3
Introduction
The polarizing microscope, or the petographic microscope, as it may be called, is
used to the exclusion of models in the study of thin sections of minerals and rocks.
The optical system is similar to that of the modern compound microscope.
The polarizing microscope however, contains several additional features, which
greatly increase its range of usefulness. The most distinctive features are the
graduated circular rotating stage, the polarizer and analyzer. Additionally,
accessories such as the Bertrand lens, mica plate, gypsum plate and quartz wedge
permit the evaluation of properties and characteristics that cannot be measured by
other means.
