Forensics, Geological, and Materials Light Microscope Applications

Image Galleries

Microscapes Photo Gallery from Michael W. Davidson, Florida State University

Lots of great light microscope images and a Microscapes Primer that includes instructions for setting up a microscope, photomicrography, sample preparation, and creative photomicrography, detailing creating landscape images in polarized light. The What's Cool section of the gallery contains wallpapers that can be used for WWW site backgrounds.

Dennis Kunkel Microscopy

Dennis, well known for his scanning electron microscope images, also has an Image Library that includes stunning polarized light microscope images of drugs, vitamins, hormones, amino acids, proteins, and other crystalline specimens.

Gallery of Light Microscope Images

Beautiful images of forensic and materials applications of light microscopy from MVA Inc.

Polarized Light Microscopy

Introduction to Polarized Light Microscopy

An excellent introduction. From Molecular Expressions and Nikon's MicroscopyU

An Introduction to Polarizing Light Microscopy

Developed by Janet L. Schrenk and John L. Bordley, intended for use by students in the course Chemistry and Art at The University of the South.

Materials Applications

Principles and Applications of Interferometry

An excellent introduction From Molecular Expressions and Nikon's MicroscopyU.

Mineral and Rocks Microscopy Applications

Virtual Atlas of Opaque and Ore Minerals in Their Associations

Robert A. Ixer and Paul R. Duller, Department of Geological Sciences, Birmingham University and Kerr McGee Oil (UK) plc
Online atlas with 400 photomicrographs of ore minerals in reflected light. Well organized with cross referencing of samples by association, location, mineralogy, ore deposit type, minerals, texture, and properties.  A great reference and teaching tool.

The Petrographic Workshop

Transmitted light images and optical properties of over 100 minerals. Every geology student's dream come true. The Physical Science Learning Center, UCLA

Minerals Under the Microscope

A well done summary of the properties of minerals in polarized light. Created by Lotty (charlotte.gladstone@bris.ac.uk) with a bit of help from paul.browning@bris.ac.uk

Atlas of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks, Minerals and Textures
Geology Department of the University of North Carolina

Rocks under the Microscope
Oxford Earth Sciences Image Store

Forensics Light Microscopy Applications

A Microscopical Study of Exotic Animal Hairs

From Modern Microscopy, Kristen D. Skraba, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL

Resources for Paint Pigment Microscopists

From Modern Microscopy, by Joe G. Barabe, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL

Hand-Sectioning and Identification of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes

From Modern Microscopy, Anna S. Teetsov, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL and Mary L. Stellmack, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL

Questioned Document Examination Page

The award winning site has information on the use of a comparison microscope for examining documents in civil and criminal legal cases, domestic disputes, and other controversies. Famous document cases are presented as examples. From Emily J. Will, Forensic Document Examiner

Pharmaceutical Products

Contaminant Identification in Pharmaceutical Products

by Gretchen L. Shearer, Ph.D., McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL