Optical Mineralogy Explained: Secrets of Polarized Light Microscopy

Photomicroscopy, birefringence & the microscopic beauty of crystals under polarizing microscope

This is part 2 of my journey viewing oceanic organisms. I had the privilege of using a plankton net provided by the San Francisco Microscopy Society to capture some organisms to view under the microscope. I wanted to showcase the brilliant displays that we can see via polarized light microscopy. Polarization bends light in certain angles, allowing structures that are birefringent to light up. These oceanic organisms become so elegant and even more foreign under this illumination. #microscope #mi

Replying to @Ebony Fortunately, no spikey substances found in dragonfruit! However, the fruit itself is pretty visually stunning under polarized light microscopy! I thought it resembled a galaxy! Dragonfruit is closely related to certain cacti species and contain myo-inositol, a sugar found naturally in many fresh fruits and in our own bodies! It’s high in fiber, as we can see here. If you experience tingling or numbness, you might be allergic! Consult a doctor to find out! #microscope #microbio