Gem Microscopes

A gem microscope is similar to a biological or medical microscope in that it is binocular, and uses compound lenses. 

A binocular magnifying device has two eyepieces so that both eyes are used at once. This is ideal for getting a good three dimensional view. In a compound scope, there is a set of lenses close to the object being magnified and a set in the eyepieces.
With this set-up, magnification is compounded, meaning that, for example, if the objective lens is 5x and the ocular lens is 10x, the total magnification is 50X (5X x 10X).

Gem scopes differ from biological scopes in that the total maximum magnification is usually lower and there are more lighting options. 

Professional grade gem microscopes generally include:

• brightfield illumination
• darkfield illumination
• oblique fighting
• overhead lighting
• light diffusing system
• a system for immersing the object in liquid in a well for viewing
• polarizing lighting
• pivoting stone holder

Shop our selection of Jewel Gem Microscopes here.

Check out our Professional Gem Jewel Darkfield Stereo Microscope 12X-75X

On sale now for $1,244.99

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Gemology: Diamonds

Diamonds are one of our links between the world back then and the world now. We don't know if they truly are forever but we do know that they have been in existence a very long time.

Diamonds are made of carbon atoms that are formed into a tightly packed structure with extreme heat, pressure, and oxygen conditions. Most diamonds form in the earth's crust or mantle but some deeper down. Under the earth's crust they form as impact diamonds under the deep earth. due to mass pressure. The redox reaction of CO2 or Methane forms diamonds. The complex pattern of diamonds could take anywhere from 3 billion years to form in the earth's mantle and brought so the earth's surface through magma.

Shop Jewel Gem System Microscopes here

Home School Microscope Projects: Crystals

This is a great project for homeschooling because it's a fun and simple observation project that will allow students to identify various crystal shapes under a microscope. Crystal patterns come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

Supplies needed are:

1. Microscope
2. Glass Slides
3. Salts, Sugar, Lemon Juice
4. Polarizing Film

Procedure:

1. Dissolve salt in water to create saltwater.  Repeat this for other minerals you want to test. Put mixtures in clean glass slide. 

2. Let slides dry overnight until the liquid is evaporated. 

3. Observe formations at various magnification powers. Observe images in observation log. 

4. If formations are difficult to observe, you can use polarizing film. Place one piece over the light source and place the second piece over the slide on top of the stage. Adjust intensity of light illumination as needed. 

5. Observe the magnification at various powers, the film should make the crystals appear with different colors. 

6. Record all changes and observations. 

Darkfield Imagery Tips

Darkfield microscopy is a very simple method for viewing unstained specimens clearly because it is clearly visible. Good candidates for darkfield observation usually have a transparent background that way the light an illuminate the specimen and darken the surrounding area, making the image quality clearer and more intense. Good specimens to use include aquatic organisms, cells, and cultures.

To achieve good darkfield images make sure that the central light rays along the optical axis are blocked. Blocking these light rays allows for just oblique rays to pass through at sharp angles, striking the specimen and illuminating the image. A darkfield condenser will get you the results your looking for with your microscope. The condenser reflects a single surface that provide more even illumination.

We recommend the OMAX Compound Binocular Microscope with Darkfield Condenser and 5.0 MP Digital Camera for $549.99

Model No: M827-A191-C50

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Compound Microscopes 101

A compound microscope can be used for medical research to a day at the beach. A compound microscope includes an eyepiece, stage clips, and objectives with different lenses, adjustable knobs, a power button, and a stage with light source. Other parts include the body, nose piece, arm, and stage stop.

It can be used in various science fields such as Microbiology and Geology. Forensic investigators and scientists identify crystal shapes to reference pharmaceuticals and other medical needs. Microscopes can also help them see human cells, minerals, and metals. 

The setup of the optical parts plays an important ole in working with a compound microscope. The condenser focuses light onto the specimen with either bright-field or darkfield condenser attachments. 

By understanding these basics, you can independently carry out an experiment for observing minute objects of your interest, and try to explore some of the incredible things with the help of this wonderful instrument. Nowadays, compound microscopes are used in various domains, within or outside science. Care should be taken while buying any of the microscopes, be it compound or digital microscope. For better understanding, you can always discuss with a science teacher or an expert.

For more info check out our website's shopping guide here.

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Multi Viewing Attatchments

A multi-viewing attachment is one of the most beneficial accessories for your microscope if you are interested in group research and observations. Most multi-viewing microscopes are designed to allow for anywhere from two to six viewers. Over the years consumers wanted more heads for larger conferences and research and also for teaching purposes. Nowadays there are systems with even up to ten to a dozen heads, while they function properly, the image quality is not the greatest with so many heads. This is because any microscope with more then six heads will make the light not be evenly distributed  The light gets harder to find and all the users may not be seeing the same quality image.

For teaching purposes, two or more persons to view the specimen simultaneously is a great feature. It is also useful got presentations. We recommend out dual binocular model which is great for labs, demonstrations, clinics, universities, and schools.  Shop double binocular head compound microscope here.

Features Include:

-4 levels of magnification

-Dual binocular heads

-2 pairs of eyepieces

-4 achromatic objectives

-Variable intensity illumination

What is Phase Contrast Microscopy?

Phase contrast is a microscopy method used by Fritz Zernike. Zernike made multiple discoveries including the direct path of light. Phase contrast microscopy makes images appear darker against a light background.  Phase contrast uses a condenser system and an objective lens. Phase is only useful on images that are colorless or transparent because it makes it difficult to see it's surroundings. Objects suitable for phase contrast microscopy are bacteria, protozoa, and cells. Zernike was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953 for his discoveries in Physics.

We recommend our 2000X Phase Contrast Compound LED Microscope with 9.0 MP Camera.
Shop here: http://bit.ly/14WLZrU

Product Features Include:

• High Quality Glass Elements
• High Definition Images
• Eight Levels of Magnification
• USB Camera
• Advanced Software
• Abbe Condenser