What features should I look for when purchasing a microscope?
When purchasing a microscope, you have to make sure that the basic parts are there. Check if they work properly. Here are some of the most important parts that should be in perfect working condition:
• Eyepieces - the lenses that fit in to the eyetube and contribute towards the magnification.
• Objectives - Further lenses that increase the magnification.
• Incident illumination - it should shine light on the object from above.
• Stage Plate - transparent to allow light all the way through or reversible black/white for the best display of different objects.
• Stage Micrometer - an accurately fixed filer in the centre of a microscope slide for calibrating measurements.
• Gem Clamp - a clamp for holding small items such as gemstones.
• Darkfiled Attachment - it converts transmitted illumination to darkfield for gem and crystal work.
• Polariser/ analyser - a graduated rotating polarising stage and analyser filter ideal for identifying minerals in thin sections of rock.
--- permission must be obtained from author Evan Mattensen to re-publish ---
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