Polarized-Light Microscopy

The course provides a theoretical and practical introduction into microscopy, with focus on (i) optical basics, (ii) the use of the polarized light microscope, (iii) properties of minerals in thin sections, and (iv) mineral identification and petrographic analysis of rocks in thin sections.
The lessons teach fundamental concepts of orthoscopy (color, refraction, birefringence, interference) and conoscopy. Students learn to determine the most relevant rock-forming minerals.

- Determination of rock-forming minerals by using polarized light microscope
- Largely autonomous and independent analysis of minerals and rocks in thin sections

Written exam

Klausur

Raith, M.M. & Raase, P. (2009) Guide to thin section microscopy, eBook, 127 p.
MacKenzie, W.S. & Guilford, C. (1980) Atlas of the rock-forming minerals in thin section, Taylor and Francis, 104p.

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Polarisations-Mikroskope, Dünnschliffssammlung