🚀 go-pugleaf

    I'm studying gemology on the side, and I find myself in need
    of a inexpensive stereo microscope (is that an oxymoron?). So
    far I have been able to borrow instruments when needed, but
    this is getting a bit old. I'd like one for home.

    A stereo microscope is necessary, as they present true erect
    images and they allow you to perceive the depth of features
    within stones.  This is the only requirement.

    The ideal scope would be a zoom scope that can zoom from 10X
    to around 60X. It would include both overhead illumination and
    provisions for darkfield illumination. Unfortunately, these
    ideal scopes are very expensive from the only source I know of
    yet: GIA's GEM Instruments - they have an ideal scope for the
    incredibly low price of $2,795.

    I would settle for a plain 10X/30X dual power scope. I have
    catalogs from GEM Instruments, Edmund Scientific and Cole
    Parmer. Cole offers dual power scopes for reasonable prices.
    Of these 3, only GEM Instruments offers zoom scopes. If anybody
    knows of other scientific supply companies worth checking out,
    I would appreciate hearing about them.

    I would *really* like a zoom scope, but it looks like I'd have
    to go used (which is no problem for me). If anybody has any
    suggestions where one might look for used scopes, I'd appreciate
    hearing about them, too.

    Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions and pointers. Please
    e-mail - I'll post a summary if interest warrants.

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