Microscope JUST for rocks....whats it called?

Question

Im looking for a microscope that is specially made just for looking at rocks. or other things. but mostly rocks. Is there a spacific name for it?

Answer 1

it is called petrographic microscope

Answer 2

Petrographic microscope.  The usually have 2 special adaptions.  They have 2 polarizing layers so you can see the specimen through polarized light or crossed polarized light (called Nichols) and a device to make the light coming the the specimen conical.  These microscopes are expensive and you also need some accessories to use them.  A rock saw to cut thin sections and a method to polish them, also expensive and it takes a lot of practice to do it well.  A micrometer so you can work with standardized thickness.  Ex poxy set to make rocks workable on the saws and grinders.   You also need a set of special oils (some poisonous) to work out refraction angles on loose slides of small particles.

If you have the money and the patience it is a great pass time, there is a lot o weirdly beautiful things to be seen, especially with conical light and crossed Nichols, where what you are looking at is the wave vibration front, nearly otherworldly.

Answer 3

I think you're thinking of a petrographic microscope or a polarizing microscope. You may want to reconsider getting one though for 2 reasons:

Firstly, they're expensive. From what I've found you're looking at over £400 ($800) for a fairly cheap one. You may be able to find a better price than I can though.

Secondly rock samples are only really useful under a microscope when in thin section so you'd also need to either buy, make or have them made, none of which are particularly cheap.