GIA Polariscope User Manual - User Manual

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GIA Polariscope

user guide
scientific instrumentation by gia

GIA Polariscope

Input: AC 90-240V, 0.5A
HZ: 50 and 60 kHz
Working Temperature: 10 to 35°C (50°F to 95°F)

IMPORTANT!
READ THIS USER GUIDE BEFORE SETTING UP
AND USING THIS PRODUCT

Table of Contents

General Information.......................................................................................................4
Getting Started ................................................................................................................5
Parts List...........................................................................................................................6
Using the Polariscope ...................................................................................................7
Locating Optic Axis and Optic Figure .......................................................................9
Detecting Pleochroism................................................................................................11
Use with Refractometer .............................................................................................11
Maintenance ...................................................................................................................12
Technical Support ........................................................................................................13
Ordering Parts ...............................................................................................................13
Return Information.......................................................................................................13
Warranty and Terms ....................................................................................................14

CAUTION!

Environmental

For indoor use only. Use only in a dry
location. Pollution Degree 2.

Installation Category (CATII).

Ambient temperature range should not
exceed 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F).

Maximum relative humidity should not
exceed 80% max at 31ºC decreasing
linearly to 50% at 40ºC.

Main supply voltage fluctuations can
reach +/- 10% of the normal voltage.

GIA

and Gemological Institute of America

are registered trademarks of Gemological Institute of America, Inc.

CAUTION!

Risk of electrical shock

The device should be used in the
manner specified by manufacturer.
Using the device in any other way may
result in electrical shock.

Spray and moisture can cause an
electric shock or hardware damage.
DO NOT use the polariscope where it
is likely to be affected by moisture or
spray of fluids. Improper cabling can
cause injury or a shock. DO NOT let
anything rest on the power cord. DO
NOT locate the polariscope where
people will walk on the cord. When
routing the cord, try to make rounded
bends rather than sharp ones that can
kink the cord.

Unstable positions can cause serious
damage to the polariscope or personal

danger, if it falls. DO NOT put the
polariscope on an unstable cart,
stand, or table. Always position the
polariscope so that it is easy to operate
the disconnect device (power supply
cord plug).

ACTION IF FAULT OCCURS

A fault can cause electric shock or
injury. Unplug the polariscope from
the power outlet and contact qualified
service personnel if the following
conditions occur:

• The power cord or plug is damaged

or frayed

• Liquid has been spilled into

the polariscope

• The polariscope has been exposed

to water

For the online and translated versions of the user guide,

visit

GIA.edu/instruments-user-guides-manuals-download

GIA Polariscope

General Information

The polariscope is used primarily to determine the optic character of transparent to
translucent gem materials; in other words, it determines whether a stone is singly
refractive (SR), doubly refractive (DR), or is an aggregate (AGG). The polariscope is
not used with opaque materials. Doubly refractive stones may be divided further as
to whether they are uniaxial or biaxial. Pleochroism may also be detected in stones
that possess this characteristic to a fairly marked degree. Diamond cutters use the
polariscope to determine the strain characteristics of diamonds.

Getting Started

Read this section thoroughly before you begin using the GIA Polariscope.

The GIA Polariscope has two polarizing filters: the polarizer at the bottom and
the analyzer at the top. The polariscope also includes a removable sample plate to
hold the gem material, a removable 4X magnifier, an optic figure sphere, a power
cord and a universal plug adapter. The device includes an LED light source that
provides the main illumination and an LED white light source and port for use with
the GIA Refractometer.

To get started:

1. Unpack the device and confirm all parts are included. See parts list below.

2. Place the polariscope on a stable surface.

3. Select the appropriate universal plug adapter and plug the device into a

working electrical outlet.

4. Place the sample plate on top of the polarizer.

5. Place the optic figure sphere in its holder.

6. To turn on the polariscope, flip the rocker switch at the back of the device to the

ON position. The polariscope can be turned off at any time by flipping the rocker
switch to the OFF position.

