Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Geology, Palaeontology & Archaeology => Topic started by: bigblock on 18/08/2012 03:06:55

Title: What is the best way to prepare slides of sand?
Post by: bigblock on 18/08/2012 03:06:55

What is the best way to prepare a slide when it comes to sand? I'm trying to take the shine off of black sand when I view it at 100x. That shine can cause black sand to appear metallic.  I have tried is dry and wet but the shine is still there. Wet helps some but not completely. Any ideas would be helpful.

edit: Is there some sort of dye I can add to make sand show without a shine unless it is metallic?

Title: Re: Best way to prepare slides
Post by: Bass on 18/08/2012 23:17:23

you can try using light at different angles.  If that doesn't work, you can use a clear glue like epoxy to stick the sand grains to the slide, then grind down the sand/epoxy mixture.

Title: Re: Best way to prepare slides
Post by: RD on 19/08/2012 03:34:07

Quote from: bigblock on 18/08/2012 03:06:55

... I'm trying to take the shine off of black sand when I view it at 100x.

Polarising filters are used to remove glossy reflections (specular highlights) in optical instruments. (see "cross-polarisation").

Quote

a "simple polarizing" microscope is easily made by adding inexpensive polarizing filters to a standard biological microscope, often with one in a filter holder beneath the condenser, and a second inserted beneath the head or eyepiece. These might be sufficient for many non-quantitative purposes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrographic_microscope

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=polarising+film

Title: Re: Best way to prepare slides
Post by: JimBob on 23/08/2012 04:23:37

Have the German tech in the basemen make the slides. That was the reason the department hired him. right?

Title: Re: Best way to prepare slides
Post by: bigblock on 23/08/2012 06:55:27

I don't have access to German tech's. If I did I wouldn't be asking for knowledge here. You know of any German tech's that could help me?