How to Modify a Powder Scale for Specific Gravity Testing
Learn how to modify a powder scale for specific gravity testing. A handmade wire basket will make this easy-to-use scale a great tool for gemologists.
4 Minute Read
How to Use a Powder Scale
You can find both electronic and beam-type powder scales for sale. The beam-type scale is highly recommended and inexpensive. We’ll use it as our example. Powder scales uses “grains” as a unit of measure. One carat equals 0.324 grains.
As with any beam scale, you must zero a powder scale before weighing anything on the pan. Adjust the tenth, one, and ten-grain weights on the beam until the marker opposite the pan sits at zero before every measurement.
In gemology, specific gravity or density is the ratio of the weight of a gemstone to the weight of an equal volume of water. To determine the specific gravity of a gemstone requires two measurements: the weight of a gemstone in air and the weight of a gemstone underwater.
Plug those measurements into the following formula and you have the gem’s specific gravity:
Weighing a gemstone in air is easy enough with a powder scale. (Don’t forget to clean your gemstone first). With a simple modification, you can use also it to weigh a gemstone underwater
How to Modify a Powder Scale for Underwater Measurements
You’ll need to make a small spiral basket, big enough to…
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