CALCITE DICHROSCOPE WITH SUPPORT

The dichroscope is a pocket-sized tool that can aid in the identification of gemstones. This tool is used to inspect pleochroism color in gemstones and to quickly separate some common stones from each other.

The calcite dichroscope is the preferred type of dichroscope used in gemology. It works because the calcite rhomb separates the polarized slow and fast ray emerging from the gemstone.

If you look at the viewing end of the dichroscope, two small windows are seen. A gemstone is placed in front of the aperture (slightly touching it) with a strong white light source (such as a penlight) directly behind the stone. Light enters through the aperture of the dichroscope.

The pleochroism colors inside the gemstone are separated by the calcite rhomb. The glass prisms on either side of the rhomb are there to guide the light straight through the instrument.