Ade Advanced Optics GL500 Gemological Gemstone Gem Refractometer Built-in Light, Aluminum Body with Optic Lens

After getting some duds in this price range, I was pleased to get this refractometer. It gives a good clear reading and feels like a quality instrument. This style is easier for me to use on faceted gems than the more $ GIA model. You need to order the RI fluid separately (expect to spend around $80 for the good stuff). My only complaint is that you better have extra batteries on hand in case you accidently leave the internal light on (there is a side push button), as there is no way to use an external light source. And the directions for the batteries and battery compartment don't match this instrument, but you can easily figure it out. Other than that, this is great quality and value.

It seems that everyone’s experience buying this product is different. Mine came with a hard case but not a soft case and also i didn’t get any RI fluid which is pretty irritating because i can’t use it until i get the fluid. Also the shipping took a long time, and it was delayed on top of that.

Works great and is easy to read.

Let me get a couple of negatives out of the way up front. First, it takes three button style batteries, which are not included... no biggie, but these are not a type of battery I keep on hand or use for anything other equipment.Second, the bottle of refractive oil had seeped out into the case and the cap on the bottle had completely corroded. Thankfully, the refractor itself was enclosed in a zip-lock bag and wasn’t damaged.The description says it comes with both hard and soft cases, but I only received the hard case.The refractor has a nice solid feel, and if taken care of should be very durable. Operation is simple... no learning curve required. We compared the accuracy against a more expensive unit one of my relatives has, and the readings produced by the two units was very close.The refractor itself is a nice little unit for the price, as professional units will cost many times the price of this one... so this is a bargain.

This looks like a nifty small gadget, which can serve as a window into the refractive index (R.I.) of various gems. This helps with identification. Although I have enjoyed experimenting with this, I am disappointed that I did not receive the protective hard case with my package. Both hard and soft cases were listed as included. I have been interested in gems since I was a child, collecting rocks from our trips.Its small size makes it easy to carry around. I measured it to be around 4-1/2” x 2-3/8” x 1-1/4”, with the soft vinyl pouch measuring around 6” x 4-1/4” x 2”. The soft pouch has a small handle on top and belt loop on the side, along with a tiny Velcro pouch perhaps for carrying a small vial of R.I oil or a small stone. I tried contacting the seller about the missing item but have not received a reply yet.The included instructions helped with some basics but also left something to be desired. Some locations of parts were on opposite sides or unclear. I was also confused about my refractometer arriving with a small scratch under the lid and seemingly not functioning as well as I would like. Once I figured out how to open the LR-44 battery compartment, I had no trouble with it or the light. Batteries were not included in my package.I tested a variety of stones using an R.I. oil (not included) with this gem refractometer . I was sad that my readings did not change from one stone to another. I believe there will be a learning curve. I liked that the eyepiece raises and lowers to fine tune one’s vision of the scale component (see photos). I am gaining the impression that each customer receives a package that has a little different contents. I think it may be difficult for some people to not know what to expect, especially considering the higher price, at the time of this review. Yet, others may not mind surprises. I would have preferred more consistency and concern.

What I liked about this product is that it feels very high quality it came from the United States. Oregon. It also came with an insightful Direction pamphlet and a refractive index chart thanks you guys

This refractometer is no where near the best in the world but it works. Most refractometers are over a grand and this one is a tenth of what the others cost. It is pretty accurate for the most part, a little hard to see through but it does the job. It doesn’t come with the liquid that you need to measure your stones so make sure to have that. This instrument is really small. It fit in the palm of my hand so that was definitely surprising. I will say I feel like this was overpriced for what you’re getting. I wouldn’t do more than sixty for something like this. Again, it worked and I saved so I’m happy.

I like this one. Better than my old one. Works well.