize the useful life of the refractive index fluid:

• Keep the vial tightly sealed when not in use.
• Store away from direct sunlight and strong light sources.
• Store in a dry, moderate-temperature environment.
• Do not leave the container open unnecessarily.
• Keep the outside of the vial and applicator clean.

Always replace the cap securely after dispensing the fluid.

Important Note About 1.800 vs. 1.81 RI Fluid

The difference between 1.800 and 1.810 RI may appear small, but it is significant when identifying gemstones near the upper measurement limit of a standard gem refractometer.

The 1.800 RI fluid is an economical choice for routine testing and covers the vast majority of gemstones encountered by many users.

If you regularly test gemstones with refractive indices near or above 1.800, consider keeping 1.81 RI fluid available as well.

NI Supply offers both fluids for this reason.

Professional-Grade Alternative to Unidentified Imported RI Fluids

Refractive index fluids are available from a variety of sources, including inexpensive imported products.

For laboratory and gemological applications, however, knowing the specified refractive index, product source and available safety documentation can be important.

This 1.800 RI fluid is:

• Made in the USA
• Arsenic-free
• Supplied in a new amber glass vial
• Supplied with an applicator rod
• Manufactured to a specified 1.800 RI value
• Available with product safety documentation

We believe these factors are important when selecting a testing fluid for professional or serious hobbyist gemstone identification.

What Is the Difference Between “Non-Poisonous” and “Safe”?

We want to be particularly clear about this point because it can be misunderstood.

“Non-poisonous” is not intended to mean “harmless.”

The product is not intended to be consumed, applied to the body, or handled casually. It is a chemical testing reagent and should be treated with appropriate care.

The absence of arsenic is an important characteristic of this formulation, but it does not eliminate the need for basic chemical-handling precautions.

Please read the SDS before using the product.

If you are unfamiliar with handling laboratory chemicals, consult the SDS and use appropriate protective equipment and ventilation.

Ideal For

This 1.800 RI refractive index fluid is suitable for:

• Gemologists
• Jewelry professionals
• Gemstone dealers
• Jewelry repair and appraisal operations
• Gemological laboratories
• Mineral and gemstone collectors
• Rockhounds
• Serious gemstone hobbyists
• Educational gemology programs
• Students learning gemstone identification

Use With Gem Refractometers

This fluid is designed for use as a contact medium with standard gemstone refractometers.

For best results:

1. Clean the refractometer prism and gemstone before testing.
2. Apply a small amount of RI fluid to the prism.
3. Place the flat surface of the gemstone against the prism.
4. Take the refractometer reading according to the instrument manufacturer's instructions.
5. Remove the gemstone carefully.
6. Clean the prism and gemstone after testing.
7. Immediately replace the RI fluid container's cap.

Only a small amount of fluid is normally required for each test.

Safety Data Sheet

Please review the SDS before use.

The SDS provides the detailed information necessary for appropriate handling, storage, exposure control, first aid, spill response and other safety considerations.

Important: Product descriptions such as “non-poisonous” should never be used as a substitute for reviewing the SDS.

Order 1.800 RI Gem Refractive Index Fluid from NI Supply

This 1.800 nD Gem Refractive Index Fluid provides an economical, accurately specified contact medium for gemstone refractometer testing.

With a specified refractive index of 1.800 ± 0.005 @ 25°C, an arsenic-free formulation, American manufacture, new amber glass packaging and an applicator rod, it is an excellent choice for routine gemological testing.

For gemstones requiring measurement beyond the practical range of 1.800 RI fluid, see our 1.81 RI Gem Refractive Index Fluid.

National Industrial Supply

30777 Rancho California #891420
Temecula, CA 92589
United States

Phone: (310) 748-6858
Email: nisupply@gmail.com
Website: www.nisupply.com