USB Microscope - gem graders invited to give any advice

[elnino2783]

Sorry if this is the wrong forum for this, but if I were to use this microscope it would be to look a colored stones.

Basically I was wondering if this microscope provides acceptable zoom levels (20x-200x) to look at stones as a gemologist.

Here are links to info and a review of the microscope:
Gizmodo - http://gizmodo.com/5076256/usb-microscope-digitally-magnifies-at-200x-1600x1200-resolution
Review - http://www.itreviews.co.uk/hardware/h1724.htm

They advertise pictures with resolutions up to 1600x1200, but the review says that he resolution at 200x can only be 640x480.

Thanks in advance for any info, and maybe even any personal experiences with the sccpe.

 

[elnino2783]

Just wanted to bump this one to see if anyone could answer me.

 

[DiamondExpert]

Not designed, nor probably useful for gemological work...you need dark field (back and side lighting) lighting to see inside the stone properly.

 

[coatimundi_org]

I''ve never seen or used that type of scope. I''m used to the GIA scopes. www.gia.edu/geminstrument

Like Gary said, you need proper darkfield lighting.