White Light Port

Sample Plate

(Removable/

Rotatable)

Polarizer

Analyzer (Rotatable)

Removable Magnifier

Optic

Figure Sphere

Power Supply and

ON/OFF switch on

back of unit

GIA Polariscope

Parts List

The GIA Polariscope includes the following items:

Polariscope with built-in power supply – 1 piece

Sample Plate – 1 piece

Large Magnifier – 1 piece

Optic Figure Sphere – 1 piece

Power Cord

Universal Plug Adapter

Using the Polariscope

Before you test any stone with the polariscope, clean it with a gem cloth and confirm
that it is transparent to translucent and not assembled. The polariscope is not used
to test opaque or assembled stones.

To test a stone:

1. Place the rotatable sample plate on top of the polarizer.

2. Turn on the polariscope using the ON/OFF switch on the back of the device.

3. While looking through the analyzer with the light source on, note that continuous

rotation of the analyzer causes the field to become alternately light and dark. Turn
the analyzer to the position where the field is darkest (analyzer and polarizer are
in a crossed position).

4. Place the stone on the sample plate.

5. Rotate the sample plate a full 360° and observe the stone’s reaction while

looking through the analyzer. The stone’s reaction will indicate one of the
following results.

Singly Refractive (SR):

If the stone remains dark during rotation, it could be singly

refractive or it could be a doubly refractive stone that is positioned along its optic
axis. In this case, reposition the stone so that it is viewed in a second and then a third
direction. If the stone remains dark in three positions, it is singly refractive.

Doubly Refractive (DR) or Anomalous Double Refraction (ADR):

If the stone

alternates from dark to light every 90° (see figure 1), it indicates that the stone is
doubly refractive or it is a singly refractive stone that shows anomalous double
refraction. To confirm that the stone is doubly refractive, rotate the stone to its
lightest position and then turn the analyzer from dark to light position. If the stone
remains the same or appears darker as you turn the analyzer, it is doubly refractive.
If the stone gets lighter as you turn the analyzer, it is singly refractive with internal
strain showing anomalous double refraction.

Aggregate (AGG):

If the stone remains light during rotation, it is an aggregate.

Note that highly included stones can give a false AGG reaction. Consider only the
transparent areas of the stone.

GIA Polariscope

Precautions and Limitations

• The stone must be large enough for you to detect and interpret its reactions.

If the stone is very small, try placing the magnifier on top of the analyzer to
better observe the reaction.

• Never determine a transparent red stone to be doubly refractive until it has

been checked for pleochroism.

• Stones that are over the limits of a refractometer (OTL) can give indefinite

results in the polariscope. It’s best to confirm if the stone is singly or doubly
refractive by looking for pleochroism or the presence or lack of doubling in
a microscope.

Figure 1. At left, the gem is dark but turns light as the stone is rotated (right).

Locating Optic Axis and Optic Figure

Every doubly refractive stone cut from a single crystal has either one direction
(uniaxial) or two directions (biaxial) along which it is singly refractive, called its optic
axis. With the polariscope and an optic figure sphere, uniaxial and biaxial stones
display distinctly different characteristic patterns called optic figures.

To locate the optic axis and an optic figure:

1. Turn the analyzer to the crossed (dark) position.

2. Place the magnifier on top of the analyzer.

3. Hold the stone between the polarizer and the analyzer with your fingers.

4. Rotate the stone between your fingers as you look through the analyzer.

5. As an optic axis is approached, interference colors, which faintly resemble the

play-of-color in opal, should become visible. When the axis is exactly vertical,
these colors will be most pronounced. Strength of intensity of the interference
colors varies with the type of material being tested.

6. Place the optic figure sphere over, close to or touching the area with the brightest

interference colors to observe the optic figure (see figure 2). See typical patterns
of uniaxial and biaxial gems in figure 3, next page.

Interference colors are not always visible. In this case, rotate the stone horizontally
and look for a dark shadow, or “brush,” that sweeps across the stone when you move
it (see figure 4, next page). Touch the optic figure sphere to the narrowest part of the
brush to observe the optic figure.

Figure 2. Interference colors appear along an optic axis (right). Place the
optic figure sphere over the area with the brightest interference colors to observe
the optic figure.

GIA Polariscope

Figure 3. A typical uniaxial figure (left) and a typical biaxial figure (right).

Figure 4. If optic colors are not visible, look for a dark shadow or
“brush.” Touch the optic figure sphere to the narrowest part of the brush to
observe the optic figure.

