Take a look at this rock:
Is it granite? Does it contain limestone?
The use of microscopes to study optical properties in order to identify crystals is called petrology. It was first developed in the UK by Henry Sorby.
Today, it is a key part of geology. Many students use polarising microscopes to study the optical properties of polished rock slices just 0.03 mm (30 microns) thick.
Not everyone has access to polarising microscopes, however.
Lucky for us, a website offers a free virtual microscope to help us explore rocks under a microscope, and see the fine details.
We share some images from the amazing collections available to explore on the website. The website is at: https://www.virtualmicroscope.org/
All images from the website.
This is not all! The website also has scores of wonderful links to other websites and knowledge resources! Feel free to explore and have fun!
About Virtual Microscope
The Virtual Microscope (VM) for Earth Sciences is primarily an Open Educational Resource (OER). The VM project aims to make a step change in the teaching of Earth Sciences by broadening access to rock collections that are currently held in museums, universities and other institutions around the world. The Virtual Microscope allows users to examine and explore minerals and microscopic features of rocks, helping them to develop classification and identification skills without the need for high-cost microscopes and thin section preparation facilities.