Refractometer

Some types of refractometers

A refractometer is a laboratory or field device for the measurement of an index of refraction (refractometry). The index of refraction is calculated from Snell's law and can be calculated from the composition of the material using the Gladstone-Dale relation.

Types of refractometers

There are four main types of refractometers: traditional handheld refractometers, digital handheld refractometers, laboratory or Abbe refractometers, and inline process refractometers. There is also the Rayleigh Refractometer used (typically) for measuring the refractive indices of gases.

In veterinary medicine, a refractometer is used to measure the total plasma protein in a blood sample and urine specific gravity.

In drug diagnostics, a refractometer is used to measure the specific gravity in human urine.

In gemmology, a refractometer is used to help identify gem materials by measuring their refractive index.

In marine aquarium keeping, a refractometer is used to measure the salinity and specific gravity of the water.

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  Gemmology refractometer used to test light bending inside gemstones

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  a wine grower with refractometer

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  density evaluation of abdominal fluid of a cat with FIP by a refractometer.

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  Smart handheld digital refractometer

Scales typically used

• Brix
• Oechsle scale
• Plato scale
• Baumé scale

See also

• Ernst Abbe
• Refractive index
• Gemology
• Must weight
• Winemaking
• Harvest (wine)
• Gravity (beer)
• High-fructose corn syrup
• Cutting fluid
• German inventors and discoverers
• High refractive index polymers

Further reading

• Sella, Andrea (November 2008). "Abbé's refractometer". Chemistry World: 67. http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/Issues/2008/November/AbbesRefractometer.asp. 

External links

• Refractometer - Gemstone Buzz uses, procedure & limitations.
• Rayleigh Refractometer: Operational Principles
• Refractometers and refractometry explains how refractometers work.
• Refractometer products and functions