Detecting Pleochroism

The polariscope may be used to detect pleochroism in doubly refractive
colored stones.

To check for pleochroism:

1. Turn the analyzer to the uncrossed (light) position.

2. Place the stone on the sample plate or hold it between the polarizer and the

analyzer with your fingers.

3. Rotate the stone as you look through the analyzer noting any change in color as

the stone is rotated. Be sure to check in at least three different positions to be
sure you are not looking through an optic axis.

Use with Refractometer

The polariscope may be used to provide a white light source for the GIA
Refractometer as illustrated in figure 5.

(Refractometer not included)
Figure 5. Position the Refractometer in front of the white light port of
the polariscope.

GIA Polariscope

Maintenance

The GIA Polariscope should be handled with care. Following the recommendations
here, your GIA Polariscope should remain in excellent condition.

Cleaning

CAUTION!

When cleaning, turn off the polariscope and disconnect

the device.

Solvents may damage the polariscope. DO NOT use liquid or aerosol cleaners
to clean the surface of polariscope. Wet a damp cloth with a mild dish washing
detergent and apply it to the polariscope. Wipe dry with soft cloth.

Use lens paper and lens cleaner or a clean gem cloth to remove any fingerprints or
smudges on the polarizer, analyzer, magnifier, sample plate and white light port.

Avoid using tweezers to place or pickup stones off of the sample plate as they
may scratch the glass.

Technical Support

For technical support please contact:

Country/Region

Contact Info

USA
(and all other areas not
specified below)

GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
50 W 47th Street
New York, NY 10036
USA
Tel: +1 800 366 8519
Email: instrumentsupport@gia.edu

India

GIA India Laboratory Pvt. Ltd.
9th Floor, Trade Centre
Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East
Mumbai, 400 051
India
Tel: +91 22 40851507
Email: instrumentsupportindia@gia.edu

Europe

Email: instrumentsupporteurope@gia.edu

Israel

Email: instrumentsupportisrael@gia.edu

China, Hong Kong, South Korea
and Taiwan

Email: instrumentsupporthongkong@gia.edu

Japan

Email: instrumentsupportjapan@gia.edu

Thailand

Email: instrumentsupportthailand@gia.edu

To send the device or an accessory to GIA for repair, please first request a Return
Material Authorization (RMA) number and any other instructions.

Ordering Parts

Please visit the GIA website at

store.GIA.edu

to see parts available to purchase.

Return Information

Packing: Packing materials are specifically designed to provide maximum protection
for your GIA Polariscope during transport.

Important, remove the optic figure sphere from the holder before placing the
instrument back in the packing material.

Before returning any product, please contact GIA toll free at +1 800 421 8161 for
a Return Material Authorization (RMA). International + 1 760 603 4200 or email
giastore@gia.edu

GIA Polariscope

Warranty and Terms

LIMITED WARRANTY

Subject to the exclusions, limitations and conditions set forth below, GIA warrants
to the original purchaser of the GIA Polariscope that the GIA Polariscope will be free
from defects in material and workmanship (each a “defect” and a GIA Polariscope
with a defect is said to be “defective”), when subjected to normal, proper and
intended usage by properly trained and informed users, for twelve (12) months
from the date of shipment of the GIA Polariscope to the original purchaser (the
“Warranty Period”).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, products offered by GIA but manufactured by another
party are not covered under the warranty but may be separately warrantied by the
manufacturer. Consumable components, such as lamps, tubes, filters, liquids and
batteries are guaranteed for 30 days.

LIMITATION OF USE

The result from using the GIA Polariscope should not be considered analogous to
or a substitute for information provided by GIA on a GIA Report and should not be
represented or interpreted as the opinion of GIA.

GIA DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE GIA POLARISCOPE IS ERROR-FREE OR WILL
ACCOMPLISH ANY PARTICULAR RESULT.

SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY

For any defective GIA Polariscope that is returned to GIA by the original purchaser
during the Warranty Period in compliance with the process specified below, GIA will,
at GIA’s option, request that the manufacturer repair or replace the defective GIA
Polariscope. A replacement may be a new or refurbished GIA Polariscope, at the sole
discretion of GIA or the manufacturer, and any such replacement will continue to be
subject to the warranty provided by the manufacturer, if any.

