Is there a difference using 1.79, 1.80, and 1.81 RI liquid?
I have been using 1.79 and 1.80 which is popular in Asia but GIA requires 1.81 for Gem ID so I got some from Cargille. My question though is: Is there really a difference, say in performance or whatever? A bottle of 1.81 costs more than double than that of 1.79 or 1.80 plus shipping fee as it basically comes only from the US.
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:22 pm Posts: 21602 Location: San Francisco
The higher the RI of the liquid, the higher the RI you can test for. Lots of folks prefer the lower RI liquid because it is slightly less toxic than the higher.
I have several bottles of RI liquid. I routinely reach for the high end even though the 1.79 would do.
Like Barbara, I have both available. I use the lower RI fluid for lower RI stones, bu once I am above 1.75 or so I switch. The lower RI is much less caustic.
Joined: Sun Mar 11, 2007 10:03 pm Posts: 341 Location: San Diego
It makes a difference specifically for stones that have RI readings between 1.780-OTL (for example Almandine Garnet). If you only had access to the low RI liquid, you would not be able to accurately separate stones in that range from others of similar readings outside that range.
Note that 1.81 liquid is available from multiple sources of varying price, not all of which are located within the US. For example, notice that the image of replacement RI liquid on the GIA store is not a Cargille bottle
Although the 1.81 liquid is relatively expensive, a single bottle should last a long time if used appropriately.
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Thank you for responses! All are very helpful. I use up to 1.80 but got a couple of bottles for 1.81. It’s a bit elusive in Asia but I guess I can get extras at GIA campuses. After shipment and taxes, I ended up paying about USD250 but if you look at the length of usage, it is indeed not a lot. I guess I was comparing the price to USD25-35 a bottle for 1.79-1.80.
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