Hanneman Direct Reading Specific Gravity Balance

For measuring the specific gravity of gems and minerals, the Hanneman balance is perfect. It is easy to use and very sensitive and accurate. This revolutionary tool is the only specific gravity tester that offers direct reading of the specific gravity value. 

You needn’t make any calculations - just read the specific gravity value directly off of the scale. The Hanneman Balance covers the full range of specific gravity values - from 0 to 22, and you can measure stones as lightweight as .75 carats (or as heavy as 30 grams).

What are the components of the balance? This device is basically a modified beam balance. Its beam suspends from a center pivot point. The right side of the beam has a fine pointer that is adjusted to a “zero” position. Suspended from the left side of the balance is a weighing pan, including an upper pan for weighing the stone in air and a lower pan for weighing the stone in water (see photo at right).

Hanging from the right end of this beam is a counterweight holder to which counterweights are added as necessary to move the pointer to zero. Finally, the right half of the beam incorporates a graduated scale showing specific gravity values from 0 to 20.

How do I use the Hanneman Balance? There are two simple steps. First, place the stone on the upper weighing pan, then add counterweights until the beam pointer returns to the zero position. Secondly, place the stone in the underwater weighing pan, then slide the counterweight holder, with counterweights, left along the beam until the beam pointer comes to rest at the zero position.   You’re done - read the specific gravity value to which the counterweight holder is pointing.  You can see in the picture at left, that in this case, the stone’s specific gravity is 2.65.

A recent enhancement to the printed beam lists the names of common, representative Gems and Minerals immediately beneath their respective, approximate SG values.  See the photo below.

While the Hanneman Balance comes with a thorough Instruction Manual with illustrations, we include a handy step by step Instruction Label on the wooden base of the balance.  See photo at below right.

What’s included with the balance? Everything needed to measure the specific gravity of your stones, except water: