I cut stones and am very interested in the optical properties and the resultant “performance quality” of the final cut stone.
This obviously means I need to know the RI of the material and (at least a ball park) ID.
If it’s material I’ve dug myself, from experience I have a good idea of what it is and how it behaves…
But, if buying, dealing with unfamiliar material or out in the field, it seems a dichroscope and polariscope (and maybe a gemtorch with selectable wavelengths??) would be basic portable equipment to begin with?
Would need be reliable for assessing gem rough.
Also considering refractometer down the track, but portability paramount at the moment.
Have a good loupe already
Read enough to realise limitations and pitfalls so not expecting any “silver bullets”
just some guidance particularly with reference to types (and brands?) that would suit my purposes…Thanks