Using a balance scale to test specific gravity is a recommended practice in gemology. Learn to make your own scale or buy a Hanneman Specific Gravity scale.
2 Minute Read
You can adapt almost any balance-type scale for specific gravity testing. All you need to do is find a way to submerge one pan in water. If you look in your cupboard, you’ll certainly find something suitable. Take an appropriate sized cup or jar and place it so the weighing pan will rest comfortably inside. It must ride freely without touching any of the sides.
First, weigh the gem as usual in air. Then, fill the cup or jar with enough water to completely submerge the gem. Make sure there are no air bubbles on the surface of your gem. Place your gem on the pan that is underwater and weigh it again.
If you have an electronic scale, you can make a simple balance beam to go along with it to measure specific gravity. The key factor to consider when making a balance beam is to get it as sensitive as possible. The length of the beam and the point of the fulcrum determine the scale’s sensitivity. A longer beam will be more sensitive to changes in weight. A fulcrum with a…
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
You can adapt almost any balance-type scale for specific gravity testing. All you need to do is find a way to submerge one pan in water. If you look in your cupboard, you’ll certainly find something suitable. Take an appropriate sized cup or jar and place it so the weighing pan will rest comfortably inside. It must ride freely without touching any of the sides.
First, weigh the gem as usual in air. Then, fill the cup or jar with enough water to completely submerge the gem. Make sure there are no air bubbles on the surface of your gem. Place your gem on the pan that is underwater and weigh it again.
If you have an electronic scale, you can make a simple balance beam to go along with it to measure specific gravity. The key factor to consider when making a balance beam is to get it as sensitive as possible. The length of the beam and the point of the fulcrum determine the scale’s sensitivity. A longer beam will be more sensitive to changes in weight. A fulcrum with a…
Using a balance scale to test specific gravity is a recommended practice in gemology. Learn to make your own scale or buy a Hanneman Specific Gravity scale.
“I have never known or heard of an organization that offers so much for its members, and at such a low cost.”
— Ernest Roisch, Rainbow Rocks LTD
That's less than $0.01 per article. Get instant access to 1,700+ premium articles, courses, and gem pricing data.
