Thus far, I have learned that not all crystals that look nice under the microscope will produce a good picture. Clusters of crystals, and subjects in numerous planes, are a recipe for halos, blotches and any other artifact that you can imagine.
I am doing relatively fine down to some 5mm FOV. However, getting to smaller field of views, identifying the target, aligning it to get a clear view and finally illuminating it properly, is a great exercise on patience.
The following photos are from a mineral from the series Clinozoisite - Epidote. An aluminum and calcium silicate, iron bearing in the epidote end member.
The lens used is a reversed canon FD 28mm mounted on extension tubes (37mm), producing a FOV of 7mm.
welcome in this world
.