GEOLOGY 194: METALLIFEROUS ORE DEPOSITS (LABORATORY)

PRE-LAB EXERCISE 2
INTRODUCTION TO ORE MICROSCOPY
NAME: ____________________________

CLASS NO.: _______________

I. MICROSCOPE PARTS AND FUNCTIONS.

Using the pictures of the microscope below, label its parts (write the CAPITAL LETTER only) and identify their
functions (complete the table below). Take note that the microscope has both transmitted light and reflected light
functions. Parts may be placed in two different locations (e.g. the microscope has 2 polarizers placed in two
different locations: one for transmitted light, one for reflected light).

Figure 1

Parts
Light source (for transmitted light)

Light source (for reflected light)

Filter (for transmitted light)

Figure 2

Functions

PRE-LAB EXERCISE 2: INTRODUCTION TO ORE MICROSCOPY

D

Filter wheel (for reflected light)

Aperture diaphragm adjustment

knob/wheel

Field diaphragm adjustment knob/wheel

Oculars

Push rod to transmitted or reflected

Analyzer

Polarizer (for transmitted light)

Polarizer (for reflected light)

Rotating nosepiece

Objectives

Stage

Stage lock

Stage centering screw

Stage clips

Substage adjustment knob

Fine adjustment knob

Coarse adjustment knob

Power switch

GEOLOGY 194: METALLIFEROUS ORE DEPOSITS (LABORATORY)

V

Transmitted/Reflection Illumination
Toggle switch

Base

Body

Brightness control knob

II. PATH OF LIGHT. Trace the path of light (from the light source to the ocular) under reflected light
microscopy. Place the trace on Figure 1. Use yellow highlighter/colored pencil.

III. REFLECTED LIGHT. Compare and contrast transmitted and reflected light microscopy in terms of (a)
use/application, (b) type of section to be used, (c) mechanism/path of light, and (d) the properties of the minerals
that can be observed in each.
Transmitted Light
Use/ Application

Type of section
to be used

Mechanism/Path
of light

Properties that
can be observed

Reflected Light

PRE-LAB EXERCISE 2: INTRODUCTION TO ORE MICROSCOPY

IV. PROPERTIES UNDER REFLECTED LIGHT. Define the following properties and determine how
they are observed in a reflecting microscope.
Property

Definition

How they are observed

Color

Reflectivity/Reflectance

Hardness

Cleavage

Bireflectance

Anisotropism

Internal Reflections

REFERENCES:
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