can i view gemstones on this microscope
576465
No, you cannot use this microscope to view gemstones, or any solid object (at least not in a way that will be useful). There are two main types of microscope - compound, and stereo. A compound microscope, like the AmScope B120C-E1, is designed to look at translucent samples - drops of pond water, thin slices of tissue, and so on. Light is shined up through the sample and into the eyepiece, allowing you to see the cells/organisms in the sample. For viewing solid objects, you need a stereo microscope such as the AmScope SE400 (http://www.amazon.com/AmScope-SE400-Z-Widefield-Inspection-Microscope/dp/B005C75IVM). These microscopes are more like magnifying glasses on steroids, and use reflected light to illuminate the top of whatever you're viewing. If you want to examine gems, coins, circuit boards, insects, etc., go with a stereo microscope. Note that a "binocular" microscope just means the 'scope has two eyepieces - it does not imply "stereo" or "compound".
576466
A gemstone? I don't really think so unless you are cutting a microslide of a mineral ore, for that kind of augmented view you should use a Stereoscopic Microscope :)
576467
The distance between the scope and the platform is pretty close. I dont think it would be the good option for gemstone.
1805545
You really can't. All that it tests is diamonds and diamond stimulants. The only way to test a gem with this is to loupe it and see the cutting of the stone. All this does is tell you if it is a diamond or not.
972914
You can see the indentation in the picture. Imagine the knob moving in an arch around the perimeter of the microscope
830628
We have liked this microscope very much. We collect fossils and it is very handy to be able to take pictures of what we are magnifying. Being able to see the specimens on the screen without binocular focusing is very helpful for our kids. It is nice to have a microscope we can carry with us outdoors.
838284
Yes you could look at coins but it'll be a little darker unless you have some good lighting above, since the only light on the scope is underneath. I've used it to look at things like coins though. It works!
2093007
Contact the manufacturer, they are usually very helpful. However, they make a huge number of products, from steel rolling mills to ultra microscopes, so send them all the details on what you want, and good luck.
1451766
I have not actually done this and I work in a steel mill and know what you are looking for , so as long as your sample is properly prepared I don't think you should have a problem. The microscope is capable of the magnification range and the screen resolution is good enough however I think you will need to use an alternative light source, the light above the stage isn't great. Also your sample is going to have to be relatively thin to insure that you have the room to focus.
1612739
no! you cant hold it in one hand and focus with the same hand while holding the gem stone in the other hand.
2075623
You need a better quality microscope. The power of the lens lens not the problem.
706975
There should be a software CD-ROM provided. The software on it, though, does little. Go to www.bustatech.com and download WebcamViewer, it's free and works with this microscope. The red button seems to do nothing. The silver switch has 3 positions: LED's on, dim, or bright. The focus is very close, mine was a little inside the plastic end tube so I took a file and trimmed off the last 1/8" or so of plastic and now it works fine. The focus is still tricky, though, with that little ball-and-socket mount. One of my next projects will be to get a cheap kid's microscope somewhere (EBay?) and mount this in place of the microscope barrel so I can crank it up and down more precisely and have it stay put afterward. There should be a software CD-ROM provided. The software on it, though, does little. Go to www.bustatech.com and download WebcamViewer, it's free and works with this microscope. The red button seems to do nothing. The silver switch has 3 positions: LED's on, dim, or bright. The focus is very close, mine was a little inside the plastic end tube so I took a file and trimmed off the last 1/8" or so of plastic and now it works fine. The focus is still tricky, though, with that little ball-and-socket mount. One of my next projects will be to get a cheap kid's microscope somewhere (EBay?)... » Read More There should be a software CD-ROM provided. The software on it, though, does little. Go to www.bustatech.com and download WebcamViewer, it's free and works with this microscope. The red button seems to do nothing. The silver switch has 3 positions: LED's on, dim, or bright. The focus is very close, mine was a little inside the plastic end tube so I took a file and trimmed off the last 1/8" or so of plastic and now it works fine. The focus is still tricky, though, with that little ball-and-socket mount. One of my next projects will be to get a cheap kid's microscope somewhere (EBay?) and mount this in place of the microscope barrel so I can crank it up and down more precisely and have it stay put afterward. « Show Less
1746070
I bet this would do a good job. It can read the microprint on US Currency no problem. I amazed my son by showing him the microprint on the US $20 (try looking to the right of Jackson, the "shadow" of USA is actually microprint that is very clear with this). The microprint is nearly invsible without the magnifier, but crystal clear with it. Your question gives me an idea: I'd love to have a project with my son to use his scope to read the laser etching microprint on a certified diamond. I'll have to see if I can find someone with one.
929822
don't know if that is possible, but would imagine with the right equipment you could etch or engrave - fyi, they are glass, not crystal
738146
No issues with microscope remaining in focus. The higher levels do focus, but very close to the glass slide so you must take care not to break the glass. If there is a cover slip, or the sample is protruding too much, it may not focus on the highest magnification.
446508
I don't think so. The slides have a special design and. In other way, this microscope have a very poor zoom.
1978713
I didn't tried yet - the ones I've cleaned so far have other gems - amber, amethyst, rubies, peridot...no problem with these. works excellent
257068
gemstones with a large enough flat surface, yes. Rounded stones very difficult
878205
Yes. Watch this YouTube video and it will show you your options for viewing methods. http://youtu.be/J3A13-ggKIA