Pigment ID using Polarised Light Microscopy is a suite of files which was conceived and produced by the late Peter Mactaggart to help those using the polarising microscope to identify classic pigments. It is a resource which can be referred to freely and consulted by students and practitioners of pigment identification. We have included it in our courses section since it was previously part of the course material given to participants of the Identification of Pigments using Polarised Light Microscopy course which Peter Mactaggart used to teach in conjunction with ourselves.
This suite of files provides information on traditional pigments and a key to help in their identification when viewed, as dispersions, with a polarising microscope. There are sections on the different coloured Pigments and also on Optics, Setting up the Using the Microscope, Making slides etc.
Please see the contents below… there is a Glossary of Terms, and even some test questions (with answers!).
We hope that you find this resource useful and a fitting legacy, and tribute to Peter Mactaggart
Contents:
- Pigments
Blue pigments
Green pigments
Yellow pigments
Red pigments
Purple and violet pigments
Black and Brown pigments
Strongly Pleochroic
White pigments, extenders and other coloured pigments that are likely to appear colourless under the microscope in transmitted light - Optics
Refractive index
Illumination in transmitted light
Dispersion staining - Menu of techniques
Setting up the microscope
Setting up the lamp
Focal length and magnification
Slide making with Meltmount
Slide making with Glycerine gel
Cover slips
Interference colours and birefringence
The red plate
Uniaxial crystals and twinkling
Refractive index relative to the mounting medium
Pre-decimalization currency
Test yourself - Glossary
- Bibliography
Written and prepared by Peter and Ann Mactaggart.
Copyright Peter and Ann Mactaggart. Last updated during June 2007.
If quoting from this resource please see the citation examples at the bottom of each page.
