Cargille Refractive Index (RI) liquids were originally developed for mineral identification and are now widely used across and beyond materials science, engineering, biology, forensics, optical analysis, and asbestos testing.
With over 250 standard RI liquids available, plus custom formulations, they offer precise refractive index matching, extended ranges, and fine increments—ideal for laboratories requiring accuracy and reliable results.
Key characteristics include the following:
1) High vapour density (approximately ten times that of air)
2) Low volatility, improving handling stability
3) Higher boiling points (at least 10°C above those restricted under the Montreal Protocol).
Cargille RI liquids are trusted globally for their precision, versatility, and consistency in demanding laboratory applications.
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Cargille Series E RI Liquid; RI 1.580 is engineered for precise refractive index matching and dispersion staining via polarised light microscopy. Featuring high dispersion characteristics, it provides crisp optical contrast essential for rapid particle, fibre, and asbestos identification. -
Specialised optical immersion fluids within the Series M High Dispersion RI 1.705 to 1.800 range provide critical refractive index matching for high-NA microscopy applications. McCrone UK holds limited local stock of RI 1.780 (7.4 ml) and offers direct manufacturer sourcing for all non-hazardous formulations in the series. -
High-precision Series B Refractive Index Liquid (nD = 1.700) designed for optical microscopy, gemmology, and mineral identification. Formulated for high accuracy at 25°C, this standardized immersion fluid enables clear Becke line analysis and precise optical characterization of solid samples. -
High-precision Series E RI 1.605 Refractive Index Liquid engineered for optical microscopy, mineralogy, and regulated asbestos fibre identification via polarized light microscopy (PLM). Formulated for precise 25°C optical matching across environmental, forensic, and manufacturing industries. -
Engineered for high-precision optical applications, this Series E RI 1.550 (Refractive Index Liquid) is an essential standard for Chrysotile asbestos identification, dispersion staining, and Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM). Compliant with NIOSH 9002, OSHA ID-160, and EPA testing protocols, it delivers excellent physical stability and index-matching across bulk material testing, mineralogy, and optical coupling. -
The RI Liquids HD6 Set of 6 (7.4 ml each) is the industry standard high-dispersion optical media designed for polarised light microscopy (PLM) and dispersion staining methods. Manufactured by Cargille. -
The High Dispersion RI Liquids HD-Half Set of 31 provides a comprehensive range of calibrated optical immersion media designed for precise material characterisation using polarised light microscopy (PLM) and dispersion staining. Formulated by Cargille Laboratories, this set covers refractive indices from 1.500 to 1.800 in 0.01 intervals.
