Refractometers measuring instrument for measuring the refractive index of a substance. 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 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. In basic terms, gloss is a facet of visual perception in various objects and surfaces. The interaction of light with the physical characteristics of a surface is what creates gloss. Materials that are smooth and shiny appear to be very glossy, while rough objects appear to have little to no gloss at all. In basic terms, gloss is a facet of visual perception in various objects and surfaces. The interaction of light with the physical characteristics of a surface is what creates gloss. Materials that are smooth and shiny appear to be very glossy, while rough objects appear to have little to no gloss at all.
What a gloss meter does is measure the light that is reflected by a light source at a specific angle, called a specular reflection. In simple terms, you shine a specific amount of light onto a surface and measure the reflection that is being generated. Now, when measuring gloss, you can’t just shine any old light in any old way onto a surface. It is a very exact and specific science to properly measure gloss.