Introduction to the microscopic study of minerals

Microscopes vary in their design, not only in their appearance but also in the positioning and operation of the various essential components. These components are present in all microscopes and are described briefly below. Although dual-purpose microscopes incorporating both transmitted- and reflected-light options are now available (Fig. 1.1), it is more convenient to describe the two techniques separately. More details on the design and nature of the components can be obtained in textbooks on microscope optics.