Besides GIA gem microscopes (which tend to be quite expensive), not many alternatives are exist available for gemologists or jewelers. The units on the market are either too basic or out of the budget of a new student in the field. AmScope recognized this need with their gemology line, however this unit I have here today is the creme de la creme of their line. All this is while still being affordable enough for any budding jeweler to establish their stones with.
The GM400TZ-10M is a 3.5x – 90x AmScope gemological microscope, with a triple lighting solution, tilting head, and darkfield stage condenser. Also includes a high resolution 10 megapixel digital microscope camera and software for capturing the images to the computer. What’s not to love?
AmScope Gemological Microscope Review “GM400TZ-10M”
The AmScope gemological microscope itself is all metal, and quite durable, however it is also quite large. This unit isn’t the kind to take from shop to shop due to its size. If want to show customers the quality of the stones you have, this is a great economy choice. It’s a good 50 lbs.
The dual lighting system (below & front) allows for a multiple lighting combinations to visualize any inclusions or refractions as needed. The underlight contains a darkfield condenser with an iris. An iris lets you get that perfect light and contrast of a dark background to view your gemstones with. This AmScope gemological microscope sports a huge range of magnification as well, which benefits from the different angles the lights come from. Unfortunately, high magnification may not be able to benefit much from a top light since the lens will block it, but the bottom light won’t be affected by it.
The camera is the MU1000, which is one of AmScope’s most up to date and stable camera series. The device itself is both Mac/PC compatible, so no matter what operating system you’re working with, it will work. However, it’s true that the Mac software is lacking in features–specifically measurement and video recording are unavailable). It’s capable of taking measurements when calibrated (if desired, on PC). It also storages and maintains images or video (live available on both, recording on PC only).
The video functions are very useful for showing customers your product under this GM400TZ-10M in store, or advertising your services and gemstones online. The image quality is quite clear and sharp, however the unit has about 20x of magnification by itself, so it doesn’t focus at the same point as the 10x eyepieces that come with the unit. Just beware of this before buying one of these to avoid any confusion down the road.
Overall, even though I have a very limited amount gemstones to look at, this AmScope gemological microscope unit is basically a stereo microscope at its core, so I was able to continue testing it with a variety of other samples. Bugs (if you close the iris all the way or use a slide to make sure it doesn’t fall in), or leaves, or even jewelry (not just the stones, but whole rings/pendants, etc) come out at a variety of magnifications with clear depth of field, and great sharpness of the image. With so many uses for the GM400TZ-10M, I thoroughly enjoy mine even though I’m not a gemologist, so it’s great for the hobbyist as well as the professional.
You can check the item out as packaged and reviewed here: GM400TZ-10M
Thanks for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I will
be waiting for your next post thank you once again.
Thank you for comments! Much appreciated! Stay tuned for more coming soon.
Do you have a spam issue on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; many of us
have created some nice methods and we are looking to swap strategies with other folks, be sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.
I do get a few minor issues–this post included. I only left it as an example to other spammers and poor quality backlinkers that I review everything personally.