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 Post subject: Refractometer index fluid
PostPosted: Sun Jan 18, 2015 4:32 pm 
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I have just bought a Refractometer and having problems with the index fluid supplied.
After I've applied the fluid to the gem and taken the reading I find that when I remove the gem and dry it off there is yellow staining which I can't remove.
I wonder if anyone has any advice.


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 Post subject: Re: Refractometer index fluid
PostPosted: Sun Jan 18, 2015 6:24 pm 
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Where exactly is the yellow staining ? On the stone, on the refractometer, on your hands ?
If on the stone, what kind of stone?


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 Post subject: Re: Refractometer index fluid
PostPosted: Sun Jan 18, 2015 6:26 pm 
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The stain is sulfur. I don't know how to remove it. Maybe someone else has a solution.
In the future, don't uses the stuff, use Methylene Iodide and the B/D ratio until you figure out what you can or can't do with that instrument.


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 Post subject: Re: Refractometer index fluid
PostPosted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 7:15 am 
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Hi Isi,
The staining was on the stone which was an agate. I can't see any staining on the refractometer, but that is black so it wouldn't show. I didn't get any on my hands.
Thanks.

Hi Bill,
Thanks for the advice.


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 Post subject: Re: Refractometer index fluid
PostPosted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 2:46 pm 
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What have you used to try to remove it?
Sulfur is much softer than agate, you should be able to rub it off......I'd love to see a picture of this staining.


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 Post subject: Re: Refractometer index fluid
PostPosted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 6:00 pm 
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Maybe the agate is a very porous one, and it has "drunk" the liquid.
I find it a bit surprising, but then some agates are easily dyed so why not.

Some sensitive stones don't make good friends with the refractometer liquid, such as turquoise or opal, so maybe something of the sort happened to the agate.


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 Post subject: Re: Refractometer index fluid
PostPosted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 7:12 pm 
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Fair enough, I'd still like to see a picture.


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 Post subject: Re: Refractometer index fluid
PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2015 2:37 pm 
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Hi Barbara,
It was only a small test piece, and as I couldnt really make use of it, I've thrown it away. If it happens again I'll take a photo and post it here.
Thanks everyone for the advice.
Still trying to find a defining line in the refractometer index. Hopefully I will in time.


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 Post subject: Re: Refractometer index fluid
PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2015 4:27 pm 
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Maybe your unknown was NOT an agate


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 Post subject: Re: Refractometer index fluid
PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2015 8:52 pm 
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I'm pretty sure it was agate, but I could be wrong.


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