THE FORGOING REMEDY SHALL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY IN THE
EVENT OF A DEFECTIVE GIA POLARISCOPE.

EXCLUSIONS FROM THE LIMITED WARRANTY

A GIA Polariscope will not be deemed defective and neither the manufacturer nor
GIA will have any obligation to repair or replace a GIA Polariscope as a result of
any one or more of the following: (i) normal wear and tear, (ii) accident, disaster, or
event of force majeure, (iii) misuse, fault, or negligence of or by any user or other
person, (iv) use of the GIA Polariscope in a manner for which it was not designed,
(v) causes external to the GIA Polariscope such as, but not limited to, power failure,

electrical power surges, exposure to fire, water, other liquids, excessive humidity or
temperature, (vi) improper storage or handling of the GIA Polariscope, or (vii) use of
the GIA Polariscope in combination with equipment or materials not supplied by GIA.

ANY MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, OTHER SERVICE, MODIFICATION, ALTERATION, OR
OTHER TAMPERING WITH THE GIA POLARISCOPE (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
OPENING OR ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE GIA POLARISCOPE OR ANY PART OF THE
GIA POLARISCOPE) THAT IS PERFORMED BY ANY PERSON OR ENTITY OTHER THAN
GIA WITHOUT GIA’S PRIOR WRITTEN APPROVAL, OR THE USE OF ANY REPLACEMENT
PARTS NOT SUPPLIED BY GIA, SHALL IMMEDIATELY VOID AND CANCEL ALL
WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE AFFECTED GIA POLARISCOPE.

GIA POLARISCOPE WARRANTY CLAIM PROCESS

If the original purchaser of the GIA Polariscope believes that the GIA Polariscope is
defective, then the original purchaser will promptly contact GIA technical service
at +1 917 286 3678 or instrumentsupport@gia.edu. The original purchaser will
provide to the GIA customer service representative the product model and serial
number (if applicable), the date of purchase, and details of the alleged defect. In
addition, if requested by the GIA customer service representative, the original
purchaser will also provide to the GIA customer service representative additional
information regarding the alleged defect and the use of the GIA Polariscope. After
(a) GIA’s review of the information provided by the original purchaser, (b) GIA
confirming that the Warranty Period has not yet expired, and (c) GIA’s belief that the
GIA Polariscope is likely defective, GIA will provide the original purchaser a Return
Material Authorization (“RMA”). An RMA may include specific handling and labeling
instructions and the original purchaser will comply with such instructions.

If the GIA Polariscope is returned to GIA without an RMA or without the proper
handling and labeling, the delivery of the GIA Polariscope may be refused by GIA.

After receipt of an RMA from GIA, the original purchaser may return the allegedly
defective GIA Polariscope to GIA to the address specified by the GIA customer
service representative with all shipment and insurance costs prepaid by the original
purchaser. If the GIA Polariscope is being returned within the 30-day period after
the original shipment of the GIA Polariscope to the original purchaser and the GIA
Polariscope is in fact defective, then GIA will reimburse the original purchaser the
reasonable shipment and insurance costs. If the GIA Polariscope is being returned
more than 30 days after shipment of the GIA Polariscope to the original purchaser
and the GIA Polariscope is in fact defective, then GIA may, in its discretion, reimburse
the original purchaser the reasonable shipment and insurance costs.

GIA Polariscope

Any returned GIA Polariscope must be packaged in the original packaging or in
packaging that is described in the RMA or is otherwise approved in advance by GIA
and which adequately protects the GIA Polariscope during shipment to GIA. Any loss
or damage to the GIA Polariscope that occurs during shipment to GIA will be at the
original purchaser’s sole risk.

If the returned GIA Polariscope is defective, then GIA will provide one of the remedies
set forth above. Replacement parts included by GIA in a repaired GIA Polariscope
may be new or refurbished, at the discretion of GIA. All parts that are replaced shall
become the property of GIA.

Shipment to the original purchaser of the repaired or replacement GIA Polariscope
shall be at GIA’s cost and expense. Any loss or damage to the GIA Polariscope that
occurs during return shipment by GIA to the original purchaser will be at GIA’s sole
risk.

