FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Tom Mazanec]

I tried looking up "microscope" in the search field but just got some images.
Is a special type of microscope necessary for viewing micromounts? As I recall microscopes from school, there is a flat platform for a slide, but I read micromounts are in a cubic inch box, which would not fit, I expect. If so, where can such microscopes be obtained?

[Michael Shaw]

Hi Tom,

For viewing micromounts you will need a stereomicroscope, preferably with a zoom which will allow you to magnify the specimen anywhere from 10X to 40X. Actually you will rarely use more than 20x magnification for most things.

As far as brands, there are many on the market. If budget allows, do not skimp with a cheap Chinese scope. Many have inferior optics and you will be quickly frustrated. You would be better off buying a good Bausch & Lomb or American Optical reconditioned used scope. Meiji is also a good brand, and you may be able to find a good used one.

If you plan on taking photos, be sure to get one that has a 3rd tube to attach your camera.

Michael

[Tom Tucker]

Tom, search for Absolute Clarity and Calibration website - a former micro mounter. There are a couple of tabs for pages on "microscope dos and don'ts", and "microscopes to choose and avoid" - they contain good discussions of what you need to know. Tom

[Robert Rothenberg]

Hi Tom,

The scopes you described are transmitted light scopes, meaning the light shines through the subject. Micromounts are usually viewed with a reflected light scope, meaning that the light bounces off the specimen.

While many specimens are viewable at 20x, many are also better viewable under higher magnifications. I regularly use 100x as most of the things I currently collect are extremely tiny.

I also recommend Absolute Clarity having bought two scopes from the over the years.

If you are interested in making micro mounts, you should also check out the pamphlet by Milton Speckles, and the book by Quinton Wight.

Bob

[Tom Mazanec]

[Robert Rothenberg]

Hi Tom,

Many micro enthusiasts use fiber optic lights with one or more "light pipes." When I attend micro symposia, I still see a number of older high intensity incandescent lamps. Recently, I have seen a number of LED lights which are very cheap to purchase and seem to last a long time.

It might be useful for you to visit a micro symposium to see what people are using, and to speak to them to get ideas of what might work for you. There are two symposia in the Baltimore/Virginia area, one in the Spring and one in the Fall. There is one in Canada, just across from Niagara Falls in May. There is one in Florida this month. There is a small one in Rochester in April, and also one at Tucson (which just ended). I cannot think of others right now, although I am sure there are several on the West Coast.

I would also suggest looking for a local mineral club to see whether there are any micro enthusiasts there who can help you get started.

Bob

[Robert Rothenberg]

Hi Tom,

I just noticed where you live. There is a mineral show at Soccer Sportsplex, 31515 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, Ohio on May 14-15 this year. Might be worth going to see whether there are any micro dealers there. I also believe there is a micro symposium in Cleveland, but haven't more details.

Bob

[Tom Mazanec]

Thanks, Robert.
My cousin Jim would have to take me there, but I plan to visit my cousin Sharon in South Carolina around then. I'll see if I can make it.