Birefringent Crystal Growing Tips?

Starting out in microscopy? Post images and ask questions relating to the microscope and get answers from our more advanced users on the subject.

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Claytown
Posts: 17
Joined: Sun Feb 25, 2018 11:54 am

Birefringent Crystal Growing Tips?

Post by Claytown »

I'm mainly interested in photographing the beautiful effects and colors of birefringent crystals under a polarizing microscope. However, chemistry is not my strength. Does anyone have an tips on getting beautiful crystals to form? So far I've been working with epsom salt, washing soda, boric acid, wart remover, tartaric acid, and citric acid. I assume these all have different properties and grow crystals optimally under different circumstances. Many times I can get fantastic crystals, yet spectacular color only in small select areas. Is there a trick to getting a slide full of colors?

ChrisR
Site Admin
Posts: 8668
Joined: Sat Mar 14, 2009 3:58 am
Location: Near London, UK

Post by ChrisR »

Have you tried "retarders"?
Bits of sellotape, CD box or its wrapper will do, or quarter /half wave posh ones if you want to measure the phase shift.
They push you into pretty bits of the Michel-Lévy Chart.
A nice explanation is here.
Chris R

Claytown
Posts: 17
Joined: Sun Feb 25, 2018 11:54 am

Post by Claytown »

Yes yes! My favorite so far is a plastic spoon for it's variety of colors and the gradients you can get

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