If GIA determines that a GIA Polariscope returned to GIA is not defective or is not
covered by the limited warranty set forth above, the original purchaser shall pay or
reimburse GIA for all costs of investigating and responding to such request at GIA’s
then-prevailing time and materials rates, including but not limited to the cost of
shipping the GIA Polariscope back to the original purchaser.

If GIA provides repair services or replacement parts that are not covered by the
limited warranty, the original purchaser shall pay GIA for such services and parts at
GIA’s then current rates and prices.

DISCLAIMER OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES

EXCEPT FOR THE LIMITED EXPRESS WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE, GIA, ITS
SUPPLIERS AND ITS LICENSORS AND MANUFACTURERS MAKE NO OTHER
REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, GUARANTEES OR CONDITIONS, WHETHER
EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, WRITTEN OR ORAL, WITH RESPECT
TO THE GIA POLARISCOPE OR WITH RESPECT TO THE RESULTS THAT WILL OR WILL
NOT BE ACHIEVED USING THE GIA POLARISCOPE, INCLUDING THE GIA POLARISCOPE
IS PROVIDED “AS IS”. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED,
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF
THIRD PARTY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, AND ANY WARRANTIES ARISING
FROM COURSE OF DEALING, USAGE, TRADE OR ANY OTHER MANNER.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

TO THE FULL EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GIA NOR ANY OF
ITS SUPPLIERS OR LICENSORS OR MANUFACTURERS SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE
ORIGINAL PURCHASER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR ANY INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, INCIDENTAL, RELIANCE, PUNITIVE, OR
EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, LOST REVENUES, PROFITS OR BUSINESS, OR THE COST OF
PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES ARISING FROM OR RELATED
TO THE GIA POLARISCOPE, THE USE OF THE GIA POLARISCOPE, OR THE RESULTS OR
OUTPUT FROM THE GIA POLARISCOPE, EVEN IF AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
OF GIA IS AWARE OF OR IS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OR LIKELIHOOD OF ANY
SUCH DAMAGES OR AMOUNTS.

TO THE FULL EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL GIA’S
TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER OR ANY OTHER
PERSON OR ENTITY ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THE GIA POLARISCOPE, THE
USE OF THE GIA POLARISCOPE, OR THE RESULTS OR OUTPUT FROM THE GIA
POLARISCOPE EXCEED THE PRICE PAID TO GIA FOR THE GIA POLARISCOPE OR IF
NO PURCHASE PRICE WAS PAID TO GIA, THEN THE SUM OF ONE HUNDRED U.S.
DOLLARS (US$100).

THE TERMS IN THIS SECTION (LIMITATION OF LIABILITY) AND IN THE SECTIONS
RELATED TO THE WARRANTY MADE BY GIA (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
REMEDIES, WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS AND WARRANTY DISCLAIMERS) SHALL APPLY
(A) TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, (B) REGARDLESS
OF THE NATURE OF THE CLAIM OR THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER BASED ON
BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, STRICT LIABILITY
AND NEGLIGENCE), BREACH OF WARRANTY, OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY,
AND (C) EVEN IF A LIMITED REMEDY FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE. SOME
STATES DO NOT PERMIT THE LIMITATION/EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES IN CERTAIN
CIRCUMSTANCES AND SO PORTIONS OF THE FOREGOING LIMITATION/EXCLUSION OF
DAMAGES MAY NOT APPLY IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.

THE TERMS IN THIS SECTION (LIMITATION OF LIABILITY) AND IN THE SECTION
ENTITLED “SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY” ARE AN ESSENTIAL BASIS OF THE
BARGAIN BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

If you have any questions concerning use and care of your product, available
accessories, or service, please call +1 760 603 4200, or toll free +1 800 421 8161
(U.S. only). You may also fax to +1 760 603 4262, or toll free +1 888 421 7728
(U.S. only). Or please write to GIA, World Headquarters, The Robert Mouawad
Campus, 5345 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA. Don’t forget to visit our
website at GIA.edu for customer support service and our catalog online for the latest
available products and accessories.

GIA Polariscope

Notes

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